Pitch Perfect meets She’s the Man.

 

A gender-bending acapella drama that hits all the right notes. With shows such as Pitch Perfect bringing acapella into the limelight it is unavoidable that this concept translate itself into literature. Diversity is present in this book in the fact that the main character Jordan is Chinese and identifies as bisexual. This book is Own Voices as the author, Riley Redgate is Chinese. The main plot of the story follows Jordan as she dresses as a boy to be a part of an all boys acapella group when she is not cast in musical theatre because her singing voice is too low for a female part. The different characters of the acapella group all have unique voices and were extremely interesting to read about. There is a touch of romance in this novel, but this did not overtake the general comedy and drama that this book presented.

Note Worthy reminds me of Twelfth Night, She's the Man, or even Mulan - where a girl masquerades as a guy for whatever purpose and ends up in over her head. Jordan wants to be in theatre, but as an Alto 2 she is hard-pressed to even find a find tailored to her range. All she wants is to pursue her dreams. Feeling down, she notices an audition for a tenor in an all-male A Capella group and takes a chance. Dressed as Julian and sporting a short wig, she impresses the Sharpshooters enough to claim the open spot and suddenly everything changes. She actually had this small, musically-inclined family to belong to. A place at Kensington - as long as nobody realizes that she is a girl.

Pretty quickly, it looks like one of the guys might be a future love interest for Jordan, not Julian as in all likelihood the group will eventually discover her secret. I expected that they would be hurt at first, but eventually forgive her after all they've been through together. Most of my expectations came to pass, although there were slight deviations. Overall, there weren't really any big surprises or reveals in the book.

The characters are so wonderfully well written and realistic. You watch them grow, learn about themselves and find yourself grinning like an idiot when Trav does (because that boy seriously needed it). You cheer for their wins and want to personally beat up those who wrong them. You've become an honorary Sharp and these guys are your family just like they are for Jordan.

Highly recommended contemporary novel about growing up, learning about yourself, making friends and the secrets you keep. And most importantly? Music. Great read for teen/young adult readers with a small amount of profanity.

I loved, loved, loved this book! This was my first time reading a Riley Redgate book after having heard so many good things about her first book, Seven Ways We Lie, from library colleagues and Teen Advisory Board members. Every part of this book was wonderfully written and engaging. I was truly impressed by the amount of diversity and progressive understanding exhibited in this novel. The cast of side characters are so diverse and fleshed out along with the main character, that I think any reader can find a character to relate to. I also appreciated that the characters were all three dimensional, including the antagonist. 

My absolute favorite aspect of this book was that every time I saw a "YA novel stereotype" scenario coming, Redgate would flip the book on me and take the scene in a different direction. I was pleasantly surprised every time. I was also impressed with the amount of suspense I felt over a book about a capella competition. During the competition scene I was on the edge of my seat, fearing that group was going to make a mistake in their performance or were going to face sabotage like they did earlier in the book.

Overall I was thoroughly impressed and am looking forward to seeing more from Redgate and to going back and reading her debut novel.

SO. GOOD! 

I went it with basically zero expectation. I mean, I didn't even remember what this would be about. But 2% in and I already fell in love with the narrator. Then the plot and all the side characters took me by surprise and I was instantly in love with this book.

Our main character Jordan Sun is such a hilarious and witty narrator. Being in her head was so much fun and so relatable. She's also Chinese and I know I'm not Chinese but seeing Asian protagonist always warms my heart :) I also relate so much to her and her family. The thing is, my mom is like Jordan's mom. She keeps pushing me to be better and better even when I feel like I'm already at my best. Sure for a few times it makes me a better person, but the others? It stresses me out and puts me under unnecessary pressure. So, yeah, I understood what Jordan went through.

The other characters are also incredbile. I love Isaac and his weirdness, Nihal and his simple kindness, Mama and Jon Cox and their banter, Trav with all his seriousness and determination, Erik with his awkwardness, and Marcus with his enthusiasm. I love that each of them has their own distinct characteristics and their own struggles to deal with. 

But more importantly, their dynamic is the best! I love seeing them just... be with each other. If I were Jordan I'd probably feel at home to be among these guys.

The plot is actually quite simple. It's not too different from the other contemporary books you've probably read before. BUT, one thing that managed to make this book stands out is its ability to maintain its lightness despite all the important issues being dealt with.

Noteworthy's done a fantastic job exploring gender identity and its roles. All my life I'm always content of being a girl and I know we're different from boys but that's that. This book... it explores how it feels to be a boy from a girl stand point. I enjoyed the fact that this whole cross-dressing thing makes Jordan questions her own identity, and then to finally reach a conclusion that makes her feel more sure of herself than ever. 

