BOOK BLOG
  • Home
  • Review Policy
    • ABOUT >
      • About >
        • Contact
      • FIND ME
      • Star Ratings
  • SUPPORT EMMANOVELLA
  • Testimonials
  • REVIEWS & SENSITIVITY READING
    • Beta-Reading and Sensitivity Reads
  • Blog

REVIEW: STREET SONG BY SHEENA WILKINSON

17/4/2017

0 Comments

 
THIS IS A SPOILER FREE REVIEW. *I received a proof of this book from Ink Road Books, an imprint of Black and White Publishing*
Picture


I picked up this book with no idea what to expect. The synopsis sounded good and I had read a chapter sample which intrigued me but I was worried it wasn't going to be able to follow Caraval. I was wrong. Street Song is magnificent! For once, a contemporary with believable characters who aren't completely two dimensional! They had personalities, they had reasons behind their words and actions, they were DIVERSE. We had a Polish, Catholic character, it has LGBTQ rep... it was just brilliant. 



Street Song is the story of Cal, formerly known as RyLee - a TV talent show pop sensation who went off the rails. After an incident with his manager-cum-step-father, RyLee runs off and reinvents himself as 'Cal'. We follow him as he travels up to Belfast, busks, joins a band, fights to keep clean from drugs, tries to win the affections of a girl, and also win a battle of the bands type contest, all whilst trying to keep some sort of roof over his head. The story is fast paced and every bit of it was exciting. I cared so much for Cal. I wanted him to make enough money busking, I worried if he was out in the cold. It felt like he was my friend, but he was lost and I could only watch but not help. Towards the end of the novel I was sure I knew the obvious thing that would happen, but it didn't and I knew I would have to finish the book to find out how it resolved. It didn't matter I would lose sleep by reading - I wasn't going to be able to sleep because I was worrying about Cal anyway!

I have been in a reading slump for pretty much a year. I read, and read a fair bit, but I wasn't enjoying what I was reading. Street Song changed that. Wether it was the book itself or it was just lucky enough to be the book I read when the slump ran it's course, I can't help but associate it with the reawakening of my imagination. I remember why I love books, I re-found the joy of reading and the stories that can be told. I look at my shelves and I don't see 160-ish books I need to get just bloody get to ohmigod it's stressing me out I have such a big TBR HELP... I see stories, adventures, worlds to explore, friends to meet. I see inside hundreds of authors minds. I see situations and cultures I will never experience but NEED to learn about. Street Song brought that back to me. Not even because it was just such a great book, but just because it was enjoyable.

I rated Street Song 3.75 stars. It wasn't an absolutely outstanding book that blew me away which is why it lost out on one star. If I'm honest, I see 3 stars more than 4 (I gave it 4 on goodreads because they won't let us give half ratings which sucks) when I look at this book, but it deserves credit for bringing me out of my slump. 

​That said and done, I did love this book, and I have loaned it to my mum because I know she'll love it too - the first thing she did was point out the main character's full name is Ryan Lee and Lee Ryan was in Blue. Coincidence, I've no idea! - If you love contemporary and playing an instrument this is for you, although I am by no means a music enthusiast (don't get me wrong, I love music, I just don't play an instrument!). The book is published this Thursday, April 20th and I highly recommend you pick it up. So far, the new Black and White Publishing imprint, Ink Road has not let me down!

​-Emma
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    2021 Reading Challenge

    2021 Reading Challenge
    Emma has read 12 books toward her goal of 150 books.
    hide
    12 of 150 (8%)
    view books

    Currently Reading

    The Starless Sea
    Girls with Sharp Sticks
    The Cocker Spaniel Handbook: The Essential Guide For New & Prospective Cocker Spaniel Owners


    Emma Ferrier's favorite books »

    ​Categories

    All
    Announcements
    Blog Tours
    Book News
    Book Playlists
    Creative Writing
    Did I Mention I Love...
    Discussions
    Events
    Hauls
    Interviews
    Lists
    Misc.
    Monthly Reads
    Netgalley
    Recommendations
    Reviews
    Tags
    Theatre
    Tips
    Unboxings
    Writing
    Youtube

    Archives

    October 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • Review Policy
    • ABOUT >
      • About >
        • Contact
      • FIND ME
      • Star Ratings
  • SUPPORT EMMANOVELLA
  • Testimonials
  • REVIEWS & SENSITIVITY READING
    • Beta-Reading and Sensitivity Reads
  • Blog