'Dessen is an absolutely wonderful writer - stylish, smart and funny.' Booklist 'Dessen has done it again with this charming novel... This wonderful coming-of-age love story will be enthusiastically shared by many high school teens.' Voya 'A story heaped with crackling dialogue and sharp humour.' School Library Journal 'Readers are shown "ya-ya" type friendships are a balm to protect young women while they're kissing toads they thought were princes. Teens will just want to cheer when Colie realises that she has always had within what people were looking for externally.' School Library Journal 'Young American writer Dessen has a wit, humour and love of human eccentricity reminiscent of Anne Tyler ... 'Last Chance' is too rich and varied tobe labelled an 'issues' novel. Dessen reveals herself as the real thing: a sharp, warm and funny writer who shapes her world from the stuff of real life. Highly recommended for - well, everyone.' -- Times Educational Supplement 20020719

Sarah Dessen is in her early 30s. She graduated from the University of North Carolina with highest honours in creative writing, and she now teaches there. She has written five books to date, published by Viking in the US. Her books have all been chosen as ALA Best Books for Young Adults.