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2.82 AVERAGE
2.82 AVERAGE
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Acephobia/Arophobia
Moderate: Death of parent
On the page acephobia in response to a character sharing they don’t have a sexuality and aren’t sexually attracted to anyone.
I thoroughly enjoyed this unexpected book. It is a little madcap, a lot idealistic, and maybe a little manic, but the messages and the representatives are valid and appreciated by this reader.
I especially liked that Nowlin didn't bog her narrative down with TOO MANY ISSUES! She has one, and all the rest happens organically. I am not sure I should blurt out the thing, but others have. But it does take a while for the reveal, so I will hide it behind spoiler tags, which includes the ending, so don't look.
Turns out Tom is asexual. Not that the word is ever used. Interestingly, his ex-girlfriend Sara assumes his lack of sexual interest in her means Tom's gay, and I like they way Tom doesn't freak out at that tag, but clearly he's not interested in sex with anybody. Right at the end, the way Tom introduces Ramona as his girlfriend and Sam as Ramona's boyfriend is just the best thing. As is Abby's response 'Yeah Tom, we know you're weird, so just go and play'!! I loved that we don't get a lesson about the way Tom feels, or even a lengthy monologue. We do get to hear Tom's thoughts, but it's contained, which reflects his inability and disinterest in spending too long thinking about it. Too many other things matter to him.
I loved the conversations that occur between the three teenagers and their respective parents. Tom's discussions about his future, Ramona's defense of being a percussionist as well as a pianist, and Sam's acceptance about his father's inability to be a good parent. All of the adults they talk to, are eventually willing to listen and respond positively, although it does take some persistence by the teenagers.
Ramona might be manic pixie dream girl to some readers, and I can see that. Through both Sam and Tom's eyes, she emerges as a perfect reflection of what they want. But we see her flaws, her vulnerabilities and her weaknesses. But as I say, because the author keeps the story tight, any interaction outside the main three and their parents is not greatly explored. Although Emmalyn Evans is a wonder. (is that her name? Sorry if I got it wrong). Their interactions are nasty but fun. We see Ramona fired up and feisty.
I love the way these three teenagers have a social conscience, and the optimism to try to make a difference. In my cynical old mind, I can't see how things will ever change for the better, truly. But I want to believe there are young people committed to bringing safety to our environment and peace to our war zones. I really want that. So this book filled me with hope.
It's a different sort of book. But it's a great book. I loved it. Copy provided by publisher via Netgalley, received with thanks. Due out on January 5th 2016.
I especially liked that Nowlin didn't bog her narrative down with TOO MANY ISSUES! She has one, and all the rest happens organically. I am not sure I should blurt out the thing, but others have. But it does take a while for the reveal, so I will hide it behind spoiler tags, which includes the ending, so don't look.
I loved the conversations that occur between the three teenagers and their respective parents. Tom's discussions about his future, Ramona's defense of being a percussionist as well as a pianist, and Sam's acceptance about his father's inability to be a good parent. All of the adults they talk to, are eventually willing to listen and respond positively, although it does take some persistence by the teenagers.
Ramona might be manic pixie dream girl to some readers, and I can see that. Through both Sam and Tom's eyes, she emerges as a perfect reflection of what they want. But we see her flaws, her vulnerabilities and her weaknesses. But as I say, because the author keeps the story tight, any interaction outside the main three and their parents is not greatly explored. Although Emmalyn Evans is a wonder. (is that her name? Sorry if I got it wrong). Their interactions are nasty but fun. We see Ramona fired up and feisty.
I love the way these three teenagers have a social conscience, and the optimism to try to make a difference. In my cynical old mind, I can't see how things will ever change for the better, truly. But I want to believe there are young people committed to bringing safety to our environment and peace to our war zones. I really want that. So this book filled me with hope.
It's a different sort of book. But it's a great book. I loved it. Copy provided by publisher via Netgalley, received with thanks. Due out on January 5th 2016.
