Friday, June 1, 2012

Take A Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg (Review)

Genre:Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Music
Publication.Date  April 1st 2012
Pages:279
Published By:  Point (Scholastic Inc)  | 
WebsiteElizabeth Eulberg 

Take A Bow - Goodreads
My review copy:Finished copy received from Scholastic Canada in exchange for an honest review
Where to get:



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. (Goodreads)



“I don't want to ruin our friendship and what we have but I cannot for another minute stand in front of you without you knowing exactly how I feel. Because I can't see past you. You are everything to me.” 
“I wouldn’t change a thing
Because all those things led me to
this place
And to you”
“We’ve been focusing so much on getting there that we haven’t been enjoying the ride”
“I look at the hundreds of algebra problems facing me in the next three days.
And here I thought I’d figured out the equation to my happiness.”





"Whoever said that people don't change was full of it. That or they never had a friend who wanted to be famous."

     Welcome to the New York City High School of Creative and Performing Arts, a place where talents thrive and dreams come true. That is, of course, if you work really hard, all the while managing not to crack under the insane pressure. Having a genuine talent for music (or any other form of art) also helps a lot, although it's not the only quality you'll need to possess in order to make a name for yourself. You'll also need persistence, confidence, and diligence. Most importantly, though, you need to believe in your dreams, keep your eyes on the goal and push through! Oh, and beware, some people will stop at nothing to become famous, even if it means hurting others in the process... 

     Extremely well written, clever, and delightful, Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg is an outstanding book. A book with a beating heart and exhilarating spirit, and one so ridiculously enjoyable it will have you totally immersed in its plot within minutes (bah! SECONDS!) from the moment you start reading. Elizabeth Eulberg deserves a standing ovation for the way she managed to write a novel from four (yup, got that right, 4!) different points of view, without ever making it confusing or awkward. In fact, she really did an excellent job on that front! All four voices are original, authentic, vibrant and compelling. Each of the characters has a story to tell (and not only Emme, Sophie, Ethan and Carter, but also the absolutely hilarious supporting characters, Ben and Jack), they're all friends (at one point or another in the story), they all have distinctive voices and unique personalities. Each one of them is a talented student, passionate about music and/or art, and they all share one common goal: going big, or going home. Their lives intertwine with each other, and Eulbeg did a magnificent job capturing the dynamics of their relationships, and how their decisions and actions affected one another. It was outrageously good. Eulberg's characters are all phenomenal to begin with. They are so real and full of life, it's almost too easy to connect with them, cheer and feel for them. You kind of feel like you've known them your whole life, and you end up living through all the little victories and heartaches with them. I think that's what I loved about this book, its ability to pull me in and get me emotionally involved. It was remarkable!

     I loved the premise, too. To be perfectly honest, I did not expect to be so fascinated by a book about a bunch of kids trying to become famous. I was sceptical. I'm not big on Glee and all the musical talent shows, I don't hate them - they just don't interest me all that much. I was prepared to lower my expectations, keep my mind open and, at the very least, try to get through this book without being disappointed. Imagine my surprise when I realized that I actually loved this book so much better than most of the paranormal or dystopian books I've read so far. It blew my mind, really. I won't even try to deny that. It was glamorous and inspirational, sparkly, charming, funny, entertaining, sweet! The chemistry between all the characters was crackling with intensity and emotions. I was amazed. Most importantly, though, this book was also quite deep and meaningful, it carried some profound messages about life, friendship, the importance of pursuing your dreams and never giving up. And, above all, being yourself and not conforming to other people's expectations. Take a Bow was all that and more. I loved how fun and entertaining it was, although the incredible complexity and depth of it is what ultimately made this book for me. 

     I strongly recommend reading this one, it's worth every penny you'll spend on it.





This review is posted as part of the Contemporary Fiction Month feature!


Click on the picture for full schedule.

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
About the Author
Evie is the Blogger behind Bookish. She enjoys reading many different genres, especially YA, Paranormal, Contemporary Fiction and Fantasy.
She loves talking to authors and is always happy to welcome them for interviews, and guest posts. She also likes spreading the love for awesome books and  chatting with fellow book-worms.
You can find Evie here: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Shelfari | The Library Thing

37 comments:

roxanne s. sukhan said...

Ever since sinking my teeth into Game of Thrones, I have become a fan of the multiple POV thing. Thanx for a great review!

Evie said...

Thanks for the comment, hon! I haven't read Game Of Thrones yet, but am definitely planning, too! Meanwhile make sure to check our Take A Bow, it's really awesome! :)

Kris @Imaginary Reads said...

This sounds like a great book. Being able to relate to the characters is important for me as a reader :) Thanks for the review!

Evie said...

Thank you for stopping by, Kris! :) I, too, love books that get you really involved in the characters' story, and this one is just like that! I'm sure that if you pick it up, you'll end up loving it to pieces!

Aleksandra said...

OMG, now I want this one right NOW!!! From your review this book has everything in it that will make me love it, so it goes not only on my wishlist, but on my must-buy list ;) Thanks for the review! Can't wait to get my hands on a copy :)

Stephanie said...

I think this one sounds really good! I am not musically inclined at all, but I think it would be really fun reading about people who are!!

Amy said...

