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Paradise

3.5 of 5 stars 3.50 · rating details · 490 ratings · 88 reviews

Paisley Tillery is the drummer for a country rock band. If they can make it to the stage at the Texapalooza music fest, then Paisley will be closer to her dream of a career in music and a ticket out of her small Texas town.

Drumming and music are what Paisley has always wanted. Until the band gets a new lead singer, the boy from Paradise, Texas. With Paradise in her life, w...more

Hardcover, 256 pages

Published July 5th 2011 by Feiwel & Friends

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Jan 23, 2013 Donna {Book Passion for Life} rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-contemporary-romance, tbr-reading-challenge-2013

1.5 Stars

Paradise has been sitting on my shelf for a while so; I thought I’d include it in my TBR Reading Challenge so I could finally read it. I hadn’t really looked at any other people’s reviews beforehand, but I really wish I had. I believe Paradise is going to be book that you either like or dislike and honestly – I really disliked it.

The story is based in Texas, where Paisley will do anything to try and become a star drummer. She’s joined a band made up of some guys from her school – howev...more 1.5 Stars

Paradise has been sitting on my shelf for a while so; I thought I’d include it in my TBR Reading Challenge so I could finally read it. I hadn’t really looked at any other people’s reviews beforehand, but I really wish I had. I believe Paradise is going to be book that you either like or dislike and honestly – I really disliked it.

The story is based in Texas, where Paisley will do anything to try and become a star drummer. She’s joined a band made up of some guys from her school – however, she has to keep this a secret from her mother, as she would not approve. Paisley’s mother tries to shelter her and her sister, to stop them making the same mistakes that she did, leaving Paisley feeling like she can’t have the future she really wants in Drumming.

Paradise started off really well, I enjoyed the first few chapters and one of the things I admire about the author’s writing is how well she captured Texas and made it out to be as I imagine it to be. Bull riding, singing contests, town parties and church etc…. reading about this made me feel as though I was living every moment with the characters. With the author being able to draw me in as much as she did, I loved that she could do that. However, that’s the only thing about this book that I actually liked.

I really felt the whole story was really unnecessary and it’s one of them books that I wish I hadn’t of wasted my time reading. It was pointless! Usually when I finish a book I’m left satisfied and this just didn’t do it for me.

The characters were pretty boring and that’s including Paisley and her sister. And then we have Gabe aka Paradise, who is the main love interest but came across big-headed and creepy. He tried to push people into coming out of their shells but while doing that, he as a character just looked like a jerk. One thing that really ticked me off was that Paisley wears a purity ring, given to her by her mother and even though Paradise knows she has the ring because he teases her about it, he still tries to push her into having sex with him – not very heroic in my book. Usually a love interest is caring and sweet but not once did I get this impression from Paradise. Yes, there was a clear attraction between the two characters but I’d say that’s about it. It’s pretty clear Paradise failed to win me over.

Usually in at least one book I read there is one character that really annoys me and in Paradise it was Paisley and Lacey’s mother. She had good intentions but completely did it in all the wrong way. Instead of supporting and listening to her girls, she put them down and made them hide their own dreams. They couldn’t talk to her or trust her. She bad mouths everyone else in the little town they lived it and literally run boys off from going anywhere near her girls. Even though she does redeem herself towards the end of the book, it still wasn’t enough for me to forgive her.

And I’m going to end my little rant on the ending. Oh that ending! How completely unnecessary and rushed it was. It was emotionless and not very clear. I actually had to re-read the chapter to see if what I think I was seeing was actually real. And maybe, If I’d cared about a certain character more than I did, maybe I would have actually felt something about the ‘event’ happening, but I didn’t and it made this story even more unnecessary than it was.

All in all as a story, everything about Paradise failed to win me over but that’s that to say you won’t enjoy it too. I hope you read it for yourself and find out. (less)

6 likes · like · see review

May 16, 2011 Jess (Gone with the Words) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, read-2011, female-narrator

Read my review here! --> http://www.gonewiththewords.com/2011/05/review-paradise-by-jill-s-alexander.html

Paradise had me completely engrossed from the start. It actually reminded me a lot of the movie Whip It , except, swap the skating with drumming and the roller derby with playing at Texapolooza. Paisley’s parents really reminded me of the parents in that movie. Paisley’s mom wants her to have opportunities that stretch beyond their small town. Her dad supports this idea, if not a little mo...more

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Aug 05, 2011 Kristi (The Story Siren) rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was my first time reading a book by Alexander and I assure you it will not be the last!

