Book Review: Shrinking Violet

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Book Details

Author: Danielle Joseph

Format: Kindle Edition

File Size: 314 KB

Publisher: MTV Books; Original edition (May 5, 2009)

Book Summary

High school senior Teresa Adams is so painfully shy that she dreads speaking to anyone in the hallways or getting called on in class. 
But in the privacy of her bedroom with her iPod in hand, she rocks out - doing mock broadcasts for Miami's hottest FM radio station, which happens to be owned by her stepfather. When a slot opens up at The SLAM, Tere surprises herself by blossoming behind the mike into confident, sexy Sweet T - and to everyone's shock, she's a hit! 
Even Gavin, the only guy in school who she dares to talk to, raves about the mysterious DJ's awesome taste in music. But when The SLAM announces a songwriting contest -- and a prom date with Sweet T is the grand prize - Sweet T's dream could turn into Tere's worst nightmare...

Book Review

Rating: 4/5

ShrinkingViolet had me just looking at the book cover – as the old adage goes: do not judge the book by its cover. But trust me, the story is just as good as its façade.

Why?

There are the characters. Teresa Adams or Tere is painfully shy. Of course, we have encountered such people in high school (or even in the universities). Her shyness is almost weird and people in her class or in school would just assume that either she’s mute or won’t speak at all. The only time she’s practicing her speech skills is inside the comforts of her room – alone, playing-DJ to the music in her Ipod playlist. She has the knack and passion for music. She’s one of those characters who deserved a happy ending.

Her mother – is really overbearing. I really hated her in the beginning because: aren’t moms supposed to love their child despite of anything? I wanted her to support whatever Tere wanted, but she doesn’t seem to believe in Tere’s capability. However, in the end, she redeemed herself (although people really can’t change 180 in a blink of an eye) – which makes her mom seems to be more real.

Her stepdad, whom I adore. Although I really didn’t appreciate the entire PDA in the midst of children (anyone below 18). Nevertheless, he believed in Tere compared to her mom and gave her the opportunity to finally make her dreams come true. He owns the radio station where he let Tere worked as a DJ.

There’s Gavin who’s also an interesting character with his Goth look and penchant for music.         

The Plot. I love how the characters developed, especially Tere. How her character actually bloomed and changed all throughout the book. Her change didn’t happen in a day, which I really appreciated. It was a step-by-step process which finally culminated on prom night. Although the plot was predictable (which is why I have given it a 4 instead of 5), still it the story was still pretty amazing. Tere and Gavin’s relationship was nicely written – it ended as what I have expected but it didn’t really matter because their story was not rushed, and gradually fell in to place.        

For a first novel, Danielle Joseph made an amazing sweet and short read. Shrinking Violet may have a predictable plot – but the words, the scenes, the characters will keep you on the hook. The author makes sure that everything is flawlessly real and the readers can very much relate to. The gradual transformation of Tere from someone who’s really shy to a lady with confidence is really heartwarming. 

Favorite Quotes

“Cake is for the weak,” Mom always says. Funny, I thought it was for birthdays.

ChuCha™