readingslug's review against another edition
5.0
Carmen Bianchi's life is violin, and the Guarneri international violin competition is her goal. Winning will change her life, but so will losing. But why does she find herself spending time with Jeremey King, her competition, and why is he spending time with her?
First of all, let me say that I'm a bit biased reading this because I'm a musician myself. So non-musicians may not get quite as much out of some of the music descriptions and references as I did. That being said, they shouldn't let that stop them from reading this book because it's pretty great.
The writing is great. The way she describes music, you can tell that she's a musician herself. She made me want to hear them play. (Especially the first time we hear Jeremy. I wanted to hear him play so freakin much!) The dialog sounded realistic, as did the way Carmen and Jeremy talked. They're about 17 and the author did a good job of making them sound like teenagers. It was also fairly funny. I actually laughed out loud (it's a good thing I was reading this at home) a couple times, but the humor isn't pushed onto you in serious situations. It fits the moment perfectly when it's there.
I loved the characters. Carmen did everything her mother Diana told her to do in the beginning, and she gradually grew more independent. Which is good because, like I said, she's 17. She shouldn't be going to sleep at seven o'clock on a Friday night. That being said, she had an attitude when she needed it and she grew a spine. I was cheering her on the whole time. However, she was rational about things. Before she did something rebellious, she considered her alternative. She then usually decided that screw that, she's gonna disobey her mother. (Oh and I also completely approved of her decision. Not going to say what it was obviously but I was nodding my head and saying good for you.
Jeremy King made me want to slap him and scream, "Why would you do that!?" at one point and it's not because of what you may be thinking. Don't worry I"m not spoiling anything. But I also grew to love him. The way he describes preforming and his family made me want to give a hug. A long, lingering hug. He wasn't perfect, he was still figuring things out and he made some mistakes, but he learned from his mistakes and grew as a person. The character development in this book was great! Nearly everyone grew at least a little bit.
The romance between them felt natural. I got butterflies every time the word melt was used. They were really cute together, and I actually wrote that in my notes. It never felt forced between them. It wasn't a relationship where they were all over each other all the time and they could barely stand the passion. It was a relationship where they were friends and spent a lot of time talking, but also had more physical contact then friends and kissed more than friends typically do. They were cute, not steaming and hot. Which is exactly how it should have been in this book. It fit perfectly.
I even loved some of the minor characters, like Ms. Laroche. I couldn't help but enjoy her, even though her part is minor.
Also, I wanted to punch Diana in the face and send her flying through a wall. Multiple times. That is all I'm going to say about her.
The story was great as well. It's why I picked up this book, and part of why I could connect with it so well. I do play the violin myself (though not well) and the piano. Whenever they described before pre-performance nerves I completely understood. But the story's good even if your not a musician. The author did a great job with that, including enough for the musicians to agree and feel satisfied, but not so much that non musicians were confused or left out.
The pacing was great, there was always something happening. I read this book from start to finish in one sitting (except the prologue thing but that doesn't really count), that's how good it was.
The emotion is book was...involved. I was feeling jittery with Carmen when she had to preform, and the feeling didn't go away until I walked away from the book for a few minutes. I felt despair along with Carmen, and frustration with Carmen and Jeremy. I was so scared for the ending. I was practically praying for a happy ending even though I knew everything couldn't be all happy and perfect, and that if it was it wouldn't feel realistic. I was happy with the ending. It's an open ending, with not everything all happy and perfect and I loved it.
Warning for this book: food is mentioned multiple times. (Brownies, fruit loops, scones with strawberry and clotted cream.) Unfortunately I don't have any of those in my house presently, so unless you do, be warned that you may be tempted to go buy some brownies.
I absolutely loved this book. This is going to be a personal favorite of mine, though some of the reason is it's a book about music and I love music, but it's a book you can enjoy even if you hate music. Well maybe not hate since it's mentioned so much, but even if you don't particularly like music you can enjoy it.
