A review by ambi_reads
Where the Rhythm Takes You by Sarah Dass
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Where the Rhythm Takes you is a #ReadCaribbean novel releasing on May 21st, 2021. Inspired by Jane Austen's persuasion, we follow eighteen year old Reyna who is overseeing her family's hotel in Tobago and Aiden, her first love who is back on a vacation with his friends and bandmates one of who may be his current lover.
I honestly felt coming to the middle of the book that if was like any other typical YA Romance story but after sitting on it, I realized I loved it more than I though initially. What do I love about this one:
1. The Caribbean vibes and appreciation. You truly feel like you are in Tobago experiencing the great scenery, food, people, places and music it has to offer. While this story is a romance one, I do think the road trips to some awesome sights in Tobago made it extra special. Trust me, you'll want to visit after reading this book.
2. The love of music. I like how music really speaks to the writer's soul. When they are stuck, their music also suffers, when they are well, their music thrives. While this themes was not portrayed a lot in the book, it played a VERY important role which I loved. Also, Sarah Dass has a soca playlist for the book which is revealed after you finish the novel. I am not a huge listener of this (yes my Trinidadian self saying this) but I did know most of them and after listening to it, you definitely felt a closer connection to the characters and the novel.
3. I really liked seeing how Reyna overcame the loss of her loved one and regained her love for art. This psychological aspect was not heavily done which I appreciated but would have like to see more insight into Reyna's relationship with her dearly departed one. Otherwise, this book was a good balance of summery vibes, romance and hardships.
To see how much the characters you loved grow both individually as as a group, it really was remarkable to be a part of it. Please do check out this awesome read!
I honestly felt coming to the middle of the book that if was like any other typical YA Romance story but after sitting on it, I realized I loved it more than I though initially. What do I love about this one:
1. The Caribbean vibes and appreciation. You truly feel like you are in Tobago experiencing the great scenery, food, people, places and music it has to offer. While this story is a romance one, I do think the road trips to some awesome sights in Tobago made it extra special. Trust me, you'll want to visit after reading this book.
2. The love of music. I like how music really speaks to the writer's soul. When they are stuck, their music also suffers, when they are well, their music thrives. While this themes was not portrayed a lot in the book, it played a VERY important role which I loved. Also, Sarah Dass has a soca playlist for the book which is revealed after you finish the novel. I am not a huge listener of this (yes my Trinidadian self saying this) but I did know most of them and after listening to it, you definitely felt a closer connection to the characters and the novel.
3. I really liked seeing how Reyna overcame the loss of her loved one and regained her love for art. This psychological aspect was not heavily done which I appreciated but would have like to see more insight into Reyna's relationship with her dearly departed one. Otherwise, this book was a good balance of summery vibes, romance and hardships.
To see how much the characters you loved grow both individually as as a group, it really was remarkable to be a part of it. Please do check out this awesome read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Grief