I also love how the issue of sexual orientation being dealt with in this book. It wasn't as thorough as I expected but it was still amazing. I especially love the fact that the book talked about it in relation to religion! I mean, it's such an important, taboo subject that is so rarely talked about. So, yeah, I really appreciate it :)

However, I feel like the ending was kind of... slow. After all the roller coaster ride that is the plot, I expected the ending to be more stellar and I don't know, grand? But it was simpler than I thought and way less intense.

Last but not least, I absolutely adore Riley Redgate's writing. It's rich, it's light, and it's so addictive. I couldn't put it down because it was so page turning and I was too curious to know what's going to happen next. 

ALL IN ALL, this book is amazing. It successfully maintains its lightness while dealing with tough, important subjects. With its incredible characters, fantastic plot, and addictive writing, Noteworthy easily becomes a favorite of mine. Highly recommended! <3

[Review will be posted on my blog closer to release date (Mid Feb-March)]

Despite my limited knowledge of most of Noteworthy's "hot topics," I was still able to thoroughly enjoy it. Riley Redgate created a super sympathetic, relatable main character that I rooted for starting with the hilarious opening line.

What I liked:
Jordan Sun was a sympathetic, funny, realistic character. I rooted for her, I felt for her, she was wonderful. Jordan is Chinese (as is the author), from a severely low-income family with a disabled father, and questioning her sexuality.

The side characters were complex, real, accepting, and loyal. It's not an easy feat to create seven unique characters and, for the most part, I think Redgate nailed it. Shout-out to my least favorite/least memorable character in the a cappella group: Marcus! I constantly confused him for a much better character, Mama....that's a nickname, by the way. A wonderful one. 

The book, thanks to Redgate, was sensitive to a few topics (and here are the ones I noticed): sexuality, transgender people, races, religion, and gender stereotypes. The school at which Jordan attends was a progressive one, but that didn't mean these things were glossed over. I really appreciated the time Jordan spent on feeling guilty and uncertain with her cross-dressing.

What I didn't like:
There was a certain vagueness to the book's blurb and stakes. I didn't know what the stakes were, aside from her being found out. Almost half-way into the book, the stakes showed themselves. Jordan had to remain in disguise to help the Sharpshooters win a contest, and then go on a tour abroad. Her parents essentially told her this was her last semester at school because she hadn't done anything noteworthy - pun intended - so far. This contest was her chance to prove her time at school was worth it. 
Because of that vagueness, I didn't know where the book was going exactly and I hit a lull around 50% in. There was no clear endpoint or goal (because her parents were pulling her out of school regardless).

Thank you very much to Amulet Books, who sent me a copy of Noteworthy via Netgalley in exchange for my review. These are my honest opinions and have been in no way affected. 

It will probably come as no surprise to you to know that Noteworthy was one of my most anticipated books of 2017. A bisexual girl goes undercover to infiltrate an all-male, historically elite a cappella group? YES PLEASE. I had huge expectations for this - and I am so, so pleased to say that this was everything I could have wanted. 

Noteworthy is so much more diverse than I thought it would be. Jordan is bisexual (YAY!) but she is also Asian-American, and comes from a working-class background. The plot hinges on the realities of the expenses of medical care in America, as her family can no longer afford her place at Kensington, a posh arts school. A lot of time is spent on Jordan's background, and how she feels out of place in the elite setting of Kensington. The rest of the book was relatively light, so these parts really stood out. Her best friend Nihal (a tiny cinnamon roll, omg I love him) is also a Sikh, and comes out as gay halfway through the book. 

I love how the book is so consistently aware of itself. For example, when Jordan decides to act as a boy, she uses tips from a website for trans people. I was so impressed with this part, because Jordan feels intensely uncomfortable about how she is playing a part - but trans people are not. She feels she is appropriating a trans experience that she has no right to, which is something I have never read in cross-dressing narratives. (However, I am cis, so please take my words with a grain of salt.)

Now, about the bisexuality, because that's why I originally requested this book. The plot doesn't hinge on it by any means. Rather, Jordan slowly comes to realise that she's not as straight as she previously thought - it is just another way that she grows. I will say now, the book does not end with a F/F relationship, which I think disappointed some readers. But that's the whole point of her being bisexual, in my mind. Also, there are some amazing quotes about being bisexual, such as this one: 

"I'd never been sure if I was attracted to girls, or whether it was a too-strong awareness of how attractive I thought girls might be to other people. Three or four times, I'd had what I chalked up as weirdly intense friend-crushes: I'd meet a girl, get flustered, get fascinated, and for months, I'd want only to be around her."