First off... is that cover not HOT! Whew... somebody turn down the smolder! I was a little unsure about the cover while reading the story because... well I was wondering if it had any relevance BUT after reading about Paisley & Paradise's relationship, it couldn't be more accurate. So. Close.

This was definitely a character driven novel, I loved them... all of them. Paisley's sister, the members of th...more

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Oct 14, 2011 Annie rated it 4 of 5 stars

I’ve heard a lot of rocking things about this book and LOTS of complaints about the ending, which I think sort of made the book. The ending made the book's message stronger and I liked it; I realise I am in the minority however.

A lot of people have raved about the romance aspect of this book, but I think the characterisations were the strongest part of this book. I loved the little details that made up each individual; Paisley’s family were so clearly depicted in my mind that I could imagine the...more I’ve heard a lot of rocking things about this book and LOTS of complaints about the ending, which I think sort of made the book. The ending made the book's message stronger and I liked it; I realise I am in the minority however.

A lot of people have raved about the romance aspect of this book, but I think the characterisations were the strongest part of this book. I loved the little details that made up each individual; Paisley’s family were so clearly depicted in my mind that I could imagine them standing right in front of me, cooking dinner or mowing the lawn. The familial relationships were interesting, complex and easy to relate to. Paisley’s mom is a great example of this: with her bespangled jeans, desperation to get the best for her girls and 'I know best' attitude.

Paisley wants to be a drummer, please her parents and have it all. She doesn’t want to drink or do drugs and be a bad girl. She knows who she is, or thinks that she does, but she’s still learning about life and her place in it. (That's a refreshing kind of main character, when compared with other teen characters.) This book is about a stage in her life that matures her; there may even one day be a sequel to this novel.

One of the things that I loved about this novel was the description. From cloud formations, to the smell of freshly cut grass, there was a poetic bent to this novel. Ms Alexander puts you in the moment with her characters through her prose... you also get a sense that each moment is special. That each scene means more than what you might notice on the TV or on an ordinary day. There’s a wonderful, observant sentimentality to this novel.

I liked Paradise, he was an interesting character. His feelings for Paisley were never fully justified though and the reader was often left to guess about his motivations (not a bad thing). Because Paisley and Paradise seldom shared extended conversations, although this story was full of tension and awesomeness, this wasn’t so much a romance novel as puppy love. Which is why I think this story is a ‘coming of age’ tale, with some wise and witty observations, not an ‘all-time-greatest-love’ story. (less)

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Jan 09, 2013 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Wow. Just wow. This is a heartbreaking story of first love, friendship and the power of music to heal.

Paisley is a strong girl who is going to get what she wants. She loves playing the drums, even though her mom doesn't approve. She is amazing, outspoken, caring, smart and independent. Nothing will get in the way of her dreams or so she thought.

In comes Paradise their new lead singer, so full of himself. He throws her for a loop. He is nothing like her normal type, he is outgoing, cocky, tells...more

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Nov 11, 2012 Zoe rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, psychological, ya, squeaky-clean

I'm glad I read this book. I might have given it 3 stars, but this is surprisingly good. There is no HEA but the writing is awesome. As a musician, I'm hard to please when it comes to describing music and the combining of instruments. But the writing in this book, is fab. I liked all the characters. The band members each have their own personality and their dynamic is brilliant.

Paisley's mother is the overenthusiastic steamroller type. She thinks drums and bands are bad for one daughter and tha...more

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Sep 04, 2012 Samantha rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit, coming-of-age, girly, reviewed, romance, teen-read, texas

Hmm...didn't like this one all that much. I was super excited about it when I first picked it up, because it took place in Texas and the girl played music. I was reading fervently at the start. About halfway through, I started slowing down. I hated how one of the characters had feelings that were never addressed. It made me mad and sad and I absolutely hated it. It should have been developed up on a bit more. Also the ending: Where did that come from? Wasn't necessary and wasn't even written ver...more

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Oct 13, 2011 Jen rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a sweet, coming of age story about Paisley, a girl drummer in the Waylon Slider Band, an otherwise all boy southern rock band from Texas. All Paisley's ever wanted to do is to play the drums and get out of her small town. She and her band mates have one shot to make it at Texapalooza in Austin but there's just one problem...they don't have a lead singer. Well, that and Paisley can't let her mother know she's the band's drummer.

