Monday, April 5, 2010

Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison


Title: Sing Me to Sleep
Author: Angela Morrison
Published: March 2010 by Razorbill

My Rating: 4.5 stars
Tags: YA | Romance
Includes: Brief Profanity

First Lines: Crap. There's a naked freshman chained to my locker. No. Not naked. Briefs. Not a good look, kid. Spindly white legs, wimpy chest, shaking arms. Black socks.



Beth has always been "The Beast". With her frizzy hair, thick glasses, awkward height, and acne scars, the only person that will be her friend is Scott. But when Beth becomes the soloist in her girls' choir, she receives the ultimate makeover - a total transformation. Suddenly she's beautiful. The choir takes a trip to Switzerland to compete in the Choral Olympics competition; and it's there that Beth meets Derek. Mysterious, handsome, and secretive Derek. They quickly fall in love but it's obvious that he's keeping a secret from her. He becomes distant at times and avoids her questions. Then when he finally opens up to her, he risks ruining their entire relationship.

This was such a sweet and emotional book. I loved Beth's honest character and watching her change throughout the story. Beth's cruel bullying at school felt so real, even if it was over-the-top; I could practically feel her pain.

From page 36
He shoves something cold and rubbery at me. A green witch mask with hairy warts and cracked lips lies at my feet. I run toward the girls' restroom - crash into a wall of people watching. Laughter. A hand grabs my butt. I rip the mask off, grab my glasses, and let it fall. Head down, arms wrapped around myself as if that will keep me from falling apart, I scuttle down the hall.


The author's writing style was so raw and original, I could visualize what was going on in the story so well. She transported me to another world. Angela Morrison was also spectacular at writing song lyrics. She includes them in each chapter, since Beth writes lyrics in her spare time. They were beautiful and portrayed what Beth was going through.

Oh man, the romance was just gushing out of this book. Beth is torn between choosing bestfriend Scott, who has stuck by her side through all the teasing and tormenting - he loves her for exactly who she is, ugly or beautiful. Or Derek: the heart-melting, tall, dark, and mysterious Canadian choir boy. I have to admit, I liked both guys. They each had separate personalities and special things that I liked about them. I didn't really have a preference for which one she chose in the end.

The end? Ahhhh such a tear-jerker. If you choose to read this book (which I highly recommend you do), come prepared with a box of tissues. I wasn't expecting those final chapters when Derek finally revealed his secret. Overall, this book was an emotional journey for Beth to find her true identity and her true love.


Book Supplied by: Publisher for review.

29 comments:

  1. I got this in the mail a few weeks back and I can't wait to read it! Great review, glad you liked it :)

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  2. Awesome review! I loved Taken by Storm so I'll definitely give this one a try as well :D

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  3. Great review!
, you've really made me want to read it!. I've been wanting to read this but now I must :)

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  4. From the moment I saw this book around the blogosphere, I've wanted to read it. Now I just need to find it! Great review!!!

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  5. Okay, now I absolutely MUST get my hands on this book! Great review :)

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  6. I cannot wait to read this book. Wonderful review. You have convinced me that this is a Must Read. :]

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  7. I love books with a love triangle. This is on my wishlist. Another tearjerker!! I guess I should grab the tissues.

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  8. I just won this in a contest, so I'm excited that it's so good. That excerpt is AMAZING; have never read anything from Angela yet, but I look forward to it.

    Great review! You've officially convinced me to bump this to the top of my TBR list! :)

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  9. I have been on the fence about this one. Your review makes me want to read it! I am a sucker for the tear jerkers.

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  10. I love your review, I got this one via an arc tour, your review makes me almost want to pick it back up and read it again - I did not love it...but your review is awesome! Thank you!

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  11. I read the first (3?) chapters online a couple of months before the release and have been DYING to read the rest as it was wonderfully written. Your review has convinced me even more so of the fact I need to read the book! Lucky I'm going to Borders tomorrow huh? :p

    Thanks for the review.

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  12. Omg, amazing review. I'm kinda scared about reading this book. I love sad books, but a box of tissues? Tear-jerky? Eek! But dangit, I want to know his secret! :P

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  13. I've been wanting to read one of her books for a while now, I just haven't gotten around to it.
    This one sounds really sweet. I'm such a baby so I'll make sure to have the tissues on hand for when I read it. :D

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  14. Wonderful review! I've heard so many great things on this book and I just can't wait to read it. Definitely it is on the top of my wish list. I really like the touch of the lyrics. Can't wait to read it =)

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  15. Thanks for your review! I agree with you - this book is really a tear-jerker! I loved this book so much! Angela has done a great job with this one! If you'd like to see my review:

    http://aik-friendsnfamily.blogspot.com/2009/11/book-review-sing-me-to-sleep-by-angela.html

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  16. I really enjoy when an author can put you into the story. This book sounds like a lot of internal conflict of emotions, and I think we all need a good cry once in awhile so I'll have to give it a go. Thanks for the review!

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  17. Fabulous review! I’ve heard this book is amazing from so many bloggers. I must check it out. I’m digging books that gush romance at the moment so I’ll have to see if I can track down a copy.

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  18. After reading your review I have to read Sing Me to Sleep. Your review was awesome. Just reading it made me hurt for Beth. Now I have to read to find out how it ends.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

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  19. I really really really want to read your review but I don't want to ruin anything. I am waiting fo Sing Me to Sleep to come in the mail. I don't know if you have any spoilers but I don't want to risk it:) I read you City of Bones review so I can tell this review is going to be great too.

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  20. I loved, loved, loved this book. Now I can't wait to read Taken by Storm. Thanks for the review.

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  21. I loved how you included the first few lines! They sucked me right in! I really don't like tear-jerkers, but yikes...I think I want to read this! Yes, I do...uh-oh. I blame your review :P :D

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  22. Oooh, sounds really romantic!! I really want to read this one! Awesome review!

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  23. A girl's choir is something I haven't read about in books. I'm already interested. I love a good YA romance especially one that pulls your heart strings. Nice Review.

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  24. Thank you for including the first line! I've been on the edge about whether or not to TBR this book - but the first line instantly made me want to read it. Very raw. Plus, the choir deal is a cool touch, and is certainly under done in YA fiction. A well-done review. I also find it interesting that you had no preference for which guy she chose. That's some good writing if it's true! :D

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  25. the synopsis alone got me interested. your review made me like it even more now, plus I super love YA romance :D and wow, lyrics?!

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  26. I recently received this book and OMG - it was heartwrenching. I heard that the author wrote this based on her true story and I think this adds more meaning to the book. So good!

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  27. Sounds like a good one! I always love a good tear jerker. It helps me remember that there are other books to read other than supernatural! I love the cover too! I'm a sucker for books about finding true love...

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  28. I love a good love triangle!! This book was recently recommended to me and once I read the blurb, I knew I had to get it. I haven't gotten it yet but can't wait to do so and read it. Gotta catch up on the massive TBR pile first O_o

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Thanks, I love what you have to say!