Where was the line though? Did I want to be around her, did I want to be her, or did I want to be with her?
I nearly screamed when I read this one. This is SO TRUE to how I discovered my sexuality. I couldn't find out if the author Riley Redgate is bisexual herself, but this really felt like an #ownvoices novel. 

In conclusion - I love Noteworthy with all my heart. It will be released on May 2nd 2017. Pre-order it now, y'all. Seriously.

Noteworthy reminds me of a Usain Bolt 100m race: slow to start, fast in the middle and eases up before the finish line, but still ahead of the pack. Let's do a post-race analysis. 

Writing: 

The first thing that jumped at me was the change in Redgate's writing style. When I read Seven Ways We Lie I found it enjoyable but not engaging. Noteworthy is the complete opposite. This book is utterly engaging. Flowery when it needs to be not never over the top. I found myself bookmarking numerous passages and sentences because I thought they were beautiful or simply extremely well written. This made for an entirely enjoyable reading experience. I look forward to seeing more of Riley as she matures as a writer. 

Plot & Pacing: 
Noteworthy has a Twelfth Night vibe going for it, but it's easy to love this even if you aren't into Shakespeare :) 
However, I didn't find myself enjoying this until about halfway through, then, bam! Everything fell into place. I was a bit concerned about the representation of bisexuality and transsexuality (as the character would bind her chest in order to pass for a male), however, there is a passage that does address the concerns regarding appropriating from the trans community and I definitely respect and appreciate the manner in which it was handled. That is, educational and respectfully. Beyond my views as an ally I cannot adequately speak to the bisexual rep in this book but I would love to point out that this is own voices and it is evident that the author created the type of positive representation that she would like to see in YA. Moreover, I like the intricate approach to handling issues relating to wealth, status and familial dynamics. I often find parental figures in YA extremely one-dimensional but Redgate somehow manages to make the interactions between the MC and her parents seem honest to life, and the story is all the more better off for it. 

The book also addresses issues of gender in a solid way without being preachy. It's interesting to see the MC lose herself in "a man's world." If you find yourself struggling with this book, press on. It's worth it. 

Characters: 
Oh boy! One thing Redgate does extremely well is characters. I kept forgetting that they were high-schoolers though. My bad. Nonetheless, I loved all and want to adopt and protect them. Maybe except Dr. Caskey. Him I do not want to protect (or adopt). 

Overall, Noteworthy, in my opinion, cements Redgate's status a strong writer who creates beautiful characters. I wholeheartedly recommend Noteworthy and will continue to sing its praises.

This book was incredible. Jordan was an entirely relatable character with clear motivations, authentic feelings and voice, and a wonderful supporting cast of characters. Noteworthy is a book that touches on so many subjects and speaks true to all the ones I can see from my perspective. 

I will be recommending this book to... well, everyone. But lovers of a capella, theater, cross-dressing ladies, and complicated schemes will enjoy this title.

Jordan Sun is starting her junior year at performing arts school, but being an Alto 2, she's always struggled to get a role in the school musical. When the school get a mass email informing them that the Sharpshooters, the school's revered all-male a cappella group, Jordan is determined to make this year different. She cross-dresses as a guy, Julian, and discovers that, as a Tenor 1, she's just what the Sharpshooters need.
**

+ Our main character represents a lot of things. Jordan is a bisexual (which she discovers throughout the course of the novel), Chinese-American girl coming from a poor family. She's tall and has a low voice, making her easily pass as a guy. All of these things have stopped her from achieving her goals in Kensington, but as a guy, she finds her place. During the beginning of her transformation into Julian, she Googles ways to flatten her chest and comes across a website for trans people. What follows is an important narrative as Jordan compares her cross-dressing as a disguise and lie whereas for trans, it's a very different and important matter. The book also touches upon sexuality and gender stereotypes as Jordan regularly calls out acts of sexism in her role as Julian.

+ Upon hearing that Jordan would be the only main female character in this book, amongst a group of all males, I was hesitant but this is a very interesting and diverse group of boys. Isaac who is Japanese, Trav who is black, Jon Cox who has a learning disability and Nihal, a Sikh guy who reveals that he is gay. Jordan develops a friendship with each of them and I especially loved her friendship with Nihal who becomes something of a confidante. I just loved the bond between them and their domesticity during rehearsal. I'm a sucker for domesticity! 

