The Lucy Variations - Sara Zarr

Pages: 327

Publisher: Usborne

Release Date: 1^st May 2013

Edition: UK paperback, purchased copy

Other titles by this Author: Story of a Girl, Sweethearts, Once Was Lost, How to Save a Life

Lucy Beck-Moreau once had a promising future as a concert pianist. The right people knew her name, her performances were booked months in advance, and her future seemed certain.

That was all before she turned fourteen.

Now, at sixteen, it’s over. A death, and a betrayal, have led her to walk away, leaving her talented ten-year-old brother, Gus, to shoulder the full weight of the Beck-Moreau family’s expectations. Then Gus gets a new piano teacher who is young, handsome, and interested in helping Lucy rekindle her love of the piano – on her own terms. But when you’re used to performing for sold-out audiences and world-famous critics, can you ever learn to play just for yourself?

The Lucy Variations is the story of one girl’s struggles to retain her love of music and herself; because life isn’t a performance and everyone deserves the chance to make a few mistakes along the way.

Sara Zarr writes beautiful, thought-provoking and deeply involving contemporary YA novels and The Lucy Variations is no exception.

Though the novel is about music, love, friendship and learning about what you want and how to get it, I think that The Lucy Variations was primarily about family. And what a family the Beck-Moreau’s are. The relationship between Lucy and her family members were fascinating as well as being sometimes heart-warming and sometimes anger-inducing for me a reader. My favourite by far is Lucy and her little brother Gus. They have a strong bond built by years of sticking together against their mother and grandfather’s bossiness and demands and the protective way Lucy regarded Gus, when he was mad at her, was so nice to read and very realistic. Sibling relationships in YA are usually fraught with tension, arguments and hatred, and though the former two made an appearance - why wouldn’t they? They’re brother and sister! - nothing could stop them from loving each other. It was refreshing to see a sibling relationship that was healthy and real.

Not having a musical bone in my body, music to my disappointment, I hadn’t even thought about the pressure and ramifications of having a classical music career, let alone having one as a child and teenager. At first I was immensely angry at Lucy’s mum and grandfather for treating her the way they did after she quit, but I slowly began to see where they were coming from, even if I didn’t agree with their methods. They did it out of misguided love, and yes, a little jealousy and frustration that I didn’t really start to consider until Wil came into the picture.

Will, Will, Will. I kind of fell in love with him. I mean, he plays the piano – I’m sold. He was sweet, caring and understood Lucy’s plight. He even helped her to overcome what was almost a fear of playing again; of letting herself love music again. Then I started to wonder about him. But then he’d explain himself to Lucy and I’d fall back in love, completely oblivious. I won’t tell you whether I should or shouldn’t have believed him, you’ll just have to read and find out for yourself!

In the background of all of this were Lucy and her relationship with Rayna. Again with the breaking YA norms, Sara Zarr portrayed such a multi-dimensional relationship that is incredibly realistic. It wasn’t a black-and-white, they didn’t either love each other unconditionally and never fight or they secretly hate each other kind of thing. They had history, unresolved feelings, secrets and other lives tucked away. They’re people with issues and lives and minds of their own and I loved them. Even though their friendship wasn’t always perfect and they argued and disagreed on occasion, they were there for each other when they needed it. They’re the type of friends you hope to find in real life.

The Lucy Variations is a another stunning novel from Sara Zarr. A sensitive and gripping story of love, music and family. I can’t wait for the next one.

For my 2013 YA Contemporary Reading Challenge

I purchased this copy from Waterstones Broadmead.

Sophie

Letterbox Love #3

Letterbox Love came about after some drama with the American book haul memes, so the UKYA bloggers came together on Twitter to organise one of our own. Hosted by Narratively Speaking.

For Review:

Dangerous Girls – Abigail Haas (proof)

Spring break. Aruba.

Swimming, sunshine, and drinks. Lots of drinks.

It’s supposed to be the best time of Anna’s life. Perfect.