One of the very few YA books that explores non-monogamy. Whilst the plot isn't going to blow you away, the relationship between the characters makes this book important.
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Hmm hm hm. I like the premise of this book and the fact that we finally get ace rep that doesn't make us out to be sad monks, but there is something about this writing style that grated at me. I felt like the vignettes were never really finished. And maybe I'm just mean, but Ramona REALLY borders on manic pixie dream girl for me. But damn, books always tease around this kind of thing and this one WENT THERE, so I gotta give it props.
This was super cute & I really enjoyed the twist on the traditional love triangle (I am so over love triangles in general). I wish it had been longer & a bit more detailed though.
Originally posted on Once Upon a Bookcase.
WARNING! There will be major spoilers in this review. There is a diverse element to this story that I have never come across before in YA, nor heard of from others in books I'm yet to read. Because of this, I think it's important to discuss this particular diverse element for the purposes of discussing representation. However, discussing this element will mean spoiling a big part of the book, so if you do not wish to have This Song Is (Not) For You spoiled for you, please be sure not to read the spoilers hidden below.
I originally requested This Song Is (Not) For You by Laura Nowlin from NetGalley because I thought Ramona's situation sounded like a really awkward one to be in, and would make a really interesting book. But it went from one I was mildly interested in to one I definitely had to read when it was praised on Twitter for having an asexual main character, and it was such a fascinating read.
Ramona and Sam have been friends for years after bonding over their passion for music. They're inseparable, and both have feelings for each other, but are certain the other is not interested. When they meet Tom at a music college, they know they've found the final piece for their band, and the three soon become very close friends. But it's not long before Ramona starts falling for Tom - while she's still in love with Sam. Tom seems to be interested in her too, and as Ramona knows nothing will happen with Sam, she and Tom start dating. The three spend almost all their spare time together, and seeing Ramona and Tom together is so painful for Sam. But there's something about Tom that neither of them know.
What I found really strange about This Song Is (Not) For You is how much I enjoyed it considering how little I connected with the characters. Each of the three characters narrate alternately, and it's the kind of book you fly through, but the pacing means that months go by in a flash. There's something about these characters that felt different; I can't say we don't really get to know them, because we do, and I don't dislike them, but I didn't warm to any of them, either. I just didn't get emotionally involved in this book. But I still enjoyed it, and was gripped by their story.
I wasn't too interested in the music element of the book; they don't play my kind of music, it's kind of experimental, I guess, and just not something I'm interested in. But even if it was, I still think the relationships between all three characters would have been the major pull for me. This is the first YA novel I've come across where a character is genuinely in love with two people at once, without there being some kind of magical reason as to why. Granted, I didn't feel that love, the development of the relationships was kind of lacking for me, but from the way the story was written it's clear that this is love that Ramona feels for Sam and Tom, and not just a crush or intense infatuation. She's actually in love with them both. Which is a difficult situation to be in; even if she ends up with Tom, she's not with Sam, and she can't just turn off her feelings. And it's even more awkward and kind of tragic when the reader knows that Sam is in love with Ramona, too. As I said, I didn't make the emotional connection that I wanted, but there were moments when Sam talks about his feelings for Ramona and unrequited love (we know it's not, but as far as he's concerned, it is) that were really beautiful, moments I could relate to.
Tom was a fascinating character, and one I loved being inside the head of. I was celebrating whenever he discussed his feelings regarding sex. Tom is asexual. The word is never used in the book, but he discusses a few times his lack of sexual feeling and complete disinterest in sex. His ex-girlfriend broke up with him because she thought he was gay and in denial, because he never showed any interest in going further than kissing, despite his claims that he simply just didn't want to have sex. We have very few asexual characters in YA, and so far, I've only read one other book with an asexual character - Quicksilver by R. J. Anderson. What's wonderful about This Song Is (Not) For You is that it shows an asexual character who falls in love. I'd be interested to know if any of the other ace YA books published show this, but it was great to see Tom wanting and enjoying a romantic relationship, but not wanting a sexual one.
