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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
lighthearted
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
After being in a reading slump for while, I am so glad I picked up this one for my first read of 2024. From the lovable characters to the deeper topics of mental health, grief, and family dynamics, Tashie does an amazing job of drawing you in and captivating you with her storytelling. Once I picked up the book, I did not want to put it down. If you enjoy tropes like friends to lovers and found family, or if you’ve enjoyed shows like Julie and the Phantoms, I think you’d love this book.
I've absolutely flown through Tashie Bhuiyan's previous books, and this was definitely a slower one. But it's also my favourite in a lot of ways. It took me a little while to get into it, but once I did, I felt for Liana so much, and I loved reading about her, the band, and all the music references.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was adorable and endearing with just the right amount of tension and drama.
Liana Sarkar is all about music. But ever since her mother’s passing, all she has tried to do is make her father notice her. When she finally does something to catch his attention, she’s horrified to find out that she’s accidentally sabotaged a local band in the process. She makes it her mission to help them get back on track—without the band (or her father) finding out. But as she gets closer to Third Eye (and especially their leader Skyler Moon), she finds it increasingly harder to lie to them about what she did.
For anyone who finds an escape in music, this book hits all the right notes. Bhuiyan's love of music shines through in Liana who has a playlist for every occasion (even “just vibes” which is a vibe in and of itself). This book feels like a warm hug wrapped in a book with strands of music keeping it all together.
One of my favorite aspects was the portrayal of Liana’s depression and anxiety. Bhuiyan does not shy away from it and, in fact, leans strongly into it, even going so far as to have frank discussions about finding a therapist. In addition to those tough topics, there is also portrayal of grief so accurate that I felt myself clutching my chest in remembrance of the grief that I still manage daily. Bhuiyan finds a way to balance the tough stuff with lighthearted moments that tug at the heartstrings.
Speaking of the heartstrings, the found family is absolutely everything. The way that these people truly love and support each other unconditionally is inspirational. Everyone deserves to have the dynamic that Third Eye has with each other (and eventually Liana and Evie as well). It made me want to crawl into the pages of the book just so that I could be a part of group.
And hello Ethan Mitchell, the ultimate golden retriever cinnamon roll. Every member of the found family would lay down their life for him—and so would I. HE MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS!
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book for free and have voluntarily written this review.
For anyone who finds an escape in music, this book hits all the right notes. Bhuiyan's love of music shines through in Liana who has a playlist for every occasion (even “just vibes” which is a vibe in and of itself). This book feels like a warm hug wrapped in a book with strands of music keeping it all together.
One of my favorite aspects was the portrayal of Liana’s depression and anxiety. Bhuiyan does not shy away from it and, in fact, leans strongly into it, even going so far as to have frank discussions about finding a therapist. In addition to those tough topics, there is also portrayal of grief so accurate that I felt myself clutching my chest in remembrance of the grief that I still manage daily. Bhuiyan finds a way to balance the tough stuff with lighthearted moments that tug at the heartstrings.
Speaking of the heartstrings, the found family is absolutely everything. The way that these people truly love and support each other unconditionally is inspirational. Everyone deserves to have the dynamic that Third Eye has with each other (and eventually Liana and Evie as well). It made me want to crawl into the pages of the book just so that I could be a part of group.
And hello Ethan Mitchell, the ultimate golden retriever cinnamon roll. Every member of the found family would lay down their life for him—and so would I. HE MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS!
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book for free and have voluntarily written this review.
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Mental illness
Moderate: Death of parent, Toxic friendship
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts
Thank you so much to Lonely Pages Book Tours, Tashie Bhuiyan & Inkyard Press for having me on a book tour!!
This book will be published on January 2nd.
“Who isn’t chronically online these days?”
If you have not read Tashie’s YA books, what are you waiting for!! I have said this before and I will say it again, Tashie has such a way of writing the teenage voice. And specifically with this book, this is perfect for Gen Z. It has the lingo, the music and just I feel would be relatable
I love this book for so many reasons. Even though I am 36 years old, there is nothing in this book that I couldn’t relate to (okay maybe the romance part of it but that aside). Don’t let this beautiful cover fool you, this book has a lot of deeper topics inside.
My heart broke for Liana as her relationship with her dad was so hard to read. I just wanted to reach and give her a hug. Sometimes I forgot how young Liana is because she just seemed so wise even with her predicament she was put in. I honestly wanted to scream at her dad for the stuff he would do, wouldn't do or say to Tashie.
Music played such a huge part of this book and I love that Bhuiyan also included some playlists within the text. Liana was so smart when it comes to working with Third Eye. I loved her relationship between each of the members and how special it is.
I think that it is important that those who are young adults have books that discuss mental health. This book deals with grief and depression and how it’s not linear. When I was a teen, we did not associate the above with teenagers but it existed and often times found too late.
I am excited to make a playlist with all these songs.
I knew from the first time I read Tashie’s books she would be an auto buy/read. I just love this book so much and want everyone to read it!
Check this book out if you love music with an emotional tie in.
