Lullaby in the Showroom

Remy Starr's life is haunted by "This Lullaby," the one-hit wonder her estranged, now-dead father wrote for her birth. As she sits in a car dealership, orchestrating her mother's fourth wedding, the song plays overhead, a constant reminder of love's impermanence. Remy is the family's fixer, the practical one, managing her mother's chaos and her brother's troubles. She's cynical about love, shaped by her mother's serial marriages and her own need for control. Into this carefully ordered world crashes Dexter, a clumsy, persistent musician who immediately disrupts her boundaries. Their first encounter is awkward, funny, and sets the tone for a summer that will challenge everything Remy believes about love, family, and herself.

Summer's Endings Begin

With high school over, Remy and her friends—Lissa, Chloe, and Jess—face the looming end of their tight-knit group. Remy is determined to leave for Stanford with no emotional baggage, breaking up with her boyfriend Jonathan in her typically efficient, unsentimental way. Her friends tease her about her high standards and her habit of ending relationships before they get complicated. Lissa, the sentimental one, is devastated when her own boyfriend, Adam, dumps her unexpectedly, and Remy is forced to comfort her. The summer is a liminal space, full of anticipation and dread, as the girls realize that nothing will ever be the same.

The No-Musician Rule

Remy has a strict rule: never date musicians. She sees them as unreliable, romantic, and ultimately disappointing—much like her father. But Dexter, with his relentless optimism and quirky charm, keeps reappearing in her life. He's persistent, writing his number on her hand and declaring their "natural chemistry." Remy resists, clinging to her rules and her need for control, but Dexter's presence is disruptive in a way that feels both dangerous and exhilarating. Her friends notice the change in her, and Remy begins to question whether her rules are protecting her or just keeping her isolated.

Dexter's Unlikely Entrance

Dexter is everything Remy isn't: messy, impulsive, and open-hearted. He lives in a rundown house with his band, Truth Squad, and a lovable old dog named Monkey. Remy is drawn into Dexter's world, helping him with laundry, cleaning up after Monkey, and navigating the chaos of band life. Despite her best efforts, she finds herself relaxing her standards, letting go of some of her rigid control. Dexter's challenges—silly bets, spontaneous adventures—force Remy to live in the moment, something she's always avoided. Their relationship grows, but Remy remains wary, afraid of what she might lose if she lets herself fall.

Family, Friends, and Farewells

Remy's family is in flux: her mother is distracted by her new marriage, her brother Chris is transforming under the influence of his girlfriend Jennifer Anne, and Remy feels increasingly alone. Her friends are also changing—Lissa is heartbroken, Chloe is chasing new flings, and Jess is quietly steady. Remy's role as the responsible one becomes a burden, and she resents the way everyone relies on her. The summer is a series of goodbyes, both anticipated and unexpected, as Remy prepares to leave for college and wonders what, if anything, will remain the same.

Breaking Up, Breaking Down

Remy's breakup with Jonathan is messy, revealing her own vulnerability and the limits of her control. She's forced to confront the pain of betrayal and the reality that even the most carefully managed relationships can end badly. Lissa's heartbreak mirrors Remy's own fears, and the two girls find solace in each other. Remy's cynicism is challenged by the raw emotion around her, and she begins to question whether her detachment is really protecting her or just keeping her from experiencing real connection.

The Art of Control

Remy's obsession with control extends to every aspect of her life, from her meticulously organized room to her carefully managed relationships. Dexter's presence is a constant disruption, and Remy struggles to maintain her boundaries. She helps Dexter and his bandmates with practical matters, but finds herself drawn into their world of chaos and spontaneity. The more she tries to maintain order, the more she realizes how much she's missing by holding herself apart. Dexter's challenges—both literal and metaphorical—force her to confront her fears and reconsider what it means to be safe.

Monkey and the Messy House

Remy spends more time at the yellow house, where Dexter lives with his band and Monkey. The house is a mess, but it's also full of life and laughter. Remy finds herself caring for Monkey, cleaning up after the boys, and even buying plastic ware for the house—a small but significant act of domesticity. She's surprised by how much she enjoys being part of this chaotic family, and how much she cares for Dexter. The messiness of their lives becomes a metaphor for the unpredictability of love, and Remy begins to see that perfection isn't the same as happiness.