Eventually, Sam opens up to Ramona about his feelings. It occurs to him that he wants to be with Ramona, but that doesn't necessarily mean exclusively. If the only way he can be with Ramona is by sharing her with Tom, he's ok with that, and Ramona considers it. This is before either he or Ramona know about Tom's asexuality. There's more that happens, but in the end, the three decide to have a joint relationship - a polyamorous relationship. Sam loves both of them, Ramona romantically, Tom platonically, and Tom the same, and neither want to hurt the other because of their feelings for Ramona. Ramona can be with both the boys she loves, and have a physical relationship with Sam, and Tom won't be left again because he's not interested in sex. Ramona makes a great comment about how before she knew about Tom's feelings regarding sex, she would have demanded monogamy, but she does want a sexual relationship, so would have left him if the three of them didn't come up with this arrangement.
It was really fascinating to me to see how they worked this out, and how everyone was happy with their relationship. It's not something I've read before, nor something I've really come across outside of the TV programme Caprica, which I'd only seen bits and pieces of because my dad watched it. This Song Is (Not) For You is going to be groundbreaking for YA when it comes to polyamory, and I do hope to read more in the future. I'd be fascinated to see a polyamorous relationship without an asexual character, and to actually see how that relationship works - as This Song Is Not (For) You ends shortly after the three decide on their relationship.
This Song Is (Not) For You is a really fascinating, gripping and eye-opening novel, and despite my lack of emotional connection, one I would highly recommend.
Thank you to Sourcebooks via NetGalley for the eProof.
WARNING! There will be major spoilers in this review. There is a diverse element to this story that I have never come across before in YA, nor heard of from others in books I'm yet to read. Because of this, I think it's important to discuss this particular diverse element for the purposes of discussing representation. However, discussing this element will mean spoiling a big part of the book, so if you do not wish to have This Song Is (Not) For You spoiled for you, please be sure not to read the spoilers hidden below.
I originally requested This Song Is (Not) For You by Laura Nowlin from NetGalley because I thought Ramona's situation sounded like a really awkward one to be in, and would make a really interesting book. But it went from one I was mildly interested in to one I definitely had to read when it was praised on Twitter for having an asexual main character, and it was such a fascinating read.
Ramona and Sam have been friends for years after bonding over their passion for music. They're inseparable, and both have feelings for each other, but are certain the other is not interested. When they meet Tom at a music college, they know they've found the final piece for their band, and the three soon become very close friends. But it's not long before Ramona starts falling for Tom - while she's still in love with Sam. Tom seems to be interested in her too, and as Ramona knows nothing will happen with Sam, she and Tom start dating. The three spend almost all their spare time together, and seeing Ramona and Tom together is so painful for Sam. But there's something about Tom that neither of them know.
What I found really strange about This Song Is (Not) For You is how much I enjoyed it considering how little I connected with the characters. Each of the three characters narrate alternately, and it's the kind of book you fly through, but the pacing means that months go by in a flash. There's something about these characters that felt different; I can't say we don't really get to know them, because we do, and I don't dislike them, but I didn't warm to any of them, either. I just didn't get emotionally involved in this book. But I still enjoyed it, and was gripped by their story.
I wasn't too interested in the music element of the book; they don't play my kind of music, it's kind of experimental, I guess, and just not something I'm interested in. But even if it was, I still think the relationships between all three characters would have been the major pull for me. This is the first YA novel I've come across where a character is genuinely in love with two people at once, without there being some kind of magical reason as to why. Granted, I didn't feel that love, the development of the relationships was kind of lacking for me, but from the way the story was written it's clear that this is love that Ramona feels for Sam and Tom, and not just a crush or intense infatuation. She's actually in love with them both. Which is a difficult situation to be in; even if she ends up with Tom, she's not with Sam, and she can't just turn off her feelings. And it's even more awkward and kind of tragic when the reader knows that Sam is in love with Ramona, too. As I said, I didn't make the emotional connection that I wanted, but there were moments when Sam talks about his feelings for Ramona and unrequited love (we know it's not, but as far as he's concerned, it is) that were really beautiful, moments I could relate to.
