SYNOPSIS::
THE TRANSFORMATION
Beth has always been “The Beast”—that’s what everyone at school calls her because of her awkward height, facial scars, and thick glasses. Beth’s only friend is geeky, golden-haired Scott. That is, until she’s selected to be her choir’s soprano soloist, and receives the makeover that will change her life forever.
THE LOVE AFFAIR
When Beth’s choir travels to Switzerland, she meets Derek: pale, brooding, totally dreamy. Derek’s untethered passion—for music, and for Beth—leaves her breathless. Because in Derek’s eyes? She’s not The Beast, she’s The Beauty.
THE IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE
When Beth comes home, Scott, her best friend in the world, makes a confession that leaves her completely torn. Should she stand by sweet, steady Scott or follow the dangerous, intense new feelings she has for Derek?
THE HEARTBREAK
The closer Beth gets to Derek, the further away he seems. Then Beth discovers that Derek’s been hiding a dark secret from her …one that could shatter everything.
REVIEW:
This is perhaps the best YA novel I have read so far. The name ‘Sing me to Sleep’ in itself is a very catching and apt name for the book. Though the title is beautiful,it is in a way a giveaway.
The book narrates the story of Beth,a sophomore,who has to be the victim of regular derision because of her looks. Her only saving grace is her friend Scott who helps pump up her mood every time.Beth is a fabulous singer,a fact that had never been exposed because no one ever cared to look beyond her appearance. When her choir’s soloist fails to sing a piece,Beth charms everyone with her singing. She is then appointed as her choir’s soloist. What then follows is a passionate affair between Derek and Beth when both meet at the Choral Olympics. However,when Derek’s secret is revealed,their world falls apart and the book ends with Derek’s valediction.
The book is extremely appealing with the compelling emotions it arouses. It claims universality with its realistic characters and its very uniqueness in its own genre. Angela Morrison handles high school and romance with extreme honesty and herein lies her capability to deviate from the banality of the theme.Her adroit portrayal of the characters also draws attention-Beth is insecure but ‘worldly wise’,Derek ia a star but burdened with a secret that threatens to ruin the purity of his ‘lovelife’ and finally Scott,the patient,loving,caring friend and omnipresent shoulder for Beth to unburden her tears and troubles on. Her writing is lucid and indeed very thought provoking. It proffers the opportunity to cogitate and ruminate on the more serious side of life,without being preachy,but in the form of a heartwarming tale. Derek’s tremendous display of strength and ‘life’ even at the face of death,though intensifies our grief,teaches us to accept death gracefully and leave the world with a smile.Though there is a death in the end,the book rounds of with a promise of a new love story and the fulfillment of true love...I hope I am not being too philosophical!
The verses scattered throughout the book are highly commendable because of their ability to present the veracity of passions without being voluble. The book proved to be a delectable YA and a major page-turner for me. I loved the book-a high school romance with a twist!
The cover is also lovely..it mirrors all the emotions the book arouses-the dark color anticipating the dark fate,the hand-in-hand friendship,the white(snow-flakes) purity of true love.There is a certain sense of serene beauty in the cover.I am sure the book will get all the lauds it deserves! A final warning:Keep the box of Kleenex close by!
My rating:5/5
No comments:
Post a Comment