+ The prose was beautiful, flowing like music itself and despite the book focusing on a subject I'm not clued up on (music, singing, a cappella), the author manages to let it flow naturally, never info-dumping any of the technical terms. The book is split into four parts but it is a novel you can definitely read in one sitting. It manages to touch upon important subjects and represent them without preaching or making the narrative too difficult. It is a style of contemporary that we need more of.

+ Overall, I liked being inside Jordan's head. I liked her transformation into Julian and how it changed her and also the high expectations she puts on herself to please her parents. Jordan is also dealing with an emotional breakup throughout the course of the novel and it was so refreshing to see her journey through accepting its end. This book just manages to deal with so many topics and issues and yet never rushes over the main story. Riley Redgate just proves that you can still deal with important issues in a YA contemporary novel without it being the main focus. Jordan destroys gender norms one page at a time and it was truly an honour to have met her and the Sharpshooters.

Early last year, Riley Redgate impressed me with Seven Ways We Lie, a book with not two, not three, but seven first-person point of views. Entertaining, quirky and surprisingly original, SWWL was very much a solid debut, which is why I have quite high expectations of Redgate’s follow-up. Enter Noteworthy.

This book is the story of Jordan Sun, a Chinese-American teenage girl who disguises herself as a boy to join the Sharpshooters, her school’s a cappella group. While juggling her new persona, Jordan also has to deal with her family’s financial issues as well as her feelings of isolation and her not being able to fit in.  As with books where a protagonist goes undercover, though, the disguise only works for a period of time and once people find out, the consequences are dire.

In that vein, Noteworthy might not be remarkably original (it’s even somewhat predictable), but Redgate managed to put a new spin on an old tale and keep me entertained. For me, this spin was in the characters — the Sharpshooters were a diverse, clashing group of races, cultures, personalities, beliefs and values, and each and every one of their interactions captured me. They’re also remarkably passionate about music and singing, which… honestly? Kind of makes them nerds. Lovable nerds.

Jordan herself was an entertaining protagonist, and I enjoyed being in her head and experiencing the world through her eyes. The nature of her action — lying to a whole group of people by disguising her gender— is inherently flawed, but she does struggle with guilt quite a bit and doesn’t justify herself when she makes mistakes. I also appreciate how her disguise makes her question tougher issues such as trans visibility, queerness, and sexuality. I hadn’t been expecting that, and I think she was developed very, very well.

The characters in this book deal with a lot of issues, from things like race, culture, sexuality and religion, to the more concrete, direct things like financial issues and parental issues. What I appreciate is how naturally these themes are explored, how casual and true and real they are in the moment. I never really felt like I was being forced into thinking a certain way or that I was being preached at.

Redgate’s writing was fast-paced and light, with just the right amount of description, dialogue, and narrative. It was also occasionally humorous and did not hesitate to poke fun at itself. The only reason why I’m not giving it five full stars is because there were some little things that I think didn’t sit as naturally as I would have liked, but overall, it was still a delight to read. Some books fight with you and rebel against you even as you try your best to fall into the story, but not Noteworthy.

Redgate is one of the FINEST voices in contemporary YA literature. I'm not sure how she manages to blend humor and heart-wrenching emotion every time, but she does. I'm not a theater or music geek, former or current, so I'm not even the ideal audience for this novel but oh man, this was great. I'm sure theater and music kids will absolutely ADORE THIS even more than I did. Every character absolutely shines and I really just want to give them all hugs.

Jordan's a junior at her performing arts high school, and even after three years of auditions, she never gets cast in the plays or in the a capella groups.  When she sees that an all-male group is looking for a new tenor, however, she knows that her low alto voice will fit into that position, so she does the only logical thing:  dresses like a boy and auditions herself.  Being in an all-male singing group might be a little more complicated than Jordan imagined.  Redgate excels at describing the music and musicmaking of the main characters, and Jordan's transition from insecure to confident is a pleasure to read.  Recommended for fans of quirky, fun YA.

DNF: This book was not for me.

The premise of Noteworthy promises hilarity and definitely delivers, but it also handles the subject matter with delicacy while exploring and complicating societal ideas of gender roles with impressive deftness. Featuring characters with disabilities, characters with various sexual orientations, one of the most racially diverse casts I've ever seen in a book, and frank discussions of intersectionality without ever being heavy-handed, Noteworthy is a book teens need to read--and more importantly, one they can see themselves in. It's also beautifully written and overall magnificently executed. Librarians, recommend the heck out of this book to your teen readers, especially LGBTQ+ students and students of color.