5 Stars!
First of all, let me say that I'm a bit biased reading this because I'm a musician myself. So non-musicians may not get quite as much out of some of the music descriptions and references as I did. That being said, they shouldn't let that stop them from reading this book because it's pretty great.
The writing is great. The way she describes music, you can tell that she's a musician herself. She made me want to hear them play. (Especially the first time we hear Jeremy. I wanted to hear him play so freakin much!) The dialog sounded realistic, as did the way Carmen and Jeremy talked. They're about 17 and the author did a good job of making them sound like teenagers. It was also fairly funny. I actually laughed out loud (it's a good thing I was reading this at home) a couple times, but the humor isn't pushed onto you in serious situations. It fits the moment perfectly when it's there.
I loved the characters. Carmen did everything her mother Diana told her to do in the beginning, and she gradually grew more independent. Which is good because, like I said, she's 17. She shouldn't be going to sleep at seven o'clock on a Friday night. That being said, she had an attitude when she needed it and she grew a spine. I was cheering her on the whole time. However, she was rational about things. Before she did something rebellious, she considered her alternative. She then usually decided that screw that, she's gonna disobey her mother. (Oh and I also completely approved of her decision. Not going to say what it was obviously but I was nodding my head and saying good for you.
Jeremy King made me want to slap him and scream, "Why would you do that!?" at one point and it's not because of what you may be thinking. Don't worry I"m not spoiling anything. But I also grew to love him. The way he describes preforming and his family made me want to give a hug. A long, lingering hug. He wasn't perfect, he was still figuring things out and he made some mistakes, but he learned from his mistakes and grew as a person. The character development in this book was great! Nearly everyone grew at least a little bit.
The romance between them felt natural. I got butterflies every time the word melt was used. They were really cute together, and I actually wrote that in my notes. It never felt forced between them. It wasn't a relationship where they were all over each other all the time and they could barely stand the passion. It was a relationship where they were friends and spent a lot of time talking, but also had more physical contact then friends and kissed more than friends typically do. They were cute, not steaming and hot. Which is exactly how it should have been in this book. It fit perfectly.
I even loved some of the minor characters, like Ms. Laroche. I couldn't help but enjoy her, even though her part is minor.
Also, I wanted to punch Diana in the face and send her flying through a wall. Multiple times. That is all I'm going to say about her.
The story was great as well. It's why I picked up this book, and part of why I could connect with it so well. I do play the violin myself (though not well) and the piano. Whenever they described before pre-performance nerves I completely understood. But the story's good even if your not a musician. The author did a great job with that, including enough for the musicians to agree and feel satisfied, but not so much that non musicians were confused or left out.
The pacing was great, there was always something happening. I read this book from start to finish in one sitting (except the prologue thing but that doesn't really count), that's how good it was.
The emotion is book was...involved. I was feeling jittery with Carmen when she had to preform, and the feeling didn't go away until I walked away from the book for a few minutes. I felt despair along with Carmen, and frustration with Carmen and Jeremy. I was so scared for the ending. I was practically praying for a happy ending even though I knew everything couldn't be all happy and perfect, and that if it was it wouldn't feel realistic. I was happy with the ending. It's an open ending, with not everything all happy and perfect and I loved it.
Warning for this book: food is mentioned multiple times. (Brownies, fruit loops, scones with strawberry and clotted cream.) Unfortunately I don't have any of those in my house presently, so unless you do, be warned that you may be tempted to go buy some brownies.
I absolutely loved this book. This is going to be a personal favorite of mine, though some of the reason is it's a book about music and I love music, but it's a book you can enjoy even if you hate music. Well maybe not hate since it's mentioned so much, but even if you don't particularly like music you can enjoy it.
5 Stars!
emiliebookworld's review against another edition
Why I don't read more contemporary novels is a mystery to me. Every time I pick on up I am captivated and I fall in love with how realistic the story feels. Of course, the very same thing happened when I read Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez. It was an incredible story that captivated me from start to finish.
