What’s Up With the Title?

Just Listen is the actual title of one of the CDs that Owen gives to Annabel when he's trying to oversee her musical education. The truth is that Just Listen doesn't just refer to the title of the CD—it's what Annabel wants to tell people throughout the book. She has a lot of secrets that she's hiding inside, but she can't bring herself to ask someone to listen to everything that's bothering her. It's only when she starts trusting Owen that she is able to open up to him, and he really does just listen and take it all in. When she talks to him about it, she tells him:

"Don't think or judge," I said. "Just listen." (18.79)

He and her family listen to all that Annabel has to say and are there to support her without judgment. That's what she needed all along—it's what we all need, if you think about. By having people listen to and acknowledge her story and pain, Annabel can finally begin to heal.