The Challenge of Love

Dexter's relentless optimism and willingness to take risks stand in stark contrast to Remy's caution. He challenges her to let go, to trust, and to believe in the possibility of love. Their relationship is full of small moments—shared jokes, silly bets, quiet conversations—that slowly erode Remy's defenses. She's afraid of getting hurt, but Dexter's persistence and kindness make it harder to keep her heart closed. As the summer progresses, Remy is forced to confront the possibility that love might be worth the risk, even if it doesn't last forever.

Plastic Ware and Possibilities

Remy's purchase of plastic ware for Dexter's house is a turning point, a sign that she's willing to invest in something messy and uncertain. Her friends notice the change in her, and Remy herself is surprised by how much she cares. The act of giving—however small—becomes a symbol of her willingness to take a chance. As she prepares to leave for college, Remy grapples with the tension between her desire for independence and her growing attachment to Dexter and his world.

Fourth of July Revelations

The Fourth of July cookout brings together Remy's family, Dexter, and their friends. The event is a microcosm of the larger changes in Remy's life: her mother is trying to blend families, Chris is caught between old habits and new responsibilities, and Dexter is awkwardly navigating the expectations of Remy's world. Tensions flare, secrets are revealed, and Remy is forced to confront the reality that love is complicated, messy, and often painful. The holiday becomes a turning point, as Remy realizes that her need for control may be keeping her from the very things she wants most.

The Potato Song Opus

Truth Squad's "Potato Song" becomes a running joke and a symbol of the band's quirky, imperfect charm. The band's struggles—creative differences, failed gigs, and the elusive promise of a record deal—mirror Remy's own fears about taking risks and facing disappointment. Dexter's willingness to put himself out there, to risk failure for the sake of something he loves, inspires Remy to reconsider her own approach to life and love. The band's journey becomes a metaphor for the unpredictability and possibility of relationships.

Friends, Lovers, and Letting Go

As the summer winds down, Remy and Dexter break up, unable to reconcile their different approaches to love and risk. They attempt to remain friends, but the effort is strained and ultimately unsatisfying. Remy dates someone new, Perfect Paul, but finds the relationship lacking in depth and connection. Her friends are also struggling—Lissa is still heartbroken, Chloe is restless, and Jess is quietly supportive. Remy realizes that letting go is harder than she thought, and that some connections are too important to be reduced to friendship.

Don's Betrayal, Mother's Strength

Remy's mother's marriage to Don unravels when she discovers his affair with his secretary, Patty. The revelation is devastating, but Remy is surprised by her mother's strength and resilience. Instead of falling apart, her mother takes control, handling the separation with dignity and grace. Remy is forced to confront her own assumptions about love and loss, and to recognize that vulnerability is not the same as weakness. The experience brings mother and daughter closer, and Remy begins to see that love, even when it fails, can still be meaningful.

Closure and New Beginnings

As her departure for Stanford approaches, Remy is determined to tie up loose ends. She breaks up with Paul, says goodbye to her friends, and tries to make peace with Dexter. Their final conversation is awkward but honest, and Remy realizes that closure is not always possible. She reflects on the lessons of the summer—the importance of taking risks, the value of vulnerability, and the possibility of starting over. The process of saying goodbye is bittersweet, but Remy is ready to face the future with a new sense of hope.

The Last Goodbye

In a final act of courage, Remy seeks out Dexter at a wedding gig, determined to tell him how she feels. Their reunion is tentative but full of possibility, as Remy finally allows herself to be vulnerable and open to love. The moment is both an ending and a beginning, as Remy acknowledges the risk and the reward of letting someone in. The summer's lessons come full circle, and Remy embraces the uncertainty of the future, trusting that some things are worth the leap.

