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beckymmoe's review
5.0
It wasn't quite what I expected, but I really liked this one!
Ms Hammerle's writing style was a lot of fun to read--there were quite a few LOL moments, and I read more than a few of them out loud to Mini Moe #2 (whether she wanted me to or not--and she at least smiled at almost all of them, a good sign). Each chapter started with a tweet, which was entertaining, and Kiki's total nerdom was endearing. Who can't identify with someone who totally geeks out over a favorite tv show and celebrity?
It just about broke my heart that she was so determined to get the opera singing scholarship when she was sooo not suited for the profession, though. I guess I can understand why she was so focused on it, but man, did it take her forever to figure out what she really should be doing! Trying to figure out the rest of your life is hard for anyone, but to try to do it when you're a teen (as our culture expects you to do)? Crazy. I'm glad I'm not back there anymore. But I digress...
I really identified with Kiki's on-again-off-again-what do we have here anyway? relationship with Jack. I was in that relationship myself, when I was just a few years older. Unfortunately (well, probably fortunately, actually) mine didn't have the same ending (or is it? I'm really hoping that this isn't the last we see of Kiki and Jack!)
Come to think of it, if you take away the whole singing/songwriting/music theory genius aspect of Kiki's life, we could have been separated at birth. Hmmm. Probably has a lot to do with my enjoyment of the book.
I'm definitely looking forward to more from this author, even if she doesn't give us more Kiki.
Though I really hope she does. :)
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A-
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ms Hammerle's writing style was a lot of fun to read--there were quite a few LOL moments, and I read more than a few of them out loud to Mini Moe #2 (whether she wanted me to or not--and she at least smiled at almost all of them, a good sign). Each chapter started with a tweet, which was entertaining, and Kiki's total nerdom was endearing. Who can't identify with someone who totally geeks out over a favorite tv show and celebrity?
It just about broke my heart that she was so determined to get the opera singing scholarship when she was sooo not suited for the profession, though. I guess I can understand why she was so focused on it, but man, did it take her forever to figure out what she really should be doing! Trying to figure out the rest of your life is hard for anyone, but to try to do it when you're a teen (as our culture expects you to do)? Crazy. I'm glad I'm not back there anymore. But I digress...
I really identified with Kiki's on-again-off-again-what do we have here anyway? relationship with Jack. I was in that relationship myself, when I was just a few years older. Unfortunately (well, probably fortunately, actually) mine didn't have the same ending (or is it? I'm really hoping that this isn't the last we see of Kiki and Jack!)
Come to think of it, if you take away the whole singing/songwriting/music theory genius aspect of Kiki's life, we could have been separated at birth. Hmmm. Probably has a lot to do with my enjoyment of the book.
I'm definitely looking forward to more from this author, even if she doesn't give us more Kiki.
Though I really hope she does. :)
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A-
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
technophile's review
4.0
Not having ever been a teenage girl, I can't say whether the internal narrative rings true - but I felt like this novel definitely captured the feeling of being friends with one. :) Kiki is an interesting protagonist, not without her flaws but with a self-awareness and determination to make positive changes in her life that make her very endearing. Her transition from "the weird kid" in high school to finding a community of people like her - in some ways, at least - in college was very familiar and real to me and I think will be comforting to readers on the other side of that transition. All in all the book was well written, genuinely funny, and definitely worth the read.
francisko's review
5.0
I absolutely adored this book. It's got all the elements to get me hooked: a protagonist who is struggling to come to terms with who she is, awesome side (fully developed) characters, and MUSIC.
Okay so Kiki basically stole my heart when she started talking about how she doesn't have many friends and being in fandoms is the limit of her social life. Hm I wonder who that sounds like (oh. Me). And then we meet Jack. At first I wasn't sure if this was the guy because we had just met Seth and I was prepared for the "dorky girl lands hot guy at summer camp" storyline. FORTUNATELY we actually have feminist authors out there who think women should be independent creatures and Kiki was basically like (by the end of the book) "I don't need no man. If he doesn't want me, too bad because I'm awesome"
...
