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ARC Book Review: This Song Will Save Your Life – Leila Sales


thissongwillsaveyourlifeThis Song Will Save Your Life
Author: Leila Sales
Series: None
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: September 17, 2013
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Goodreads | Amazon | TBD

Summary:

All her life, Elise Dembowski has been the butt of every joke and the outsider in every conversation. When a final attempt at popularity fails, she nearly gives up. Then she stumbles upon a warehouse party where she meets her first real friends, develops her first real crush, and finds her true passion – DJing.
Told in a refreshingly genuine voice, This Song Will Save Your Life is an exuberant novel about identity, friendship, and the power of music to bring people together.

 
First Sentence: You think it’s so easy to change yourself.

My Review:

I’m sure most of you guys know by now – I’m not a contemporary fan at all. I’m only into contemporary if it also has some paranormal or horror elements in it, with a very few select exceptions to this rule like Anna and the French Kiss, Pushing the Limits, and My Life Next Door. Because of this, I was so surprised to really love and enjoy reading This Song Will Save Your Life. From the very first page, This Song Will Save Your Life immediately caught my attention – and my heart. This Song Will Save Your Life will keep you reading, feel a wide range of emotions, and keep you personally invested in the book.

This Song Will Save Your Life is about finding your voice – and yourself. Elise has been struggling with her personal identity ever since she was a kid. She just didn’t fit in – her clothes were all wrong, the words she uses were all wrong, everything about her just didn’t fit in with the other, cool “ordinary” people. It was painful and sad for me to read about how Elise had tried to go through a transformation that made her not herself, thinking people will suddenly really like her and want be her friend because she was now ordinary. That completely broke my heart because that was like me when I was a preteen. Like Elise, I struggled to fit in, to have a close group of friends, and most of all, to be happy. I mean, who doesn’t want to fit in? Have a close group of friends? Have someone to share jokes with? No one.

But can you put a price on happiness? Really, if that’s what it costs to make you glad to be yourself, then isn’t it worth it? (ARC 8)

I really liked the main character Elise – with the exception of some cases. Elise wants to be accepted for who she is and not what she isn’t, struggling with that throughout the book. Elise doesn’t want to be judged; she just wants a friend. However, Elise is quite judgmental herself, so judgmental that I cringe when I read her personal thoughts sometimes. Elise portrays people with certain character traits from their classical appearance without really knowing them – something she doesn’t want people to do to her. To make matters worse, Elise has two “friends” that she constantly puts down in her mind, giving me a very strong impression that she thinks that she’s too good for them.

My friends are named Sally and Chava. They are both less popular than me, and I don’t know why, but I hope it’s because they are unbelievably boring. They have only one interest, and that is: what the popular kids are doing. (ARC 50)

If that isn’t judgmental, I don’t know what is. Luckily, Elise changes a bit in the end.

This Song Will Save Your Life also opened my eyes to DJing. Before I read the book, I thought that DJs had such an easy job, all they had to do was change songs before it ended. With technology the way it is today, anyone could easily do that job. It turns out I was dead wrong; DJing is so much more than that. Yes, you do have to change songs before the song has ended, but you also have to match beats. I especially know how hard that job is, especially since I’m tone deaf. Not to mention, to be an excellent DJ like Elise, you also have to learn how to read a crowd.

This Song Will Save Your Life has tons and tons and tons of beautiful, note-worthy, heartwarming quotes. In fact, my notebook is filled with lines and lines of them. Leila Sales somehow managed to describe some indescribable feelings in just two or three sentences, which absolutely just amazes me.

But I also felt like an eggshell that had gotten a tiny crack. You can’t repair something like that. All you can do is hope that it sticks together, hope that the crack doesn’t grow until all your insides come spilling right out. (ARC 169)

In the end, everyone has to read this book. I don’t care if you’re not a contemporary fan like me or if you don’t want to read a book with a suicide attempt in it. This Song Will Save Your Life is so much more than that. This Song Will Save Your Life is about Elise’s journey on finding herself and trying to fit in, her personal struggles, and most of all, her story. Bottom line: Everyone has to read this book.

