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3.57 AVERAGE
3.57 AVERAGE
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
There is no doubt that Amplified makes you feel like a rock star when you're done. I love the struggles, the music, the parties, the boys, and everything wrapped up in this musical story.
We start off with Jasmine Kiss, who is from Woodside, an indicator that she comes from money. After telling her father she deferred Standford and doesn't want to do the college thing, she leaves and goes to Santa Cruz to pursue her dream of playing music. She realized life isn't as easy as she'd though it'd be. When she meets Veta and Sean... siblings in the band C-side things start to look up for her. But, she'll have to literally amp herself up to survive the life she wants.
I loved this book so, so much. If you don't know, I'm in love with music. It's what gets me through most days to be honest and I can't seem to do one thing without it. I always have it on in the background, I play it in between classes, I fall asleep to it. Music says so much that words and feelings can't sometimes. That being said, the whole music aspect of the story made me connect with it that much more. And hello.... Jasmine's ringtone is Placebo - Meds?!?! I am in love with that song.
All the characters in this book are so well developed too. None of them are perfect, they all have flaws and problems. Jasmine is trying her hardest to fulfill her dream yet in the background, she deals with extreme family issues. She's a very inspiring protagonists that I think many readers will relate to. I also, love all the band members: Veta, Bryn, and Felix. Veta is the hardcore best friend, Bryn has issues of his own to deal with while trying to be the band leader, and Felix is the comic relief. They all mesh together so well. There are also shall we say "others" that weave this story. One in particular... Amy. To me, she's the type of person that girls hate and guys just want to get with. She's spoiled and rude, and I wanted to kick her multiple times :).
And oh yes, I'm forgetting someone..... Sean. Sean is something else. Three main things hit my brain when I think of him: Smells like gasoline, has green eyes, and plays in a band. Each of those things drive me in INSANE. Uhhh perfection! I really enjoyed watching his and Jasmine's relation grow. It's not perfect, and it's not meant to be... that's what makes it so real.
To be honest, the ending of this story left me wanting so much more. But, with that being said I understand why it ended the way it did, and it ended perfectly for the story. There are so many ups and down and emotions throughout Amplified, and I wouldn't have had it any other way. A completely moving story.
We start off with Jasmine Kiss, who is from Woodside, an indicator that she comes from money. After telling her father she deferred Standford and doesn't want to do the college thing, she leaves and goes to Santa Cruz to pursue her dream of playing music. She realized life isn't as easy as she'd though it'd be. When she meets Veta and Sean... siblings in the band C-side things start to look up for her. But, she'll have to literally amp herself up to survive the life she wants.
I loved this book so, so much. If you don't know, I'm in love with music. It's what gets me through most days to be honest and I can't seem to do one thing without it. I always have it on in the background, I play it in between classes, I fall asleep to it. Music says so much that words and feelings can't sometimes. That being said, the whole music aspect of the story made me connect with it that much more. And hello.... Jasmine's ringtone is Placebo - Meds?!?! I am in love with that song.
All the characters in this book are so well developed too. None of them are perfect, they all have flaws and problems. Jasmine is trying her hardest to fulfill her dream yet in the background, she deals with extreme family issues. She's a very inspiring protagonists that I think many readers will relate to. I also, love all the band members: Veta, Bryn, and Felix. Veta is the hardcore best friend, Bryn has issues of his own to deal with while trying to be the band leader, and Felix is the comic relief. They all mesh together so well. There are also shall we say "others" that weave this story. One in particular... Amy. To me, she's the type of person that girls hate and guys just want to get with. She's spoiled and rude, and I wanted to kick her multiple times :).
And oh yes, I'm forgetting someone..... Sean. Sean is something else. Three main things hit my brain when I think of him: Smells like gasoline, has green eyes, and plays in a band. Each of those things drive me in INSANE. Uhhh perfection! I really enjoyed watching his and Jasmine's relation grow. It's not perfect, and it's not meant to be... that's what makes it so real.
To be honest, the ending of this story left me wanting so much more. But, with that being said I understand why it ended the way it did, and it ended perfectly for the story. There are so many ups and down and emotions throughout Amplified, and I wouldn't have had it any other way. A completely moving story.
This is the story of 17 year old Jasmine and her struggle to not only follow her dreams of playing guitar in a real band but of finding out who she really is apart from her controlling father. She'll find the band but will she be able to convince them she has what it takes? Will she be able to convince herself?
Jasmine quickly discovers the life of a true musician is a complicated one, especially when there are egos, reputations and even hearts to protect. If she can keep her focus on her dream and not let her own heart get distracted by a certain bass player she just might make her dreams come true and prove something to both herself and her father.
Being a music lover myself, I enjoyed how author, Tara Kelly gives the reader a backstage pass into the music world and we get to see the good, the bad, and the mundane. Being able to experience the performance through the eyes of the characters whether it's hearing the roar of the crowd, feeling the guitar strings slide beneath your fingers or the dizzying high after a great show, Kelly's words put you right there. She gives us a lesson in the technical side of band life too and had me asking myself, "Diezel?" Wait, isn't that a type of gas or the name of some dude who drives cars in action movies?" We're also given a glimpse into the disappointment of the music dream as what was "supposed to be" doesn't always equal "how it really is" as is evident when Jasmine has her meeting with Nile.
