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Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen, book cover

Someone Like You Summary

by Sarah Dessen

4.07 Goodreads · 8k ratingsRomance281 pages12-min summary

Halley's life changes when her best friend's unexpected news forces her to grow and find love.

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By BookBrief EditorialPublished March 2026How we write summaries

Synopsis

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

Halley has always lived in the shadow of her best friend, Scarlett. When Scarlett's boyfriend is tragically killed in a motorcycle accident and she discovers she's pregnant with his child, her world is shattered. For the first time, Scarlett truly depends on Halley, shifting the dynamic of their long-standing friendship. As Scarlett navigates grief, pregnancy, and an uncertain future, Halley struggles to find her own voice and identity while supporting her friend through an unimaginable crisis. Their bond is tested by new responsibilities, unspoken resentments, and the growing pains of adolescence, forcing both girls to confront what it means to be a true friend and to forge their own paths.
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Emotional, reflective, bittersweet, hopeful

Someone Like You Plot Summary

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

  1. The Summer Before

    The novel opens with Halley thinking about her long friendship with Scarlett. Halley often feels like she is in Scarlett's shadow, seeing herself as the quieter one. Their friendship is a constant as they navigate high school. Halley also introduces her somewhat overprotective mother and her more relaxed father. This section establishes Halley's inner world and her dependence on Scarlett, setting up future events and showing the contrast between their personalities and family lives.

  2. The Accident

    The story changes sharply when Scarlett learns her boyfriend, Michael, died in a motorcycle accident. His sudden death leaves Scarlett in deep grief and shock. Halley is there, watching her best friend's world fall apart. This event forces both girls to face death and life's fragility. Halley, usually the follower, finds herself supporting Scarlett, trying to help with her friend's pain while dealing with her own helplessness and sorrow.

  3. A Shocking Revelation

    Amidst her grief, Scarlett makes another discovery: she is pregnant with Michael's baby. This news adds more difficulty to her situation. The news is kept secret from most people, with Halley being one of the first to know. Halley is surprised, recognizing the huge challenge Scarlett faces, not just with grief but with motherhood. This secret creates an even deeper bond between the two friends. Halley commits to supporting Scarlett through this difficult time, solidifying her role as Scarlett's main confidante.

  4. Meeting Macon

    As Scarlett deals with her pregnancy, Halley finds herself drawn to Macon, Michael's best friend. Macon is known for being rebellious, a contrast to Halley's cautious nature. Their relationship begins somewhat quickly, fueled by a shared connection to Michael and a desire for escape. Halley's attraction to Macon is also a subtle act of rebellion against her overprotective mother and her predictable life. This new romance creates tension as Halley balances her loyalty to Scarlett with a relationship that feels dangerous and exciting.

  5. The Weight of Secrets

    Halley feels increasingly burdened by Scarlett's pregnancy secret. The secrecy isolates Scarlett and, by extension, Halley, from their social circle. Halley's relationship with Macon grows, bringing new experiences and challenges, including late-night outings and a sense of living on the edge. She struggles to balance her commitment to Scarlett with her desire for personal freedom and her growing romance. The pressure of keeping such a secret, along with her changing identity, creates internal conflict for Halley, making her feel pulled between two different worlds.

  6. Family Tensions

    Halley's new relationship with Macon and her secretive behavior increase tension with her mother. Her mother, already anxious, becomes more suspicious and controlling, leading to frequent arguments. Halley feels misunderstood and stifled by her mother's attempts to protect her, while her mother feels shut out and worried about Halley's choices. These family conflicts show Halley's growing desire for independence and her struggle to define herself outside her mother's expectations. The friction at home adds stress to Halley's complicated life, making her feel even more drawn to Macon and Scarlett's world.

  7. Confrontation and Consequences

    As Scarlett's pregnancy progresses, it becomes harder to hide. The truth eventually comes out, leading to confrontations with Scarlett's parents and the community. Scarlett faces judgment and gossip, isolating her further. Halley also faces scrutiny for her involvement and her relationship with Macon, which many see as inappropriate. These events force both girls to face the consequences of their actions and the realities of their situations. The secrets coming out bring both relief and renewed pressure, as they must now deal with the public and personal impact.