I’ll end my review with this devastatingly beautiful quote:

Sometimes people think they know you. They know a few facts about you, and they piece you together in a way that makes sense to them. And if you don’t know yourself very well, you might even believe that they are right. But the truth is, that isn’t you. That isn’t you at all. (ARC 241)

fourpointfive

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-Kelly

Posted by Kelly on 7-10-13 · 55 Comments
Categories: 2013 book, book review Tagged: 4.5 star

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Speak Your Mind

  1. Michelle @ Unraveling Books says

    7-10-13 at 10:14 AM

    I really want to read this book now!! Those quotes from the book that you threw in are the types that make me love YA books.

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-10-13 at 7:41 PM

      I’m glad you love the quotes Michelle!
      I can re-read the quotes I jotted down over and over again. The writing is that good! (:
      Kelly recently posted…ARC Book Review: This Song Will Save Your Life – Leila SalesMy Profile

      Reply
  2. Charlotte @ Gypsy Reviews says

    7-10-13 at 10:17 AM

    You had me sold on this book on the first paragraph, I can relate to this so much and the quotes you included in your review are absolutely heartbreaking. I just wanted to tear up reading the quotes, goodness knows what the book might do to me and I love books that can make me an emotional mess so this is definitely going on my to-buy list. Thanks so much for a fantastic review Kelly! :D
    Charlotte @ Gypsy Reviews recently posted…Review: Orleans by Sherri L. Smith (#66)My Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-10-13 at 7:44 PM

      This Song Will Save Your Life made me an emotional mess too Charlotte. The book is so heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time with TONS of feels. You just have to get your hands on this book!
      Kelly recently posted…ARC Book Review: This Song Will Save Your Life – Leila SalesMy Profile

      Reply
  3. Kazhy says

    7-10-13 at 10:31 AM

    I think the MC being judgmental is to be expected from someone who craves for popularity, but it’s nice to know that she changes by the end. Anyway, awesome review! Now I really want to read this. Why is the release date so far away :(
    Kazhy recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday {21}My Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-10-13 at 7:45 PM

      Elise doesn’t crave popularity; she just craves friends. They don’t have to be popular. o:
      Thanks! (:
      And ha ha, don’t worry, I’ll have a giveaway up for my signed ARC at the end of the month! ;D
      Kelly recently posted…ARC Book Review: This Song Will Save Your Life – Leila SalesMy Profile

      Reply
  4. Jasmine @ Flip That Page says

    7-10-13 at 10:37 AM

    Aww this sounds so good! I’ve featured this as a to read book, so I’m happy it turned out great! :) I’m a huge fan of contemporary, though. Haha!
    Jasmine @ Flip That Page recently posted…Top Ten Tuesdays: Movie AdaptationsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-10-13 at 7:46 PM

      You definitely won’t be disappointed with this book Jasmine! I just want to stroke and hug it all day and not let go.
      I’m glad you’re a strong fan of contemporary, I usually don’t like contemporary books. I don’t know why. :l
      Kelly recently posted…ARC Book Review: This Song Will Save Your Life – Leila SalesMy Profile

      Reply
  5. Dianne says

    7-10-13 at 1:42 PM

    Everyone has been raving about this book and Leila’s other book. I honestly can’t wait to read it though I’m sure it will take me eons before I get to it. But at least I know that whenever I get to read it, it’s really good. Thanks for the review, Kelly!
    Dianne recently posted…#CatchUpClub: Cinder by Marissa MeyerMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-10-13 at 7:47 PM

      This book deserves to be raved about Dianne! It’s that good! :D
      And hmm, you make me want to try Leila Sales’ other novels.
      No problem Dianne! ;D
      Kelly recently posted…ARC Book Review: This Song Will Save Your Life – Leila SalesMy Profile

      Reply
  6. Holly says

    7-10-13 at 1:44 PM

    I’m so glad that you enjoyed it. I was really hesitant whether to buy it or not, but hearing it from you, I might as well try it out. I really do love books that have beautiful, meaningful quotes. Anyways, great review!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-10-13 at 7:49 PM