I really enjoy multi POV books and I love music and performing arts so this sounds like a book I would really enjoy. Your review is excellent and has really convinced me that I need to read this book.

Anjelica said...

I cannot wait to read this book and I love how there is the 2 POVs!!

Evie said...

Thanks so much for stopping by, guys! I love your enthusiastic comments! :) Good luck in the giveaway!!! :D

Randi M said...

This sounds fresh and exciting! Thank you for the review! Can't wait to get a copy. :)

Anonymous said...

OMG this one sounds absolutely FABULOUS. <3 <3 I can't wait to read this one. Everything I've heard about it sounds AMAZING.

selkiereads said...

Great review! That sounds like a really good read, and i'm a sucker for multiple POVS ;)

-Ellie @ The Selkie Reads Stories

Unknown said...

I have this one on wishlist for a while now! I loved the first two books of Elizabeth Eulberg so I can't wait to get my hands on it! Great review Evie. :)

Rebecca said...

I've heard some mixed reviews but I was still interested in giving it ago but after your review which is BEAUTIFUL, I'm eager to grab a copy and get reading. Also, I've never read anything by this author and I'd love to finally remedy that, the sooner the better! :)

Veronika said...

I keep hearing awesome things about this book, but I haven't got the chance to read it yet. But I can't wait to do so :) The cover looks beautiful!

Mary Preston said...

I'm not one for music much, so TAKE A BOW would not normally interest me. I have to say though that your interview & review have piqued my interest.

SweetShenanigans said...

Wow, at first the thought of young people trying to become famous didn't interest all that much, but after reading the review, I'd like to give it try!

aliaa said...

Sounds like such an amazing book, can't wait to read it! :D

Evie said...

Thanks so much for all the lovely comments, everyone! <3

Sonia said...

Evieeeeeeeee, this sounds amazing! <3 I've always liked the idea of going to a performing arts school and almost did (I ended up choosing French over drama) so this book just sounds like totally my thing! :) I'm really glad that the different POVs never got confusing for you - with 4, I would be worried that they might. Thanks so much for the recommendation... I can't wait to read this!

Sonia

Bonnie said...

I love love love multiple POV narration - and from all 4 characters? Yes please! I'm super excited for this book, not only because it just sounds like a great story, but I love when I can completely become absorbed in the characters and that boundary between 'book characters' and 'real life people' becomes blurred. Lovely review Evie, you sold this book to me! :D

Bookish in a Box said...

I'm amazed that she manages to balance 4 different POVs without them becoming overpowering. I'm a little skeptical too (about liking a book about a bunch of kids vying for stardom), but I've liked the other books I've read by Elizabeth Eulberg and you have some wonderful praise to give for it, so I can't wait to check it out.

Hannah said...

This really does look good! I LOVED Prom and Prejudices by Elizabeth so I can't wait to get my hands on Take A Bow! Thanks for featuring it! For Sure on my summer TBR list!

Unknown said...

This book sounds fabulous. I LOVE stories with great character development and chemistry, and this one sounds like it has it all!! Those quotes at the beginning just sucked me in. To top it all off, it has a beautiful cover!I can't wait to read this one now :)

Jerz Bookish Nerd said...

wow that sounds like an awesome book. cant wait to read it!

Special Needs Mom said...

It sounds like a cool book.

Aline Tobing said...

Nice review, Evie. The book sounds cute and entertaining. Oh, and I love the cover! :)

Michelle Chew said...

I wish to be charmed by this book too! Imagine my shock when I read from your review that the book is based on 4 different POVs. Wow! The author seems to be so amazing!

Thanks for sharing! :)

Michelle

Special Needs Mom said...

Great review!

Gigi said...

Oh my! Yes, I remember the first time I saw this cover, was like love at first sight, Iknow i'm weird but for me to put a book on my TBR pile is 60% cover 40% reviews. Cover love - check- a brilliant review -check- Thank you so much Evie because you always write such amazing reviews for us.

Unknown said...

The story sounds really great. Love the story. And 4 different POVs without confusing you to read it's really great. I must read this book.

Thank you for your review.

hriju said...

First of all, Great review. Secondly, I have read Elizabeth's books and they are great. I have this book and haven't read it yet. But I will because I have heard so many good things about this book.

Farah said...

I LOVE this kind of books! But I don't know if I'll like the multiple POV thingy though. Awesome review! :D

Fara @ Tumbling In Books

Ashley said...

Great review! I'm dying to read this book. I think I'll love it because I really enjoy movies with this same kind of idea.. like Center Stage, Step Up, and so on. I think it would be awesome to read a book about a similar subject and this one sounds FAB!!

Diana_Dimovska said...

This sounds like an interesting book, would love to read it for sure! Great review, thanks for revealing this book to me! Forever grateful, Diana :D

Kelly said...

I am not a big fan of Glee either, so I was really reading the review just for a giveaway but became entranced in your review! I changed my mind and think I will pick it up!

Jaime Lester said...

I don't usually read books like this one that often, but I think this is one that I will read one day. I have heard so many times that this book is just a must-read by anybody with a heart. And I got one of those! :) A really big, emotional, cry baby of a heart. I think Take a Bow and me might be a perfect fit!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...