#3 Hear by: Jacqueline Abelson

Title: Hear

Author: Jacqueline Abelson

Series: N/A

Format: Paperback

Release Date: May 19, 2012

Genre(s): YA

Rating:

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Summary

Lots of people can hear, but how many really listen?

At the age of 17, Charlotte Goode has issues. Serious issues. Despite countless surgeries, her parent's panic attacks, and a well-meaning oncologist, a rare genetic disorder means Charlotte must live with recurring tumors. Life isn’t supposed to be this way.

And just as Charlotte is learning to cope, she gets some devastating news: Tumors are growing on her auditory nerves. But, the necessary surgery will leave her completely deaf.

With the operation scheduled in a month, Charlotte prepares herself for a world without sound. A world without the violin she loves, without her best friend’s laugh, and even without her boss’s irksome tone. Charlotte's on a mission to take it all in, while trying to hire a band to play a benefit concert. Will it be The Bond Boys or Lennox?

Counting down the days until everything goes silent, The Bond Boys’ lead singer, Ron Cam, sweeps Charlotte off her feet. He’s pure charisma. Then there’s Matthew Lovelace of Lennox , who captures Charlotte’s attention with his music and “that” voice. What will she do?

Time is running out. Charlotte must find a way to leave the hearing world on a high note without missing a beat.

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Review

Plot: This story made me cry right from the beginning. Charlotte is a girl who's always waiting for the next tumor to appear somewhere. She's constantly at the doctor's office and under a knife. But one thing that basically defines her is her love for music. She plays the violin, works as a music critique, and hopes to go to Julliard. But then she finds out one day that the newest tumors have grown in her brain and the only two options are between her hearing and her life. This story was amazing in the way that it was realistic and touching without being overly dramatic or unrealistic. Also it has a little bit of romance but not that much which makes it unique. The ending isn't how her and the one she likes end up. It is solely based on her and her struggles.

Character(s): Charlotte - I think she is a very realistic character. She's whiny without being overly annoying. In the end her family tells her she is being selfish and I was actually surprised. I think she acted more mature with this news than I could have. But even through all that she apologized and  had the best attitude about things. I also love her relationship with her best friend, Lexi. They get mad at each other but it's not enough to split them apart. They don't stay mad for more than a day and I love it. No unnecessary drama.

Cover: I love the cover of the book! But that's also because I love music. I'm a piano player so anything to do with music draws me in. I thought the title and cover were simple in a very pretty way.

Closing Thoughts: I loved this book! I read it in one whole day almost nonstop. It was the perfect way to kick-start my summer reading. I have a special connection with books that have to do with music and that could be a reason why this touched me. I loved the trials she went through and how she responded. I liked the small bit of relationship she grew with boys but it didn't really amount to much which was a nice change. I would most definitely read this book if I was any of you. It's a nice, quick read.

Where to find Jacqueline Abelson:
 Goodreads

Sweet Daydreams,

Brooke