  8. A Friend's Support

    Despite the pressure and her own struggles, Halley remains a steady support for Scarlett. She attends doctor's appointments, helps Scarlett prepare for the baby, and offers emotional comfort. Their friendship is tested but ultimately strengthened. Halley sees Scarlett's resilience and her determination to embrace motherhood, even with grief and judgment. This period shows the depth of their bond, as Halley puts Scarlett's needs first, showing loyalty and compassion.

  9. The Birth

    The novel ends with the birth of Scarlett's baby, a son named Michael after his late father. Halley is present during the delivery, sharing in the emotion and experience of new life. The birth is a powerful moment of hope and renewal amidst the grief. It signals a turning point for Scarlett, as she becomes a mother. For Halley, witnessing the birth changes her, giving her a deeper understanding of love, responsibility, and life's cycle. It solidifies her commitment to Scarlett and the baby, marking a new chapter for their friendship.

  10. Aftermath and Growth

    After the birth, Halley reflects on the summer and her own growth. Her relationship with Macon has ended, having served its purpose in her journey of self-discovery. She recognizes the complexities of her mother's love and starts to understand her perspectives. Halley has moved from being Scarlett's shadow to finding her own voice and strength. The novel concludes with Halley looking to the future with new maturity and a clearer sense of her identity, knowing that her friendship with Scarlett, though changed by their experiences, remains strong.

Principal Figures

Halley McDonnell

Protagonist

The quiet observer who finds her voice and strength.

Halley is initially portrayed as Scarlett's quieter, more introspective best friend, often living in her shadow. She is observant and thoughtful but struggles with self-confidence and a tendency to follow rather than lead. Halley's relationship with her overprotective mother creates a desire for independence and rebellion. Throughout the novel, she grapples with loyalty, love, and the challenges of growing up, ultimately discovering her own identity and resilience.

Relationships: Scarlett Thomas (Best friend); Macon Faulkner (Boyfriend); Mrs. McDonnell (Halley's mother) (Mother-daughter); Mr. McDonnell (Halley's father) (Father-daughter)

Scarlett Thomas

Supporting

The vibrant best friend facing unimaginable loss and early motherhood.

Scarlett is Halley's dynamic and vivacious best friend, known for her strong personality and adventurous spirit. She is initially presented as more confident and daring than Halley. However, her life is dramatically altered by the sudden death of her boyfriend, Michael, and the subsequent discovery of her pregnancy. Scarlett faces profound grief, judgment, and the immense responsibility of becoming a single mother, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination.

Relationships: Halley McDonnell (Best friend); Michael (Deceased boyfriend, father of her child); Mrs. Thomas (Scarlett's mother) (Mother-daughter); Mr. Thomas (Scarlett's father) (Father-daughter)

Macon Faulkner

Supporting

Michael's rebellious best friend who becomes Halley's first love.

Macon is Michael's best friend and a 'bad boy' figure who becomes Halley's first serious boyfriend. He carries his own grief over Michael's death, which initially draws him and Halley together. Macon is rebellious, often getting into trouble, and represents a departure from Halley's safe, predictable life. Their relationship is intense and passionate, but ultimately a temporary one that serves as a catalyst for Halley's self-discovery.

Relationships: Halley McDonnell (Boyfriend); Michael (Best friend)

Mrs. McDonnell

Supporting

Halley's anxious and overprotective mother.

Halley's mother is a well-meaning but often anxious and overprotective figure. She struggles to understand Halley's desire for independence and fears for her safety and future. Her attempts to control Halley's choices often lead to conflict, but her actions stem from a deep love and concern for her daughter. She represents the parental generation grappling with their children's coming-of-age.

Relationships: Halley McDonnell (Mother-daughter); Mr. McDonnell (Spouse)

Mr. McDonnell

Supporting

Halley's laid-back and understanding father.