Meant to Be Together

As Remy leaves for college, she and Dexter promise to stay in touch, their relationship transformed but not ended. The distance between them is both literal and metaphorical, but Remy is no longer afraid of what might happen. She carries with her the lessons of the summer—the importance of love, the value of risk, and the possibility of change. The story ends with Remy listening to "This Lullaby," now sung by Dexter, and realizing that some connections endure, even across time and distance.

This Lullaby Plays On

In the final chapter, Remy reflects on the enduring power of love, memory, and music. Her mother's new novel ends with the heroine choosing herself, a choice that echoes Remy's own journey. Remy listens to Dexter's recording of "This Lullaby," recognizing that the song—and the love it represents—will always be a part of her. The story closes with Remy embracing the uncertainty of the future, comforted by the knowledge that love, in all its forms, plays on.

Characters

Remy Starr

Remy is the protagonist, a recent high school graduate who prides herself on her practicality and emotional detachment. Scarred by her father's abandonment and her mother's serial marriages, Remy has developed a strict set of rules to protect herself from disappointment. She manages her family's chaos, orchestrates her mother's weddings, and keeps her own life meticulously organized. Remy's relationships are short, efficient, and end before they can get complicated. Beneath her cool exterior, however, Remy is deeply afraid of being hurt, and her cynicism is a shield against vulnerability. Over the course of the novel, Remy is challenged by Dexter's optimism and persistence, and she gradually learns to let go of her need for control, opening herself to the possibility of love and change.

Dexter Jones

Dexter is Remy's opposite in almost every way: he's disorganized, impulsive, and wears his heart on his sleeve. As the lead singer of Truth Squad, he lives in a chaotic house with his bandmates and his dog, Monkey. Dexter is immediately drawn to Remy, undeterred by her rules and her resistance. He challenges her to take risks, to let go, and to believe in the possibility of love. Dexter's optimism is both infuriating and inspiring to Remy, and his willingness to be vulnerable forces her to confront her own fears. Despite setbacks and heartbreak, Dexter remains hopeful, embodying the idea that love is worth the risk, even when it doesn't last.

Barbara Starr

Remy's mother is a successful romance novelist whose personal life is as tumultuous as her fiction. She has been married five times, each relationship ending in disappointment but never in despair. Barbara is dramatic, creative, and often oblivious to the practical realities of life, relying on Remy to manage the details. Despite her failures, she remains a true believer in love, always willing to try again. When her marriage to Don ends in betrayal, Barbara surprises Remy by handling the situation with strength and dignity, demonstrating that vulnerability and resilience can coexist. Her journey mirrors Remy's, and their relationship deepens as they both learn to accept imperfection and embrace change.

Chris Starr

Remy's older brother, Chris, is a former troublemaker who has recently turned his life around under the influence of his girlfriend, Jennifer Anne. Once a stoner with a criminal record, Chris now works at Jiffy Lube, breeds lizards, and is on the verge of settling down. His transformation is both inspiring and unsettling to Remy, who feels abandoned by the one person who used to share her cynicism. Chris's relationship with Jennifer Anne is a model of stability, and his willingness to embrace change challenges Remy to reconsider her own resistance to love and commitment.

Lissa

Lissa is Remy's best friend, the most sentimental and emotionally vulnerable member of the group. She is devastated by her breakup with Adam and struggles to move on, clinging to the hope of reconciliation. Lissa's openness and willingness to feel deeply contrast with Remy's detachment, and her journey through heartbreak serves as a mirror for Remy's own fears. Lissa is supportive, compassionate, and ultimately resilient, finding the courage to take risks and pursue new relationships.

Chloe

Chloe is the group's wild child, always chasing new experiences and refusing to be tied down. She is quick-witted, sarcastic, and unafraid to speak her mind. Chloe's approach to relationships is the opposite of Lissa's—she avoids commitment, prefers casual flings, and values her independence above all. Her friendship with Remy is both supportive and challenging, as she pushes Remy to take risks while also holding her accountable for her choices.

