Ames’ review of Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg.
Main Character: Emme, Ethan, Sophie, Carter
Love Interest: n/a
Series: None
Author: Twitter|Goodreads
Emme, Sophie, Ethan, and Carter are seniors at a performing arts school, getting ready for their Senior Showcase recital, where the pressure is on to appeal to colleges, dance academies, and professionals in show business. For Sophie, a singer, it’s been great to be friends with Emme, who composes songs for her, and to date Carter, soap opera heartthrob who gets plenty of press coverage. Emme and Ethan have been in a band together through all four years of school, but wonder if they could be more than just friends and bandmates. Carter has been acting since he was a baby, and isn’t sure how to admit that he’d rather paint than perform. The Senior Showcase is going to make or break each of the four, in a funny, touching, spectacular finale that only Elizabeth Eulberg could perform.
Elizabeth Eulberg swept me off my readerly feet with her debut novel The Lonely Hearts Club. Her second novel, Prom & Prejudice, was also enjoyable. And I’m pleased to admit she hit another one out of the park with Take a Bow.
Told from four different points of view, Take a Bow is a quick and enjoyable read detailing the senior year of Emme, Sophie, Ethan and Carter. Emme is a songwriter who everyone tells to break out of her shell and sing too. She doesn’t quite have the self-confidence, she’s definitely more interested in writing the songs than singing them. Her best friend is Sophie. Sophie sings Emme’s songs. She’s also quite full of herself. And even though her time at their arts school didn’t go quite as planned, she’s counting on Emme’s song to give her one last shot at impressing everyone. Carter is Sophie’s boyfriend. He’s already a television star but he wants to step back from the limelight and focus on his interests, he feels like his mom has been pushing to keep him acting. And then there’s Ethan. He’s Emme’s friend, they’re in a band together. He has some substance abuse and womanizing problems (yes, even in high school, their band is popular). He’s also secretly in love with Emma. And hates how Sophie uses her.
Oohwheee did I enjoy this one! Everything just worked beautifully. The different points of view, I really enjoyed that. I liked that although they were technically in high school, it was about the arts so these were definitely some creative types and it was a different dynamic compared to a regular high school. And I like how each of the 4 friends were going through a change of some sorts.
For Emme is learning to believe in herself and to see how she’d always let her ‘friend’ keep her in the background while she jealously stole the spotlight. This coincides with Carter’s awakening to his potential away from acting. It made him see Sophie in a different light as well. I enjoyed the friendship that develops between Emme and Carter.
Sophie – as much as I disliked her character, her pov was interesting.
And Ethan. I liked him. I don’t want to give it all away but he encounters a few setbacks. But luckily he has friends who try to set him straight and make him take his head out of his ass. LOL
Overall, Take a Bow has a sweet uplifting message to believe in yourself. And wrapped around that message were some great characters and engaging writing. I know Wena already reviewed this book (here) so if you haven’t read it based on her review, what the heck are you waiting for! Go read it!
B+
…and that’s your scoop!
Book cover and blurb credit: http://www.goodreads.com
Wooohoo, just so glad that you enjoyed it 🙂 I loved that the book focused on the art 😛 I wouldn’t have minded if the book was longer either 😛
Ha! Wasn’t it such a great book? I thought so too. I really enjoyed getting to know each character, well except for Sophie. I really liked getting to know Ethan. I wanted to hug him close and I wanted him to get the girl in the end. This was such a great book and your review was wonderful as well. Love it!
Yay! I’m glad you enjoyed it!!
I’m looking forward to read it!!!
😀
I loved Lonely Hearts Club but didn’t care for Prom and Prejudice! I think I’m going to love this one though
Wena-Well even though I hated Sophie, it was kind of fun to get her POV. LOL Just to see how dark and twisted she was inside.
Nath-Oh I know! I wish it had been longer as well. But this was still a good read. I loved the setting.
Alex-I really think you’ll like this one then. 😛
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