Viola in the Spotlight
and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle .
Learn more
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Trade In this Item for up to £0.25
Get an extra £5 when you trade in books worth £10 or more until June 30, 2012. Trade in Viola in the Spotlight for an Amazon.co.uk gift card of up to £0.25, which you can then spend on millions of items across the site. Trade-in values may vary (terms apply). Find more products eligible for trade-in.
|
Frequently Bought Together
Product details
|
More About the Author
Product Description
Review
"Sarah Dessen for middle school...Trigiani deftly shows that teenage girls can be independent, have positive self-images, and be happy."--Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
Product Description
Viola Chesterton is back home in her native New York after a year in the Middle-of-Nowhere at boarding school. All Viola wants to do is spend the summer doing with her best friends, Andrew and Caitlin. But she should know by now that things don't always go according to plan and, with Andrew being shipped off to summer camp by his parents and Caitlin swept up in her first real romance, Viola finds herself feeling lonely in her home town for the first time. Once again Viola turns to her love of film and theatre for solace as she helps out backstage at the Broadway show. And when she persuades her roommates from the Prefect Academy to come to New York for the opening night, things finally start to look up for Viola. Seeing her friends again makes Viola realise just how much she's missed them over the summer, and when they leave again to head back to school Viola makes a decision that shocks everyone - including herself - she wants to go back to Prefect too...
Inside This Book
(Learn More)
Browse and search another edition of this book.
Browse and search another edition of this book.
Suggested Tags from Similar Products(What's this?)Be the first one to add a relevant tag (keyword that's strongly related to this product)
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This series is fast becoming one of my favourites for teenage girls. It's so easy to get lost in Viola's story and surroundings, and thanks to that I read this one straight through in one sitting. Trigiani's writing is fun and contemporary, with media references littered throughout. Theatre, music, films - you name it, it's here. It makes it that much more realistic, which is never a bad thing in YA fiction.
I really loved the first book in this series, Viola in Reel Life, and I'm so glad that Viola in the Spotlight lived up to my expectations. It did take me a few chapters to get myself reacquainted with everyone but, once I got back into the swing of things, I didn't feel like it had been over a year since I read about these lovely characters. They feel like old friends to me now, and I like every single one of them. Trigiani's story of high school hardships, first loves and friendship is something that all teenagers will relate to, and even I find myself getting nostalgic for my school days!
In Viola in the Spotlight, Viola has completed her year at Prefect Academy in South Bend, Indiana, and is now back in New York. Boy trouble has inevitably followed her, and being reunited with her BFFAA Andrew isn't all she thought it would be. She needs her boarding school friends to help get her life back on track, and luckily her Grand's Broadway play is the perfect place for a meeting. NYC is one of my favourite settings to read about, as it just seems so glamorous and unbelievable. From descriptions of the sweeping skyline to Brownstone houses, nothing is left out, and it made me want to visit the city even more. I want to see these famous landmarks with my own eyes, but until then I'm glad I get to imagine it in such vivid detail.
Viola in the Spotlight is an enjoyable read from start to finish, with more depth than I originally thought. Along with that feeling of excitement for life and all the possibilities it brings, there are also sad and incredibly poignant moments that Viola and her friends find themselves facing. Also, there's a bit of a surprise at the end of this one. I saw it coming, but still, I'm looking forward to seeing how it all plays out. This series is fiction for teen girls at its best, and I can honestly say that each book is a joy to read. I can't wait for the next one!
I really loved the first book in this series, Viola in Reel Life, and I'm so glad that Viola in the Spotlight lived up to my expectations. It did take me a few chapters to get myself reacquainted with everyone but, once I got back into the swing of things, I didn't feel like it had been over a year since I read about these lovely characters. They feel like old friends to me now, and I like every single one of them. Trigiani's story of high school hardships, first loves and friendship is something that all teenagers will relate to, and even I find myself getting nostalgic for my school days!
In Viola in the Spotlight, Viola has completed her year at Prefect Academy in South Bend, Indiana, and is now back in New York. Boy trouble has inevitably followed her, and being reunited with her BFFAA Andrew isn't all she thought it would be. She needs her boarding school friends to help get her life back on track, and luckily her Grand's Broadway play is the perfect place for a meeting. NYC is one of my favourite settings to read about, as it just seems so glamorous and unbelievable. From descriptions of the sweeping skyline to Brownstone houses, nothing is left out, and it made me want to visit the city even more. I want to see these famous landmarks with my own eyes, but until then I'm glad I get to imagine it in such vivid detail.
Viola in the Spotlight is an enjoyable read from start to finish, with more depth than I originally thought. Along with that feeling of excitement for life and all the possibilities it brings, there are also sad and incredibly poignant moments that Viola and her friends find themselves facing. Also, there's a bit of a surprise at the end of this one. I saw it coming, but still, I'm looking forward to seeing how it all plays out. This series is fiction for teen girls at its best, and I can honestly say that each book is a joy to read. I can't wait for the next one!
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Lovely book, excellent for teen girls who are just starting to read books other than those given to them in school!! Very sweet story. Arrived in good time, well packaged and in excellent condition. Would recommend this product and the seller.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
12 reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Highly Enjoyable Follow Up to Viola in Reel Life!
