mlboyd20's review against another edition
3.0
I would like to thank the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was really stoked to read this book. Having been a teen in the 80’s I had grown to love music from just about every musical genre out there, but my heart belongs to the 80’s pop, punk and alternative scenes. I love to watch movies that show how some of the groups got together, i.e. The Runaways or read books about how members of bands interacted with each other, i.e. “Wild Boy: My Life in Duran Duran.” Reading through the first quarter of the book, I could see the making of a band that would rival the best of the garage bands. The back stories of pain, curiosity, insecurities, revenge, heartache, etc. were there and waiting to be brought to the forefront.
Unfortunately, the story itself didn’t give me the impact that I had hoped for. The chemistry of the girls just didn’t interweave the way it should have. Some of them, even having been through so much together, seemed like almost complete strangers. The lack of chemistry in turn made the story come out a bit flat and monotone. Another issue I had was that sometimes I wasn’t sure who had said or done what because there was a lack of distinction of which character it was. With this I’m talking about dialogue. Two people in the room but unsure of whom said the first line which means the whole conversation could go either way.
An interesting book, an interesting look into the band scene, and an interesting look at lives that some would consider cookie cutter but are the complete opposite. The Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover totally represents Cassie. The Barbie girl looks, complete with the family that has gone through implosion after implosion, she is the one that I felt for the most in this book but who also took a wicked turn in her life that brought a different side of her out. The others seemed to have their fingers on their own fates and knew when it was time to turn their lives around.
Anyone who is into the band scene, both the highs and lows of them, would appreciate this book and find themselves rereading it and reliving different stages in their own lives. I look forward to reading further books from this author.
I was really stoked to read this book. Having been a teen in the 80’s I had grown to love music from just about every musical genre out there, but my heart belongs to the 80’s pop, punk and alternative scenes. I love to watch movies that show how some of the groups got together, i.e. The Runaways or read books about how members of bands interacted with each other, i.e. “Wild Boy: My Life in Duran Duran.” Reading through the first quarter of the book, I could see the making of a band that would rival the best of the garage bands. The back stories of pain, curiosity, insecurities, revenge, heartache, etc. were there and waiting to be brought to the forefront.
Unfortunately, the story itself didn’t give me the impact that I had hoped for. The chemistry of the girls just didn’t interweave the way it should have. Some of them, even having been through so much together, seemed like almost complete strangers. The lack of chemistry in turn made the story come out a bit flat and monotone. Another issue I had was that sometimes I wasn’t sure who had said or done what because there was a lack of distinction of which character it was. With this I’m talking about dialogue. Two people in the room but unsure of whom said the first line which means the whole conversation could go either way.
An interesting book, an interesting look into the band scene, and an interesting look at lives that some would consider cookie cutter but are the complete opposite. The Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover totally represents Cassie. The Barbie girl looks, complete with the family that has gone through implosion after implosion, she is the one that I felt for the most in this book but who also took a wicked turn in her life that brought a different side of her out. The others seemed to have their fingers on their own fates and knew when it was time to turn their lives around.
Anyone who is into the band scene, both the highs and lows of them, would appreciate this book and find themselves rereading it and reliving different stages in their own lives. I look forward to reading further books from this author.
morgakar's review against another edition
3.0
thoughts and review coming soon...I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. It wasn't great.
thepaperreels's review against another edition
4.0
Honest. Heartbreaking. Funny.
Those are the words that really came into my head after reading The Screaming Divas. I'm a music lover. In fact just give me a good book and a music to listen to, and I'm fine. So when I read the Blurb if The Screaming Divas I know I'm going to like it. It met my expectations and I was engaged from the first chapter.
This book is very relatable and easy to read. I found myself relating with every characters. Trudy for me is the strongest, she had a very rough life. Her attitude wasn't really something that I would like but if you knew her backstory, you would know that there's a reason why she acts that way. Then there's Harumi. Her life seems to be perfect compared to others but like the other girls, she's also struggling. There's Esther. My heart broke for her a little. She's confused and I think all she wants is acceptance. Don't we all? And of course, Cassie. I'm done. She's my favorite and.. what happened just broke my heart. I didn't like it, but I do think it's necessary.
I'm really a fan of the author now. She made a story of friendship that is full of laughs, heartbreaking moments and unforgettable characters.
hollyberry_1980's review against another edition
4.0
This book follows the lives of four young girls, each trying to find their way in the world. First we meet Trudy, she is on her way to a detention centre for stealing a pair of sunglasses. It was her Mother who decided that that is where she would be going, rather than trying to deal with her on her own. Trudy has lead a very eventful life, her Mother always traipsing her away to somewhere new, or sometimes not taking her and leaving her in the foster care system as her Father was not allowed to have contact with her. It is not a wonder that Trudy developed the way she did with parents like that.
We then meet Harumi, she is what her parents like to brag a "child prodigy" when it comes to the violin, and she has given up everything that a normal child would have and go through to make her parents happy. She did enjoy the violin for a long time, then there was so much pressure on her, she didn't know how to handle it anymore.