To say that Paisley's mom is a control freak is an understat...more This is a sweet, coming of age story about Paisley, a girl drummer in the Waylon Slider Band, an otherwise all boy southern rock band from Texas. All Paisley's ever wanted to do is to play the drums and get out of her small town. She and her band mates have one shot to make it at Texapalooza in Austin but there's just one problem...they don't have a lead singer. Well, that and Paisley can't let her mother know she's the band's drummer.

To say that Paisley's mom is a control freak is an understatement. (Nightmare is more like it.) She would go ballistic if she new about Paisley's involvement with the band. She knows she plays in the school band but there's no way any daughter of hers would be allowed to hang out with people who play in bands. (They're nothing but good fer nuthin', beer drinkin' white trash.) Mom claims she doesn't want her daughter's making the same mistakes she made, having to give up on their dreams and getting stuck in the same town for the rest of their lives, all because of "some boy." Nevermind, that her "some boy" is Paisley's Dad and a good husband and father.

The sad thing is that Paisley's mother doesn't have a clue about what she and her sister, Lacey's dreams really are. Lacey has a decent singing voice and her mother has made it her life's ambition to make a singing career for her not realizing that's the last thing Lacey wants. It's what Mother wants and that's all that matters.

The boys in the band are decent guys all with dreams too but without the egos. Waylon, the band's namesake, comes from a famous music family and feels the pressure to make the band a success. Levi enjoys playing guitar but has dreams of playing baseball at college and Cal, the bands main songwriter is into skateboards and harbors a secret crush on Paisley. Then there's the newcomer, Paradise...he's the hot, new lead singer with the smokin' squeezebox. (Squeezebox = accordian, in case you didn't know, like me.)

When Paradise shows up on the scene, everything changes, from the band's sound, vocals and pretty much life in general as Paisley's known it. The band stands to learn a lot from him, as does Paisley, the most important being how to live life "wide-open". He learns from them that living fearless means not being afraid to say "no" when you need too.

Paisley's journey to achieve her dreams could take her to places she never though possible but dreams are also not without hard work and sacrifice and she'll have to decide just how much is she willing to give up? She'll also discover that paradise isn't always where you end up, but where you left.

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Jul 10, 2011 Rachael rated it 3 of 5 stars

Paisley is the drummer in a country rock band with one dream: escaping from her tiny Texas hometown. If her band could just get it together and find a decent lead singer, then they could have a shot at the stage at Texapalooza. If they can make it there, then Paisley has a better chance of getting noticed. And Paisley is sure that getting noticed for her skill on the drums will be her ticket to freedom. But all that gets jeopardized when the guy from Paradise, Texas shows up. He’s got enough tal...more Paisley is the drummer in a country rock band with one dream: escaping from her tiny Texas hometown. If her band could just get it together and find a decent lead singer, then they could have a shot at the stage at Texapalooza. If they can make it there, then Paisley has a better chance of getting noticed. And Paisley is sure that getting noticed for her skill on the drums will be her ticket to freedom. But all that gets jeopardized when the guy from Paradise, Texas shows up. He’s got enough talent and decent enough voice to front the band, but he still might end up tearing the band—and Paisley’s dreams—apart. And as infuriating as he is sometimes, there’s just something about Paradise that Paisley can’t ignore. There’s something about him that’s going to make her realize that maybe escaping from Prosper County isn’t the only thing she wants out of life.

As someone who has only experienced living in urban and suburban areas, it’s always a little difficult reading a book that is so heavily saturated with the flavor of a small rural center. Paradise is one of those books; Paisley is suffocating in a small town that frowns upon her drumming and the band. And while I can sympathize with Paisley’s frustration that no one really gets or supports her dreams, it always takes a little getting used to the small town setting where conservatism rules and everybody knows almost everybody else’s business. Unfortunately, the plot and characters did little to otherwise capture my attention. The plot was often predictable and just not all that interesting, and the ending was rather abrupt and unsatisfying. It seems to me that Alexander was trying to write a book about how special people and love can deeply change a person, but because I found this novel so hard to get into, its effect fell a little short for me. Unfortunately, more than anything else, I think it was ultimately the fact that I don’t quite understand rural settings that made it hard for me to like this book.