1 May 2011
Format:Hardcover
I quite enjoyed Adriana's YA debut, Viola in Reel Life, last year, and was eager for the sequel to be released. Viola in the Spotlight did not fall into the sequel slump, and, in my opinion, it was even better than the first! Viola Chesterton spent her entire freshman year away at boarding school, and she is ecstatic to be returning to New York City for the summer. She can finally spend everyday hanging out with her best friends, Andrew and Caitlin, and relax all summer. But, this summer will not be at all what she expected.
Viola in the Spotlight allowed readers to get to know certain characters even better than in the prequel. Her parents, Andrew, and Caitlin, especially. Andrew, her best friend, has changed a lot while she was away at boarding school, and Viola is worried about their friendship. And when a British play director and his teenage son, Maurice, move into their basement, Caitlin falls in love. Caitlin's character was very complex in this book. We got to better understand her and her parent's rules, as well as her Indian culture. She didn't always prove to be a great friend to Viola because she constantly had Viola cover for her and Maurice so her parents wouldn't find out she had a boyfriend. In addition, so many of Viola's friends (including her roommates) have gotten summer jobs and Viola's grandmother helps her get an internship with the lightning director for her play. Viola's "Grand" and her boyfriend are both fabulous actors, and are starring in a Broadway production of Arsenic and Old Lace.
There were so many great plot twists in this book and Viola was such a real character. Anyone could relate to her as she dealt with the ups and downs of the summer before her sophomore year of high school. My heart went out to Viola when things got tough and some of her friendships were tested, and I only wanted the best for her.
Her boarding school friends also played a role in this story. I am so glad I got to be reintroduced to the trio of fabulous girls Viola got to know during her first year of boarding school. Each of the girls had a distinct personality and they were such great great friends for Viola.
I love realistic fiction novels and this one was no exception. The premise was unique and well executed and Adriana Trigiani created a memorable character in Viola. While there were a lot of laughs and fun moments, there was also a more emotional side to the book, making it that much more real. I liked the first book in the series, but I loved this one. I can only hope for a third book about Viola and her friends soon!
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Viola in the Spotlight allowed readers to get to know certain characters even better than in the prequel. Her parents, Andrew, and Caitlin, especially. Andrew, her best friend, has changed a lot while she was away at boarding school, and Viola is worried about their friendship. And when a British play director and his teenage son, Maurice, move into their basement, Caitlin falls in love. Caitlin's character was very complex in this book. We got to better understand her and her parent's rules, as well as her Indian culture. She didn't always prove to be a great friend to Viola because she constantly had Viola cover for her and Maurice so her parents wouldn't find out she had a boyfriend. In addition, so many of Viola's friends (including her roommates) have gotten summer jobs and Viola's grandmother helps her get an internship with the lightning director for her play. Viola's "Grand" and her boyfriend are both fabulous actors, and are starring in a Broadway production of Arsenic and Old Lace.
There were so many great plot twists in this book and Viola was such a real character. Anyone could relate to her as she dealt with the ups and downs of the summer before her sophomore year of high school. My heart went out to Viola when things got tough and some of her friendships were tested, and I only wanted the best for her.
Her boarding school friends also played a role in this story. I am so glad I got to be reintroduced to the trio of fabulous girls Viola got to know during her first year of boarding school. Each of the girls had a distinct personality and they were such great great friends for Viola.
I love realistic fiction novels and this one was no exception. The premise was unique and well executed and Adriana Trigiani created a memorable character in Viola. While there were a lot of laughs and fun moments, there was also a more emotional side to the book, making it that much more real. I liked the first book in the series, but I loved this one. I can only hope for a third book about Viola and her friends soon!
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Good summer escapism
27 April 2011
Format:Hardcover
Viola and her video camera return to her beloved Brooklyn after a year in private school in South Bend, Indiana. That year was chronicled in VIOLA IN REEL LIFE, the first book in the series. The budding filmmaker is so happy to be back with her best friends, BFFAA Andrew and Caitlin. On her first night back, she learns that Andrew is going to camp and Caitlin has a job. So all her plans for the summer have evaporated, leaving her at loose ends. As usual, though, Viola finds herself some adventures in this fun novel from bestselling adult author Adriana Trigiani.
Grand, her grandmother, is in a new play along with her handsome boyfriend George, and Viola is soon hired as a lighting intern, which sends her all over New York on errands. While working on the production of Arsenic and Old Lace, she comes up with the idea of bringing her Indiana roomie friends Romy, Marisol and Suzanne to the city for a reunion weekend. Skype and email aren't enough, and they plan for the event.
In the meantime, the show's director has a handsome and charming son who is coming from Britain for the summer. The two of them are renting the lower apartment Viola's family owns, and Maurice is 15 like Viola. On his first night, she and Caitlin invite him to dinner on the roof of the house; Viola sees her friend fall in love for the first time, and he with her. The problem is that Caitlin's very strict parents have a plan for her life that does not include boys and barely includes friends. While that part of the story seems stereotypical, it does develop more towards the end of the book.
