I must first commend Miss Josie Bloss on her use of marching band as a prevalent theme in a book. That doesn't happen very often. And when marching band does occur, it's done wrong. As a former band geek, I can safely say that this book touched upon every aspect of marching band, and got it right down to a T.
As for the plot, it could probably fit into any other group in high school -- preps, cheerleaders, jocks, art kids. It just happens to be in band. There's a high school romance, and it's pretty much the major plot point in here -- the arrival of a mysterious new boy who was incredibly hot, and distracts the female protagonist to no end. And to top that off, she just went three years ignoring boys, and now suddenly she can't keep her mind off of this new one because for some reason that no one can explain, he's attracted to her.
I for one, am not fond of unexplainable attraction. He's hot, okay, but coming from a band geek who watched many hot band geeks march around in front of her, hot guys really don't distract as much as you'd think. Whatever Connor's initial attraction to Ellie is, I don't understand, because the only thing I picked up on right away was something like "you're cute when you yell."
Aside from that, there are things I will praise about this book. It was well written. It was a nice, light book. It was a quick, easy, entertaining read. Go ahead and read it.
As for the plot, it could probably fit into any other group in high school -- preps, cheerleaders, jocks, art kids. It just happens to be in band. There's a high school romance, and it's pretty much the major plot point in here -- the arrival of a mysterious new boy who was incredibly hot, and distracts the female protagonist to no end. And to top that off, she just went three years ignoring boys, and now suddenly she can't keep her mind off of this new one because for some reason that no one can explain, he's attracted to her.
I for one, am not fond of unexplainable attraction. He's hot, okay, but coming from a band geek who watched many hot band geeks march around in front of her, hot guys really don't distract as much as you'd think. Whatever Connor's initial attraction to Ellie is, I don't understand, because the only thing I picked up on right away was something like "you're cute when you yell."
Aside from that, there are things I will praise about this book. It was well written. It was a nice, light book. It was a quick, easy, entertaining read. Go ahead and read it.
Reviewed by Sarah Bean the Green Bean Teen Queen for TeensReadToo.com
Ellie Snow is a band geek. She lives and breathes for band and has finally made it to her senior year where she's the best section leader in band for the most important section -- the trumpets. Ellie has worked hard and cannot wait until her solo at the end of band camp performance. This was going to be her shining moment and she was going to rock. Just as she was about to start playing, Ellie caught site of a gorgeous guy in the stands, staring right at her, and flubbed her first note.
Turns out the very cute and distracting boy, Conner, is a new student and will be joining the trumpet section -- after band camp. If Ellie was a normal high school girl, she might know how to deal with Conner. But ever since Ellie's heart was broken her freshman year by a cruel senior, Ellie has given up on boys and built walls around herself so that it can't happen again. She likes things to be in control, but when Conner is around, Ellie finds herself flustered by her growing attraction.
When Ellie's former crush returns, Ellie finds her perfectly constructed life suddenly spinning out of control. Who knew being a band geek had this much drama?
Being a music geek myself, I immediately loved this book. Instead of the popular crowd being the focus, the band geeks get to rule and it's so much fun. Ellie is a relatable and refreshing main character. She is a control freak, and a band geek, but she also develops a softer girly side. Conner is charming and makes you swoon. Even if you've never been in band, this is a fun romantic comedy.
A sequel is in the works and I can't wait to read more about my new favorite band geeks!
Ellie Snow is a band geek. She lives and breathes for band and has finally made it to her senior year where she's the best section leader in band for the most important section -- the trumpets. Ellie has worked hard and cannot wait until her solo at the end of band camp performance. This was going to be her shining moment and she was going to rock. Just as she was about to start playing, Ellie caught site of a gorgeous guy in the stands, staring right at her, and flubbed her first note.
Turns out the very cute and distracting boy, Conner, is a new student and will be joining the trumpet section -- after band camp. If Ellie was a normal high school girl, she might know how to deal with Conner. But ever since Ellie's heart was broken her freshman year by a cruel senior, Ellie has given up on boys and built walls around herself so that it can't happen again. She likes things to be in control, but when Conner is around, Ellie finds herself flustered by her growing attraction.
When Ellie's former crush returns, Ellie finds her perfectly constructed life suddenly spinning out of control. Who knew being a band geek had this much drama?
Being a music geek myself, I immediately loved this book. Instead of the popular crowd being the focus, the band geeks get to rule and it's so much fun. Ellie is a relatable and refreshing main character. She is a control freak, and a band geek, but she also develops a softer girly side. Conner is charming and makes you swoon. Even if you've never been in band, this is a fun romantic comedy.
A sequel is in the works and I can't wait to read more about my new favorite band geeks!