Paradise may still be enjoyed by readers who also liked How to Say Goodbye in Robot by Natalie Standiford and Alive and Well in Prague, New York by Daphne Grab.

reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com (less)

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Jun 21, 2011 BOOK BUTTERFLY rated it 4 of 5 stars

Paradise is the story of a small-town country rock band. It conjures up images of pasture parties, country-fried cooking, sweet summer nights and Southern romance. For Paisley, the band's drummer, Texaspalooza could be just what she's been waiting for- a one way ticket to country super stardom. But when she develops a romance with the group's fiery lead singer, Paisley must decide if what she wants is really what she needs.

Okay, I must admit, I was a little worried about taking on a book like th...more Paradise is the story of a small-town country rock band. It conjures up images of pasture parties, country-fried cooking, sweet summer nights and Southern romance. For Paisley, the band's drummer, Texaspalooza could be just what she's been waiting for- a one way ticket to country super stardom. But when she develops a romance with the group's fiery lead singer, Paisley must decide if what she wants is really what she needs.

Okay, I must admit, I was a little worried about taking on a book like this. I don't gravitate toward "realistic fiction" very much. If it doesn't have supernatural creatures, it's usually not on my radar. But I wanted to branch out and try something new. It took me a chapter or two to get hooked on Paradise, but then before I knew it, I was completely caught up in Paisley's life- her highs were my highs and her lows were my lows. I loved Paisley. Being a city girl myself, Jill Alexander's Paradise opened up a completely different world for me. The way the characters spoke, their manner of dress and even the things they did for entertainment- it all had a laid-back kind of charm that immediately captured my interest. There are creative song lyrics interspersed between the chapters which also helped to capture the mood of certain events transpiring in the book at that particular moment. I thought this was a nice touch as well.

I enjoy music like most everyone but I don't live and breathe it. The characters in Paradise did though and once I got to know them, I felt their passion. Moved by the music, I wanted to pick up Paisley's drumsticks and play along with the band, caught up in the magic of a perfect set. I even found myself googling Vallento accordion style music. (Who knew accordion playing could be cool, or better yet--sexy?!). But the characterization in Paradise is what really stood out to me, It was thoughtful and full of emotion. Paisley's long-suffering sister Lacey, her well-meaning but overbearing mother and amiable father all captured my heart. I felt like I knew them intimately. I understood why her mother was the way she was and why her sister was afraid to do anything about it. The way the family evolved and eventually became stronger was meaningful for me as well. I loved Paisley's character most of all, but I know I fell a little bit in love with Gabe too.

Be prepared to walk away from Paradise wiping away a few tears. The ending is incredibly shocking and unexpected. I can't say I'm thrilled with how Jill Alexander ended the book, but it definitely left an emotional punch that I thought about for days. And shouldn't a good book do just that?(less)

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Dec 09, 2011 Kellee rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-teen, romance, realistic-fiction, amazon-review-done, music

This book was a roller coaster of a ride for me. I had trouble at the beginning getting into the grove of the book, but then about 50 pages in I was stuck; however, the ending came out of nowhere for me. I am not going to talk about the ending at all because it is something that each person needs to experience on their own. (view spoiler)...more

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Jun 10, 2012 ♪ Jenn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-is-the-new-newer-black, lisztomania

First, dont judge a book by the cover. Its a lovely cover but it didnt seem to fit the story. Paradise by Jill Alexander was more of following your dreams even when there are things that are making the journey laborious, seemingly impossible, or downright hopeless.

(no spoilers here)

Following dreams, to me, is something that requires two elements: fortitude and hope, and in regards to the later there need not be much of it. This tale could have easily ended with reinforcing these two elements wit...more

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Aug 10, 2011 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Jill Alexander completely blew me out of the water with Paradise. Was expecting your typical quick, fun summer read. Something I could read in a day, be satisfied with, and not dwell over for long. However, that is not something that happened. Yes, Paradise started out as a cute summer romance with the mysterious and insanely attractive newcomer and the girl with a secret dream, but then it changed into something more. Paradise centers around Paisley, a girl who secretly wants to be a musician....more Jill Alexander completely blew me out of the water with Paradise. Was expecting your typical quick, fun summer read. Something I could read in a day, be satisfied with, and not dwell over for long. However, that is not something that happened. Yes, Paradise started out as a cute summer romance with the mysterious and insanely attractive newcomer and the girl with a secret dream, but then it changed into something more. Paradise centers around Paisley, a girl who secretly wants to be a musician. However, she has to play in a secret band with some of the people her Mom disapproves most of, because her mother has very specific plans for her future. That is where she meets Paradise, the insanely sexy accordion player and singer who has Paisley and the rest of the band questioning the way they do things.