Andrew comes home on occasion, and during one visit ends up kissing Viola. She does not know what to do with that; they struggle to sort out what each is ready for in terms of a relationship. Trigiani handles this delicate situation cleverly and in a way that is not in the typical Hollywood style.
The story kicks into high gear when the friends and Suzanne's parents come to New York to visit. Descriptions of the Big Apple are spot-on, and the night of the show's opening are depicted in fun detail. After that celebratory tone, the novel takes a sudden turn. While it is a realistic situation, readers will have to shift gears quickly to keep pace with some painful truths and a big surprise from Viola herself. The series and characters are fun enough to offer audiences a good summer escape.
--- Reviewed by Amy Alessio
Grand, her grandmother, is in a new play along with her handsome boyfriend George, and Viola is soon hired as a lighting intern, which sends her all over New York on errands. While working on the production of Arsenic and Old Lace, she comes up with the idea of bringing her Indiana roomie friends Romy, Marisol and Suzanne to the city for a reunion weekend. Skype and email aren't enough, and they plan for the event.
In the meantime, the show's director has a handsome and charming son who is coming from Britain for the summer. The two of them are renting the lower apartment Viola's family owns, and Maurice is 15 like Viola. On his first night, she and Caitlin invite him to dinner on the roof of the house; Viola sees her friend fall in love for the first time, and he with her. The problem is that Caitlin's very strict parents have a plan for her life that does not include boys and barely includes friends. While that part of the story seems stereotypical, it does develop more towards the end of the book.
Andrew comes home on occasion, and during one visit ends up kissing Viola. She does not know what to do with that; they struggle to sort out what each is ready for in terms of a relationship. Trigiani handles this delicate situation cleverly and in a way that is not in the typical Hollywood style.
The story kicks into high gear when the friends and Suzanne's parents come to New York to visit. Descriptions of the Big Apple are spot-on, and the night of the show's opening are depicted in fun detail. After that celebratory tone, the novel takes a sudden turn. While it is a realistic situation, readers will have to shift gears quickly to keep pace with some painful truths and a big surprise from Viola herself. The series and characters are fun enough to offer audiences a good summer escape.
--- Reviewed by Amy Alessio
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Another Winner!!
21 April 2011
Format:Hardcover
Viola in the Spotlight is the follow up to the fun and humorous Viola in Reel Life.
Viola is fifteen-years-old and her summer is just beginning. She is extremely happy to be back in New York with her family and best friends. She had been away at boarding school for her freshman year. Soon she finds out that her home buddies aren't going to be around during summer vacation and her best bud, Andrew, is acting strangely around her and she doesn't understand why. Things are not off to a good start when her friend Caitlin talks Viola into lying for her so she can sneak off with her secret British boyfriend, Maurice. Viola knows it's wrong but Caitlin is a good friend, but at the same time, she knows that she should be talking Caitlin into telling her parents but she doesn't. Viola doesn't know what she's going to do for the summer now that all her friends are going to be busy but then she lucks out and her Grandma gets her an intern job at the theatre.
The one thing in this novel that I really liked was the fact that Adriana focused on the `friendships' between the kids rather than `romance' which is what you usually find in Young Adult novels. The focus on Andrew, Caitlin, her school friends and how their friendships work is a refreshing change from the norm. Just like in real life, teenagers think more of their friendships than they do their parents and what their friends think and do is very important to them.
The great character development, the setting, and the relationships make this an intriguing and engrossing read. There are plenty of surprises in this novel and Viola must make some decisions that may change her life or will they? Another great aspect of this novel is the fact that Viola is really a regular ordinary teenager and Adriana has her dealing with everyday situations. I can't wait for the third book in this series to see what Viola and her friends are up to next. Well done!!
Viola is fifteen-years-old and her summer is just beginning. She is extremely happy to be back in New York with her family and best friends. She had been away at boarding school for her freshman year. Soon she finds out that her home buddies aren't going to be around during summer vacation and her best bud, Andrew, is acting strangely around her and she doesn't understand why. Things are not off to a good start when her friend Caitlin talks Viola into lying for her so she can sneak off with her secret British boyfriend, Maurice. Viola knows it's wrong but Caitlin is a good friend, but at the same time, she knows that she should be talking Caitlin into telling her parents but she doesn't. Viola doesn't know what she's going to do for the summer now that all her friends are going to be busy but then she lucks out and her Grandma gets her an intern job at the theatre.
The one thing in this novel that I really liked was the fact that Adriana focused on the `friendships' between the kids rather than `romance' which is what you usually find in Young Adult novels. The focus on Andrew, Caitlin, her school friends and how their friendships work is a refreshing change from the norm. Just like in real life, teenagers think more of their friendships than they do their parents and what their friends think and do is very important to them.
The great character development, the setting, and the relationships make this an intriguing and engrossing read. There are plenty of surprises in this novel and Viola must make some decisions that may change her life or will they? Another great aspect of this novel is the fact that Viola is really a regular ordinary teenager and Adriana has her dealing with everyday situations. I can't wait for the third book in this series to see what Viola and her friends are up to next. Well done!!
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
- Books > Children's Books > Fiction > Issues > Social
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
- I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
- I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.
|
