By Sara Zarr
Genre YA Contemporary
Pages 309
Recommended by I'll read anything by Sara
First Sentence "Try harder, Lucy."
Synopsis
Lucy used to play the piano. Not just play but perform, compete. She used to. After the death of her grandmother and the constant pressure from her family she gave it up completely. Now, watching her brother go through what she did with a teacher that has some real passion, Lucy thinks maybe she wants to play again.
What it has going for it
It's a Sara Zarr book. I can't turn down anything the woman writes. Even though I saw a few negative reviews I still has to read it. And...well, it wasn't that impressive. Don't get me wrong, it was OK. I love a book where the main character grows up and learns something about themselves and the world. Love watching their decisions and choices change those around them, as well. This one lacked some of the passion and deep thought provoking moments that Zarr's other books possess in my opinion but all in all it still had me reading and not wanting to put it down.
What's lacking
Well, I sort of told you. It lacked the depth and angst and rawness of Zarr's other books. Lucy bothered me. It's hard to respect a girl that desires praise of adults so much that she goes looking for it in older men. Speaking of older men...The teacher. Yuck! The man drove me nuts. And not his crazy ass obsession for the spotlight and praise but his instant inappropriate actions with Lucy. Yeah, just not my favorite Zarr book.
Favorite moment
I liked all the moments...even the bad ones, with Lucy and her brother Gus. I just liked their relationship.
Yea or Nay?
If you're a fan of Zarr then yes, of course read it. I'd love to hear what you all thought.
I struggle with Sara Zarr
ReplyDeleteReally? Sad. I like most of hers. This one was blah though.
DeleteI love Sara Zarr's books (her latest, Roomies, is so good!) but I didn't care for this one at all. The teacher was so gross. And her parents and grandpa were kind of awful too :(
ReplyDeleteI haven't lost faith in Sara Zarr and I can't wait to read Roomies!
DeleteI really enjoy Sara Zarr's books but I don't know how I'm going to go with this one. Inappropriate teachers really give me the creeps.
ReplyDeleteYeah, Lan I Dint think this one will do it for you. It was ok though.
DeleteI'm finding that Zarr is kind of hit and miss for me. I adored HOW TO SAVE A LIFE, but wasn't too hip on STORY OF A GIRL. ROOMIES sounds really good, but this one really doesn't, so I think I'll go ahead and skip it.
ReplyDeleteRoomies is one I'll definitely not skip... oh who am I kidding? I'll never skip a Sara Zarr book.
DeleteI've only read Story of a Girl, but I thought it was a very well done story. Honest and realistic. This one might not be something I'd enjoy, but I really should read another one of her books. :)
ReplyDeleteYou should. Once Was Lost is my favorite. Most people's favorite in fact.
DeleteI haven't read anything by Sara yet, but thanks for the heads up! When I do get around to reading her, will definitely start with one of her older titles, not this one.
ReplyDeleteYeah you could probably skip this one. You should read one though. I loved Once Was Lost the best.
DeleteYeah, this one was just kinda different. The music stuff was fun though. I too look forward to Roomies.
ReplyDeleteI've not yet read anything by Sara Zarr, though I usually hear good things. Sorry this was a bit disappointing! It probably won't be the one I read first. I think I have Roomies lying around somewhere, so might start with that. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, I haven't read anything by Sara Zarr yet, but perhaps I'll start with something else like How to Save A Life. I play the piano as well, so maybe I'll enjoy The Lucy Variations anyway! ;)
ReplyDeleteBummer :( I love Sara Zarr books, but think I'll skip this one.
ReplyDelete