Kelly's cast of characters are all full of raw emotion, giving them a real, authentic feel. Jasmine is full of life and determination and doesn't give up easy. When she bombs at her first live show, you feel all the pain, frustration and humiliation right along with her. When she's trying to navigate her feelings for Sean, you get caught up in the emotion of falling hard for a cute boy for the very first time. Each time she deals with her father, your heart breaks a little more for both of them but mostly for what he's missing out on.
Veta is a mix of nonconformity and immaturity. (Like a lot of teens) While she is fiercely protective of those she loves and loyal to her friends, she also doesn't hesitate to retaliate against those she feels have wronged her. (veggie smoothie anyone?) Felix is a colorful character (literally) with his blue pigtails and pink tutus but he has the biggest heart of all of them and then there's Sean. (insert swoonish *sigh*) At first glance, Sean appears to be the typical rocker boy with the all black clothes, funky hair, tats, piercings and 'tude, LOTS of 'tude but once he begins to let his guard down we see there's more to him than meets those amazing green eyes. (not focusing on the abs, not focusing on the abs...) He's thoughtful, caring, and also happens to be crazy smart! (There's nothing hotter than a cute boy with a brain.)
Most of these characters tend to live in the moment, not necessarily focusing on the consequences of their actions. This isn't out of the norm for the average teen and certainly doesn't seem abnormal for band life either, however, there are extremes in every situation. Jasmine's father imposing so many rules suffocates her but the life that Nile describes leaves very little accountability or boundaries whatsoever. Zia, leader singer for "Luna's Temptation" attempts to give Jasmine advice about the industry telling her, "This business will devour you like an afternoon snack," she said, "If you're not ready for the fight of your life...run." "Run like hell." (page 280) With the odds stacked against her, now more than ever, Jasmine must decide whether to stay and fight for what she wants or pack up and go back to Daddy and the life he wants for her.
It's never easy to follow your dreams but as Jasmine discovers, sometimes following your dreams is the only way to really find the your way home.
Jasmine quickly discovers the life of a true musician is a complicated one, especially when there are egos, reputations and even hearts to protect. If she can keep her focus on her dream and not let her own heart get distracted by a certain bass player she just might make her dreams come true and prove something to both herself and her father.
Being a music lover myself, I enjoyed how author, Tara Kelly gives the reader a backstage pass into the music world and we get to see the good, the bad, and the mundane. Being able to experience the performance through the eyes of the characters whether it's hearing the roar of the crowd, feeling the guitar strings slide beneath your fingers or the dizzying high after a great show, Kelly's words put you right there. She gives us a lesson in the technical side of band life too and had me asking myself, "Diezel?" Wait, isn't that a type of gas or the name of some dude who drives cars in action movies?" We're also given a glimpse into the disappointment of the music dream as what was "supposed to be" doesn't always equal "how it really is" as is evident when Jasmine has her meeting with Nile.
Kelly's cast of characters are all full of raw emotion, giving them a real, authentic feel. Jasmine is full of life and determination and doesn't give up easy. When she bombs at her first live show, you feel all the pain, frustration and humiliation right along with her. When she's trying to navigate her feelings for Sean, you get caught up in the emotion of falling hard for a cute boy for the very first time. Each time she deals with her father, your heart breaks a little more for both of them but mostly for what he's missing out on.
Veta is a mix of nonconformity and immaturity. (Like a lot of teens) While she is fiercely protective of those she loves and loyal to her friends, she also doesn't hesitate to retaliate against those she feels have wronged her. (veggie smoothie anyone?) Felix is a colorful character (literally) with his blue pigtails and pink tutus but he has the biggest heart of all of them and then there's Sean. (insert swoonish *sigh*) At first glance, Sean appears to be the typical rocker boy with the all black clothes, funky hair, tats, piercings and 'tude, LOTS of 'tude but once he begins to let his guard down we see there's more to him than meets those amazing green eyes. (not focusing on the abs, not focusing on the abs...) He's thoughtful, caring, and also happens to be crazy smart! (There's nothing hotter than a cute boy with a brain.)
Most of these characters tend to live in the moment, not necessarily focusing on the consequences of their actions. This isn't out of the norm for the average teen and certainly doesn't seem abnormal for band life either, however, there are extremes in every situation. Jasmine's father imposing so many rules suffocates her but the life that Nile describes leaves very little accountability or boundaries whatsoever. Zia, leader singer for "Luna's Temptation" attempts to give Jasmine advice about the industry telling her, "This business will devour you like an afternoon snack," she said, "If you're not ready for the fight of your life...run." "Run like hell." (page 280) With the odds stacked against her, now more than ever, Jasmine must decide whether to stay and fight for what she wants or pack up and go back to Daddy and the life he wants for her.