Jess

Jess is the anchor of the group, reliable and unflappable. She has faced her own share of hardship, raising her younger brothers after her mother's death, and her maturity sets her apart from the others. Jess is not as emotionally expressive as Lissa or as bold as Chloe, but her loyalty and common sense make her an essential part of Remy's support system. She offers a grounded perspective, helping Remy navigate the complexities of love and friendship.

Jennifer Anne

Jennifer Anne is Chris's girlfriend, a self-described "office specialist" who has helped him turn his life around. She is practical, driven, and sometimes overbearing, but her influence on Chris is undeniable. Jennifer Anne's presence in the family is both stabilizing and challenging, as she represents the possibility of change and the tension between old habits and new responsibilities.

Don Davis

Don is Remy's mother's latest husband, a car salesman who seems, at first, to offer stability and security. He is generous, enthusiastic, and eager to please, but ultimately proves to be unfaithful and unreliable. Don's betrayal is a turning point for Remy and her mother, forcing them to confront the reality that even the most promising relationships can end in disappointment.

Monkey

Monkey is Dexter's old, scruffy dog, a constant presence in the yellow house. He is messy, affectionate, and always happy to see Dexter, embodying the unconditional love and loyalty that Remy struggles to accept. Monkey's relationship with Dexter serves as a metaphor for the kind of love Remy fears—messy, unpredictable, but ultimately rewarding.

Plot Devices

The Song "This Lullaby"

The titular song, written by Remy's father, is a recurring motif throughout the novel. It represents both the promise and the failure of love, haunting Remy as a reminder of her father's absence and her mother's romantic failures. The song's lyrics—"I will let you down, but this lullaby plays on"—capture Remy's fear of vulnerability and her belief that love is ultimately disappointing. As the story progresses, the song is reinterpreted, first by Dexter's band and finally by Dexter himself, transforming it from a symbol of loss into one of hope and continuity.

Narrative Structure and Foreshadowing

The novel is structured around the summer between high school and college, a time of endings and beginnings. Each chapter marks a pivotal moment in Remy's journey, from her initial resistance to Dexter's advances to her eventual acceptance of love's risks. The narrative is punctuated by moments of foreshadowing—Remy's rules, her mother's marriages, the band's struggles—that hint at the challenges and changes to come. The use of recurring motifs—songs, challenges, plastic ware—reinforces the themes of risk, vulnerability, and the possibility of change.

Symbolism and Metaphor

The novel is rich in symbolism, from the chaos of Dexter's house to the order of Remy's room. Messiness becomes a metaphor for the unpredictability of love, while acts of cleaning and organizing represent Remy's attempts to control her world. The band's "Potato Song" is both a joke and a symbol of the imperfect, quirky nature of real relationships. Monkey, the dog, embodies unconditional love, while the recurring image of the beaded curtain in Remy's mother's study represents the boundary between order and chaos, safety and risk.

The Challenge Motif

Dexter's love of challenges—silly bets, spontaneous adventures—serves as both a plot device and a metaphor for the risks inherent in love. Each challenge forces Remy to step outside her comfort zone, to let go of her need for control, and to embrace the possibility of failure. The challenges are both literal and figurative, culminating in Remy's decision to take a leap of faith and pursue love, despite her fears.

Analysis

Sarah Dessen's This Lullaby is a nuanced exploration of love, loss, and the courage it takes to risk your heart. Through Remy's journey from cynicism to vulnerability, the novel interrogates the stories we tell ourselves about love—how we inherit them, how we use them to protect ourselves, and how we must ultimately rewrite them to grow. The recurring motif of "This Lullaby" encapsulates the tension between hope and disappointment, serving as both a warning and a promise. Dessen's characters are richly drawn, their relationships complex and evolving, reflecting the messy reality of family, friendship, and romance. The novel's structure—anchored in a summer of transition—mirrors the uncertainty and possibility of young adulthood, capturing the bittersweet nature of endings and beginnings. Ultimately, This Lullaby argues that love is not about perfection or permanence, but about the willingness to take risks, to be vulnerable, and to embrace the messiness of life. In a world where control is an illusion, the only certainty is that the lullaby—love's legacy—plays on.

Last updated: December 31, 2025