Author: Leila Sales
Published: September 17th, 2013
Series: N/A
Genre: YA contemporary
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux BYR
POV: 1st person, past tense
Pages: 288
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher / Publicist
Rating: The Royal Library, Middle Shelf
"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, Leila Sales' THIS SONG WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE is an exuberant novel about identity, friendship, and the power of music to bring people together."
Elise Dembowski is that girl – the girl that doesn't fit in no matter how hard she tries, who exists along the outskirts of her high school hierarchy, the girl others notice only when they're harassing her, and the girl who is completely and utterly lost in her own life. I don't know about you, but when I younger, I was sometimes that girl. So, it was easy for me to sink into this story and let Elise's words and newly discovered musical life wash over me. From high school annoyances to DJing in the hottest underground club in the world1, you'll likely find yourself up late at night, still reading THIS SONG WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE, and loving every second of it. This was my first Leila Sales novel, and it definitely will not be my last.
Highlights: Sales brings Elise Dembowski to life and makes her a genuine protagonist that readers will love to root for. This story is about more than suicide2 – it's about family, friendship, music, dancing like a total fool, finding yourself, and figuring out your place in life. Characters were a definite highlight, especially Vicky and Mel. The DJ aspect was very cool, and Elise's song preferences gave me more music to check out. I enjoyed how the romance aspect didn't pretend to be more than it actually was - there's attraction, but not love.
Lowlights: It's hard to say what kept me from falling head-over-heels for this book. Maybe her parents lack of attention? I mean, really. She's sneaking out every Thursday night and NOBODY notices?
Rating: The Royal Library, Middle Shelf. THIS SONG WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE is fantastic, worth owning, and has earned a spot in the royal library. I enjoyed this story very much, and would recommend this book to other readers.
1 Unless you're Pippa, in which case, Start is not the hottest underground nightclub in the world. Also, why can't my city have the hottest underground nightclub?! I want to dance! *sighs*
2 The suicide aspect of this story is very small, actually.
I've heard really good things about this book from other book bloggers and I'm glad to find out that you liked it too. I love that music plays such an important part. It really can help when you are a struggling teen. I will definitely be checking this book out when we get it at the library. Thanks for your review!
ReplyDeleteI was a bit skeptical going into this book, but it really surprised me with how relatable it is. Elise is a fantastic, realistic protagonist, and the music aspect was great!
DeleteHope you get a chance to check it out :)
I absolutely loved this book, and I'm so glad to hear that it resonated for you, as well, Lea. Elise was such a tangible character, and this book was so much more than I'd anticipated!
ReplyDeleteThis book was definitely more than expected - I'm going to have to check out the author's other novels and see if they are as amazing as TSWSYL!
DeleteI can't wait to read this one! I've read and loved her other books, but this story sounds even more intriguing. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that you loved her other books! I'm excited to check them out.
DeleteHope you enjoy TSWSYL! :)
Sounds powerful except for the uninvolved parents
ReplyDeleteThey're not totally uninvolved - it just takes them a long time to realize that she's sneaking out at night.
DeleteEven though I did love this book, I wondered about her wandering around town in the middle of the night as much as she did. How does no one notice?!?
ReplyDeleteHa! I know, right? My parents would have noticed if I was sneaking out of the house that much. Maybe Elise is a sneaky-silent ninja, though.
DeleteI almost requested this from NetGalley awhile back and for some reason, just didn't. I wish I had now! It sounds like a really good, deep novel with lots of character growth, which I love. Great review!
ReplyDeleteAt least you can always (hopefully) get it from the library! It's definitely worth reading :)
DeleteHmm. This really sounds like something I would like, because honestly? I may have never went to high school, but I don't fit in with teenagers my age. So we would probably get along just fine. ;) Awesome review, darlin'!
ReplyDeleteThis book is great for anyone who has ever been an outcast. Elise is a fantastic MC :)
DeleteI adored this book-high school me could have used it but at least I got to read it now!
ReplyDeleteAgreed! I would have loved to have this book in high school.
Delete<3 I loved this book. It was awesome. I'm glad you mostly liked it too :D Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts. <3
ReplyDeleteYay! Glad you loved this one :)
DeleteI've heard loads of good things about this. Thanks for your review - I'm looking forward to reading this. :)
ReplyDeleteMy goodness... I love your rating system. I recently finished this book and hope to be working on my review tonight.
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