Halley's father provides a calmer, more understanding counterpoint to her mother's anxiety. He is generally more laid-back and supportive, often acting as a mediator between Halley and her mother. He encourages Halley's independence and offers quiet wisdom, allowing her space to make her own decisions, even if he doesn't always agree with them. He represents a more balanced and trusting parental approach.

Relationships: Halley McDonnell (Father-daughter); Mrs. McDonnell (Spouse)

Michael

Supporting

Scarlett's deceased boyfriend and the father of her child.

Though he dies early in the novel, Michael's presence profoundly impacts the lives of Scarlett, Halley, and Macon. He is remembered as Scarlett's beloved boyfriend, a charismatic and adventurous young man whose sudden death is the catalyst for the novel's central conflict. His legacy lives on through his son, and the grief over his loss shapes the emotional landscape for all the main characters.

Relationships: Scarlett Thomas (Boyfriend); Macon Faulkner (Best friend)

Natalie

Supporting

Halley's friend who offers an alternative perspective.

Natalie is one of Halley's other friends, often seen as more grounded and less entangled in the intense drama surrounding Halley and Scarlett. She provides a sense of normalcy and a different perspective, sometimes questioning Halley's choices but always remaining a loyal friend. Natalie represents the 'typical' high school experience that Halley often feels she is missing out on due to her deep involvement in Scarlett's life.

Relationships: Halley McDonnell (Friend)

Boyd

Supporting

A minor character who observes the main characters.

Boyd is a minor character, a friend of Halley and Scarlett, who often appears in group settings. He is observant and sometimes offers a humorous or slightly detached perspective on the events unfolding around the main characters. While not central to the plot, he contributes to the social fabric of their world and occasionally offers commentary that reflects the wider community's views.

Relationships: Halley McDonnell (Friend); Scarlett Thomas (Friend)

Themes & Insights

Friendship and Loyalty

The novel's main theme explores the lasting power of female friendship. Halley and Scarlett's bond is tested by tragedy, secrets, and personal growth, yet it remains the steady anchor of their lives. Halley's loyalty to Scarlett, even when it means sacrificing her own desires or facing her mother's disapproval, shows the depth of their connection. The story emphasizes that true friendship is a promise kept, a constant source of support through life's hardest moments, showing how friends help each other navigate grief and unexpected motherhood.

“True friendship is a promise you keep forever.”
Narrator (Halley)

Grief and Loss

Michael's sudden death affects the story, forcing characters, especially Scarlett, to face grief. The novel explores the many sides of loss, from immediate shock to the long process of healing. Scarlett's pregnancy mixes grief with new life, creating a complex emotional situation. Halley also experiences grief, not just for Michael but for the changes in her friend's life and the loss of their carefree past. The story shows how people cope with tragedy and how it changes their identities and relationships.

“It was like the world had changed, just like that, and there was nothing I could do to change it back.”
Narrator (Halley)

Identity and Self-Discovery

Halley's journey throughout the novel is one of self-discovery. Initially defined by her friendship with Scarlett and her mother's expectations, Halley gradually finds her own voice and strength. Her relationship with Macon, while temporary, helps her rebel and explore a different side of herself. By supporting Scarlett, Halley learns about her own abilities, resilience, and the person she wants to be. The story highlights the difficult but essential process of forming an individual identity separate from family and friends during adolescence.

“I was still Halley. But I was also someone new.”
Narrator (Halley)

Motherhood and Responsibility

Scarlett's unexpected pregnancy and the baby's birth introduce themes of early motherhood and its responsibilities. Scarlett, still a teenager, must face raising a child while grieving its father. The novel shows the sacrifices, fears, and love that come with being a parent. It also touches on the judgments and challenges young single mothers face. Halley, by extension, witnesses and supports Scarlett, gaining a deeper understanding of motherhood's complexities.

