emjrasmussen's review against another edition
The Disenchantments is a thoughtful and introspective depiction of the journey a not-quite adult takes the summer after graduating from high school. Everyone from thirteen-year-olds pondering their collegiate futures to adults reminiscing on the old days will find truth in this watercolor of words that splash into a story that is as speculative as it is entertaining.
This novel, in some ways, is a classic road trip book full of teenage antics that so often define last summers together before college, but LaCour shines a brighter taillight on the emotions coursing through the characters that drive their actions. As a teenager who has plenty of time in high school ahead of her but who sees her future looming ominously yet enticingly ahead, I can testify that the author perfected her portrayal of the insecurity behind moving forward in life. This is only intensified by Colby's feeling of betrayal and confusion, Bev's apologetic visions for herself, and everyone else's desire to simply make their final shows together count, filling The Disenchantments with brilliant themes that are exactly reflective of anyone who has been or will be lost on the cusp of freedom and responsibility.
On the other hand, this honestly becomes a bit repetitive at times. The overload of emotions and internal conflicts may seem to drag out for miles surpassing those that the band drives on their tour, and I occasionally found myself searching for the refreshing moments of fun that were still supercharged with feeling. This is not a complaint as much as just something to point out, though, because I knew what I was getting into; The Disenchantments clearly relies more on interpersonal relationships and beautiful writing, and there is nothing wrong with that when done this well. This style is gorgeous in the way it allows the characters' lives to so closely mirror our own, creating a book that is more representative of our reality than almost anything else in the YA genre, which is something so often overlooked.
Best of all, LaCour's true-to-life narration allows her sophomore novel, just like her debut, to grow better and better in readers' minds long after they have turned the final page. Her writing has a unique quality that makes it impossible to ever fully fathom it, because your appreciation grows day after day into infinity, and the tales never leave your mind. It is as if the ideas need time to ferment and the characters are not quite done telling their stories and refuse to leave readers alone unless they listen. I love The Disenchantments even more now than I did while reading it, and I can guarantee that my adoration will continue to grow insatiably.
This writing method is incredibly rewarding for readers, especially those who do find reason to become slightly disinterested as the summer days go by. You have my word that it all will become worth it after you turn the last page, not that it is a hardship to get there, because the story only improves as it is pondered.
The Disenchantments is one of those books that beg to be remembered, and will kick and scream and fight to do just that. Its haunting realism is a precise portrait of aspects of life experienced by people of all ages, and its fundamental look at a turning point in a few teenagers' road maps can never, ever be banished.
Talk to me two months after reading it. The discussion will be different than after only one.
This review originally appeared at www.foreverliterary.blogspot.com.
This novel, in some ways, is a classic road trip book full of teenage antics that so often define last summers together before college, but LaCour shines a brighter taillight on the emotions coursing through the characters that drive their actions. As a teenager who has plenty of time in high school ahead of her but who sees her future looming ominously yet enticingly ahead, I can testify that the author perfected her portrayal of the insecurity behind moving forward in life. This is only intensified by Colby's feeling of betrayal and confusion, Bev's apologetic visions for herself, and everyone else's desire to simply make their final shows together count, filling The Disenchantments with brilliant themes that are exactly reflective of anyone who has been or will be lost on the cusp of freedom and responsibility.
On the other hand, this honestly becomes a bit repetitive at times. The overload of emotions and internal conflicts may seem to drag out for miles surpassing those that the band drives on their tour, and I occasionally found myself searching for the refreshing moments of fun that were still supercharged with feeling. This is not a complaint as much as just something to point out, though, because I knew what I was getting into; The Disenchantments clearly relies more on interpersonal relationships and beautiful writing, and there is nothing wrong with that when done this well. This style is gorgeous in the way it allows the characters' lives to so closely mirror our own, creating a book that is more representative of our reality than almost anything else in the YA genre, which is something so often overlooked.
Best of all, LaCour's true-to-life narration allows her sophomore novel, just like her debut, to grow better and better in readers' minds long after they have turned the final page. Her writing has a unique quality that makes it impossible to ever fully fathom it, because your appreciation grows day after day into infinity, and the tales never leave your mind. It is as if the ideas need time to ferment and the characters are not quite done telling their stories and refuse to leave readers alone unless they listen. I love The Disenchantments even more now than I did while reading it, and I can guarantee that my adoration will continue to grow insatiably.
This writing method is incredibly rewarding for readers, especially those who do find reason to become slightly disinterested as the summer days go by. You have my word that it all will become worth it after you turn the last page, not that it is a hardship to get there, because the story only improves as it is pondered.
The Disenchantments is one of those books that beg to be remembered, and will kick and scream and fight to do just that. Its haunting realism is a precise portrait of aspects of life experienced by people of all ages, and its fundamental look at a turning point in a few teenagers' road maps can never, ever be banished.
Talk to me two months after reading it. The discussion will be different than after only one.
