Book/Author: Take a Bow
Publisher/Year: Point – April 1, 2012
Genre: Young Adult – Contemporary
Series: No
Other Books From The Author: Prom & Prejudice, The Lonely Heart’s Club
Amazon
Disclosure: I purchased this book with my own cash money.
Take A Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg follows the lives of four talented musicians as they face the pressures of their senior year at their uber competitive performing arts high school. Senior Showcase, college applications & auditions, pasts that won’t go away, confusing relationships, dissolving friendships…Emme, Sophie, Carter & Ethan experience it all.
I have this love/hate relationship with books that have more than two perspectives. It has to be done right for me. Sometimes characters really fade into the background or fold into each other or don’t tie in well together at all. Take A Bow didn’t suffer from any of those things. Each character and their perspective were developed and whole and I found myself so connected with these characters and their journeys. There was something so relatable to me with each one of these characters — their flaws, their triumphs, their naivety, their growth. Even Sophie, who was my least favorite character, jumped off the pages for me. I loved that each perspective just catapulted me into this competitive and cutthroat world of theirs where I could feel mounting pressures and the passion behind it all. The best part of all — the perspectives we gained of each character through the eyes of each other.
The standout characters, combined with Eulberg’s magnificent storytelling abilities, make this one that I honestly couldn’t put down. I was so absorbed in the stories and wanting to see how each conflict in the story would be resolved that this was a quick read! It was that cute, quick read that I needed in between some pretty heavy novels but I’d be remiss if I let you think that’s all it was. It was such a heartwarming story with humorous scenes & fabulous secondary characters.
The only thing, for me, it was one of those times as a 26 year old woman this book felt a little too young for me. I don’t know what that’s all about since I read tons and tons of YA and even the occasional middle grade book but it definitely just felt younger than most of the YA I read. Maybe it’s that the perspectives were THAT spot on or maybe, as a friend who shared the same gripe suggested, that the prologue of the book started off with them as high school freshman and it kind of throws you off and makes it seem younger. Not sure but had to be honest here.
My Final Thought: Take A Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg charmed the pants off me! It was such a quick and delightful read with characters and storytelling that just draw you in. It, for me, was a cute, lighter book (but not fluff!) that was exactly what I needed between some of the angsty reads or dystopian worlds I’d been reading about.
You May Also Like: Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez — if it’s the musical aspect you crave!
Review On A Post-It
Jen says
Hmmm… I’m not sure if I’m sold on this one. I mean, MUSIC, obviously. But, like you, I am always kind of hesitant to read a book that is set in more than one point of view. I like to be kept guessing sometimes, so each character needs to have their own mystery or intrigue, despite all the points of view being displayed. Does that make sense? It’s 8am, so it might not.
But if I’m feeling particularly musical and wanting to read something fast, I may have to pick this up!
Jamie says
Yeah, I thought it actually was done well! I’m always very picky about it! I think they all do have their own intrigue enough..although they are very connected. The thing is I think each perspective helped get a better sense of each characters through the eyes of other. Everyone had a different relationship to the person.
But it’s such a quick read that it’s definitely worth it! It was a solidly good read for me but I’m not going to be like OMG YOU NEED TO READ THIS NOW, JEN.
Jennie says
I have had my eye on this one…it sounds like something I would enjoy. I will keep in mind that it might be a little younger than I would normally expect. Thanks!
Jamie says
It was quite good! I know that Im probably in the minority of people that did think it was too young (for me– as a 26 year old)..but I did..and it’s weird since I read all sorts of YA. Sometimes it just stands out more to me as “TEEN”. Still really did like it though. I found myself reading compulsively despite that.
VeganYANerds says
Great review, Jamie. I haven’t read many reviews of Take A Bow but it does sound like a good read, musically-theme books usually are! And I don’t know what it is but sometimes a YA book will feel young to me, sometimes it’s the dialogue or the characters because they’re really naive.
Melissa @ Writer Grrl Reads says
OK, can you please stop writing such great reviews? My TBR list is OUT OF CONTROL. And I just added this one to the list. *sigh*
Asheley (@BookwormAsheley) says
Most of what I’m hearing is basically just about the same thing you’re saying. A fun, quick read with differing perspectives that is a great break between two heavier reads. I’ll have to tuck this one in my back pocket – although this genre isn’t my favorite. Still, I like Glee and music! 🙂
Love your thoughts!
a. knight @ paranormal indulgence says
I can definitely dig quick and delightful, and I looove books with multiple POVs. I was planning on passing on this book, at least for now, but I want to experience the humor and charm that wowed you about this book. The characters seem fab and I can never get enough of those, so this should be as fantastic for me as it was for you!
Alexa @ Alexa Loves Books says
I’m actually pretty excited to read this book, since I was able to get it at an event about two weeks ago. The premise sounds fantastic, and I generally tend to love anything that’s related to music and the performing arts so I’m pretty sure I’ll love it!
I actually enjoy shifting perspectives in books, especially if they’re well done. So the fact that you pointed out how this was really good in this book just makes me happy!
Jess says
I love that this book is getting love! It wasn’t perfect, but it had sort of a Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants feel to it. :]