Thursday, March 15, 2012

Review: Take a Bow

Book: Take a Bow
Author: Elizabeth Eulberg
Series: N/A
Release Date: April 1, 2012
Publisher: Point
Pages: 278
Source: publisher (Thank you so much, Scholastic Canada!!)
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | The Book Depository
Stars: 5/5
From the fantastic author of The Lonely Hearts Club and Prom & Prejudice comes a story of all the drama and comedy of four friends who grow into themselves at a performing arts high school. 

Emme, Sophie, Ethan, and Carter are seniors at a performing arts school, getting ready for their Senior Showcase recital, where the pressure is on to appeal to colleges, dance academies, and professionals in show business. For Sophie, a singer, it's been great to be friends with Emme, who composes songs for her, and to date Carter, soap opera heartthrob who gets plenty of press coverage. Emme and Ethan have been in a band together through all four years of school, but wonder if they could be more than just friends and bandmates. Carter has been acting since he was a baby, and isn't sure how to admit that he'd rather paint than perform.

The Senior Showcase is going to make or break each of the four, in a funny, touching, spectacular finale that only Elizabeth Eulberg could perform.
(summary taken from Goodreads
MY THOUGHTS: 

You know those books that are so adorable, so sweet, so subtly inspiring that they make you want to hug the author and all of the people involved in publishing them? Take a Bow is one of those books!

My first thought after reading this was that I wanted to become a singer which is completely untrue because I'm a writer-girl, and singing and I don't go together unless it involves broken windows. But Elizabeth Eulberg wrote this novel in a way that made me want to jump in and follow these four teenagers on their aspiring path to stardom.

Take a Bow is told through four alternating perspectives, which I originally thought would be confusing, but it works for this book! The four teens are so different, both in personalities and aspirations, but their stories are weaved together perfectly. Each of them are real and imperfect and relatable. I was surprised by how quickly I became attached to all of them, and how invested I became in rooting for them to reach their dreams.

The plot is so well-paced that you will undoubtedly finish this book in one sitting. And the music aspect was brilliant. Even if you can't really hear the music, you'll feel like you're soaking up in the melody anyways because of the flawless way the author described it.

Beautifully written and full of heart, Take a Bow is a book that will bring a smile to your face and make you want to pursue your craziest dream. I'd recommend it to all wholeheartedly!

BUY or BORROW?: This book is made for those days when you just want to read something that's sweet and awesome and smile-worthy. That makes it buy-worthy, in my opinion!

-Mimi

P.S. I usually don't include quotes in my reviews, but I just wanted to give you a taste of the awesomeness I'm trying to explain. Here's one from Carter's point of view!

"My diet has been a serious topic lately since the producers feel the need for my character to appear shirtless. A lot. Because most seventeen-year-old guys hang out at home in khakis and nothing else. In one scene, I take off my shirt before I open up a book. I don't get it, but apparently the viewers like it. It's beyond embarrassing."
~Carter, page 54 in the ARC
See what I mean? ;)

35 comments:

  1. Oh Mimi <3 You make every book look so perfect <3 <3 Amazing review, you made me fall in love with it too :) <3 <3

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  2. Great review Mimi! I've been wondering about this one and I just might have to check it out. I love books where there is music that you can practically hear coming from the pages - it gets me every time. And Carter sounds awesome!

    Thank you for sharing Mimi! <3<3<3

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  3. Amazingly beautiful review, Mimi! This book seems like one I'd love to read when I'm in the mood for something light and adorable! The cover is really pretty, love the lights! I think it would be even more amazing if four of them are starred in the cover anyway. x)

    I didn't think that I would pick this book, but this one sounds really cute! <3 I know your feeling perfectly well, Mimi! Sometimes when I read a book about music, I feel an urge to play an instrument or sing too! It's too bad that I wasn't born a virtuoso. xD

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  4. Oh, this one sounds right up my alley. I will add it to my wish list. Great review!

    The cover reminds me of the movie Country Strong.