Then we meet Cassie. She was in a car accident when she was young with her Mother, her Mother did not make it, but she did. She is trying to go out and date, however, none of the guys in high school interest her, so she is trying to branch out and find a new group of friends.
The last girl that we meet is Esther. She is a lesbian, however, she cannot tell anyone, especially her parents, her Dad says "homo" under his breath every time he sees a guy with an ear pierced, so she basically knows the way that they would react.
Through a series of events, all these girls meet, and Trudy decides that they are going to start a band, and they get their name from her roommate who calls them "a bunch of screaming divas". This book covers some heavy subjects, drug abuse, sexual orientation and even death.
Although it is at basic a story about a group of girls coming together to join a band, there was so much more to it than that. I really enjoyed the characters, the plot, and the pacing. I can't pick out a favourite character from this book, however, I think that the one I could relate to the most would be Esther, with her personality and just wanting to fit in.
I think that this was overall a good book, I give it a 4/5, and I read it in one sitting, so if you are looking for a quick read with some tough subjects brought up, this one is for you.
We then meet Harumi, she is what her parents like to brag a "child prodigy" when it comes to the violin, and she has given up everything that a normal child would have and go through to make her parents happy. She did enjoy the violin for a long time, then there was so much pressure on her, she didn't know how to handle it anymore.
Then we meet Cassie. She was in a car accident when she was young with her Mother, her Mother did not make it, but she did. She is trying to go out and date, however, none of the guys in high school interest her, so she is trying to branch out and find a new group of friends.
The last girl that we meet is Esther. She is a lesbian, however, she cannot tell anyone, especially her parents, her Dad says "homo" under his breath every time he sees a guy with an ear pierced, so she basically knows the way that they would react.
Through a series of events, all these girls meet, and Trudy decides that they are going to start a band, and they get their name from her roommate who calls them "a bunch of screaming divas". This book covers some heavy subjects, drug abuse, sexual orientation and even death.
Although it is at basic a story about a group of girls coming together to join a band, there was so much more to it than that. I really enjoyed the characters, the plot, and the pacing. I can't pick out a favourite character from this book, however, I think that the one I could relate to the most would be Esther, with her personality and just wanting to fit in.
I think that this was overall a good book, I give it a 4/5, and I read it in one sitting, so if you are looking for a quick read with some tough subjects brought up, this one is for you.
shaidnns's review against another edition
2.0
Well I wasn't expecting this story at all. It isn't one of my favorites but I didn't not like it so I'm giving it two stars because it was just okay.
The Screaming Divas are four young girls who come from very different backgrounds. They all have something going on but they still have the time to be in a band.
Trudy was my least favorite of the group. I did feel bad for her because both her parents didn't want to deal with her. And all the guys she liked were douche bags. But chick was kinda crazy.
Even though Harumi's life wasn't that easy. She kind of had it better than the other girls. Her parent's were too uptight but I think they just wanted the best for her and didn't want her to turn out like them.
I liked Esther the most. I'm glad she left Rebecca alone. Because she was trying to force her into something she wasn't ready for. And I know she really liked Cassie. But Cassie was only using her and I'm glad she figured that out before it was to late.
Cassie had the saddest story to me. She lost her mom and even though she still had her dad it's like he wasn't there. I think her problem was that she just needed someone to talk to. But it seems like everyone she was around wanted something from her. And it sucks her it ended. But I knew it was coming.
The story went by really fast. I didn't have time to take in one thing before we moved on to something else. I know this is an early copy but the writing could use alot of work. Overall it wasn't a really great story but it wasn't a really bad story either.
The Screaming Divas are four young girls who come from very different backgrounds. They all have something going on but they still have the time to be in a band.
Trudy was my least favorite of the group. I did feel bad for her because both her parents didn't want to deal with her. And all the guys she liked were douche bags. But chick was kinda crazy.
Even though Harumi's life wasn't that easy. She kind of had it better than the other girls. Her parent's were too uptight but I think they just wanted the best for her and didn't want her to turn out like them.
I liked Esther the most. I'm glad she left Rebecca alone. Because she was trying to force her into something she wasn't ready for. And I know she really liked Cassie. But Cassie was only using her and I'm glad she figured that out before it was to late.
Cassie had the saddest story to me. She lost her mom and even though she still had her dad it's like he wasn't there. I think her problem was that she just needed someone to talk to. But it seems like everyone she was around wanted something from her. And it sucks her it ended. But I knew it was coming.
The story went by really fast. I didn't have time to take in one thing before we moved on to something else. I know this is an early copy but the writing could use alot of work. Overall it wasn't a really great story but it wasn't a really bad story either.
missie1457's review against another edition
2.0
Screaming Divas was an intriguing story, it was like Lemonade Mouth meets Rent. It definitely was not what I was expecting, it wasn’t a bad read, it was just not really my style.
