The Girl Who Became a Beatle

Jun 25, 2011 Phoebe added it

Shelves: young-adult, fantasy, music, beatles

This was a very silly book.

I was excited to request The Girl Who Became a Beatle when it came up on swap because it's the first YA novel I've encountered that's dealt with the Fab Four. As a preteen, I was absolutely obsessed with the Beatles—we're talking, plastered-my-room-with-drawings-of-them, purchased-shelves-full-of-books-about-them, had-a-shoebox-full-of-newspaper-clippings, wore-out-my-tape-of-Backbeat obsessed. To this day, I still know a remarkable amount of Beatles trivia, love Beatl...more

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Jan 05, 2011 Melissa (i swim for oceans) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own-arcs

The Girl Who Became a Beatle follows the story of teenage Regina Bloomsbury. Above all else, Regina is a musician, and when her band, The Caverns, breaks up, she’s devastated. On a whim, Regina makes a wish…wishing that The Caverns could have been as famous as the Beatles. She didn’t count on having a fairy godmother there to grant her wish. The Caverns are suddenly more famous than the Beatles ever were. In fact, the Caverns replaced the Beatles in history, and Regina is thrust into a world of...more The Girl Who Became a Beatle follows the story of teenage Regina Bloomsbury. Above all else, Regina is a musician, and when her band, The Caverns, breaks up, she’s devastated. On a whim, Regina makes a wish…wishing that The Caverns could have been as famous as the Beatles. She didn’t count on having a fairy godmother there to grant her wish. The Caverns are suddenly more famous than the Beatles ever were. In fact, the Caverns replaced the Beatles in history, and Regina is thrust into a world of rock and roll, fame, and fortune. But it comes with a price, and Regina has let it go to her head. She has a chocice to make. Does Regina want the Caverns to replace the Beatles forever?

I remember seeing the title for The Girl Who Became a Beatle a while back, but I usually avoid contemps, so I didn’t really pay it any mind. I figured I’d wait for the reviews and give it a go later, based on people’s thoughts. Despite my reservations, The Girl Who Became a Beatle was actually really fun for what it was. Greg Taylor has a fluid, easy-to-read writing style and voice. His prose is simple but sweet, the plot is easy to follow, and he doesn’t convolute the plot points with excessive descriptions that might otherwise cloud the story. The Girl Who Became a Beatle is a fast-paced journey into a life of fame, fortune and excess, showing you the fun, but portraying the pitfalls, too.

I really didn’t have too many qualms with The Girl Who Became the Beatle. Regina, though a bit juvenile for my reading tastes, was a pretty good MC. She transforms from a selfish, egotistical child into a young adult, and the transformation is fun to see. The side characters are good, though perhaps a bit flat – it took me a while to connect with Regina’s father and Julian. Something about him just seemed a bit bland. The plot moved quickly, though I will say that I was lost on a lot of the Beatles references. I know the basics in terms of the Beatles, but that’s about it. The only other thing I would point out if I’m being nit-picky (which I am) is that there is a LOT of dialogue in this book – far more dialogue than descriptions. This was a bit overbearing at times, if you know what I mean.

All in all, The Girl Who Became a Beatle is a cute, fun, and quirky read. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I’d recommend it YA and MG fans who enjoy contemporary fiction and fantasy, especially those who like the Beatles and music, in general.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.(less)

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Nov 26, 2012 Catrin rated it 2 of 5 stars

Er.

Thanks, but no thanks.

This book is a little example of How Not To Write A Book. While the plot was mildly intriguing, the general plotline was not far from being a fanfiction. I mean, who hasn't wanted their wish, just that one wish, whether it is to be skinny or pretty or smart or in this case, successful to come true instantly? Who doesn't want instant success? Who doesn't want to be the way the Beatles are?

(Okay, I'm not a huge fan of the Beatles, but I do like Let It Be quite a bit)

The...more Er.

Thanks, but no thanks.

This book is a little example of How Not To Write A Book. While the plot was mildly intriguing, the general plotline was not far from being a fanfiction. I mean, who hasn't wanted their wish, just that one wish, whether it is to be skinny or pretty or smart or in this case, successful to come true instantly? Who doesn't want instant success? Who doesn't want to be the way the Beatles are?