“She was a mother now. It was a whole different world, a whole different language she was speaking.”
Narrator (Halley)

Rebellion and Conformity

The tension between rebellion and fitting in is clear in Halley's character and her relationship with Macon. Halley, usually quiet, begins to rebel against her overprotective mother and expectations. Her relationship with Macon, a 'bad boy,' is an act of defiance and a search for excitement outside her usual life. This theme explores the adolescent desire for independence, the appeal of the forbidden, and the consequences of pushing boundaries. It also subtly touches on societal expectations for young women and how characters choose to challenge them.

“Maybe part of me just wanted to see what would happen if I did something completely different.”
Narrator (Halley)

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

First-Person Narration

Provides intimate access to Halley's thoughts and feelings.

The story is told from Halley's first-person perspective, allowing readers direct access to her internal struggles, observations, and emotional responses. This device creates a strong sense of intimacy and empathy, as the audience experiences the events alongside Halley. It effectively highlights her journey of self-discovery and her growth from a passive observer to an active participant in her own life and Scarlett's crisis. The reliability of her narration is central to understanding her changing perspectives on friendship, love, and family.

Foreshadowing

Hints at future events, building anticipation and tension.

Subtle hints and allusions are woven throughout the narrative, particularly concerning the consequences of Halley's choices and Scarlett's secret. For instance, Halley's mother's anxieties and warnings about Macon, or the increasing difficulty of concealing Scarlett's pregnancy, foreshadow the inevitable unraveling of secrets and the confrontations that follow. This device builds suspense and prepares the reader for the significant plot developments, making the dramatic moments feel both surprising and, in retrospect, inevitable.

Symbolism of the Motorcycle

Represents freedom, danger, and ultimately, loss.

The motorcycle, specifically Michael's, symbolizes freedom, rebellion, and a sense of living on the edge. It's associated with a carefree, adventurous spirit. However, it tragically becomes the instrument of Michael's death, transforming its symbolic meaning to also represent danger, mortality, and profound loss. Its presence and subsequent absence underscore the fragility of life and the abrupt end of innocence, serving as a powerful reminder of the inciting incident that sets the entire plot in motion.

The Secret Pregnancy

A central secret that drives conflict and character development.

Scarlett's pregnancy, kept secret from most for a significant portion of the novel, acts as a crucial plot device. It generates internal conflict for both Scarlett and Halley, forcing them to navigate difficult choices and ethical dilemmas. The secrecy creates tension, isolation, and ultimately, the dramatic climax when the truth is revealed. It also serves as a catalyst for Halley's growth, as her commitment to keeping the secret and supporting Scarlett solidifies her loyalty and forces her to mature quickly.

Quiz

10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.

  1. Question 1

    What is the title of the book?

    1. Someone Like You
    2. The Promise
    3. Forever Friends
    4. Scarlett's Story
    Show answer

    A. Someone Like You The title of the book is explicitly stated in the prompt as 'Someone Like You'.

  2. Question 2

    Who is the author of the book?

    1. Nicholas Sparks
    2. Sarah Dessen
    3. Jodi Picoult
    4. Emily Giffin
    Show answer

    B. Sarah Dessen The author is identified in the prompt as Sarah Dessen.

  3. Question 3

    What genre is the book?

    1. Mystery
    2. Fantasy
    3. Romance
    4. Science Fiction
    Show answer

    C. Romance The prompt states that the book is 'Romance'.

  4. Question 4

    What significant event happens to Scarlett's boyfriend?

    1. He moves away
    2. He gets into a car accident
    3. He is killed in a motorcycle accident
    4. He breaks up with Scarlett
    Show answer

    C. He is killed in a motorcycle accident The prompt states that Scarlett's boyfriend 'has been killed in a motorcycle accident'.

  5. Question 5

    What is Halley's usual role in her friendship with Scarlett?

    1. The leader
    2. The follower
    3. The mediator
    4. The independent one
    Show answer

    B. The follower The prompt says, 'Halley has always followed in the wake of her best friend, Scarlett.'

  6. Question 6

    What challenging news does Scarlett receive?

    1. She is moving to a new city
    2. She is pregnant
    3. She has failed her exams
    4. Her parents are divorcing
    Show answer

    B. She is pregnant Scarlett learns that 'she's carrying his baby'.

  7. Question 7

    What is the core theme of the friendship between Halley and Scarlett, as described in the text?