It's never easy to follow your dreams but as Jasmine discovers, sometimes following your dreams is the only way to really find the your way home.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The story is pretty foreseeable but the characters are well-written and charming. A nice light-hearted read with lots of musical/guitar-focused bits in it.
Great, funny story :) It was really realistic and that's what I love the most about Amplified.
No truer words
other than
that I freaking loved this book.
other than
that I freaking loved this book.
The book was enjoyable, definitely. Lots of humor, characters who were very human and made very human mistakes. Lots of personality and a bit of back story for each of them, though I wish there had been a bit more about Felix and Jason, who were both great and funny characters.
The issue Jasmine had with her dad was interesting and believable, but I wish it had been resolved more than they way it was at the end. They were taking baby steps when the book ended, which is fair I suppose.
Jasmine and Sean. One of my favorite parts of the book. Their relationship was great and realistic and flawed and just so nice.
Veta and Jasmine's friendship was perfect too. Very cool and cute :)
All in all, a 4.6/5
The issue Jasmine had with her dad was interesting and believable, but I wish it had been resolved more than they way it was at the end. They were taking baby steps when the book ended, which is fair I suppose.
Jasmine and Sean. One of my favorite parts of the book. Their relationship was great and realistic and flawed and just so nice.
Veta and Jasmine's friendship was perfect too. Very cool and cute :)
All in all, a 4.6/5
Rating: 3.75/5
AMPLIFIED was funny, sexy, full of music references, and would make a terrific movie!
Jasmine Kiss has a lot of nicknames: Cornflake Girl, little princess, high school band geek, but she is sick and tired of being labeled, of her father trying to control her life, pushing her over and over, constantly comparing to her mother… she wants her own life, to play on her guitar and make music, be part of a band. So she runs away from her home and lands on Santa Cruz with a broken car, her small savings and her guitar and a Diezel amp. She has to face now a whole packet of new problems: finding a nice room to rent, a job to pay for her car repairs and to convince the three guys’ owners of the house and members of the band “C-side” that she’ll make it worth their while. She must accomplish all of this and not count on the cute bassist for support because he seriously doubts she’s as good as she claims she is, and the worst of all he’s partly right because she has a major case of stage fright.
For a guitar-obsessed (such as myself) a book about a chick guitarist is not a chance I can bypass, however it was jam-packed with technical details that would probably confuse some readers who are not familiar with the terms. Even I, as advanced as I like to think I am, was a little sidetracked trying to imagine what it would sound like, how would the melody flow, the lyrics, hearing the beat in my head… and that distracted me from the reading and focusing, instead, on the actual story. One good thing though, I couldn’t resist to try out some notes and I found myself returning to my practices again :D
The chemistry between the band’s members was incredible; they were very different one from another but their fusion created some sparks. Each one had a unique relationship with Jasmine and they all helped her getting out of her shell and evolving into a guitar goddess and overcome her stage-fright. However the most important relationship wasn’t very well explored: her father. Their fight is what started it all and although they had a few calls and she kept thinking about him, it wasn’t satisfying for me.
I felt a little frustrated at the end, it was open and I hate open endings, I, however, changed my mind when I saw that there will be a second book! So Tara Kelly I’m waiting for more of Felix and C-side and… Sean.
AMPLIFIED was funny, sexy, full of music references, and would make a terrific movie!
Jasmine Kiss has a lot of nicknames: Cornflake Girl, little princess, high school band geek, but she is sick and tired of being labeled, of her father trying to control her life, pushing her over and over, constantly comparing to her mother… she wants her own life, to play on her guitar and make music, be part of a band. So she runs away from her home and lands on Santa Cruz with a broken car, her small savings and her guitar and a Diezel amp. She has to face now a whole packet of new problems: finding a nice room to rent, a job to pay for her car repairs and to convince the three guys’ owners of the house and members of the band “C-side” that she’ll make it worth their while. She must accomplish all of this and not count on the cute bassist for support because he seriously doubts she’s as good as she claims she is, and the worst of all he’s partly right because she has a major case of stage fright.
For a guitar-obsessed (such as myself) a book about a chick guitarist is not a chance I can bypass, however it was jam-packed with technical details that would probably confuse some readers who are not familiar with the terms. Even I, as advanced as I like to think I am, was a little sidetracked trying to imagine what it would sound like, how would the melody flow, the lyrics, hearing the beat in my head… and that distracted me from the reading and focusing, instead, on the actual story. One good thing though, I couldn’t resist to try out some notes and I found myself returning to my practices again :D
The chemistry between the band’s members was incredible; they were very different one from another but their fusion created some sparks. Each one had a unique relationship with Jasmine and they all helped her getting out of her shell and evolving into a guitar goddess and overcome her stage-fright. However the most important relationship wasn’t very well explored: her father. Their fight is what started it all and although they had a few calls and she kept thinking about him, it wasn’t satisfying for me.
I felt a little frustrated at the end, it was open and I hate open endings, I, however, changed my mind when I saw that there will be a second book! So Tara Kelly I’m waiting for more of Felix and C-side and… Sean.