This review originally appeared at www.foreverliterary.blogspot.com.
jpiasci1's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
choosejoytoday's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this but felt like it never really went anywhere. At the end, I'm still a little bit unsure what Colby learned about himself, other than maybe it was okay for him to live a life separate from Bev? It was a fun story, and the characters were interesting and memorable, but there was a lot going on in the plot that I wanted to be resolved more.
sarahward's review against another edition
1.0
Why did I pick this book up? Because VOYA is quoted on the back as saying "Make this book a part of your collection--you will not be disappointed."
Why am I quitting 137 pages in? Because I absolutely cannot stand whiny, emotional male protagonists. I'm having flashbacks to Peeta Mellark here, y'all! Not good! Also? The hipster youth theme was over played. Taking your band on a mini tour in a VW van? Ugh, next please.
Why am I quitting 137 pages in? Because I absolutely cannot stand whiny, emotional male protagonists. I'm having flashbacks to Peeta Mellark here, y'all! Not good! Also? The hipster youth theme was over played. Taking your band on a mini tour in a VW van? Ugh, next please.
thunderbolt_kid's review against another edition
4.0
This is a road trip book, and a love story and not a love story and just generally what you would want to be able to expect from Nina LaCour.
This is a book that made me rethink my plans and believe in people, and lifted my heart.
This is a book that made me rethink my plans and believe in people, and lifted my heart.
luckybydesign's review against another edition
4.0
A bad teen band on tour? Sign me up. This sounds super fluffy, but with LaCour's deft hand, it actually ends up being beautiful and awkward and bittersweet.
chrissireads's review against another edition
I’ve had this book on my shelf for quite some time now and also Nina LaCour’s Everything Leads To You. I felt in the mood for a contemporary read, so I picked up The Disenchantments. It didn’t take me long to read at all. It certainly has all of the elements for a hit contemporary read.
I’m looking forward to exploring more from Nina LaCour. I found her writing to be incredibly easy to read. It was fun in places and raw in parts. It was a perfect mix of what I look for in my contemporary reads. The only reason that I’m not rating it four stars is because I didn’t connect with the characters as much as I like to.
I’m looking forward to exploring more from Nina LaCour. I found her writing to be incredibly easy to read. It was fun in places and raw in parts. It was a perfect mix of what I look for in my contemporary reads. The only reason that I’m not rating it four stars is because I didn’t connect with the characters as much as I like to.
valeriabee's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
lazygal's review against another edition
3.0
That the point-of-view was that of Colby, a boy, was an interesting choice: his relationships with Bev, the others in the band (Meg and Alexa), his family and the people they meet should have felt very different than if this was told by an omniscient author or Bev. And therein lies the problem, I didn't get the sense that this *was* a male telling the story.
Bev has been Colby's best friend since elementary school; throughout their high school years at a SF arts school, they've planned a gap-year trip around Europe. After Bev forms a band with Meg and Alexa the plan becomes: post graduation tour, then gap year. But just as they head off on tour, Bev tells Colby that she's actually going to RISD in the fall. They continue their tour as Colby tries to figure out what happened to their plan and what he's going to do with his future.
As I said, this didn't strike me as a particularly male voice. Worse was that the natural anger and confusion that he should have felt given the betrayal of his plans with Bev didn't appear. Sarah Dessen fans may not notice, however.
ARC provided by publisher.
Bev has been Colby's best friend since elementary school; throughout their high school years at a SF arts school, they've planned a gap-year trip around Europe. After Bev forms a band with Meg and Alexa the plan becomes: post graduation tour, then gap year. But just as they head off on tour, Bev tells Colby that she's actually going to RISD in the fall. They continue their tour as Colby tries to figure out what happened to their plan and what he's going to do with his future.
As I said, this didn't strike me as a particularly male voice. Worse was that the natural anger and confusion that he should have felt given the betrayal of his plans with Bev didn't appear. Sarah Dessen fans may not notice, however.
ARC provided by publisher.
holly_tree's review against another edition
4.0
4.5, really. So close to a 5, but just missed it.
Why?
I think it's because it lacked a decent love interest! I'm sorry, I just didn't dig Bev. By the end, I understood her better, and felt more empathetic towards her, but I still wasn't a huge fan of hers. I simply couldn't understand WHY Colby-- dear, wonderful Colby-- was so friggin obsessed with her.
But the book itself... it was great. There was fun, creative situations and conversations and characters, and I loved that. So much.
Meg-- total awesomeness. Alexa-- a little less awesome, but not by much!
Why?
I think it's because it lacked a decent love interest! I'm sorry, I just didn't dig Bev. By the end, I understood her better, and felt more empathetic towards her, but I still wasn't a huge fan of hers. I simply couldn't understand WHY Colby-- dear, wonderful Colby-- was so friggin obsessed with her.
But the book itself... it was great. There was fun, creative situations and conversations and characters, and I loved that. So much.
Meg-- total awesomeness. Alexa-- a little less awesome, but not by much!