Review: This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales

3 July, 2013 Reviews 10 comments

There’s something about This Song Will Save Your Life that is highly addictive, just like the lure of the enticing night club that Elise stumbles upon in the book. In part, I think it’s the way the pacing never dragged, or the balance of light and dark subject matter. Those are both plausible causes, but TSWSYL definitely brandishes another sword of literary awesomeness: a raw, tell it like it is protagonist.

From the get-go, I wasn’t certain whether I hated Elise or whether I absolutely adored her. At moments I found her extremely compelling, and at other times I wanted to cringe away from her actions. Sales maintained this contrast throughout the book, but as time went on, it stopped bothering me.

Whether Elise was self-absorbed, or brilliant, or incredibly sad wasn’t important. Regardless of her true nature, Elise’s narration had me enthralled in her story just like the crowd’s she played music for became enthralled in her beats. Author Sales had me turning pages like it was nobody’s business, and I was more than happy to read on.

My favourite parts always included Elise’s DJ-ing interests. Going into the book I hadn’t even thought about the details of DJ-ing that are so integral to being the best. I loved the way Elise threw herself into her passions, learning beat-matching and crowd reading and struggling and growing throughout the entire book. There was no instantaneous transition, which was refreshing. I’ve been reading a lot of books lately where the MC will master a skill in the space of two pages, as if the book is a movie and all it takes is an eighty second training montage to improve.

I was also really appreciative of the stances this book took regarding the way we view others and ultimately, the way we view ourselves. I felt every character was written to be more than they initially seemed. From Char to Pippa to Amelia to Sally and Chava, everyone was worthy of a second glance.

I took a chance on this book and I don’t regret it. Normally this isn’t the type of contemporary I’m drawn to, but I was definitely impressed. I wouldn’t be hasty to recommend it though, because I can definitely see Elise’s voice being a hit for some but a miss for others. My verdict is to preview a bit, and if you’re hooked like me, you won’t be disappointed.

10 Responses to “Review: This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales”

  1. LindsaySmithDC

    Great, insightful review. I am really looking forward to this one because the narrative tone sounds so unusual.

  2. Janita

    I’ve been keeping my eye on this one for a while. I’ve never read or watched anything about DJing, so just that aspect makes me really interested. Awesome review! 🙂

  3. NoseGraze

    Great review!  I’m delighted to hear that this book is super good!  It’s been sitting on my shelf since BEA but now I may pick it up early!

  4. alexalovesbooks

    I’m very excited to read this one! I’ve been excited since the cover + title were revealed, so it pleases me to hear that it’s a well-written contemporary. The character – Elise – sounds absolutely fascinating, and I get the feeling I’d really like her!

  5. PopGoesTheReader

    Wonderful review, Adrienne! Personally, I can’t wait to read this one. I love novels that focus on a protagonist who has a passion or an unusual skill, and DJ’ing is certainly a unique occupation. I’m also intrigued by the fact that Elise is not necessarily a traditionally likeable character. I look forward to discovering more about her and will be sure to pick this book up upon its release 🙂

  6. Kat C

    I am so excited for this book after seeing all the buzz on it….also I am just now realizing the pink letters spell love. I think contemp YA needs a great protagonist and it sounds like Elise could be one.

  7. alexiareads

    I have heard nothing but amazing things about this one. I am super excited to read it.