Someone Like You Summary & Key Insights

Sarah Dessen's "Someone Like You" follows the intertwined lives of two young women navigating the complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery during the summer after high school graduation. The narrative centers around MacKenzie "Mac" McAlister, a seemingly self-assured high school valedictorian grappling with the recent death of her grandmother, her strained relationship with her mother, and the unexpected arrival of her father who abandoned her family years ago.

Mac works at the "Boardwalk" cafe, a charming local eatery that also serves as a central location for the story's events. She finds herself unexpectedly drawn to both the cafe’s owner, Riley, a charming and mysterious older man, and the quiet and artistic Ben, a fellow employee who shares a similar quiet melancholy.

Riley represents an escape for Mac, someone older and seemingly more experienced, who understands her pain in a way that her peers cannot. He offers her a sense of stability and comfort, a welcome reprieve from the emotional turmoil she endures. However, their connection is complicated by the age gap and Riley's own past traumas.

Ben, in contrast, provides a different kind of comfort—a safe and understanding presence who allows Mac to grieve and process her emotions at her own pace. He encourages her artistic talents and provides a counterpoint to Riley's more mature and enigmatic presence.

Throughout the summer, Mac navigates her complicated feelings for both men, forcing her to confront her own internal conflicts. Her grief, compounded by her unstable family life and the uncertain future, shapes her decisions. She must come to terms with her grandmother's legacy, address her strained relationship with her mother, and reconcile her feelings for the two very different men in her life.

The story features a supporting cast of quirky and memorable characters, including Mac's best friend and fellow Boardwalk employee, Holly, who provides comic relief and acts as a sounding board for Mac's emotional journey. Other characters, such as Riley's artistic ex-wife, serve to highlight the complexities of relationships and the lasting impact of past experiences.

The overarching themes of "Someone Like You" revolve around grief, healing, and the journey of self-discovery. Mac's experiences highlight the importance of healthy relationships, both romantic and platonic, and the necessity of confronting painful emotions to move forward. The novel explores the complexities of family dynamics, the impact of loss, and the difficulty of accepting love in its various forms. Ultimately, Mac learns to embrace her vulnerabilities and find strength in her relationships while coming to a greater understanding of herself and her future. The story concludes with Mac choosing a path that allows for growth and happiness, suggesting that healing is an ongoing process but that a brighter future is possible.