Latest Read: A Little Wanting Song

Here are the basics ...
A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley
Publication date: June 8, 2010
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Category: Young Adult - Contemporary
Source: Bought

Summary: CHARLIE DUSKIN loves music but she only sings when she's alone. Charlie's mom and grandmother have both died, and this summer she's visiting her grandpa in the country, serving burgers to the local kids at the milk bar. She's got her iPod and her guitar but she wants more: A friend. ROSE BUTLER lives next door to Charlie's grandfather and spends her days hanging out with her troublemaker boyfriend. She loves Luke but can't wait to leave their small town. She's won a scholarship to a science school in the city, and now she has to convince her parents to let her go. This is where Charlie comes in. Charlie, who lives in the city, and whom Rose has ignored for years. Charlie, who just might be Rose's ticket out. (Adapted goodreads.com) 

My thoughts…

The good: When I think of A Little Wanting Song, the first word that comes to mind is musical. That's the only way to describe her writing here. She finds music in Charlie's sorrow, Rose's yearning to be free, sunrises and first kisses. You almost feel like you can hear it yourself as you read. The book is told through alternating points-of-views, Charlie's and Rose's, and I have to admit, I was a little skeptical at first. I immediately connected with Charlie but Rose didn't make a good first impression on me.  I quickly got into hearing both sides of the story though and I liked seeing how each character perceived a conversation or a look. It made me think of how it's so easy to assume one thing, only to found out it meant something totally different. What I loved most about Charlie was her outlook on the world, the way every moment became a song in her mind. She's lonely, a little on the awkward side, talented, funny and unaware of what a great person she is. Rose is her opposite in so many ways. She's never lacked for friends - she's known Dave and Luke her entire life (the latter being her boyfriend). She's got a rebellious streak, doesn't let anyone tell her what to do and she's really smart. But she's never left her small town and dreams of escaping before she ends up stuck there like her mom.

The story truly begins when Rose and Charlie, who have known each other for years but never really spoken, start to become friends. Granted, Rose has an ulterior motive but then it slowly evolves into something real. And we get to see both characters grow and take charge of their lives. I was rooting for both of them to succeed and for their friendship to endure. Also, I have to mention Dave again, Rose's best friend and the object of Charlie's affection. They were just too cute and I loved their moments together (half dancing!).

(No) reservations: I wouldn't have minded a few more Dave and Charlie scenes!

Do I recommend?: Yes! This is my second Cath Crowley book (the first being Grafitti Moon) and if you're already a fan of her writing, I think you'll enjoy this a lot too. It might lack the "adventure" of her first book but there's something about the simplicity of this story that I really enjoyed.

Happy reading!