(Okay, I'm not a huge fan of the Beatles, but I do like Let It Be quite a bit)

The storyline, as I was saying, was really wacky and full of should I/should I not, well I should since it doesn't even matter/I'm a good girl conflicts, which, paired with the useless lists and flat, passive tone, was unconvincing and wooden, and boring to the point where I skimmed through most of the pages while reading select words. What can I say? Quick reading through books I dislike (and I can usually tell within the first few pages) serve me well.

Regina is probably the sort of character that we can relate to in real life. I enjoy reading about characters who are selfish. I enjoy reading about humanity. While we do love our heroines being feisty with no sense of self-preservation whatsoever we also believe in the side of us that always screams out doubts to being sugar and spice and everything nice. Human reason can excuse any evil, or something along the lines in Divergent. This is true, but Regina's story was flat. There was hardly any emotion in the story but a dull telling of what is going on.

I enjoy the Beatles.

I like a boy.

Wow. I am now famous.

Oh, a Fairy Godmother.

If I would continue, which I won't, this would be the way the story is told. In some aspects I can scream and shout and go all "You are so selfish!" at Regina because with the way she is acting she is being annoying. Her reaction to having a wish come true, Hey, she is on equal levels with the Beatles! was mild at best, nonexistent at most. It was all a very boring few words of, ah, how fabulous, I'm famous crap which hardly anyone would buy. And the godmother stuff along with a godmother website is all up to the imagination to force-fit, but the author was trying too hard to be all wacky and humorous and meaningful at the same time which ends up being fabulous. -Ly infuriating. I was annoyed with Regina and all prepared not to rate this book but there was a rather redeeming ending where Regina realizes she needs to go back to her real life (well of course she does, that's what every character does) and becomes all let's do this.
While it was all very predictable and boring to the point that I don't even remember exactly what went on in the ending, I do remember being rather touched and thinking that it may not be that bad after all.

You be the judge.(less)

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Oct 29, 2012 Lisa rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, young-adult, ya-2012

Superficial, fantasy-islandesque story about a teenaged girl who wishes that she and her band were as famous as the Beatles. Her wish is granted and she has seven days to try out this new fantasy life, one in which the Beatles never existed at all and she and the band perform all of their songs to great acclaim. She gets to experience fame and being a celebrity with all its trappings and pitfalls before finally deciding to which life she really belongs aided by a benign but absentee "fairy godmo...more

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Mar 28, 2011 Alison rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-scifi

For starters, I am a huge Beatles fan, so the title intrigued me. Was this about how the Beatles' fame and fortune affected their wives/girlfriends? Or an alternate-history novel where the Beatles had a fifth member, a girl? While I would gladly read either of those books, The Girl Who Became a Beatle is the tale of Regina, a high-school girl and fellow Beatles fan who makes a wish that her band was as famous as the Beatles. She wakes up the next morning to find that her band has replaced the Be...more

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Feb 26, 2011 Nicola rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, no-longer-own

Reason for Reading: Simply enough, the Beatles connection appealed to me.

This is a modern day fairy tale. Regina Bloomsbury, ultra-major Beatles fan & collector has her own band, aptly named The Caverns. The Caverns are about to fall apart at the seams and Regina wishes she were as famous as The Beatles one night in bed. The next morning she awakes to find herself the lead singer of The Caverns, an explosive new band on the scene, up for 8 Grammy nominations. Regina is famous and has the lif...more Reason for Reading: Simply enough, the Beatles connection appealed to me.

This is a modern day fairy tale. Regina Bloomsbury, ultra-major Beatles fan & collector has her own band, aptly named The Caverns. The Caverns are about to fall apart at the seams and Regina wishes she were as famous as The Beatles one night in bed. The next morning she awakes to find herself the lead singer of The Caverns, an explosive new band on the scene, up for 8 Grammy nominations. Regina is famous and has the life that comes with it but, you see, as her Fairy Godmother explains in an email no one could ever be as famous as The Beatles so she erased them from history and gave all their songs to Regina. So she is famous, but her first album, Meet The Caverns, is full of Beatles songs attributed to her. While Regina gets comfortable with the perks of being famous, including a famous TV star boyfriend, she also discovers the downside of how stardom can change people. None of her band is friendly with her, in fact there is open hostility with one member. Regina discovers that not only does she have a reputation as a diva she has also badly hurt the feelings of the one band member who meant the most to her back in her former life. But as Regina starts to find out a girl could get used to a life of fame and fortune and she has a week to decide if she will stay in her new life or go back to the old.