    1. Mutual competition
    2. Temporary support
    3. Unwavering loyalty and commitment
    4. Shared hobbies
    Show answer

    C. Unwavering loyalty and commitment The prompt states, 'Their friendship may bend under the weight, but it'll never break—because a true friendship is a promise you keep forever.'

  8. Question 8

    How does the death of Scarlett's boyfriend impact their friendship?

    1. It causes them to drift apart
    2. It strengthens their bond as Halley steps up to support Scarlett
    3. It leads to a major argument between Halley and Scarlett
    4. It has no significant impact on their friendship
    Show answer

    B. It strengthens their bond as Halley steps up to support Scarlett The text implies that Scarlett needs Halley more than ever, and their friendship will endure challenges, suggesting a strengthening of their bond through support.

  9. Question 9

    The phrase 'followed in the wake of' suggests that Halley:

    1. Always led the way
    2. Was overshadowed by Scarlett's presence and actions
    3. Actively competed with Scarlett
    4. Shared Scarlett's every interest equally
    Show answer

    B. Was overshadowed by Scarlett's presence and actions To 'follow in the wake of' means to be influenced or overshadowed by someone who is more prominent or successful.

  10. Question 10

    What does the statement 'a true friendship is a promise you keep forever' emphasize about the nature of Halley and Scarlett's relationship?

    1. Friendships are easily discarded when difficult
    2. The bond between true friends is resilient and enduring, even through hardship
    3. Friendships are based on shared circumstances that are temporary
    4. Promises in friendship are conditional upon easy times
    Show answer

    B. The bond between true friends is resilient and enduring, even through hardship This statement directly conveys the idea that true friendship is characterized by loyalty and permanence, able to withstand challenges.

Someone Like You FAQ

What is the plot of "Someone Like You" by Sarah Dessen?

Halley's life revolves around her best friend, Scarlett. When Scarlett faces a devastating pregnancy and the death of her boyfriend, Halley steps up to support her. The novel explores the strength and resilience of their friendship amidst these challenges.

Who are the main characters in "Someone Like You"?

The main characters are Halley, who has always lived in Scarlett's shadow, and Scarlett, who experiences a profound loss and unexpected pregnancy. Their relationship is central to the story.

What are the main themes in "Someone Like You"?

The novel explores themes of friendship, loyalty, growing up, loss, and the challenges of unexpected responsibility. It emphasizes the enduring nature of true friendship.

Is "Someone Like You" a sad book?

While the book deals with difficult topics like death and unexpected pregnancy, it also focuses on themes of hope, resilience, and the power of friendship. It's a story that balances emotional depth with a sense of optimism.

What is the age range for readers of "Someone Like You"?

Sarah Dessen's novels, including "Someone Like You," are typically aimed at young adult readers, generally ages 13 and up, due to themes of relationships, identity, and dealing with mature situations.

What kind of romance is in "Someone Like You"?

While friendship is the primary focus, there are elements of romance and budding relationships as the characters navigate their teenage years and personal challenges. The romance is generally sweet and character-driven.

How does Halley's character develop in "Someone Like You"?

Halley undergoes significant growth as she is forced to step out of Scarlett's shadow and take on a more supportive and independent role. She learns about her own strengths and resilience.

What makes the friendship between Halley and Scarlett so strong?

Their friendship is portrayed as a deep, long-standing bond that is tested by difficult circumstances. The novel emphasizes that true friendships are built on loyalty, support, and a willingness to be there for each other, even when it's hard.

About the author

Sarah Dessen

Sarah Dessen

Sarah Dessen is an American author known for her young adult fiction that often explores themes of love, friendship, and personal growth. Some of her notable works include Just Listen, The Truth About Forever, Along for the Ride, This Lullaby, Lock and Key, and Keeping the Moon. Dessen's writing has garnered a dedicated readership and has been recognized for its relatable characters and emotional depth.

All 11 summaries of Sarah Dessen's books →

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