Her whole life, Carmen has worked toward one goal: wining the prestigious Guarneri competition and the honor that comes with it. All those years of endless violin practices and the calluses that come from hours of playing have to have been for something. But when Jeremy shows up in Carmen's life, she loses focus for the first time. What if Jeremy was better than winning the world's most prestigious violin competition. Carmen knows that she shouldn't be with Jeremy, not only is he a distraction but he's also her biggest competitor. But she can't seem to stay away from him. And it's not like Jeremy seems to mind spending time with her either. Maybe Jeremy will be the one to help Carmen feel again after months of taking anti-anxiety drugs to perform. Because what Carmen wants more than anything is to feel again.
Virtuosity was an absolutely fantastic story. To be honest, if I didn't know any better I wouldn't believe that Jessica Martinez was a debut author. Her story was incredible and there wasn't one moment it didn't feel completely real to me. And not only did it feel real, it was also absolutely captivating. Right from page one I was drawn in and I couldn't wait to find out more about the characters and their stories. More than anything, Virtuosity reminded me of why I love contemporary books so much and made me wonder why I read so little of them. But more than anything, it was simply a truly amazing story.
Carmen was such a relatable character. I honestly felt like I could relate to her on so many levels. The violin playing, the pressure she was under to perform and succeed. She was a character I absolutely loved getting to know. Her fears, her doubts, her passion, everything about her just felt completely real. And more than anything, I could understand why she felt the way about she did about Jeremy. From the moment I met him in the story, I feel a little bit in love with Jeremy. And kept falling more in love with him him the more I found out about him. He was a great character and the perfect balance for Carmen. Though it sometimes seemed like his intentions weren't always the most noble, I could tell that he really cared and would do the right thing when it comes down to it.
Overall, Virtuosity was an absolutely incredible read. Jessica Martinez is a fantastic new author and she wrote and amazing story in this book. I absolutely cannot wait for more from this brilliant new author.
Her whole life, Carmen has worked toward one goal: wining the prestigious Guarneri competition and the honor that comes with it. All those years of endless violin practices and the calluses that come from hours of playing have to have been for something. But when Jeremy shows up in Carmen's life, she loses focus for the first time. What if Jeremy was better than winning the world's most prestigious violin competition. Carmen knows that she shouldn't be with Jeremy, not only is he a distraction but he's also her biggest competitor. But she can't seem to stay away from him. And it's not like Jeremy seems to mind spending time with her either. Maybe Jeremy will be the one to help Carmen feel again after months of taking anti-anxiety drugs to perform. Because what Carmen wants more than anything is to feel again.
Virtuosity was an absolutely fantastic story. To be honest, if I didn't know any better I wouldn't believe that Jessica Martinez was a debut author. Her story was incredible and there wasn't one moment it didn't feel completely real to me. And not only did it feel real, it was also absolutely captivating. Right from page one I was drawn in and I couldn't wait to find out more about the characters and their stories. More than anything, Virtuosity reminded me of why I love contemporary books so much and made me wonder why I read so little of them. But more than anything, it was simply a truly amazing story.
Carmen was such a relatable character. I honestly felt like I could relate to her on so many levels. The violin playing, the pressure she was under to perform and succeed. She was a character I absolutely loved getting to know. Her fears, her doubts, her passion, everything about her just felt completely real. And more than anything, I could understand why she felt the way about she did about Jeremy. From the moment I met him in the story, I feel a little bit in love with Jeremy. And kept falling more in love with him him the more I found out about him. He was a great character and the perfect balance for Carmen. Though it sometimes seemed like his intentions weren't always the most noble, I could tell that he really cared and would do the right thing when it comes down to it.