But then Anna’s best friend is found brutally murdered.

And as the local police begin to investigate the gruesome crime, suspicion and evidence unfathomably point to one person – Anna.

Now trapped in a country not her own, Anna must fight for her freedom and prove her innocence. But as she awaits the judge’s decision, it becomes clear to Anna that everyone around her thinks she is not only guilty, but dangerous.

Very dangerous.

And when the truth finally comes out, it’s more shocking than anyone could imagine...

I’m SO looking forward to this. Thanks S&S!

Stormbringers – Philippa Gregory

Constantinople has fallen and the world is changing beyond all recognition.

Luca Vero is a member of the secret Order of Darkness, tasked with searching out and reporting signs of the end of the world. Breaking his journey in Piccolo, he finds a place filled with superstitious fears: of the unknown, of the forces of the sea and sky, of strangers. With him are his loyal friend and servant Frieze, and his clerk, Brother Peter, as well as the Lady Isolde and her mysterious servant-companion Ishraq. The five of them are followed into the town by a huge children’s crusade, led by a self-proclaimed saint. Its young leader promises that the sea will part before them, and allow them to walk dry-shod all the way to Jerusalem. Luca and Lady Isolde are swept up in the growing excitement; but something is brewing far out to sea...

I really enjoyed the first book so I’m looking forward to this. Thanks S&S!

Severed Heads, Broken Hearts – Robyn Schneider (proof)

My own tragedy held out. It waited to strike until I was so used to my good-enough life in an unexceptional suburb that I’ve stopped waiting for anything interesting to happen. Which is why, when my personal tragedy finally found me, it was nearly too late. I had just turned seventeen, was embarrassingly popular, earned good grades, and was threatening to become eternally unextraordinary.

So who was I in the aftermath of my personal tragedy? I had been Ezra Faulkner, golden boy, but that person no longer existed.

I can’t even put into words how much I’m dying to read this. I don’t think I’m going to be able to wait until release month to dive in... Thanks S&S!

If You Could Be Mine – Sara Farizan (ebook)

Seventeen-year-old Sahar has been in love with her best friend, Nasrin, since they were six six. They’ve shred stolen kisses and romantic promises. But Iran is a dangerous place for two girls in love – Sahar and Nasrin could be beaten, imprisoned, even executed if their relationship came to light.

So they carry on in secret – until Nasrin’s parents announce that they’ve arranged for her marriage. Nasrin tries to persuade Sahar that they can go on as they have been, only now with new comforts provided by the decent, well-to-do doctor Nasrin will marry. But Sahar dreams of loving Nasrin exclusively – and openly.

Then Sahar discovers what seems like the perfect solution. In Iran, homosexuality may be a crime, but to be a man trapped in a woman’s body is seen as nature’s mistake, and sex reassignment is legal and accessible. As a man, Sahar could be the one to marry Nasrin. Sahar will never be able to love the one she wants, in the body she wants to be loved in, without risking her life. Is saving her love worth risking her true self?

This sounds fascinating and so unusual. Thanks Alonquin Books/NetGalley!

Bones of the Lost – Kathy Reichs (ebook)

When Charlotte police discover the body of a teenage girl along a desolate stretch of two-lane highway, Temperance Brenna fears the worst. The girl’s body shows the signs of foul play. Inside her purse police find the ID card of a prominent local businessman, John-Henry Story, who died in a horrific flea market fire several months earlier. Was the girl an illegal immigrant turning tricks? Was she murdered?

The medical examiner has also asked Tempe to examine a bundle of Peruvian dog mummies confiscated by US Customs. A Desert Storm veteran named Dominick Rockett stands accused of smuggling the objects into the country. Could there be some connection between the trafficking of antiquities and the trafficking of humans?

