I'm back! I've been on winter break lately, and it's been uneventful so far. Of course, after a hectic semester, I'm rather enjoying being able to kick back and do something I've dearly missed-read.
Recently, I've been checking out the library's eBook selection in their Virtual Library. Usually I can find some random but cool books, and this "trip" was no exception. Yesterday, I happened to stumble upon something that made my inner band geek sing.
Recently, I've been checking out the library's eBook selection in their Virtual Library. Usually I can find some random but cool books, and this "trip" was no exception. Yesterday, I happened to stumble upon something that made my inner band geek sing.
This is the book that I would have been obsessed with in seventh grade, when I was always looking for fellow band geeks in young adult literature but never finding them. :( But even though I've entered the realm of high school marching band (and, with it, found some cool new books), I snapped it up anyway, anxious to read it and hopeful for a new book to add to my band book collection. Fortunately, I was not disappointed.
Here's the synopsis:
Here's the synopsis:
Holly Mead’s first day of seventh grade isn’t going as planned. Her brother ruins her carefully chosen outfit, she’s almost late, and her new band director has some surprisingly strict rules. Worst of all, it seems like her best friend, Julia, has replaced her with Natasha, the pretty, smart, new French horn player! Holly is determined to get first chair, but Natasha is turning out to be some pretty stiff competition—and not just in band. Band might be a competition, but friendship isn’t—and Holly needs to figure it out before she loses Julia for good.
First Impressions (my first thoughts when I read the synopsis and the sample): Seems really lighthearted and fun! But Holly needs to lighten up.
Second Impressions (my thoughts right after reading the book): First of all, almost all of the band books feature horn players. Why is this? I've never seen a flute playing protagonist. Flute's a perfectly respectable instrument. Plus, I play it, so that makes it twice as awesome. ;)
Second of all, this was pitch perfect, both when it comes to band and seventh grade. I remember when I joined the "junior high school" band at my private school, and how it meant more opportunities to perform at football games and pep rallies. I saw the same excitement in Holly, and it made me smile.
This book also brought back some of the not-so-fun memories of seventh grade. A lot of friend drama sets in during seventh grade, and I could relate to Holly's pain and jealousy when she felt that Natasha was "stealing" Julia from her. I also empathized with her when she started to have trouble in school, and when she had trouble with her crush. Actually, except for the fact that she played French horn and was a perfectionist, Holly was basically me in junior high.
Speaking of her perfectionism, it actually wasn't as annoying as I thought it would be. It lead some interesting situations as she tried to meet her high expectations for herself, and when others didn't meet her expectations. It lead to some bad choices, but hey-who wants a perfect character, right? (Ironic as that statement is.)
Third Impression (my thoughts after analyzing it to death): This is a cute look at middle school band (something that, in my opinion, is desperately needed). It's perfect for the middle school crowd, and I think it would be a nice addition to school libraries, too (it's squeaky clean).
Rating: 8 out of 10 stars. :)
Final Thoughts: YEAH GO BAND GEEKS!
Have you ever read this book? What did you think? Also, do you have any recommendations for me to review? Comment below!
Second Impressions (my thoughts right after reading the book): First of all, almost all of the band books feature horn players. Why is this? I've never seen a flute playing protagonist. Flute's a perfectly respectable instrument. Plus, I play it, so that makes it twice as awesome. ;)
Second of all, this was pitch perfect, both when it comes to band and seventh grade. I remember when I joined the "junior high school" band at my private school, and how it meant more opportunities to perform at football games and pep rallies. I saw the same excitement in Holly, and it made me smile.
This book also brought back some of the not-so-fun memories of seventh grade. A lot of friend drama sets in during seventh grade, and I could relate to Holly's pain and jealousy when she felt that Natasha was "stealing" Julia from her. I also empathized with her when she started to have trouble in school, and when she had trouble with her crush. Actually, except for the fact that she played French horn and was a perfectionist, Holly was basically me in junior high.
Speaking of her perfectionism, it actually wasn't as annoying as I thought it would be. It lead some interesting situations as she tried to meet her high expectations for herself, and when others didn't meet her expectations. It lead to some bad choices, but hey-who wants a perfect character, right? (Ironic as that statement is.)
Third Impression (my thoughts after analyzing it to death): This is a cute look at middle school band (something that, in my opinion, is desperately needed). It's perfect for the middle school crowd, and I think it would be a nice addition to school libraries, too (it's squeaky clean).
Rating: 8 out of 10 stars. :)
Final Thoughts: YEAH GO BAND GEEKS!
Have you ever read this book? What did you think? Also, do you have any recommendations for me to review? Comment below!