Likes:
The story had good pacing. It was a quick read I finished in a couple hours.
The writing was interesting, there were some parts that I really enjoyed, especially because of the writing style.
Each character was well-developed and you were given a good view of who they really were.
The characters were sexually diverse. I have not really read books with characters who are homosexual, so it is good to have diversity in books for those who desire to read more stories with characters that are not the mainstream.
Gripes:
I would call this a YA book with the ages of the characters, but it almost seemed like new adult in action. A few of the characters lived on their own, even though they were still in high school.
There was more graphic details in the book than I am used to in this genre, including sex and drugs. I really do not enjoy “erotica” myself and tend to shy away from books that have sexual acts in detail, although this was mild, it was still not my cup of tea.
I was really thinking the book would be more “Lemonade Mouth” than it is. It was more a Disney book in my head, so that was really my fault coming into the story not really knowing what I was getting into.
Favorite Quote:
“Their sound made Trudy think of a funeral in a Gothic cathedral, or the spooky look of the low country at dusk, Spanish moss hanging like cobwebs, bats flitting around. Noel’s voice was low and menacing. He stood at the center of the stage, his hands cupped around the mic. From time to time he pressed his palms to his temples as if he were trying to quell demon voices. Although he barely moved, his body was tensed. Trudy expected him to pounce into the crowd like a panther.
Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of the ebook was provided to me by the author and publisher in exchange of an honest review. The views expressed above are entirely my own and are in, no way, affected by the source of this book.
For more reviews visit
A Flurry of Ponderings
Likes:
The story had good pacing. It was a quick read I finished in a couple hours.
The writing was interesting, there were some parts that I really enjoyed, especially because of the writing style.
Each character was well-developed and you were given a good view of who they really were.
The characters were sexually diverse. I have not really read books with characters who are homosexual, so it is good to have diversity in books for those who desire to read more stories with characters that are not the mainstream.
Gripes:
I would call this a YA book with the ages of the characters, but it almost seemed like new adult in action. A few of the characters lived on their own, even though they were still in high school.
There was more graphic details in the book than I am used to in this genre, including sex and drugs. I really do not enjoy “erotica” myself and tend to shy away from books that have sexual acts in detail, although this was mild, it was still not my cup of tea.
I was really thinking the book would be more “Lemonade Mouth” than it is. It was more a Disney book in my head, so that was really my fault coming into the story not really knowing what I was getting into.
Favorite Quote:
“Their sound made Trudy think of a funeral in a Gothic cathedral, or the spooky look of the low country at dusk, Spanish moss hanging like cobwebs, bats flitting around. Noel’s voice was low and menacing. He stood at the center of the stage, his hands cupped around the mic. From time to time he pressed his palms to his temples as if he were trying to quell demon voices. Although he barely moved, his body was tensed. Trudy expected him to pounce into the crowd like a panther.
Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of the ebook was provided to me by the author and publisher in exchange of an honest review. The views expressed above are entirely my own and are in, no way, affected by the source of this book.
For more reviews visit
A Flurry of Ponderings
isnotacrayon's review
3.0
3.5 stars
Screaming Divas is a rock-infused YA drama about four girls in the 80s who start a band together.
Trudy has been kicked out of her house yet again and uses her family problems as an excuse to party with no consequence. She falls too hard too fast and acts like she hasn’t a care in the world.
Cassie hasn’t been the same since her mother’s drunk driving killed herself and gave Cassie a huge scar down her face. She counters loneliness with drugs and casual sex.
Harumi finally fights against her parents’ constant pressure for perfection and ruins her chances for music school at the same time.
Esther is struggling with making sense of her life and her sexuality, including confusing feelings that have cropped up for Cassie.
This is a fast, fun read that puts you in the punk scene and makes you feel for these girls who can only find themselves in their music. While it was hard for me to relate to any of the girls very much, they were sympathetic characters that you root for and cry with the whole way. Though little hints placed the narrative in the 80s (no cell phones, etc.), this is a universal tale that could take place in any generation.
Screaming Divas is a rock-infused YA drama about four girls in the 80s who start a band together.
Trudy has been kicked out of her house yet again and uses her family problems as an excuse to party with no consequence. She falls too hard too fast and acts like she hasn’t a care in the world.
Cassie hasn’t been the same since her mother’s drunk driving killed herself and gave Cassie a huge scar down her face. She counters loneliness with drugs and casual sex.
Harumi finally fights against her parents’ constant pressure for perfection and ruins her chances for music school at the same time.
Esther is struggling with making sense of her life and her sexuality, including confusing feelings that have cropped up for Cassie.
This is a fast, fun read that puts you in the punk scene and makes you feel for these girls who can only find themselves in their music. While it was hard for me to relate to any of the girls very much, they were sympathetic characters that you root for and cry with the whole way. Though little hints placed the narrative in the 80s (no cell phones, etc.), this is a universal tale that could take place in any generation.
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