Can I just say that it's sad that this is a revolutionary storyline??? Also the diversity in this cast made me want to squeal with delight. Seriously though, if they make this into a movie I want to play Brie. I think I could pull that off (if I had someone else sing for me maybe?)
Okay sorry that this is rambly and I'm sorry that it took me so long to read it. But read it I did and five stars it has gained. I look forward to more masterpieces, Julie, and thank you for sending me this copy. (Also thanks for the advice. Will definitely semper ubi sub ubi).
Okay so Kiki basically stole my heart when she started talking about how she doesn't have many friends and being in fandoms is the limit of her social life. Hm I wonder who that sounds like (oh. Me). And then we meet Jack. At first I wasn't sure if this was the guy because we had just met Seth and I was prepared for the "dorky girl lands hot guy at summer camp" storyline. FORTUNATELY we actually have feminist authors out there who think women should be independent creatures and Kiki was basically like (by the end of the book) "I don't need no man. If he doesn't want me, too bad because I'm awesome"
...
Can I just say that it's sad that this is a revolutionary storyline??? Also the diversity in this cast made me want to squeal with delight. Seriously though, if they make this into a movie I want to play Brie. I think I could pull that off (if I had someone else sing for me maybe?)
Okay sorry that this is rambly and I'm sorry that it took me so long to read it. But read it I did and five stars it has gained. I look forward to more masterpieces, Julie, and thank you for sending me this copy. (Also thanks for the advice. Will definitely semper ubi sub ubi).
pucksandpaperbacks's review
5.0
IF you're a fan of pop culture references and TV Twitter, you'll love this book as much as I did. The writing was very easy to read and made me fly through the book! I found myself immersed in the story and couldn't put it down. We follow a fat main character, Kiki who is used to hiding in her room and talking to her Twitter friends about her favorite show, Project Earth. She is accepted to Krause for opera singing camp and learns a lot about herself. She's stuck trying to overcome what her sister missed out on, holding high standards from her parents to get the scholarship at the end of the summer. This story is also about trustworthiness when their Opera teacher picks students to spy and tattle on those who are disobeying the rules such as partying, drinking alcohol, singing music other than opera and staying out late. The game of trust really plays into Kiki and her new friends.
I related to Kiki on a deep level because she experiences social anxiety, like me. She was constantly overthinking things and I couldn't relate to that enough!! She experiences friendship ups and downs, having never been kissed falls into a romance with a fellow Project Earth fan and a golfer. She plays golf, too. Kiki has easily became one of my favorite characters!
Kiki learns valuable life lessons from her time at camp, her story is really a whirlwind. Music is really the heart of this story and I learned a lot about music and opera from Kiki's story. This book is very empowering and full of body positivity!!! I flew threw this novel and I loved every minute of it.
I related to Kiki on a deep level because she experiences social anxiety, like me. She was constantly overthinking things and I couldn't relate to that enough!! She experiences friendship ups and downs, having never been kissed falls into a romance with a fellow Project Earth fan and a golfer. She plays golf, too. Kiki has easily became one of my favorite characters!
Kiki learns valuable life lessons from her time at camp, her story is really a whirlwind. Music is really the heart of this story and I learned a lot about music and opera from Kiki's story. This book is very empowering and full of body positivity!!! I flew threw this novel and I loved every minute of it.
justkeyreads's review
4.0
4.8
The Why
Charming, relatable and sassy story which felt like Pitch Perfect with a girl who just wants to sing.
Kiki is spending her summer in Krause which basically Pitch Perfect for opera lovers. At the end of the summer, there is the promise that the students will get a scholarship for a full ride to Krause in the fall for college. When she first gets there, she decides to shed her Planet Earth fangirl who is being pressured by her parents to go to their school if she gets sent home. I really liked the growth of Kiki and she really reminded me at moments which is great.