Overall, Virtuosity was an absolutely incredible read. Jessica Martinez is a fantastic new author and she wrote and amazing story in this book. I absolutely cannot wait for more from this brilliant new author.
paperlove's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 Sterne. Ich suche immer noch nach dem Plot des Buches
eunicerogando's review against another edition
3.0
The book surrounds the issues of showbizness and the pressures of being a world-star performer. Her innocence is what makes her a victim. It was sas her mother was the antagonist. Im still glad she did the right thing in the end, she did it for her pure love of music. The book had so much unnecessary explanations and remarks. I have to a admit it took me 2 months to finish the book because somedays i felt like i didn't want to read it at all. The book wasn't magnetic or anticipating, not the kind that sets you on edge.
perfectlymisaligned's review against another edition
1.0
I will keep this short and sweet...
I got about half way through this book, and had to give up. I had a very hard time taking the characters seriously. They seemed very one dimensional, and some of the dialogue was just plain laughably bad.
Read more of my reviews at BookGasmic.
I got about half way through this book, and had to give up. I had a very hard time taking the characters seriously. They seemed very one dimensional, and some of the dialogue was just plain laughably bad.
Read more of my reviews at BookGasmic.
missprint_'s review against another edition
3.0
Carmen Bianchi should have one thing and only one thing on her mind right now: winning the Guarneri competition. Technically, the Guarneri violin competition has already been on Carmen's mind for years. She has fame, she has a Grammy. But victory at the Guarneri has always been the final target--the last step to confirm her ascent from talented prodigy to a true virtuoso, a real talent.
Except Carmen is losing focus.
Carmen's mother channels all of her own career aspirations into managing Carmen's professional life while micro-managing her personal life. That used to be fine. But now Carmen isn't so sure why she is playing. Struck with painfully acute stage fright isn't even sure she's good enough.
Not after she hears Jeremy King play.
With the Guarneri finals fast approaching, both Carmen and Jeremy know the real competition is between two violinists: them. Carmen has every reason to hate Jeremy, every reason to stay away from him. She knows that. She also knows she can't stay away when Jeremy is the one person who might really understand her.
As what should be her finest hour approaches, Carmen has to decide if a win playing the violin is worth more than finding her own voice in Virtuosity (2011) by Jessica Martinez.
Virtuosity is Martinez's first novel. Martinez began playing the violin herself at the age of three. She has worked both as a symphony violinist and as a violin teacher.
With a book so grounded in the main character's passion there is always the risk of getting lost in technical jargon or simply atmosphere, particularly when the author is already an expert in the field. One of the biggest strengths of Virtuosity is that the story remains centered around Carmen as a character instead of Carmen as a violinist.
With snappy prose and competitive passion, Virtuosity is an interesting story about the difference between fostering a talent and quashing it. There are no easy answers for Carmen and the choices she faces throughout the novel which is part of what makes this book such a gripping read. Martinez's characters are well-drawn and authentic from their talents and wants right down to their flaws. Virtuosity is as complex as it is engrossing.
Possible Pairings: Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson, Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg, Bunheads by Sophie Flack, Where She Went by Gayle Forman, An Abundance of Katherines by John Green, Stupid Fast by Geoff Herbach, Rx by Tracy Lynn
Except Carmen is losing focus.
Carmen's mother channels all of her own career aspirations into managing Carmen's professional life while micro-managing her personal life. That used to be fine. But now Carmen isn't so sure why she is playing. Struck with painfully acute stage fright isn't even sure she's good enough.
Not after she hears Jeremy King play.
With the Guarneri finals fast approaching, both Carmen and Jeremy know the real competition is between two violinists: them. Carmen has every reason to hate Jeremy, every reason to stay away from him. She knows that. She also knows she can't stay away when Jeremy is the one person who might really understand her.
As what should be her finest hour approaches, Carmen has to decide if a win playing the violin is worth more than finding her own voice in Virtuosity (2011) by Jessica Martinez.
Virtuosity is Martinez's first novel. Martinez began playing the violin herself at the age of three. She has worked both as a symphony violinist and as a violin teacher.
With a book so grounded in the main character's passion there is always the risk of getting lost in technical jargon or simply atmosphere, particularly when the author is already an expert in the field. One of the biggest strengths of Virtuosity is that the story remains centered around Carmen as a character instead of Carmen as a violinist.