A good story. All The Beatles trivia and history is fun and I found myself humming songs as they were mentioned while I was reading. While being a fantasy the book isn't overloaded with typical fantasy elements such as magic but follows more along the lines of magical realism. One does have to suspend reality to enter and except Regina's world. The Girl Who Became a Beatle is also a coming-of-age story as Regina learns some life lessons, makes decisions based on decency rather than personal gratification and ultimately realizes that her life is not only about her, that others are affected by her actions as well. On the surface a fun, often humorous fairytale that we all would like to have that one wish granted but the book has a lot of deeper layers that deal with growing up and maturity. A fine read. (less)

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Feb 07, 2011 Kelly Hager rated it 3 of 5 stars

Regina’s life is music. Her band, The Caverns, is basically an homage to the Beatles (her favorite band). They play other covers and sometimes originals, but really? Beatles cover band. Unfortunately, two of her bandmates (Lorna and Danny) want to quit and her crush, Julian, might join them. That night, she wishes that she could be as famous as the Beatles…and it comes true.

Now the Caverns have replaced the Beatles. Regina and the others are the biggest rock stars in history. She has a week (mor...more

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Dec 30, 2010 Nancy rated it 4 of 5 stars

She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah!

When Regina Bloomsbury’s band, the Caverns, breaks up, she thinks it’s all over. And then she makes a wish—

“I wish I could be as famous as the Beatles.”

The Beatles are her music idols. The next day, she gets up to find that the Caverns are not just as famous as the Beatles, they have replaced them in history! Regina is living like a rock star, and loving it. There are talk shows, music videos, and live concerts with thousands of screaming fans. And Regina is th...more

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Jan 15, 2011 Aimee rated it 3 of 5 stars

Regina Bloomsbury has just had a very bad day. Two members from her band, The Caverns, have decided to join another band. The news is devastating to Regina. The band is her life, she loves playing music. In that moment of frustration and sorrow comes a wish, “I wish I could be as famous as the Beatles.” The next morning Regina awakens to find herself in the middle of her wish. Not only is she as famous as the Beatles, she has replaced them! Their songs are her songs. She is famous and rich. She...more

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Jan 07, 2011 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Regina is a musician just trying to keep her band together and find at least one paying gig. As the band breaks up with two of the musicians off to play for another band, Regina makes a wish to be as famous as her favorite band, the Beatles. That would solve everything, right? The next morning she finds that her wish came true by a mysterious fairy godmother. She has 3 days to make a decision. Does she want to spend the rest of her life in this alternate reality or go back to her life as she kne...more Regina is a musician just trying to keep her band together and find at least one paying gig. As the band breaks up with two of the musicians off to play for another band, Regina makes a wish to be as famous as her favorite band, the Beatles. That would solve everything, right? The next morning she finds that her wish came true by a mysterious fairy godmother. She has 3 days to make a decision. Does she want to spend the rest of her life in this alternate reality or go back to her life as she knew it? As she starts this journey she is certain of what she wants and what she will chose... or does she?

I have to admit that while I loved the premise (hey, it's the Beatles, so I had to read!) I wasn't sure how this was going to play out. I mean, can you really replace such an iconic band? I think Mr. Taylor writes this well and it is a fast paced novel. It is also written simply so that MG readers will get a lot out of this novel as well. In fact, I thought it was MG when I started reading it. However, some of the trials Regina goes through are typical for a YA novel, so I do believe that was the writer's intent.

I must say that I loved the idea of this book to deal with "fame". I felt it was the type of fame we see so often lately. The kind that comes without any real talent or creativity. In other words, fame for the sake of fame. Because what else could that be if you are claiming someone else's talent as one's own? The question becomes, in the end of this book, if you (Regina in this case) are brave enough to rely on yourself? Can you trust in your own talent? I love that philosophy that was incorporated into this book.

