Australian author, Cath Crowley's, A LITTLE WANTING SONG, was wonderful. She captures something about being a teenager that's rare and beautiful. As I was reading, I was right there with the characters-- especially Charlie, who I could relate to the most (because she's really shy and awkward at the beginning, just like I was as a teenager ... although her most embarrassing moment beat mine by a long shot).
Here's the blurb from Goodreads:
A summer of friendship, romance, and songs in major chords. . .
CHARLIE DUSKIN loves music, and she knows she's good at it. But she only sings when she's alone, on the moonlit porch or in the back room at Old Gus's Secondhand Record and CD Store. Charlie's mom and grandmother have both died, and this summer she's visiting her grandpa in the country, surrounded by ghosts and grieving family, and serving burgers to the local kids at the milk bar. She's got her iPod, her guitar, and all her recording equipment, but she wants more: A friend. A dad who notices her. The chance to show Dave Robbie that she's not entirely unspectacular.
ROSE BUTLER lives next door to Charlie's grandfather and spends her days watching cars pass on the freeway and hanging out with her troublemaker boyfriend. She loves Luke but can't wait to leave their small country town. And she's figured out a way: she's won a scholarship to a science school in the city, and now she has to convince her parents to let her go. This is where Charlie comes in. Charlie, who lives in the city, and whom Rose has ignored for years. Charlie, who just might be Rose's ticket out.
Told in alternating voices and filled with music, friendship, and romance, Charlie and Rose's "little wanting song" is about the kind of longing that begins as a heavy ache but ultimately makes us feel hopeful and wonderfully alive.
CHARLIE DUSKIN loves music, and she knows she's good at it. But she only sings when she's alone, on the moonlit porch or in the back room at Old Gus's Secondhand Record and CD Store. Charlie's mom and grandmother have both died, and this summer she's visiting her grandpa in the country, surrounded by ghosts and grieving family, and serving burgers to the local kids at the milk bar. She's got her iPod, her guitar, and all her recording equipment, but she wants more: A friend. A dad who notices her. The chance to show Dave Robbie that she's not entirely unspectacular.
ROSE BUTLER lives next door to Charlie's grandfather and spends her days watching cars pass on the freeway and hanging out with her troublemaker boyfriend. She loves Luke but can't wait to leave their small country town. And she's figured out a way: she's won a scholarship to a science school in the city, and now she has to convince her parents to let her go. This is where Charlie comes in. Charlie, who lives in the city, and whom Rose has ignored for years. Charlie, who just might be Rose's ticket out.
Told in alternating voices and filled with music, friendship, and romance, Charlie and Rose's "little wanting song" is about the kind of longing that begins as a heavy ache but ultimately makes us feel hopeful and wonderfully alive.
Seriously, if you like contemporary YA and you haven't read this one yet, add it to your TBR list. What are you reading right now? What's your favorite genre--or do you read across the board?
This book sounds full of beauty. I just finished reading Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor. Her imagination is incredible!
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This sounds like something I would be interested in. I read whatever I can get my hands on :-)
ReplyDeleteLove the cover and th title. I also think it rocks that you are immersed in YA!
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
I'm reading nonfiction at the moment, but what I enjoy reading the most is really great science fiction.
ReplyDeleteNice recommendation. Just put it on my library list.
ReplyDeleteSounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds great! I read mostly fantasy and thrillers, but I have really enjoyed the contemporary YAs I've read. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good one! I love reading all types of books-- it helps keep me from being bored with a single genre. :)
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ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendation, Amy! I'm picky about contemporary, but I think I'd love this one. I read across the board (like, really across the board), but I gravitate most toward kid's fantasy.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds fabulous! I read all over the map, but I have a recent love this year for YA contemporary, as you know! :) I'm about to start Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn't Have) by Sarah Mlynowski.
ReplyDeleteWow, I can't believe I haven't heard of the book. I'll add it to my TBR list. Thanks for sharing, Amy!
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