I thought Paradise was only going to be important to Paisley, but instead he serves as sort of a driving force and a trigger to everyone else making changes for the better. Not only does he bring sexy vocals and a new twist to the band with his accordion, but he slowly pushes everyone else to be more confident and go for what they believe in. Over the course of the novel Jill Alexander uses Paradise to push Paisley and her sister to stand up to her parents, Waylon, the band leader, to grow more confident in his music, and several other big changes throughout the novel.

Alexander does a great job of using all of the characters different problems to weave a storyline about dreams, perseverance, and independence. She also adds several different little spins on the story to make it even better than it was already. She adds spunky characters like Paisley's uncle who provides an interesting adult POV, and incorporates lyrics from one of the band members, Cal, into the story giving you a view from the outside.

Overall, I really liked this book. It told a great story about going for your dreams and keeping your goals in mind. However, there is a reason I only gave it 4 stars. Jill Alexander completely throws you through a loop at the end of the novel. I still can't decide whether or not the plot twist at the end added to the story or just didn't make sense. I don't want to spoil anything, but at the end of the story Alexander pulls the story in a U turn, changes the plot entirely, and leaves you wondering why the heck she just did that.

So... the story was fantastic. Heartwarming, enlightening, and extremely romantic, but I will give you fair warning that you might not like the ending. However, if you're feeling brave and also sort of romantic, give Paradise by Jill Alexander a try.
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Apr 14, 2012 Diego Salvatore rated it 4 of 5 stars

Este es un libro que habla sobre Paisley y su fascinacion por tocar la bateria, ella es parte de la banda se su amigo Waylon y su gran sueño es tocar en el Texapalooza, pero antes que eso tienen que encontrar a un cantante, y empiezan a hacer audiciones, y asi conocen a Paradise - en realidad se llama Gabriela, y si ya se que es nombre de niña- bueno la historia va de que Paradise es un poco egocentrico, pero es un buen cantante y ademas toca el acordion y eso es innovador para la banda, asiq qu...more

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Aug 09, 2011 Marriah rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved all the characters, especially the provacative and sexy Paradise. Paisley is a bit more girly than I would have expected, but she is still a stong female protagonist. The whole thing is told from her point of view and speckled throughout that are song lyrics from "Cal Boone's Lyric Journal". Cal, by the way is a guitar player in the band and although he doesn't say much, you definitely get what he is feeling through his songs. This books is so character driven; while you sorta care about...more

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May 03, 2011 Missie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, ya

I wish I had better things to say about Paradise, but unfortunately, I don't. I really just didn't see much point in the story.

The Waylon Slider band is in desperate search of a new lead singer. Believing that playing at Texapalooza is their ticket to making a name for themselves and finally getting the recognition they deserve, they're all to eager to accept Gabe, from Paradise, TX, as their new vocalist. Thing is, Gabe comes with a smoking hot squeezebox, and he ain't about to give it up.

Paisl...more I wish I had better things to say about Paradise, but unfortunately, I don't. I really just didn't see much point in the story.

The Waylon Slider band is in desperate search of a new lead singer. Believing that playing at Texapalooza is their ticket to making a name for themselves and finally getting the recognition they deserve, they're all to eager to accept Gabe, from Paradise, TX, as their new vocalist. Thing is, Gabe comes with a smoking hot squeezebox, and he ain't about to give it up.

Paisley's got a one track mind. She is convinced that it is her destiny to become a professional drummer. Nevermind that her momma don't approve or that she has to keep her involvement in the band a secret, she is determined to play at Texapolooza to show the world that she can keep time with the best of them. She never expected to swoon over a cocky cowboy who plays accordion, much less fall head over bootheels in love with him.

As far as whirlwind romances go, the one between Paisley and Gabe (Paradise) was pretty typical. Their lust/love at first sight set the tone for the story the minute they met and didn't really offer anything unique to trope. In fact, I couldn't understand Paisley's "deep" feelings for Paradise since they really never had any meaningful conversations. I felt like they never got to know much more about one another other that what was on the surface. Yes, Paradise had his swagger and charm, but he also came off as kind of creepy when he tried pushing Paisley into having sex despite the fact that she wore a purity ring.

I also didn't think the narrative flowed very well. It was very repetitious and disjointed. I read the ARC so hopefully edits will eliminate those repeated phrases. It just seemed like too much time was spent describing events rather than on character development.