All in all I give this book 4 stars. I think the philosophy is perfect for the YA and MG crowd. I also think it is perfect in the days of Snooki (sorry, guys... don't watch the show and don't mean to dis but I don't get that whole reality tv thing. Yes, you can hate on me for hating on that. lol). Oh, and one word to those that go "Beatles who?" PLEASE! Music is music. If it's good... it's timeless. :D(less)

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Feb 26, 2011 Lewis Buzbee rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book. What could have been a trite send-up of celebrity becomes in Taylor's funny, swift prose, a very moving, inventive, and deep look at how we decide who we are. In this case, it's Regina Bloombsbury, whose high school basement band The Caverns is on the verge of breaking up. So, she makes a wish, to be as famous as The Beatles, and, thanks to a wonderfully deadpan Fairy Godmother, ends up in a universe where Regina's band has replaced The Fab Four. She has a week to decide wheth...more

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Jan 20, 2011 Katie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arcs

The Girl Who Became A Beatle is an entertaining twist on the “fairy godmother” story. Greg Taylor writes a light-hearted tale of first taste of fame in this book where down-on-her-luck Regina Bloomsbury makes a wish that her ex-band would be as famous as the Beatles, and instead, ends up replacing The Beatles in history.

It’s a weird concept, but it makes for a great story. Regina is thrown into the world she’s always wished for; her band, The Caverns, have replaced the Beatles and their songs. S...more

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Jan 12, 2011 Dodie rated it 4 of 5 stars

An interesting story with a very unique twist on the "wishes can come true" plot. After a terrible day at school involving the break-up of her band, The Caverns, Regina Bloomsbury declares that she wishes she was as famous as The Beatles, her all-time favorite band. When she wakes up the next day, she is stunned to discover that The Caverns have replaced the Beatles in the rock and roll world. It's a trippy experience for Regina as she slowly discovers who her boyfriend is (now... ), what songs...more

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Feb 19, 2011 Sarah rated it 3 of 5 stars

The Girl Who Became a Beatle by Greg Taylor is a bit of an odd story. Though a contemporary setting, it has a few magical elements that are not really explained, they are just taken as fact in this world. Fairy Godmother transporting Regina to an alternate universe? So be it. The point is not to question how this happens, rather to indulge in what would happen if the Beatles never came into existence. Instead, Regina's band, The Caverns, were the creators of all thing Beatle-mania. Forget John,...more The Girl Who Became a Beatle by Greg Taylor is a bit of an odd story. Though a contemporary setting, it has a few magical elements that are not really explained, they are just taken as fact in this world. Fairy Godmother transporting Regina to an alternate universe? So be it. The point is not to question how this happens, rather to indulge in what would happen if the Beatles never came into existence. Instead, Regina's band, The Caverns, were the creators of all thing Beatle-mania. Forget John, Paul, George and Ringo. Prepare to meet Regina, Julian, Lorna and Danny.

Synopsis: She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah!
When Regina Bloomsbury’s band, the Caverns, breaks up, she thinks it’s all over. And then she makes a wish—
“I wish I could be as famous as the Beatles.”
The Beatles are her music idols. The next day, she gets up to find that the Caverns are not just as famous as the Beatles, they have replaced them in history! Regina is living like a rock star, and loving it. There are talk shows, music videos, and live concerts with thousands of screaming fans. And Regina is the star of it all.
But fame is getting the better of Regina, and she has a decision to make. Does she want to replace the Beatles forever?
Here is a rocking novel about the good and the bad of Hollywood, fame, and rock ’n roll.

This book actually takes a premise I've thought about before in my life. Not that I wanted to be the Beatles, but something along the lines of what would it be like if I had been the author to write the Harry Potter series? Or what if I had directed the Star Wars movies? It is amusing to fantasize about creating something that becomes so much a part of a world culture. So in some ways, I could buy into Regina's wish to be part of the Beatles, to have created something that famous. When the book opens, The Caverns are on the brink of exinction because Lorna plans on quitting, and with Lorna, goes Danny. Thus, Regan's wish. And when she wakes up, her wish comes true and yeah, it's pretty great. But there are definitely certain facets of being that famous that make her realize that being a member of The Caverns, being a regular teen, has a lot going for it also.

Once Regina was essentially famous, that is where the story just lost me a bit. I couldn't quite fully buy into the fame, especially given some of the explanation that was provided at the end about this alternate world. I do not want to spoil it but it just did not fully work for me. That being said, what did work for the alternative universe and for a teenage character was the confusion and excitement Regina felt at being famous. It was wonderful one minute and terrible the next. That seems to match many of the celebrity lives I follow. Additionally what did ring true was that all of Regina's problems were not solved in this alternate world. Yes, she was now famous but her love life wasn't much better, she still argued furiously with Lorna, and she could not express her feelings to Julian. Her parents were not magically changed either. They too were still facing their same issues. So yes, Regina became famous but in many ways it was just another added layer of pressure.