With snappy prose and competitive passion, Virtuosity is an interesting story about the difference between fostering a talent and quashing it. There are no easy answers for Carmen and the choices she faces throughout the novel which is part of what makes this book such a gripping read. Martinez's characters are well-drawn and authentic from their talents and wants right down to their flaws. Virtuosity is as complex as it is engrossing.
Possible Pairings: Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson, Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg, Bunheads by Sophie Flack, Where She Went by Gayle Forman, An Abundance of Katherines by John Green, Stupid Fast by Geoff Herbach, Rx by Tracy Lynn
amy_may's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
choosejoytoday's review against another edition
4.0
Pair with Chopsticks by Jessica Anthony and Rodrigo Corral.
exhaleartist's review against another edition
5.0
I am not even sure how I stumbled across this book, but I am so glad I did. Virtuosity is full, full of emotion, drama, and heartbreak. Reading it felt so raw and completely real. I completely and utterly adored this book. It has definitely earned a high place on my favorites list, and I cannot wait until it’s released to buy myself a finished copy!
From the beginning I enjoyed Carmen. She is slightly socially awkward having spent so much time dedicated to her music. Facing one of the most prestigious and difficult competitions of her life, she finds herself obsessed with learning about her biggest competitor, fellow child prodigy, Jeremy. The moment they meet everything changes. Carmen really begins to come into her own and begins to pull away from her “stage mom”. I admired Carmen’s ability to fight for what she felt was right. Despite the moments that she might feel are weak, Carmen is such an amazingly strong character. Jeremy is all kinds of crazy. At first I could not decide how I felt about him, and when I found myself liking him he would do something to change that. The relationship between Carmen and Jeremy is just so complex and complicated. They are competitors in a competition that means everything to both of them. The fact that they care about each other is crazy, insane really, but it is just so real at the same time.
Raw, that’s the best word I can think of to describe this book. Every moment of it is just so painfully real and that is a fantastically good thing. All the emotions that Carmen felt were impossible not to feel myself, and her story broke my heart. This book is filled to the brim with emotions, both good and bad, and it makes for an amazing, compelling story.
I would highly, highly recommend this book. I think this would be a very good choice for fans of If I Stay, especially if they enjoyed the musical elements in that. The fact that this is the author’s debut is just unreal. I dare anyone to read this book and not feel anything. Filled with sweet melody of romance, the lows of desperation, and the heartbreak of growing up, Virtuosity is a beautiful, albeit unusual coming-of-age story.
From the beginning I enjoyed Carmen. She is slightly socially awkward having spent so much time dedicated to her music. Facing one of the most prestigious and difficult competitions of her life, she finds herself obsessed with learning about her biggest competitor, fellow child prodigy, Jeremy. The moment they meet everything changes. Carmen really begins to come into her own and begins to pull away from her “stage mom”. I admired Carmen’s ability to fight for what she felt was right. Despite the moments that she might feel are weak, Carmen is such an amazingly strong character. Jeremy is all kinds of crazy. At first I could not decide how I felt about him, and when I found myself liking him he would do something to change that. The relationship between Carmen and Jeremy is just so complex and complicated. They are competitors in a competition that means everything to both of them. The fact that they care about each other is crazy, insane really, but it is just so real at the same time.
Raw, that’s the best word I can think of to describe this book. Every moment of it is just so painfully real and that is a fantastically good thing. All the emotions that Carmen felt were impossible not to feel myself, and her story broke my heart. This book is filled to the brim with emotions, both good and bad, and it makes for an amazing, compelling story.
I would highly, highly recommend this book. I think this would be a very good choice for fans of If I Stay, especially if they enjoyed the musical elements in that. The fact that this is the author’s debut is just unreal. I dare anyone to read this book and not feel anything. Filled with sweet melody of romance, the lows of desperation, and the heartbreak of growing up, Virtuosity is a beautiful, albeit unusual coming-of-age story.