Saturday, October 5, 2013

Review: This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales

This Song Will Save Your LifeRelease date: September 17th 2013
Publisher: Macmillan
Purchase: Amazon



Synopsis via Goodreads:

Making friends has never been Elise Dembowski’s strong suit. All throughout her life, she’s been the butt of every joke and the outsider in every conversation. When a final attempt at popularity fails, Elise nearly gives up. Then she stumbles upon a warehouse party where she meets Vicky, a girl in a band who accepts her; Char, a cute, yet mysterious disc jockey; Pippa, a carefree spirit from England; and most importantly, a love for DJing.

Told in a refreshingly genuine and laugh-out-loud funny voice, THIS SONG WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE is an exuberant novel about identity, friendship, and the power of music to bring people together.



 






Elise is obviously a girl with issues, but luckily she discovers a place to escape to and comes in contact with people that enlighten her about certain facts of life. 

The story had its ups and downs. There were times I just had to stop reading because I felt a little overwhelmed by Elise and her views about herself. Not knocking the fact that she had a lot to deal with (bullying, family issues, finding herself, etc), but sometimes the things she said and her outlook on life in general was just...disturbing. Her fascination with wanting to be friends with Amelia was also a little offsetting as well. But, admittedly, her character definitely was an interesting one nonetheless and I understood the intention of the plot.

I liked that Elise finally found something she loved and could finally stop labeling herself as not having much worth. I was particularly elated when she realized it didn't matter what everyone else thought about her (though it took her gaining some publicity to do it), that as long as she accepted herself then that was the important thing.

As for other characters in the book, I liked Vicky, her brother, the doorman at the club, Elise's father. I didn't care much for Elise's mom and step-dad. But her siblings were a cute addition. Also, I liked the two friends at her high school that Elise at first didn't appreciate. Speaking of the latter, Elise actually made me not like the girls after the way she described them in her head, but once I saw how concerned they were about her well being and how genuine they were in wanting to be friends, I started to like them. No matter how caught up they were in the drama of high school life because that's how a lot of kids are anyway.

I must talk about Vicky, because she was like an uplifting spirit for Elise. I liked her carefree attitude and mantra. Vicky is the type of friend anyone would love to have in their corner, especially on a low day. One of the coolest minor character in the book. Her best friend, Pippa, I didn't care for, nor was I fascinated by Char. Where Char was concerned, Elise came off so naive and easily fooled by the facade. Then again, she was a troubled teen seeking attention and without any hesitation, gave in to Char. It was understandable.

Overall, the story was okay. I loved how it included music (title, club, and Elise's savior) because I love the arts. It also dealt with a well known subject matter in society that affects a lot of teens. But, it just didn't impress me that much. Still, I'd like to read more by this author because her writing was interesting and it kept me to the very end. 




26 comments:

  1. I do want to read this book but I don't know if I could be patient with it. I have an aversion to characters who constantly put themselves down and Elise seems to have a penchant for this. This book has been getting some good reviews though.

    Lovely review, Shane. :)

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    1. You definitely have to prepare yourself for it, but it was an okay read (to me). You might like it.

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  2. Thanks for the review, this book has been on my wishlist for a while.

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  3. It's nice to see an opposing review on a book that's been having 5 star ratings all over the place. Glad to see you mostly enjoyed this, Shane. Great review. :)

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    1. Thanks, it wasn't 5 stars to me but it was a good read regardless.

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  4. I had thought about requesting this book back when it was up on NetGalley but I'm glad I didn't. I like when main characters have flaws and end up appreciating themselves and their life as the book goes on. But it seems like this girl already has a lot to appreciate and is just feeling sorry about herself, especially if she has friends already who care about her. I think I'll probably just pass on this. Great review!

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    1. Thanks, Christine. However, don't let my review turn you away. It could be a different experience for you.

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  5. There are a lot of mixed reviews for this book and I still haven't made up my mind about whether I want to read this book.
    Great review though :)

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  6. I have this, but I am still on the fence on reading it. I do think it sounds like it has some potential for me to enjoy it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it. :)

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  7. This is the first non-glowing review I've seen for TSWSYL, and it does make me think.
    Thanks for sharing, Shane!

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    1. Oh boy do I feel like the black sheep now lol

      Thanks, Drea :)

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  8. Uh, uh, Shane...Just 3 stars? But I thought this would be at least 4 stars read.:(
    I'm sorry that it didn't meet all your expectations.
    Great review.

    Glass @ Way Too Hot Books

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    1. I know. It was good but not great to me. I just wasn't in the right mind set I guess at the time I read it.

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  9. Glad you enjoyed this one, Shane! I plan to read it soon myself. I only skimmed your review because I never read reviews before reading the book, but I'll be back to read it more thoroughly after I read it myself. :)

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    1. I didn't really enjoy it just liked it :) but give it a go, Lisa

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  10. Vicky sounds like just the sort of friend that Elise needs. I like friends that bring you up no matter what as well. I try and surround myself with those types. I could completely understand having to set it down once in a while. When having negative thoughts pressing on you, even from a book, it can get overwhelming. I'm glad all worked out and you enjoyed it. I would have found the music inclusion fun also. Excellent review! Jaclyn @ JC's Book Haven.

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  11. I've heard so many good things about this novel, I'm sorry you didn't like it as much!
    I am looking forward to reading it though, and I agree with you that it is something that a lot of teens have to deal with, making it all the more better.
    Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts, Shane! :D

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  12. Thanks for your review Shane. I'm sorry it wasn't more impressive for you.

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  13. Glad you enjoyed but sorry it wasn't anything life altering :)

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  14. That's a shame it didn't connect with you, I loved it personally but I can see where you're coming from! Great review Shane :)

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