Unfortunately, there are some plot points that just never fully developed for me. In particular, Regina's relationship with her mom, who was more immature than Regina herself. The entire family dynamic as a whole felt like there were layers that could have been pulled back and exposed more understanding to Regina but it didn't quite happen. And I would have loved to see Regina explore more of her own music, why she was so addicted to the Beatles, why she was so dedicated to The Caverns in the first place. She quickly gets accepted into this fantasy world and basically just goes along with everything, not appreciating her own musical talents.

It's hard for me to imagine a world without the Beatles. They suffuse not only British and American culture but world culture in general with so much from music to movies to quotes to everything. So while I'm sure the Caverns were amazing too, they were never the Beatles in my mind. But then I think that was the author's point. It isn't truly able to BE someone else's story. You have to make your own and Regina has to learn that.

The Girl Who Became a Beatle didn't quite live up to the Beatles' legacy and hype, but I think there are some strong threads in regards to Regina that teens will identify with and in regards to fame.
(less)

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Mar 10, 2011 Lauren rated it 5 of 5 stars

he Girl Who Became a Beatle tells the tale of Regina 'Gina' Bloomsbury. Her father introduced her to the Beatles at a young age, and she's loved them ever since. When he band, the Caverns, is on the verge of breaking up, Regina wishes she could be as famous as the Beatles. From that day on, the Caverns replace them. There is no such thing as the Beatles anymore! Regina has to choose between staying in this fantasy world filled with luxury and fame, or returning to her old life.

Greg Taylor took a...more he Girl Who Became a Beatle tells the tale of Regina 'Gina' Bloomsbury. Her father introduced her to the Beatles at a young age, and she's loved them ever since. When he band, the Caverns, is on the verge of breaking up, Regina wishes she could be as famous as the Beatles. From that day on, the Caverns replace them. There is no such thing as the Beatles anymore! Regina has to choose between staying in this fantasy world filled with luxury and fame, or returning to her old life.

Greg Taylor took a much used story and created something all of his own. Regina was close to losing the Caverns when she made that wish. She was desperate, and trying to cling to the one thing she loved.

I really felt for Regina throughout the book. Though at times she made stupid decisions, like trusting her mother who only talked to her when she was rich and famous, and for being with Bradley, who was her super-star boyfriend. She was letting the fame get to her head. In a quote by Abernathy, who was her mentor/limo driver,
"From what I’ve seen, Regina, fame is kind of like a tidal wave. You might see it coming, sense it coming, but here’s not much you can do to avoid getting swept up in it. It’s just too powerful."

It basically described what happened to Regina, and every other self-obsessed celebrity. She started off the nice girl who was in it for the music, but sometimes she had her diva moments.

I thought it was really cool that Taylor made the Caverns the Beatles. They had all the Beatles songs and album covers. At first, Regina felt bad, because she was stealing another artists work, but she confides in someone who reassures her it's okay, since technically, the Beatles never even existed.

The Girl Who Became a Beatle was verrrry music oriented, as you can obviously tell. They included many Beatles songs, and experiences Regina and her band had while playing and watching. I think my favorite part of the book was when Regina got to see the Beatles live. The whole scene was just just powerful and a real turning point for Regina.

I felt very differently for Regina's parents. Her mother left at a young age, and her father raised. When Regina was in her famous world, her mother was a big part and wanted to basically use her for her money. She was buying houses and going shopping. She just seemed soo immature. And Regina felt for it! She was totally playing into her mothers trap. Her father, on the other hand, was actually there for her. He wanted her to go home with him to their small town of Twins Oaks. I actually cried when I read the scene between him and Regina, with him telling her that he's okay with her staying.

And Julian. Julian is the guitarist of the Caverns. Regina is also in love with him. When she's in her fame world, she comes to realize that they once went out. There aren't a ton of scenes with them that deal with the romance. There's actually only one. But I really liked seeing their friendship develop. Because when Regina enters this world, the Caverns are going to Los Angeles, the band is already developed. I probably should have mentioned this sooner. So, Regina is trying to figure out what the hell happened between then and now. How did she wind up dating a superstar, driving in limos and being on billboards?