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  5. Sounds like a real feel good type of book. And I actually usually love books that have alternating perspectives. Gives me something to look forward to because as soon as one perspective heats up, it switched to another until your anxious to know everybody's story. This sounds very well done and interesting. I'll have to keep it in mind when I'm in the mood something fun and inspiring.

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  6. I've seen this book floating around. Sounds cool. Great review.

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  7. This books sounds SO cute! I love the quote you used!

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  8. I am dying to read this book: I love the Eulberg books I've read, I am a sucker for performing arts YA stories, and hilarious contemps are my favorite genre!

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  9. I just finished and LOVED this one Mimi!!!! I was originally worried that the 4 alternating POVs would be a bit much in such a short book as well, but I thought they were all fantastic and I couldn't have loved Ethan and Emme anymore if I'd tried:) It was also a surprisingly emotional read for me, I wasn't expecting to get quite as invested in it as I did! And I loved almost all the quotes from Carter, he was hilarious:)

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  10. OMG. You know those GIRLS that are so adorable, so sweet, so subtly inspiring that they make you want to hug them? You're one of those!!!!

    Fan-flipping-TASTIC review, Mimi! You are such a doll, I swear. <333333 I'm a sucker for sweet music stories, just like I'm a sucker for guys who can make me smile like Carter! That hilarious quote is only one more reason why I want to read this book so bad -- numero uno is your review! I've just added it to my April purchase list! (:

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  11. "and singing and I don't go together unless it involves broken windows."

    LOL! Same here, Mimi. I love to sing even though I should be ban from even attempting it. My dog keeps me in check because he howls along when I get too loud and annoying. :)

    So, another book I hadn't heard of before, but need to check out! I love that little scene from Carter's POV. Of course all hot guys hang out shirtless at the time. Who needs a shirt when you're hot?

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  12. There you go again, Mimi! Adding more books to my overflowing TBR pile. ;) Awesome review! I don't think I have even heard of this book before, but it sounds really amazing. I'm glad you enjoyed it! That quote at the end makes me want to read the whole book ASAP. I have to check this out! :)

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  13. I love when you get all excited about a book, Mimi! I can practically see the rivers of love flowing out of you and we can't help but get swept away by it, too. :) Sounds like an adorable book, I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

    Also, there seems to be a lot of books with music as a central theme in them lately, doesn't it? It's better than the dystopian-lite trend for sure.

    Wendy @ The Midnight Garden

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  14. Haha, everyone knows that reading shirtless is the best thing ever. :D Especially if it's a cute guy doing it and I get to watch.
    This wasn't even on my radar, honey! You always find the best ones, and you're so enthusiastic about them that it's downright contagious. I love how detailed and emotonally involved you get!
    There are more and more days when I just need something smile-worthy too. :)
    <3

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  15. Hey shirtless guys in khakis reading books are sexy! Mimi you are going to make us all broke! I love your happy, bubbly reviews. This sounds like a great pick me up book for a dreary winter day. I will add it to the pile.

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  16. Thank you so much for the review. I was debating whether or not to put this on my tbr - now I will!

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  17. What a wonderful and lovely review!!! *sigh* This book definitely sounds like something I might enjoy.. Sometimes I just need a cute and light story and it sounds like this would be perfect for this:)) Thank you, adding it to my list!

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  18. wow sounds nice. It's great to read something like that from time to time. I don't think I've ever read a book about a plot like that, it must be quite cute. I"m glad you understood the main character like that. Awesome review! thanks because I didn't know this one.

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  19. This sounds pretty awesome I should check it out. She was blurbed by Stephenie Meyer on her debut if I'm not mistaken (maybe she was even Meyer's agent? I don't remember). Anyway, will look into it.
    Also, about Wander Dust, if you don't get the TDB you might want to opt for the ebook... super cheap on amazon!

    Nice review!
    Lisa O. @ The Nocturnal Library

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  20. Hahaha well I didn' think it was possible for you to be bad at anything, but even so, awesome that this novel inspires you to go do something you're absolutely terrible at! :D Miss Eulberg, that's talent. WAIT. ELIZABETH EULBERG. I didn't know this book was written by her! I adored her two previous novels... okay, couple that with your amazing review and I've totally got to read this now!

