Title: A Thousand Perfect Notes
Author: C.G. Drews
Published By: Orchard Books (2018)
Synopsis:
An emotionally charged story of music, abuse and, ultimately, hope.
Beck hates his life. He hates his violent mother. He hates his home. Most of all, he hates the piano that his mother forces him to play hour after hour, day after day. He will never play as she did before illness ended her career and left her bitter and broken. But Beck is too scared to stand up to his mother, and tell her his true passion, which is composing his own music – because the least suggestion of rebellion on his part ends in violence.
When Beck meets August, a girl full of life, energy and laughter, love begins to awaken within him and he glimpses a way to escape his painful existence. But dare he reach for it? (Taken from Goodreads)
Review:
I’m not crying, you’re crying!
A beautifully sweet and short novel, I read this in nearly one sitting. I was enthralled from the beginning. The story is so straightforward and simple, and yet with so many complex elaborations and undertones along the way. Beck was a very easy character to understand and very authentic. His family life was complex and detailed, easy to picture, easy to empathize with. I’ve read some reviewers that found his mom too stereotypical, too much, too expected, but I didn’t think that whatsoever. It was intense and at times did feel a little dramatic/over-the-top, but it didn’t affect my overall appreciation.
I LOVED August. Her and Beck’s relationship was actually the sweetest thing ever, and also so beautifully innocent. I absolutely loved how this was done, I could not get enough of it! The balance of the story was perfect: while a dark story in its own way, with some serious themes and difficult struggles, August provided a lighthearted aspect that took the edge off the intensity and in turn made it easier to see the fuller picture.
This is definitely an “emotionally charged” story that will pull your heartstrings; ultimately, the themes in the end were incredible, filled with soooo much hope. This took me for a rollercoaster of a ride but AHHH did I love it in the end. 5.0 stars!
Recommended 14+ because of domestic violence, few swear words, and mature themes about abuse and depression.