I also really liked it because it was a stand alone novel. There was no trilogy set, everything was solved in this novel, and hat is a nice surprise, since everything these days is a 5-book series.(less)

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Feb 28, 2011 Gmr rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: young adults, adults

Recommended to Gmr by: Feiwel and Friends

Can you imagine reaching the heights of fame, fortune, and notoriety that your greatest musical (or otherwise) idol has? Regina can and she wants it so much not only for herself but her entire band…she can taste it. Her dream? To reach the super stardom realm of infamy inhabited by the Beatles…her absolute favorite band. After one of the worst days of her life, Gina (as she’s known to her friends and family) makes an arbitrary wish, the results of which she won’t soon forget. One moment, utter u...more Can you imagine reaching the heights of fame, fortune, and notoriety that your greatest musical (or otherwise) idol has? Regina can and she wants it so much not only for herself but her entire band…she can taste it. Her dream? To reach the super stardom realm of infamy inhabited by the Beatles…her absolute favorite band. After one of the worst days of her life, Gina (as she’s known to her friends and family) makes an arbitrary wish, the results of which she won’t soon forget. One moment, utter unknowns with a band falling apart at the seams; one sunrise later, a whole new world...her wish having become a dream come true.

It reads a lot like Freaky Friday meets 17 Again...just without the younger and older version of ones self to deal with. The author takes the story and the characters on a journey of their own to a land where replacing your idol is common place and the decision on whether to stay or not is all up to you. It was an interesting concept I admit, especially with the fairy godmother communicating electronically.

The characters on the other hand were a mixed bag. While I could understand the turmoil brewing within Gina’s own little group on both reality plains as well as the unspoken feelings she held for a particular love interest, there was a time or two that I wondered if she was "for real". she was believable enough to want to follow her through the various adventures she has...and enjoy a bit of celebrity status she "earned"....but the three dimensional quality was a bit lacking for me.

The messages are clear and speak to both the mind AND the soul.

Be yourself for that is as original as it gets and the only way to ensure a genuine enjoyable ride on this crazy trip we call life.
Have faith in yourself and don’t always wait for things to happen...MAKE THEM HAPPEN.
Time waits for no one...don’t be that "no one" waiting for it.

A fun read for all ages, it's great for a quick reminder that although life may not be everything you wish it was at the moment, things can and will change…but a little nudge from you along the way never hurt anything. Happy reading!(less)

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Jan 26, 2011 Ronald Roseborough rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, magical-adventure, young-adult, teen-fiction

Who hasn't dreamt of being a Beatle (or some other rocker)? What if you were a star like John, Paul, George, or Ringo. Ringo? Really? Well okay, any rock star. Think its all fame and glory, adulation and lots of money? Do you suppose that all your quirks and foibles don't follow you to that land of Oz? Well Regina Bloomsbury gets the chance to find out. She is transformed overnight into a performer as famous as her idols, the Beatles. Her fairy godmother (really?) gives her a chance to see what...more

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Apr 17, 2011 Brynhd96 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Regina Bloomsbury, a 16-year old teenager from Twin Oaks, Ohio. Has a band called the caverns, but when Loran and Regina have a catfight, they completely break up, but then, Regina makes a wish to be as famous as the Beatles.
But the next morning, she finds out that they have replaced them in complete history, there is Paparazzi, MTV, and everything. Even screaming girls. But the problem is, that she might move to LA and not even go back to Twin Oaks, but it is up to her, will she stay in LA, or...more

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Feb 18, 2011 June Morgan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Regina, a high school student, is the member of a band called the Caverns. Apparently, they are very good and want to play for a school event, but can't quite persuade the person in charge to let them play. Regina is the daughter of a divorced couple and she lives with her father. He understands her need to play because he was a professional band member. Her mother left and moved to California. Regina doesn't understand her mother's reasons for leaving and deserting her family.
Regina receives a...more

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Oct 06, 2011 Stephanie rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: bfya-2011

This book isn't giving me any reason to keep reading. It's somewhat interesting but there isn't a big question. Nothing makes me want to find out if Regina (the main character) returns to her own world or stays in her wish world. Also the writing style annoys me. I hate it when books are told in first person and they do the whole restating questions that the reader supposedly asked.