As the case deepens, Tempe must also grapple with personal turmoil. Her daughter, Katy, grieving the death of her boyfriend in Afghanistan, impulsively enlists in the Army. Meanwhile, Katy’s father Pete is frustrated by Tempe’s reluctance to finalize their divorce. As pressure mounts from all corners, Tempe soon finds herself at the center of a conspiracy that extends all the way from South America, to Afghanistan, and right to the center of Charlotte.

It’s been years since I read a Kathy Reichs novel so I’m excited! Thanks Scribner/NetGalley!

A Really Awesome Mess - Trish Cook; Brendan Halpin (ebook)

A hint of Recovery Road, a sample of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, and a cut of Juno. A Really Awesome Mess is a laugh-out-loud, gut-wrenching/heart-warming story of two teenagers struggling to find love and themselves.

Two teenagers. Two very bumpy roads taken that lead to Heartland Academy.
Justin was just having fun, but when his dad walked in on him with a girl in a very compromising position, Justin's summer took a quick turn for the worse. His parents' divorce put Justin on rocky mental ground, and after a handful of Tylenol lands him in the hospital, he has really hit rock bottom.

Emmy never felt like part of her family. She was adopted from China. Her parents and sister tower over her and look like they came out of a Ralph Lauren catalog-- and Emmy definitely doesn't. After a scandalous photo of Emmy leads to vicious rumors around school, she threatens the boy who started it all on Facebook.

Justin and Emmy arrive at Heartland Academy, a reform school that will force them to deal with their issues, damaged souls with little patience for authority. But along the way they will find a ragtag group of teens who are just as broken, stubborn, and full of sarcasm as themselves. In the end, they might even call each other friends.
A funny, sad, and remarkable story, A Really Awesome Mess is a journey of friendship and self-discovery that teen readers will surely sign up for. 

This one sounds really different. Thanks Egmont USA/NetGalley! 

My mum came up to see me last weekend and brought me the review books that arrived at home for me.

Doll Bones – Holly Black

Twelve-year-old Zach is too old to play with toys. Or at least, that’s what his father thinks.

But even though he stops hanging out with Poppy and Alice, stops playing with his action figures, it’s no good. There’s one toy that wants to play with him. A doll that’s made from the bones of a dead girl.

The only way to end the game is to lay the doll to rest for ever. It’s time for a journey to Spring Grove cemetery. It’s time to grow up.

I love Holly Black’s books, but this didn't quite deliver the umph I was hoping for.

The Elite – Kiera Cass

America Singer is one THE ELITE and Prince Mason only has eyes for her.

If she wins the competition for his heart, she will leave her pre-destined life for a world of luxury. But the outcome is less than certain; the threat of rebel violence just beyond the palace walls is escalating into war and bitter rivals are ready to take her down.

And as America’s feelings for Maxon grow stronger, ex-love Aspen waits for her in the shadows. Where do her loyalties truly lie?

FINALLY! Thanks HarperCollins!

 I also received:

Crash, Nicole Williams (S&S)

Clash, Nicole Williams (S&S)

Black Helicopters, Blythe Woolston (Walker)

Where You Are, Tammara Webber (Penguin)

Love is a Number, Lee Monroe (Hodder)

Lockwood & Co., Jonathon Stroud (RHCP)

Bought:

The Eternity Cure – Julie Kagawa

In Allison Sekemoto’s world, there is one rule left: blood calls to blood.

She has done the unthinkable: died so that she might continue to live. Cast out of Eden and separated from the boy she dared to love, Allie will follow the call of blood to save her creator, Kanin, from the psychotic vampire Sarren. But when the trail leads to Allie’s birthplace in New Convington, what Allie finds there will change the world forever – and possibly end human and vampire existence.

There’s a new plague on the rise, a strain of the Red Lung virus that wiped out most of humanity generations ago – and this strain is deadly to humans and vampires alike. The only hope for a cure lies in the secrets Kanin carries, if Allie can get to him in time.

Allison thought that immortality was forever. But now, with eternity itself hanging in the balance, the lines between human and monster will blur even further, and Allie must face another choice she could never have imagined having to make.

