At the beginning of Just Listen, Annabel's reputation is pretty much shot thanks to Sophie's cruel gossip mongering and bullying. Word has spread that she's the kind of girl who sleeps with her best friend's boyfriend, and Sophie's determined to make sure that everyone hears it—and stays away from Annabel.
Annabel cares a lot about what everyone thinks of her, but by hanging out with Owen she learns how to enjoy just being who she is. It doesn't matter if everyone sides with Sophie, and it doesn't matter if they say things about Annabel and Owen—she just needs to live her life for herself.
Questions About Respect and Reputation
- Why doesn't Emily hide what happened to her like Annabel does? How does this make a difference?
- How does Owen react when Annabel tells him the truth about what happened to her? Does he think less of her?
- Is Sophie still popular by the end of the book? Why or why not?
Chew on This
Annabel initially starts hanging out with Sophie because it boosts her reputation, but by the end she discovers that she doesn't need Sophie to be liked. She's fine on her own.
Annabel is drawn to Owen because he isn't satisfied with just seeing her as the perfect and put-together girl that everyone else does—he really tries to get to know her as a person, and respects all her imperfections and vulnerable parts.