The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr

Lucy Beck-Moreau seems to have a perfect life; she comes from an affluent family devoted to fostering her promising career as a pianist and she has experienced immense success at the young age of sixteen. But that was eight months ago, and now everything has changed. Lucy’s family can barely talk to her, she hasn't touched a piano in months, and she only hopes that her little brother, Gus, won't end up failing like she thinks she has. When Gus's new piano teacher asks Lucy is she ever thinks about playing again, even for herself, Lucy is forced to face all of the reasons why she quit playing, and decide on what she wants for the future.

The Lucy Variations is an intense and beautiful story about what it means to find your own way and reasons for living, in the midst of all of the noise and complications of everyday life. Lucy's family is formidable and influential, and their passion for fine music comes across strongly. It is easy to see how Lucy can feel cast adrift when surrounded by so much pressure to be excellent, but the heart of this novel is about how she finds her own way, and how she learns to play music and take control of her life by not reacting to her familial pressure or expectations. Her journey is full of highs and lows as she balances schoolwork, her two friends, and relationship with Gus's teacher, Will, with discovering how she wants to make music. Lucy is a strong and admirable character in a complicated situation, and her story is well-written, humorous, and very entertaining. The Lucy Variations is yet another excellent novel from Zarr about finding the joy and beauty in life in the unlikely places.

Cover Comments: I love this cover. It is pretty and so fitting, and it goes with the title perfectly.

The Lucy Variations will be released May 7th, 2013!

Digital galley provided by publisher.