Tom was a fascinating character, and one I loved being inside the head of. I was celebrating whenever he discussed his feelings regarding sex. Tom is asexual. The word is never used in the book, but he discusses a few times his lack of sexual feeling and complete disinterest in sex. His ex-girlfriend broke up with him because she thought he was gay and in denial, because he never showed any interest in going further than kissing, despite his claims that he simply just didn't want to have sex. We have very few asexual characters in YA, and so far, I've only read one other book with an asexual character - Quicksilver by R. J. Anderson. What's wonderful about This Song Is (Not) For You is that it shows an asexual character who falls in love. I'd be interested to know if any of the other ace YA books published show this, but it was great to see Tom wanting and enjoying a romantic relationship, but not wanting a sexual one.
Eventually, Sam opens up to Ramona about his feelings. It occurs to him that he wants to be with Ramona, but that doesn't necessarily mean exclusively. If the only way he can be with Ramona is by sharing her with Tom, he's ok with that, and Ramona considers it. This is before either he or Ramona know about Tom's asexuality. There's more that happens, but in the end, the three decide to have a joint relationship - a polyamorous relationship. Sam loves both of them, Ramona romantically, Tom platonically, and Tom the same, and neither want to hurt the other because of their feelings for Ramona. Ramona can be with both the boys she loves, and have a physical relationship with Sam, and Tom won't be left again because he's not interested in sex. Ramona makes a great comment about how before she knew about Tom's feelings regarding sex, she would have demanded monogamy, but she does want a sexual relationship, so would have left him if the three of them didn't come up with this arrangement.
It was really fascinating to me to see how they worked this out, and how everyone was happy with their relationship. It's not something I've read before, nor something I've really come across outside of the TV programme Caprica, which I'd only seen bits and pieces of because my dad watched it. This Song Is (Not) For You is going to be groundbreaking for YA when it comes to polyamory, and I do hope to read more in the future. I'd be fascinated to see a polyamorous relationship without an asexual character, and to actually see how that relationship works - as This Song Is Not (For) You ends shortly after the three decide on their relationship.
This Song Is (Not) For You is a really fascinating, gripping and eye-opening novel, and despite my lack of emotional connection, one I would highly recommend.
Thank you to Sourcebooks via NetGalley for the eProof.
This book didn't really have a plot. That's not necessarily a deal-breaker for me, but there needs to be some kind of exchange. Characters need to grow or relationships need to be build. Both of those things happened in this book, but not to the extent that I would have liked. And because of that, the plot felt even more empty.
The first two-thirds of the book were fine. Just okay, but not anything terrible. The characters are quirky and interesting and, to some extent, believable. But then we get towards the end and everybody's just loving everybody and Ramona now has two boyfriends...um, okay. I'm all about acceptance and including diversity in books, but that just seemed really strange. I just don't get it! It doesn't seem fair to either boy and I'm having a hard time figuring out if this is a situation that real people would be okay with. How realistic is this situation? That's my main question.
Overall, the first bit of the book was fine, but then the ending got really weird. Sometimes the book felt a bit preachy as well with some of the issues that Tom was going on about.
Note: I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The first two-thirds of the book were fine. Just okay, but not anything terrible. The characters are quirky and interesting and, to some extent, believable. But then we get towards the end and everybody's just loving everybody and Ramona now has two boyfriends...um, okay. I'm all about acceptance and including diversity in books, but that just seemed really strange. I just don't get it! It doesn't seem fair to either boy and I'm having a hard time figuring out if this is a situation that real people would be okay with. How realistic is this situation? That's my main question.
Overall, the first bit of the book was fine, but then the ending got really weird. Sometimes the book felt a bit preachy as well with some of the issues that Tom was going on about.