    LOL at the Carter quote!! Um, I think it should be a requirement for every boy to have to take off their shirt before opening a book :D I'm not sure what I'd want to jump more... the book or the boy hehe.

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  21. sounds like a really good read i def need to check it out

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  22. I wasn't planning on reading this book but you totally convinced me otherwise. It sounds so awesome! I've recently discovered YA books that have art in them and loved them (like Graffiti Moon, Wanderlove) but now I'm really thinking in giving this one a chance, which is music -- another kind of art!

    And following them through the path of achieving their dreams? I don't think I'll be able to resist...

    Very nice review, Mimi ♥

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  23. Aww, great review Mimi! I can definitely tell you liked it and it does sound awesome (as well as totally feel-good!) I hadn't heard of this before, but now I'm totally checking it out. It sounds perfect for those I-need-to-smile days! Love the quote too, lol.

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  24. Oh my God @ the quote, haha! Awesome review, as usual ;) I usually don't enjoy different perspective books, but it's great that you thought it worked, because I honestly hate nothing more than a super confusing book. If character were so distinguished, then that's definitely something applaud-worthy because it doesn't happen too often, in my opinion :/

    This will be added to my TBR list, you've completely convinced me! :)
    Vivian @ Vivaciously, Vivian

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  25. Awwww! Okay... you totally talked me into it chick!! I wasn't thinking I was going to read this one, but OKAY! ;)

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  26. I'm really happy to hear that the multiple POV works for this one, for you, Mimi! Sometimes that's a real turn-off in a book for me; however, I love a dual narrative when it's done well. And aww, calling the book "smile-worthy" makes me happy! I must admit, I've been curious about this one. Thanks for the great review - now I know I need to make time to check it out once it's published.

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  27. I loooove "subtly inspiring" books. They make me feel like I can do anything, even when it doesn't apply to the moment necessarily. Still, I like the idea of relatable characters, so I'm definitely going to try this one.

    Asher

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  28. WOW, Mimi! I've been seeing this book around blogs and I have never been quite interested to read it but your AMAZING review makes me want to read this a lot!!! If Mimi tells you to buy it, then you better buy it!

    AWESOME REVIEW, Mimi! *takes a bow to the lovely Mimi* ;) <3

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  29. Looks like a very interesting book!
    I can't wait for the book to be released!

    New follower!
    Loving your blog! :)

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  30. Haha I love the quote! And this actually sounds pretty good I'm also a fan of books wiht alternating POVs I find I can relate more to the characters and see the whole story. Great review Mimi darling!!

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  31. Haha, broken windows? LOL, oh Mimi <3 WHATEVER. I bet you're actually like this amazing, talented singer ;) I have a hard time imagining that you're bad at anything.

    And awww, I already have a smile on my face! That could be just you of course (<3) but I did seriously love The Lonely Hearts Club by the same author and I can already see how fabulous this book will be! I seriously can't wait to read it.

    OH CARTER. Silly boy. Don't you realize how borderline insane most of your (female) viewers/readers are? Obviously you have to be shirtless at ALL POSSIBLE MOMENTS. It's for full... dramatic... effect....

    Great review! :)

    Sonia

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  32. Oh my goodness, TWO 5 star reviews for this book IN ONE DAY?! Looks like this one is a KEEPER<3 Eeeee! I'm so excited to read this now <333 Hopefully it'll be released here in Australia, SINCE I'M DESPERATE FOR THIS BOOK NOW! Hahahaa don't worry, you're not the only one whose only encounter with singing involves broken windows :S (But I'm certain you're a MUCH better singer than me! I literally cannot sing to save my life...) BUT that doesn't mean I don't LIKE singing <3 Maybe after reading this, I'll actually join a choir/singing class to improve my vocals <3 LOL Anyway, seriously FANTASTIC review, Mim!! I'm SOOO GLAD you LOVED this <3

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  33. I wanted to read this book before I read your review so imagine how much more I want to read it now! It's exactly what I'm looking for these days. Great review. ;)

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  34. I love books with music in them! Fantastic review and excerpt!

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