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A review by briwithabook
Muted by Tami Charles
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.75
Wow. This is a dark, complex, devastating book that I absolutely could not put down. I started it late in the evening, stayed up way too late tearing through it and then finished it as soon as possible the following day. It went by so quickly, I could've easily read another few hundred pages - I was that engaged and wrapped up in the story.
This is a book about the power dynamics in the music industry, and how those in power take advantage of and exploit young girls. What makes this book so devastating is knowing that it's an accurate portrayal of what goes on in today's world (and was, in fact, inspired by true events). Denver, Dali, and Shak (the three female protagonists) are given the opportunity of a lifetime when they are noticed and brought into the studio by an artist that they idolize. They are ready for their dreams to come true, but unaware of the evil lurking around them.
I found Denver, Dali, and Shak to all be likeable characters. Though their judgement was lacking at times, whose judgement wasn't lacking at age 17? I found it relatable and believable. I thought the character development was strong and I felt a connection to each of the girls over the course of the book.
The book is written in verse. This was my first time reading a physical book in verse (I've previously listened to one on audio). What was especially impressive is that through verse, the author also worked in song lyrics, social media posts, letters, and newspaper articles. While I'm sure an audio version would be fantastic, I feel that the way this is written - meaning the way the words appear on the page - add to the story, and for that reason, I would recommend the physical book if it's an option for you.
An important note; Muted is considered YA, but if I hadn't know that, I wouldn't have guessed it from the content. It definitely deals with some very heavy topics and mature content that may be too much for most tweens or younger. I was impressed with all the topics it tackled and seamlessly weaved into the story. I do think it's important reading and I would absolutely recommend it to teenagers and adults.
Thank you to Scholastic for the review copy. All opinions posted here are my own.
This is a book about the power dynamics in the music industry, and how those in power take advantage of and exploit young girls. What makes this book so devastating is knowing that it's an accurate portrayal of what goes on in today's world (and was, in fact, inspired by true events). Denver, Dali, and Shak (the three female protagonists) are given the opportunity of a lifetime when they are noticed and brought into the studio by an artist that they idolize. They are ready for their dreams to come true, but unaware of the evil lurking around them.
I found Denver, Dali, and Shak to all be likeable characters. Though their judgement was lacking at times, whose judgement wasn't lacking at age 17? I found it relatable and believable. I thought the character development was strong and I felt a connection to each of the girls over the course of the book.
The book is written in verse. This was my first time reading a physical book in verse (I've previously listened to one on audio). What was especially impressive is that through verse, the author also worked in song lyrics, social media posts, letters, and newspaper articles. While I'm sure an audio version would be fantastic, I feel that the way this is written - meaning the way the words appear on the page - add to the story, and for that reason, I would recommend the physical book if it's an option for you.
An important note; Muted is considered YA, but if I hadn't know that, I wouldn't have guessed it from the content. It definitely deals with some very heavy topics and mature content that may be too much for most tweens or younger. I was impressed with all the topics it tackled and seamlessly weaved into the story. I do think it's important reading and I would absolutely recommend it to teenagers and adults.
Thank you to Scholastic for the review copy. All opinions posted here are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Sexual assault, Kidnapping, Toxic relationship, Child death, Gun violence, Rape, Physical abuse, Drug use, Confinement, and Body shaming