However the book did have it's good points, I liked the quirkiness of the characters, all the Beatles references an...more

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Feb 21, 2011 Jessica at Book Sake rated it 3 of 5 stars

I love the idea of a band from our time taking over the Beatles, but it didn’t happen exactly as I expected it to. The story itself was a quick read, there is nothing too deep going on. It hits on making the right choices and doing things for oneself instead of just taking the easy way out. It’s also good at reminding the reader to think about other people not to focus on only what you want, but to help those that are around you achieve their goals as well.

With the quick pacing, there is never a...more

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Mar 14, 2011 Book Sp(l)ot rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-release

At some point, we've all probably made an off hand wish or two (or fifty) that, if it actually came true, would drastically change our lives.

For Regina Bloomsbury, that wish is : “I wish I could be as famous as the Beatles.”

Lead singer of The Caverns and absolutely all about music, Regina's world is falling apart when she makes her wish--or really, her remark; two of the band's other three members are threatening to leave the Caverns for a rival band. Not knowing what to do to save her band, Bea...more At some point, we've all probably made an off hand wish or two (or fifty) that, if it actually came true, would drastically change our lives.

For Regina Bloomsbury, that wish is : “I wish I could be as famous as the Beatles.”

Lead singer of The Caverns and absolutely all about music, Regina's world is falling apart when she makes her wish--or really, her remark; two of the band's other three members are threatening to leave the Caverns for a rival band. Not knowing what to do to save her band, Beatles lover Regina, goes to sleep in her Beatles memorabilia filled bedroom depressed and disheartened . . .

. . . Only to wake up the next morning to a completely different world.

A world where Regina is not only as popular as the Beatles, her band has replaced the Beatles in history.

Can Regina deal with this new world where everyone but her seems at home and no one else knows that she doesn't belong? Or is Regina going to need to find a way back to her world--the one where the Caverns are falling apart and the Beatles reign supreme?

Who would have thought that becoming the world's mot famous rock band might not be everything she ever wanted . . .

I really, really love the concept of this book. You don't have to love the Beatles, have your own band, or be obsessed with music like Regina to understand her 'wish' or to understand how she could like her new glamorous lifestyle--and find it challenging.

You also don't have to like the Beatles to enjoy this book. There's quite a bit of reference to the Beatles, their songs, and even some of their performances, but none of it's obscure enough or lacking in explanation enough that you need to already know those things to get them. It's likely that if you do already know a ton about the Beatles or you're a fan that you'll enjoy the book more, but not won't take anything away from the book for readers.

In the first few chapters, Regina read like an adults idea of a teenager, but that quickly changed and I started to enjoy her and her music and Beatles love . . . and her struggles.

The plot was a lot more complex than I had expected and very well imagined. I don't know that I would have read this book if I'd just seen it at the library or bookstore so I'm really glad I won a copy of the galley from the publisher because I very, very much enjoyed it.

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Dec 22, 2012 Roberta R. (Offbeat YA) rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: multiverse, arts, light-read

Excerpt from my review - originally published at Offbeat YA.

Pros: Clean, fun read. Creative premise. May get kids interested in Beatles' music.
Cons: Very light fable. Some inconsistencies (see review). Predictable ending/moral.
Will appeal to: Those who love modern fables and dream of stardom.

First off, despite my rating, this is not a bad book. It just turned out to be much more juvenile than I thought it was. And predictable too - but still there is some fun to have along the way.
Regina is comm...more Excerpt from my review - originally published at Offbeat YA.

Pros: Clean, fun read. Creative premise. May get kids interested in Beatles' music.
Cons: Very light fable. Some inconsistencies (see review). Predictable ending/moral.
Will appeal to: Those who love modern fables and dream of stardom.

