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nanvazq's review against another edition
4.0
A quirky, YA (maybe?) story of a weekend state musical competition at a rundown resort. Think "The Shining" mixed with a John Green novel. I was more interested in the younger characters' stories than the adults', but overall this was entertaining.
waxbiplane's review against another edition
5.0
I was surprised how much I really liked this book, which would explain how I blew thru it in a couple of days. Constantly shifting narrators (8-10?) with different close third-person voices kept the story compelling and a little slippery (in a good way). And tho two of the main characters are 17 yo twins, it was not a YA book. Apparently, this author has a new book coming out that is reminiscent of The Westing Game, but for adults. I'm in.
carolsnotebook's review against another edition
4.0
I adored Bellweather Rhapsody. But as a former high school band geek of the early 90s who still accompanies kids at solo and ensemble and a lifelong lover of whodunnits, I am probably the perfect audience. It’s fun quirky and there are a ton of characters all of whom I loved – well, except one, but she was the one I was supposed to dislike anyway.
The Bellweather Hotel in upstate New York is long past its heyday of elegant ballroom dancing and fine dining. Now, which in the novels world is 1997, about the only thing that keeps the Bellweather afloat is hosting “Statewide”, an event where the best NY State high school musicians and singers are brought together for four days of musical excellence and all the accompanying drama.
So, this weekend, we’ve got tons of high schoolers, their chaperones, and conductors converging on the hotel. The characters are where this book shines. Yes, they’re over the top and their choices are not always reasonable but they fit the setting and the situation so well. We have the Hatmaker twins, Rabbit a bassoonist, and Alice a singer. Rabbit is gay and wants to come out to his sister but hasn’t found the right time. Alice is convinced that the missing violin prodigy was actually murdered. We have their teacher, Mrs. Wilson, who was rather fascinating. She and a conductor have a romantic subplot going on that’s odd but definitely adds a lot to the book, both in character development and in how the mystery plays out. There’s the missing violinist and her mom who is in charge of the weekend and is probably a psychopath. We’ve also got Minnie who witnessed a murder-suicide at the hotel in 1982 and is trying to face it and put it behind her. And of course, there’s the hotel staff.
At heart, it’s a pretty straightforward mystery, but all the characters’ storylines, emotions, wants, and needs make it unique. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was even satisfied by the ending.
The Bellweather Hotel in upstate New York is long past its heyday of elegant ballroom dancing and fine dining. Now, which in the novels world is 1997, about the only thing that keeps the Bellweather afloat is hosting “Statewide”, an event where the best NY State high school musicians and singers are brought together for four days of musical excellence and all the accompanying drama.
So, this weekend, we’ve got tons of high schoolers, their chaperones, and conductors converging on the hotel. The characters are where this book shines. Yes, they’re over the top and their choices are not always reasonable but they fit the setting and the situation so well. We have the Hatmaker twins, Rabbit a bassoonist, and Alice a singer. Rabbit is gay and wants to come out to his sister but hasn’t found the right time. Alice is convinced that the missing violin prodigy was actually murdered. We have their teacher, Mrs. Wilson, who was rather fascinating. She and a conductor have a romantic subplot going on that’s odd but definitely adds a lot to the book, both in character development and in how the mystery plays out. There’s the missing violinist and her mom who is in charge of the weekend and is probably a psychopath. We’ve also got Minnie who witnessed a murder-suicide at the hotel in 1982 and is trying to face it and put it behind her. And of course, there’s the hotel staff.
At heart, it’s a pretty straightforward mystery, but all the characters’ storylines, emotions, wants, and needs make it unique. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was even satisfied by the ending.
kimabill's review against another edition
3.0
This book takes place in the Bellweather Hotel where ten years ago, a bride committed a murder/suicide on her wedding day. The crime was witnessed by a young girl named Minnie who has now come back to the hotel to confront the demons of the past. At the same time, there is a kind of honor band/honor chorus recital happening in the hotel, so there are several students, teachers, conductors and hotel staff who also become part of the story. A student goes missing under circumstances that seem similar to the murder/suicide of ten years ago. Was she murdered? Was the whole thing faked? Everyone in this book has secrets and unknown motives for being there.
At times, I was really into this book and had a hard time putting it down, and at other times, I got so bored I didn't even want to finish it. I think it was because the book couldn't decide if it was a teen romance/coming-of-age story or a psychological thriller or a murder mystery or a quirky artsy novel. (not that a book has to be just one thing. In this particular case, it just felt too scattered to me.) I couldn't settle into the tone of the book so I kept feeling kind of off-kilter. Something bonkers would happen and I would think, oh this is a bonkers kind of book and then it would be back to being slow and normal again.
At times, I was really into this book and had a hard time putting it down, and at other times, I got so bored I didn't even want to finish it. I think it was because the book couldn't decide if it was a teen romance/coming-of-age story or a psychological thriller or a murder mystery or a quirky artsy novel. (not that a book has to be just one thing. In this particular case, it just felt too scattered to me.) I couldn't settle into the tone of the book so I kept feeling kind of off-kilter. Something bonkers would happen and I would think, oh this is a bonkers kind of book and then it would be back to being slow and normal again.
kjcoley's review against another edition
4.0
After reading several stinkers in a row, this novel was a delight. This was a lot of fun, quirky, had so much heart, and would make for a wonderful film.
joannepaquin's review against another edition
5.0
The characters in this book were absolutely incredible and the narrative both super unique and strong. I loved every page of it. (And the author is an Emerson alum, so #schoolpride!)
superfizz's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
thejmo78's review against another edition
4.0
I decided to read this book because I loved Racculia's unique voice in "Tuesday Mooney," and I hoped "Bellweather" would be similarly exceptional. I was not disappointed (and not just because Racculia obviously appreciates David Bowie's genius as much as I do).
"Bellweather" is a full symphony in itself - with crescendos aplenty. It's a fantastic mix of Shining-reminiscent horror, frantic and naive teenagers experiencing coming-of-age dramas, sociopathic villains, guilt-ridden narrators, and the age-old quest to ensure one's life has meaning. And, of course, the power of music to transform.
The book follows a set of narrators in different stages of life who all become connected physically and emotionally by the time the notes fade. Each narrator has a singular voice - but inevitably they are all on the same quest to find meaning, self-fulfillment and forgiveness.
"Bellweather" is a full symphony in itself - with crescendos aplenty. It's a fantastic mix of Shining-reminiscent horror, frantic and naive teenagers experiencing coming-of-age dramas, sociopathic villains, guilt-ridden narrators, and the age-old quest to ensure one's life has meaning. And, of course, the power of music to transform.
The book follows a set of narrators in different stages of life who all become connected physically and emotionally by the time the notes fade. Each narrator has a singular voice - but inevitably they are all on the same quest to find meaning, self-fulfillment and forgiveness.
adbyerley's review against another edition
4.0
I moved through this slower than expected but overall a very satisfying read. Characters I will remember.