Note: I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Oh wow oh wow oh wow, ace representation, an AMAZING love triangle, and three incredibly likeable main characters. This completely blew me away. I adored the way the central trio actually talk through things, I liked the relationships they had with their parents, and overall this stands out as pretty close to being unique in several ways.
[bc:This Song Is (Not) for You|18626414|This Song Is (Not) for You|Laura Nowlin|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1442380156s/18626414.jpg|26416037]
Ramona and Sam have a band called April and the Rain. Ramona is in love with Sam and Sam is in love with Ramona. But they don't know the other one loves them. Then Tom joins the band and Ramona also falls in love with him.
This book wasn't anything special. There, I said it. It wasn't incredibly original or unique. It was a fun read which is why I gave it three stars. I did like it, but it didn't stand out to me.
This book is very character-driven. It's all about Ramona, Sam and Tom who have switching POVs and all experience their own problems. It wouldn't necessarily be a problem, but romance overtook the story and it became a lot of angst in almost every chapter.
I loved the friendship between Ramona and Sam, but I don't think they should be together. Neither should Ramona and Tom be together. I didn't really see the chemistry in a romantic relationship kind of way, but I could see them all be best friends. That's not what happened, obviously. I think all of the characters were likable, but Tom was the most relatable for me. He felt the most fleshed out. Ramona and Sam were pining over each other all the damn time. It really felt like Sam didn't have anything going for himself, except for him wanting to be with Ramona. They all have different home situations which is realistic. Ramona lives with her dad, Sam lives with his hippie mom and Tom lives with both of his parents. They all had quite different relationships with their parents. I liked that, because it added an extra element to the book. Overall, this book had a satisfying ending that made me want to read more about these characters. I'd really like to see how they turn out in a couple of year's time.
The thing I liked most about this book was how it handled diversity. There was a polyamorous relationship in this book and there also was an asexual character in this which punched me right in the heart. I love how there went research into asexuality, because there are so many types and forms of being asexual. It doesn't mean you don't want to or can't be romantic or even in love with someone. That was portrayed extremely well.
Lastly, the writing was my kind of writing. It read almost like poetry sometimes with these lovely sentences that made you think. I love it when an author is able to do that with their writing.
Video review: https://youtu.be/Kqg76UsomQs
Ramona and Sam have a band called April and the Rain. Ramona is in love with Sam and Sam is in love with Ramona. But they don't know the other one loves them. Then Tom joins the band and Ramona also falls in love with him.
This book wasn't anything special. There, I said it. It wasn't incredibly original or unique. It was a fun read which is why I gave it three stars. I did like it, but it didn't stand out to me.
This book is very character-driven. It's all about Ramona, Sam and Tom who have switching POVs and all experience their own problems. It wouldn't necessarily be a problem, but romance overtook the story and it became a lot of angst in almost every chapter.
I loved the friendship between Ramona and Sam, but I don't think they should be together. Neither should Ramona and Tom be together. I didn't really see the chemistry in a romantic relationship kind of way, but I could see them all be best friends. That's not what happened, obviously. I think all of the characters were likable, but Tom was the most relatable for me. He felt the most fleshed out. Ramona and Sam were pining over each other all the damn time. It really felt like Sam didn't have anything going for himself, except for him wanting to be with Ramona. They all have different home situations which is realistic. Ramona lives with her dad, Sam lives with his hippie mom and Tom lives with both of his parents. They all had quite different relationships with their parents. I liked that, because it added an extra element to the book. Overall, this book had a satisfying ending that made me want to read more about these characters. I'd really like to see how they turn out in a couple of year's time.
The thing I liked most about this book was how it handled diversity. There was a polyamorous relationship in this book and there also was an asexual character in this which punched me right in the heart. I love how there went research into asexuality, because there are so many types and forms of being asexual. It doesn't mean you don't want to or can't be romantic or even in love with someone. That was portrayed extremely well.
Lastly, the writing was my kind of writing. It read almost like poetry sometimes with these lovely sentences that made you think. I love it when an author is able to do that with their writing.
Video review: https://youtu.be/Kqg76UsomQs