      This is a must-buy book Holly, trust me. You won’t regret it.
      After reading it, you might want to hug the book to your chest for hours like I do. :P
      Thanks! (:
      Kelly recently posted…ARC Book Review: This Song Will Save Your Life – Leila SalesMy Profile

      Reply
  7. Nikki says

    7-10-13 at 1:46 PM

    Wow… I pretty much knew I wanted to read this book, but your review just cemented it in my mind. It sounds like a really moving story, and definitely one that, like you said, has to be read. Great review, Kelly.
    Nikki recently posted…Review: AMY & ROGER’S EPIC DETOUR by Morgan MatsonMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-10-13 at 7:50 PM

      I’m glad I made reading this 100% certain for you Nikki. ;D
      Thank you! :D
      Kelly recently posted…ARC Book Review: This Song Will Save Your Life – Leila SalesMy Profile

      Reply
  8. Jen says

    7-10-13 at 2:38 PM

    Goodness I want to read this book so so badly! It sounds really beautiful and I love reading books that involve finding yourself. Elise sounds like a really low self-esteem character, but also a character that will grow. The DJing aspect sounds so cool! Those quotes are gorgeous, I can’t wait to read this one! Lovely review, Kelly!
    Jen recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday (#2)My Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-10-13 at 7:52 PM

      I love books like that too Jen! It was really uplifting and heartwarming to read about Elise finding her own identity and personality, something that she can live with and feel proud about.
      Thank you Jen! :D<3
      Kelly recently posted…ARC Book Review: This Song Will Save Your Life – Leila SalesMy Profile

      Reply
  9. Carmen B. says

    7-10-13 at 5:42 PM

    I’m glad this one ended up surprsing you! I’ve had it on my TBR for a while and I’m glad to hear it’s good. I love the quotes you used :) However, that judgemental attitude of hers (especially putting down your friends) would really bother me…
    Carmen B. recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday: City of Lost Dreams, by Magnus FlyteMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-10-13 at 7:56 PM

      I had to pick from so many good quotes Carmen! I was juggling quotes, trying to decide which one was best put where and which ones I couldn’t use or my entire review would be full of just quotes.
      Well, at first, Elise didn’t really consider them “friends,” although she calls them that. To her, they’re the only people who are also friendless like her, so they stick with each other because they’re forced to. However, in the end, Elise went through a huge character development and realized that no matter how different from her they are, they were always there for her, so she really started accepting them for who they are. I hope this doesn’t spoil anything for you. :P
      Kelly recently posted…ARC Book Review: This Song Will Save Your Life – Leila SalesMy Profile

      Reply
  10. Rachel says

    7-10-13 at 11:34 PM

    This book sounds awesome. I can’t wait to read it, but I am bummed I have to wait until September! I love books like this about finding yourself. Great review!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-12-13 at 8:36 PM

      You’ll be sure to love this book Rachel! :D<3
      Thank you!
      Kelly recently posted…Let’s Speculate: How Setting Causes A Reading SlumpMy Profile

      Reply
  11. Jess @ Literary, etc says

    7-11-13 at 9:23 PM

    I LOVE that cover! I’ve been on the fence regarding this one and you’ve changed my mind. I’m a sucker for beautiful quotes.
    Jess @ Literary, etc recently posted…Book Review: Elizabeth L. Silver’s The Execution of Noa P SingletonMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-12-13 at 8:38 PM

      I love the cover too! It’s so unique and creative. (:
      I’m glad I changed your mind; this book is definitely worth the buy!
      Kelly recently posted…Let’s Speculate: How Setting Causes A Reading SlumpMy Profile

      Reply
  12. Nicole Hewitt says

    7-12-13 at 11:19 AM

    I have to confess that I was just planning to skim through this review and didn’t really think that I was interested in the book. But, your last paragraph (the one that starts with “In the end, everyone has to read this book.”) convinced me that I needed to give it a better look and add it to my TBR list! Thanks for the review!

    Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
    Nicole Hewitt recently posted…Review: Slammed by Colleen HooverMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-12-13 at 8:39 PM

      LOL, I’m glad the last paragraph made you changed your mind and actually read the whole review! ;D
      Kelly recently posted…Let’s Speculate: How Setting Causes A Reading SlumpMy Profile

      Reply
  13. Say says

    7-13-13 at 2:36 AM

    I can’t wait September to read it!Love the cover and it really sound awesome.

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-13-13 at 1:41 PM

      Don’t worry Say, there will be a giveaway up for my signed ARC at the end of the month. ;D
      And yes, the cover is GORGEOUS. <3
      Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [41]My Profile

      Reply
  14. Lola @ Reading by Lamplight says

    7-14-13 at 2:30 AM

    I’ve been so curious about this book! I’m glad to have read your review! This is going on the TBR list right now! Thanks! :)
    Lola @ Reading by Lamplight recently posted…The Social Code (The Start-Up #1) by Sadie HayesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-14-13 at 12:00 PM

      Yay! You’ll definitely love this one Lola! :D<3
      Kelly recently posted…Love Triangle 101: The Shadow Falls SeriesMy Profile

      Reply
  15. Stuti rai says

    7-16-13 at 11:40 AM

    September’s going to be month of the year or so I’m thinking. Amazing review yet again. I hope to get my hands on these soon enough. Soon enough,,,, soon,,, nuff. sooooooooooo
    Stuti rai recently posted…HazeMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-16-13 at 6:22 PM

      I know! There are SO many amazing books coming out in September of this year. I can’t wait! -is counting down the days-
      Tanks Stuti! (:
      Kelly recently posted…New Blog Design + A GiveawayMy Profile

      Reply
  16. Jess Chiles says

    7-17-13 at 12:29 AM

    That last quote – GAH! Amazing. I’ve had this book on my TBR list, but I’m glad to know it is really good. Oh and I love the watermelons, super cute!
    Jess Chiles recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday (7)My Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-18-13 at 9:42 PM

      I know! That last quote had me in awe. Leila Sales is a genius, isn’t she? ;D
      Ha ha, thanks! :D
      Kelly recently posted…ARC Book Review: Dirty Little Secret – Jennifer EcholsMy Profile

      Reply
  17. Ana @ Anahera Reads says

    7-17-13 at 6:40 AM

    I already have this book on my wishlist because I do so love books featuring someone finding their voice. Great review!
    Ana @ Anahera Reads recently posted…Wishlist Wednesday 04: Life of Pi by Yann MartelMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-18-13 at 9:43 PM

      If you love books about finding your voice, then you’ll definitely love this book Ana!
      Thanks! (:
      Kelly recently posted…ARC Book Review: Dirty Little Secret – Jennifer EcholsMy Profile

      Reply
  18. Danielle says

    7-22-13 at 10:53 AM

    I adored this one so much! I cannot wait to buy a physical copy, it’s a really special book. Great review!
    Danielle recently posted…Review: Romancing the RA by Ashelyn DrakeMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-22-13 at 7:00 PM

      I can’t wait to buy a physical copy myself! I want to hug the book all day.
      Thanks Danielle! (:
      Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Throne of Glass – Sarah MaasMy Profile

      Reply
  19. Zemira says

    8-04-13 at 4:16 AM

    I got this book on NG and read it the day before it got archived. I totally forgot about it. Thank God I did see it because I would be sorry if I missed something like this.
    It was so easy to connect with the main character I sometimes felt like it’s me and not her in the story. Absolutely brilliant book.
    Zemira recently posted…This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila SalesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      8-04-13 at 2:01 PM

      Thank goodness you got it before it was archived! :D
      I know! This book was so relatable and the feels it gives out! -fans self-
      Kelly recently posted…ARC Book Review: A Tale of Two Centuries – Rachel HarrisMy Profile

      Reply
  20. Elee says

    8-14-13 at 5:25 AM

    Sometimes i think i just like Elise, and im still trying to find my real self. Anyway, its a really cool review, makes me want to have it>< and, hey, IT WILL BE RELEASED ON MY BDAY btw, kkkk, so…. do you mind to give me this book as a bday present? (winkwink^.~)
    —Elee