I accidentally sent this home when I pre-ordered it so I only just got it! Can’t wait to get stuck back into Julie Kagawa’s writing.

How to Talk to Girls at Parties – Neil Gaiman (free ebook)

A free ebook-only edition of Neil Gaiman’s short-story ‘How to Talk to Girls at Parties’ and an exclusive preview of the new THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE NAME, a novel about memory and magic and survival, about the power of stories and the darkness inside of each of us – available in June 2013. ‘How to Talk to Girls at Parties’ was previously published in FRAGILE THINGS.

I’ve only read one book by Neil Gaiman and I didn’t love it, so I’m giving him another go!

Catching Jordan – Miranda Kenneally (ebook)

What girl doesn’t want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn’t just surrounded by hot guys, though – she leads them as the captain and quarterback on her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that’s just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now’s there’s a new guy in town who threatens her starring position on the team...and has her suddenly wishing to be seen as more than just a teammate.

I’ve heard so, so many amazing things about this that I couldn’t resist anymore!

Sophie

Author Interview: Veronica Cossanteli

Debut author Veronica Cossanteli who fantastic novel, The Extincts, was prublished by Chicken House at the beginning of May has stopped by the answer a few question>

1. If you could choose one extinct creature to bring back to life, which would you choose?

Tough question! I’m tempted to say a mammoth – I have a huge respect for the wisdom, and who wouldn’t love a woolly one? – but with tusks like that, I fear it wouldn’t stand a chance against ivory-poachers. The end of the dodo was a terrible shame. Like so many specifies, they were doing fine until humans got in the way – we have a lot to answer for! A glypton, something a bit like an armadillo crossed with a VW Beetle, would be rather splendid and very good at keeping the grass down. But I think I’ll settle for psittacosaurus, a charming little herbivorous dinosaur with a beak like a parrot – somewhere in between TRex and budgerigar.

2. Who would you rather face in a fight: Mortifer the basilisk or Diamond Pye?

Mortifer – although I prefer to think that, given a mirror and a chicken korma, I might persuade him to make friends. Worst case scenario – either I get turned into stone, which is reasonably quick end (and there’s always the chance of being de-petrified in the future) OR I get eaten, in which case  at least I’ve served a useful purpose. Better than falling victim to Diamond’s poisoned chopsticks...

3. Will there be any more adventures at Wormestall Farm?

I very much hope so. I’ve been happy there, and don’t want to leave. Plenty of ideas, and threads to tie up...

And a few quick ones!

4. Favourite (living) animal?

Another tough one. I’ve always liked gorillas. I also have a soft spot for rhinoceroses – despite the fact that one of them killed my great aunt. (She was pointing a gun at it, at the time, so in my view she got what she deserved...) Both species way well soon belong at Wormestall, as humans will have rendered them extinct in the wild. But it’s the cat, always, that takes the top spot. I love them for their grace, their ESP and their infinite capacity for doing nothing. I love them slightly less for their habit of sicking up semi-digested biscuits on the end of my bed, and leaving dead mice in my shoes...

5. Current obsession?

Flea circuses. Expect a book with a flea circus in it. There are still fake ones about – the real ones died out because of lack of performers. Cat and dog fleas are not big enough, and the human flea is almost extinct. Come to think of it, maybe that the one thing to bring back from the dead: Pulex Irritans – the human flea.

6. What are you reading at the moment?

Varjak Paw by SF Said, lent to me by a Year 6 girl at school. I’m also dipping in and out of Philip Pullman’s Fairytales and Sagas and Myths of the Northmen translated by Jesse Byock. Very, very bloodthirsty. I’m going to need some  humour soon. Cue CJ Skuse, and Dead Romantic...

A massive thank you to Tina at Chicken House for putting me in touch with Veronica and to Veronica for agreeing to answer my questions. The Extincts is unique, funny and just brilliant – I highly recommend it!

Sophie