This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales

Elisa has never been popular, and she’s never had any close friends. She’s tried again and again, but she just doesn’t seem to fit in anywhere with her funky style and distaste for the popular music that her peers love. A few months after a drastic last-ditch attempt at connection, Elise finally finds what she’s been looking for in the most unexpected of places: an underground dance club. She makes new friends, discovers a talent for DJ-ing, and even has her first relationship every Thursday night at The Start. Elise is truly happy for the first time in her life, but she discovers just how hard it is to keep your secret night life out of the daylight.

This Song Will Save Your Life is a fun and energetic book, introspective and heartbreaking at times, but ultimately the type of book that makes you happy to be alive and excited about all of life’s possibilities. The first two chapters aren’t instantly magnetic as they detail a bit of backstory, but Elise’s voice is wry and clever, with sly, self-deprecating humor that draws the reader in. Once she discovers The Start and starts making friends, the book really takes off. Perhaps the best part about this novel is how realistic and straightforward Sales is with the reader at every turn; romance isn’t always the magical cure-all that lasts forever, friendship is messy and complicated and unexpected, and being able to do what makes you happy is rarely simple and easy. Despite all of these complications, Elise manages to find a balance and happiness in being honest with her friends and family. This Song Will Save Your Life is a vibrant book about finding your passion and connecting in the most unlikely of places.

Cover Comments: I have so much love for this cover. I like how the title is big, bold, and takes up the entire cover space. Normally I get frustrated when covers don't show faces, but this image is tastefully done. Very nice.

This Song Will Save Your Life will be out September 17th, 2013.

ARC provided by publisher.