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      8-14-13 at 6:58 PM

      I think everyone feels that once in a while Elee, like they want to find the real them.
      Ha ha, happy early birthday! ;D
      Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea – April Genevieve TucholkeMy Profile

      Reply
  21. Fatma Shahin says

    9-06-13 at 6:57 PM

    sounds like such a cool different kind of book! One of the booktubers i watched received a CD of some really cool songs along with her ARC copy which i thought was really thoughtful and would go really well with this book! :D great review :)

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      9-06-13 at 9:08 PM

      Yeah, that’s really creative, a playlist to go with the book! :D<3
      Thanks! (:
      Kelly recently posted…Let’s Speculate: Do You Read The Acknowledgements Page?My Profile

      Reply
  22. Kassi says

    10-09-13 at 1:27 PM

    Beautiful quotes + an awesome title? Oh my!!! I need to read that book ASAP!!! It sounds AMAZING and I love contemporany, so after reading your review, I put it on top of my TBR list and I hope to read it very soon!

    Great review!!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      10-12-13 at 1:46 PM

      You’ll definitely love this one Kassi; This Song Will Save Your Life is AMAZING. You will constantly be having the feels while reading it.
      Thanks! (:
      Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [53]My Profile

      Reply
  23. Cali W. says

    10-17-13 at 7:54 PM

    Great review! I have read other great reviews for this book too. I am not the biggest fan of contemporaries, but this sounds good. ;)

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      10-19-13 at 9:48 PM

      Thanks Cali! :D
      I can guarantee that you’ll LOVE this one Cali. It is full of FEELS.
      Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [54]My Profile

      Reply
  24. Susan T. says

    10-24-13 at 4:59 PM

    I’m not a fan of contemporary either but if you say it’s great then I’ll check it out!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      11-17-13 at 9:16 PM

      You’ll enjoy this one Susan, I guarantee it!
      Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss – Stephanie PerkinsMy Profile

      Reply
  25. Hillary R. says

    11-15-13 at 3:36 PM

    I love the cover of “This Song Will Save Your Life.” I think it matches the title of the book really well. And this one is definitely on my TBR list. I’m just not sure when I would get to it. But I know that I will have to someday. I also like that you gave the book a 4.5 rating out of 5 which means it must have been even more great. Hopefully I get to read this one soon and see why you gave it the rating you did :D

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      11-17-13 at 9:18 PM

      The cover of this one is GORGEOUS. It really matches the book too, which I love. :D
      You’ll definitely see why I gave this one 4.5 stars when you read it Hillary. You’ll see. ;D
      And I can guarantee you that you’ll love this one when you get to it.
      Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss – Stephanie PerkinsMy Profile

      Reply
  26. Sharli M says

    1-04-14 at 1:56 AM

    I had a lot of fun reading this book. I am a fan of good contemporary YA but lately it seems every book tells us the same story with just little details being different. I thought this was going to be the same, with the original twist of DJing. But I was so wrong! I mean the DJing was original but the rest of the story was equally unique. I loved this book and the way it shows an authentic perspective on being an outsider.
    Anyway, I also think everyone should read it :)
    Sharli M recently posted…Feliz Año Nuevo!My Profile

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. This Song Will Save Your Life | Leila Sales | Book Review says:
    8-06-13 at 12:02 AM

    […] took a chance on this book and I don’t regret it” Effortlessly Reading – “In the end, everyone has to read this book” Ageless Pages Reviews – “This book is a whirlwind of […]

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  3. ARC Book Review: Tonight the Streets Are Ours – Leila Sales says:
    9-13-15 at 9:11 AM

    […] was a huge fan of Leila Sales’ earlier book, This Song Will Save Your Life, so when I saw that she was writing a new book, I was obviously beyond excited for it even though I […]

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  4. ARC Book Review: Tonight the Streets Are Ours – Leila Sales - Amando BlogsAmando Blogs says:
    9-13-15 at 9:50 AM

    […] was a huge fan of Leila Sales’ earlier book, This Song Will Save Your Life, so when I saw that she was writing a new book, I was obviously beyond excited for it even though I […]

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