PS - Tashie, the GASP I made when I saw one of my favorite songs of all time as a chapter title. Thank you for including Shine by Years & Years
PSS - Love the little mention of the Poconos!
This book will be published on January 2nd.
“Who isn’t chronically online these days?”
If you have not read Tashie’s YA books, what are you waiting for!! I have said this before and I will say it again, Tashie has such a way of writing the teenage voice. And specifically with this book, this is perfect for Gen Z. It has the lingo, the music and just I feel would be relatable
I love this book for so many reasons. Even though I am 36 years old, there is nothing in this book that I couldn’t relate to (okay maybe the romance part of it but that aside). Don’t let this beautiful cover fool you, this book has a lot of deeper topics inside.
My heart broke for Liana as her relationship with her dad was so hard to read. I just wanted to reach and give her a hug. Sometimes I forgot how young Liana is because she just seemed so wise even with her predicament she was put in. I honestly wanted to scream at her dad for the stuff he would do, wouldn't do or say to Tashie.
Music played such a huge part of this book and I love that Bhuiyan also included some playlists within the text. Liana was so smart when it comes to working with Third Eye. I loved her relationship between each of the members and how special it is.
I think that it is important that those who are young adults have books that discuss mental health. This book deals with grief and depression and how it’s not linear. When I was a teen, we did not associate the above with teenagers but it existed and often times found too late.
I am excited to make a playlist with all these songs.
I knew from the first time I read Tashie’s books she would be an auto buy/read. I just love this book so much and want everyone to read it!
Check this book out if you love music with an emotional tie in.
PS - Tashie, the GASP I made when I saw one of my favorite songs of all time as a chapter title. Thank you for including Shine by Years & Years
PSS - Love the little mention of the Poconos!
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I have nothing but good things to say about this! Tashie Bhuiyan is such a great writer. The Found Family trope in this one is so beautiful, so well-done, and I absolutely adored every second of it. This book also deals with topics like grief, depression, anger, etc. and I think Tashie did a really great job exploring those topics in this book. I love being able to really connect with what I’m reading and the characters in this one just felt so real and raw. I can’t recommend it enough!
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I really loved this book. The pacing was perfect and I loved how each chapter was paired with a song. Liana was a great FMC and I enjoyed her development throughout the story. The whole idea of working with a band was great. As a frequent attendee of concerts, making that the main focus resonated with me. The friendships in this book were also fantastic. Between all of the bandmates and Liana and Evie, there were so many sweet cases of found family. This was a great book to end 2023 with and Tashie always pulls me with all the feelings. Thank you to Inkyard Press for sending me a copy to read and review!
Liana wants to work in the music industry and has an internship at her workaholic father's record company, where she hopes to impress him and get a little more of his attention (something that has been missing since her mother died). When one attempt to impress him results in her sabotaging an up-and-coming band she knows, Lia can't bear to confess her mistake to her father. Instead, she focuses all her efforts into helping the band, Third Eye, get their own chance at success. But the more she fits into their friend group -- and feels an attraction to their leader, Skyler Moon -- the more she realizes that she's living on borrowed time before the truth comes out.
I've read Bhuiyan's previous work and really like how she weaves her stories for young adults, revealing the flaws and friction of the teenage years but providing hope for the future. Liana is a well-drawn character, determined to succeed but grappling with grief, anxiety, and depression on top of some less-than-stellar choices (which are likely influenced by her mental health struggles), and while she can be frustrating at times, she's someone the reader can easily empathize with. Her father is somewhat less developed but in no way comes across as a stereotyped "Brown dad" or immigrant father -- there are references to other immigrant parents in the book to show that one person's behavior doesn't represent all immigrant parents. The boys in the band, even with their occasionally clashing personalities, demonstrate the power and beauty of male friendship.
Overall, it's a feel-good story about how we (teens mostly but all of us really) often have to reckon with difficult decisions, questionable choices, and challenging consequences -- and how leaning into honesty and care for one another will help us right our course. 4 stars.
CW: death of a parent (past), anxiety, depressive episodes, suicidal ideation
Thank you, Inkyard Press and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.
I've read Bhuiyan's previous work and really like how she weaves her stories for young adults, revealing the flaws and friction of the teenage years but providing hope for the future. Liana is a well-drawn character, determined to succeed but grappling with grief, anxiety, and depression on top of some less-than-stellar choices (which are likely influenced by her mental health struggles), and while she can be frustrating at times, she's someone the reader can easily empathize with. Her father is somewhat less developed but in no way comes across as a stereotyped "Brown dad" or immigrant father -- there are references to other immigrant parents in the book to show that one person's behavior doesn't represent all immigrant parents. The boys in the band, even with their occasionally clashing personalities, demonstrate the power and beauty of male friendship.
Overall, it's a feel-good story about how we (teens mostly but all of us really) often have to reckon with difficult decisions, questionable choices, and challenging consequences -- and how leaning into honesty and care for one another will help us right our course. 4 stars.
CW: death of a parent (past), anxiety, depressive episodes, suicidal ideation
Thank you, Inkyard Press and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.
emotional
inspiring
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