The Full Experience
Kiki along with her new friends Kendra, Jake, Brie, Norman, and others are such a great group of friends. Kiki really could be herself, but she had a few trust issues. I mean, I would too if my best friend knew I liked a guy but dated him anyway. There's also a mole amongst friends who are ratting people out and making opera camp more tense for everyone. Kiki really grew throughout the summer and realizing the strength she has to stand up against her parents and prove them wrong. To prove to them that this is what she wants to do. To prove to herself that she can get through the summer.
Final Thoughts
Kiki was one of the most charming characters I've read in a long time. She was also sassy and relatable as I read through the pages growing up in front of my eyes. I love the pop culture references along with the Tweets that started each chapter. It made it modern and fresh and I loved being in Kiki's head, because it was kind of like I was there, haha
The Why
Charming, relatable and sassy story which felt like Pitch Perfect with a girl who just wants to sing.
Kiki is spending her summer in Krause which basically Pitch Perfect for opera lovers. At the end of the summer, there is the promise that the students will get a scholarship for a full ride to Krause in the fall for college. When she first gets there, she decides to shed her Planet Earth fangirl who is being pressured by her parents to go to their school if she gets sent home. I really liked the growth of Kiki and she really reminded me at moments which is great.
The Full Experience
Kiki along with her new friends Kendra, Jake, Brie, Norman, and others are such a great group of friends. Kiki really could be herself, but she had a few trust issues. I mean, I would too if my best friend knew I liked a guy but dated him anyway. There's also a mole amongst friends who are ratting people out and making opera camp more tense for everyone. Kiki really grew throughout the summer and realizing the strength she has to stand up against her parents and prove them wrong. To prove to them that this is what she wants to do. To prove to herself that she can get through the summer.
Final Thoughts
Kiki was one of the most charming characters I've read in a long time. She was also sassy and relatable as I read through the pages growing up in front of my eyes. I love the pop culture references along with the Tweets that started each chapter. It made it modern and fresh and I loved being in Kiki's head, because it was kind of like I was there, haha
technophile's review against another edition
4.0
Not having ever been a teenage girl, I can't say whether the internal narrative rings true - but I felt like this novel definitely captured the feeling of being friends with one. :) Kiki is an interesting protagonist, not without her flaws but with a self-awareness and determination to make positive changes in her life that make her very endearing. Her transition from "the weird kid" in high school to finding a community of people like her - in some ways, at least - in college was very familiar and real to me and I think will be comforting to readers on the other side of that transition. All in all the book was well written, genuinely funny, and definitely worth the read.
samwlabb's review against another edition
4.0
This was quite a summer for Kiki! She had suffered quite a few blows at the hands of her former best friend, and was finally getting some distance from all that drama, but the summer music program was so much more than just an escape. Once there, Kiki was no longer the sidekick or the person cast in a supporting role. She was excelling and flourishing and being appreciated for all those things she thought were shortcomings.
I loved Kiki, and I was happy she was able to escape a sort of toxic friendship. When she would reflect on some of the things her former bestie said to her, it made me sad. But, it was wonderful to see her find her people, and to see her find her true passion.
I enjoyed all the technical music bits, the friendships, the Latin, the TV talk, and excellent soundtrack references (Ani!).
Overall: Fun and cute with quite a bit of substance.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
I loved Kiki, and I was happy she was able to escape a sort of toxic friendship. When she would reflect on some of the things her former bestie said to her, it made me sad. But, it was wonderful to see her find her people, and to see her find her true passion.
I enjoyed all the technical music bits, the friendships, the Latin, the TV talk, and excellent soundtrack references (Ani!).
Overall: Fun and cute with quite a bit of substance.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
melissayabookshelf's review against another edition
5.0
Can I just say that I loved this book?!? I loved Kiki's secret life as part of the Project Earth fandom as well as her seemingly encyclopedic knowledge of all things TV. I loved how she grows over the course of camp and comes to learn who she is and what she wants to be - this is coming of age writ large.
If you love music, Pitch Perfect, or High School Musical, then pick this up on June 7th!
If you love music, Pitch Perfect, or High School Musical, then pick this up on June 7th!
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