Blog Tour: No Sad Songs

sad songs

Book Cover I was given an e-book copy of this book to review as a part of the blog tour. However, all views are my own and not influenced by this.

I was weary about this book to start with as despite the family tragedy happening very quickly, the book begins slowly and I was unsure as to where it was going to take me. However, clearly this was a ploy for the slap bham wallop of the action. I loved the plot and the way Gabe finds himself (that sounds cheesy but I can promise you it’s not cheesy in the book – I just couldn’t find a better way of putting it) amongst the tragedy and flurry of craziness.

I love the concept of the book and the way it’s been brilliantly written. I love that we get to see Gabe’s thoughts, though I’m not quite sure I understand why he’s writing an essay about his personal life to give flashbacks but perhaps I just missed something. Regardless, I love the insight the flashbacks bring to Gabe’s present life and his story.

Gabe seems to be coping well though I’m annoyed that no one seems to be making sure he is okay amongst the tragedy of losing his parents and becoming the primary career to his Grandpa. It’s shocking and saddening to realise that this is the life of young careers across the world. It is completely eye-opening.

I’m absolutely disgusted at Nick’s behaviour, it’s just so frustrating. On the other hand, I love Sofia and John’s relationship with Gabe as they settle his hot headedness, although I do wish they had tried to understand Gabe’s reasoning behind the ‘climax’ of the plot a little more.

The ending was just brilliant; lovely and heart melting. I love the way this book has been written, and the introduction of poetry via Gabe’s passion for it, relating it to his life. As a poetry fan myself, I thought Rossetti was just a perfect choice and I love that this is where the title is from. This makes this little poetry lover very happy.

I would definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for a lovely contemporary read. If you wish to buy a copy of this book, you can do so here

Blurb

Following a family tragedy, 18-year-old Gabe LoScuda suddenly finds himself thrust into the role of caregiver for his ailing grandfather. Between the shopping trips and the doctor visits with Grandpa, Gabe and his friend John try to salvage their senior year, meet girls, and make the varsity baseball team. It doesn’t take long for Gabe to realize that going to school and looking after a grandfather with Alzheimer’s is more work than he ever imagined. And when long-lost Uncle Nick appears on the scene, Gabe soon finds that living with Nick and Grandpa is like babysitting two grown men. Aside from John, the only person who truly understands Gabe is Sofia, a punk-rocking rebel he meets at the veteran’s hospital. When these three unlikely friends are faced with a serious dilemma, will they do what it takes to save Grandpa? If there’s a chance of preserving the final shreds of Grandpa’s dignity, Gabe may have to make the most gut-wrenching decision of his life–and there’s no way out.

Author Image