First off, despite my rating, this is not a bad book. It just turned out to be much more juvenile than I thought it was. And predictable too - but still there is some fun to have along the way.
Regina is committed to her band, and to be honest, she seems to care more about actually playing and being heard than about becoming a star - which is refreshing. The Caverns are also her only link with Julian, a fellow band member and her secret crush. Due to her lack of confidence, Regina has never confessed her feelings to him, nor has she ever played her own songs to anyone. The book opens in the middle of a crisis - Lorna and Danny, the other half of The Caverns, want to quit, because they're tired of endlessly practicing without actually getting any real gig. (Well, yes, this is understandable to a point - but on the other hand, I suppose the abundance of talent shows is responsible for the fact that no one wants to work one's butt off to fame anymore...). This is when Regina makes her wish...finding herself in an overwhelming alternate reality the day after. Her fairy goodmother contacts her via the Internet (well, this is a revised fable after all, 2011-style!), explaining that Regina has got the chance to live like a rock star for a week (which implies leaving her small town and heading to L.A.), after which...she will have to choose - staying in her new and improved reality or going back to normal. But of course, there's trouble in Paradise too, like Regina is to discover very soon. The band is still collapsing, Julian is still off-limits (or better, he and Regina are...exes! and she is dating a teen tv star who may or may not be the right guy), Regina's problems with her mother have only taken a new path, and fame itself has its pain-in-the-ass moments. Also, the Caverns have actually replaced the Beatles in history, and Regina is not sure she can live with that. Not indefinitely, that is. At first, Regina makes a vow to herself to only live in her new reality for a week and enjoy the ride - then she's going to revert to normal. But of course, there are temptations along the way. [...]

Whole review here.(less)

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Apr 24, 2011 Maggie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: beatles, young-adult

I thought it would probably be silly, but it was actually pretty good. The central conceit was well done and every time I wanted to say "this is silly because of x", they did a pretty good job at answering my complaint. I still don't understand why they bothered to change "She Loves You" to "He Loves You", since the song is essentially being sung to a 3rd party (the "you" in the title), so it doesn't really matter what gender is singing the song. But that's a nit pick. Clearly the author knows s...more

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May 22, 2011 Cate rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Teens who have good taste in music

Recommended to Cate by: my favorite librarian!

I LOVE THE BEATLES!!
In this book, this silly girl, Regina, thinks that her band is totally awesome and whatever. And then, they break up. She goes home all pouty and upset, I guess because her life depended on this band. So she wishes she was as popular as her all time favorites, The Beatles.

Silly billy, be careful what you wish for! She soon finds out that she is not only as popular as the Beatles, but she has completely erased them from history! Whoops! She's got about a week or so (its been...more

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Jan 28, 2012 Annie Oosterwyk rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: coming-of-age, fantasy

Regina Bloomsbury is a Beatles fanatic who plays in a cover band. She also writes her own music but is too shy to share it with anyone. Her band, The Caverns, is falling apart around her and she wishes her life were wonderful "right now".
She wakes to find that a fairy godmother has granted her wish and Regina embarks on her new life, with all the benefits and trials of fame.
Regina will eventually have to decide whether or not to continue living the dream that is someone else's life or have fait...more

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Jun 01, 2011 Vi rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: teen

Regina Bloomsbury, high school student from the small town of Twin Forks, is trying to prevent the worst thing that could possibly happen in her life from happening. The drummer and the bassist to her band, The Caverns, wants to break up and join a different band. The breakup happen, but in weird twist of fate, Regina wishes that she could be as famous as The Beatles and the next day, The Caverns become the most popular band in the world. What does Regina do with this new found fame and does she...more

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Apr 25, 2011 Kristen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: after-11-11-10, april-2011, fairy-tale

I enjoyed this book. It is the story of Regina Bloomquist, who is a Beatles fanatic! She also is the singer and guitar player in her own band, The Caverns. In the "real world" she is having trouble with her bandmates, who want to leave The Caverns and join up with a new band. So, Gina makes a wish and wakes up in an alternative world (with a fairy godmother) where The Beatles don't exist, but SHE is responsible for writing their songs and is a superstar! She has to decide whether to stay in this...more

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Apr 13, 2013 Dominique rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was such a fun read!
As a Beatles fan (who isn't?), it was fun to read about Regina's obsession with them, references to them, and, best of all, (view spoiler). I read this while we were on a family trip to Seattle, WA, as well. Yes, I knew that, by the basic summary if it, it would be predictable of how it would end, but... they're like the Beatles!
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While enjoying her trip to L.A., Regina also learns some lessons along the way, about love, f...more

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Feb 02, 2012 Aditi P. rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book was amazing! It was really slow at the beginning and I was about ready to drop it, but I'm so glad I kept reading. This book really showed me how you really have to read a full 50 pages before you decide on a book.

The Girl Who Became a Beatle is about a girl named Regina who is in a band called the Caverns. All she wants is for her band to be known and loved by everyone but, of course there's that one band who is better and more well known than her. Two members of her band were offered...more

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