This Song Will Save Your Life

This Song Will Save Your Life 


By: Leila Sales
Reviewer: HorseCrazy101, 17
Rating:


Elise Dembowski is sixteen and invisible. She has always loved taking on new projects, so the summer before sophomore year she studies all the popular magazines for guidance in what to wear, how to act, and all the hot gossip of the teen world, all in an attempt to be cool. The first day of school, Elise strides onto campus, confident her plan has worked, only to realize that she is still plain, unpopular her. Disappointed and feeling hopeless, Elise returns home and and turns to her alternative: suicide.

The aftermath of Elise's attempt just makes things worse, and when someone begins cyber bullying her by taking on her persona in a fake blog, she doesn't know what to do. Elise finds solace in her music and copes by walking the streets at night. One night she comes across an underground dance club called Start. There she meets Vicky (an accepting girl in a band), Pippa (a spirited girl from England) Mel the doorman, and Char (the cute, mysterious disc jockey). Most importantly, Start introduces Elise to a whole world she never knew existed, one in which she could be herself and be happy.

Elise develops a passion for DJing and actually starts to feel normal again, but when her secret is discovered, all that is threatened to be taken away from her.

Everyone at some point in their lives feels a little bit outcast, and this book addresses the topic in a highly appropriate and satisfying way. Elise's story speaks to teens in a way that encourages them to be themselves and let go of what society deems "normal". This Song Will Save Your Life teaches readers about identity, friendship, and the power of music.