The conclusion completely did me in. I couldn't support it at all. I guess it was supposed to be the teen version of La Bamba, but it was so derived and emotionless.

There was some small town Texas charm that I appreciated in the setting and song lyric inserts between chapters told a parallel story that was fun to read, but it wasn't enough to pull me out of the feeling that the characters and the story-arc stayed on a superficial level when it could have dug deeper.

More than likely I'm missing something, so if you give Paradise a go, please let me know your thoughts. (less)

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Jul 01, 2011 Jacinda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2011

Awhile back, I saw some early buzz about Paradise on Twitter, in reviews, and such. The talk was mainly about the ending. I had to read Paradise for the book itself (of course) and to see what happens at the end. Oh yeah, and for the cowboys! Who doesn’t love a hunky cowboy…or a whole story full of ‘em?

Jill S. Alexander can tell herself a story! I’m not a music fan myself, which I speak of all the time, but I was really engrossed in this story which is based on Paisley, Paradise (a gorgeous boy)...more

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May 16, 2011 Yani rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc

Music. Country. Kick-ass drummer girls. Murse (Male Purse) wearing accordion players... well that one doesn't sound as great but let me tell you, it is! If you have read a reiew for this book already you will have seen many people were upset by the ending, and while I did find it shocking and ________ (I am not going to write the other feeling as you will then have clues as to what happens), I understood where it came into play for the story.

I loved this book. So different than other stories and...more

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Apr 01, 2012 Zemira Warner rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of country music

Shelves: music, romance, contemporary, surprised-me

This is not just a book about music. It is also about standing up for yourself and going for your dreams. It had a bitter-sweet ending but that only made me love this book even more. Why did it took me so long to finish it? I have no idea because once I dived into the story I couldn't put it down.

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Jan 01, 2012 L rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jul 26, 2011 Tasha Robison rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was the first book I have read by Jill. I wasn't sure what to expect and hadn't heard anything about this book. I am so glad I won this ARC. It was amazing. Funny and witty. I cried I laughed. I oooed I awed. I am a daughter who always looked for my mothers acceptance. Also a Mother who will always push her kids to follow their dreams. It starts out a little slow but certainly not boring. By the end about the time for the big concert I couldn't read with out goose bumps. The way the author...more

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Jun 21, 2011 Alli rated it 4 of 5 stars

Paisley is a girl in high school that loves to play the drums. So, she joins a band. Which doesn't seem like a big deal- except that she's completely hidden it from her parents. Because her mom is obsessed with her and her sister having a better life. So they aren't allowed to do much of anything that doesn't lead them to a career that will take them far away from that town. Funny enough, being a drummer WILL take her out of that town, yet she hides it from her.

So, Paisley is in this band gettin...more

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Feb 15, 2012 Marisa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

Ihave mixed feelings on this book. While I thought for the most part the characters were really well written I did not think the story line was all that great. And the main character really annoyed me with how she just kept assuming how her mother would react without giving her a chance to explain to herself. To quote one of the characters named Levi, "That'[s what you keep sayin', and Lacey keeps sayin' she wouldn't get to go to beauty school. But neither one of you have given Diane Tillery a c...more

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Nov 27, 2012 Nath rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2012, contemporary, ya

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 3.5/5 (B-)

What did I like? Overall, I thought Paradise was a nice read. The reason the book is titled Paradise is because Gabe comes from Paradise, Texas and therefore, Paisley calls him Paradise. I liked Paisley, she was portrayed quite realistically. Her desire and determination to be a drummer, to make it work even if that meant going around her mother's back. The family dynamics also felt very realistic to me. I enjoyed the complicity between the two sisters and with their dad. He's the buff...more 3.5/5 (B-)

What did I like? Overall, I thought Paradise was a nice read. The reason the book is titled Paradise is because Gabe comes from Paradise, Texas and therefore, Paisley calls him Paradise. I liked Paisley, she was portrayed quite realistically. Her desire and determination to be a drummer, to make it work even if that meant going around her mother's back. The family dynamics also felt very realistic to me. I enjoyed the complicity between the two sisters and with their dad. He's the buffer zone between the daughters and their mother's autocratic ways. While the mother had to be a certain way for the book to work, I have to say, I did not like her at all ^_^; She was looking down on people and I didn't really get why. I mean, seriously, you are not better than them... and she was so focused on climbing to the next class level that she was blind to her daughters' wishes. It's a balance thing really. Still, that's a part of Paisley's family and Ms Alexander didn't shy away from it, didn't try to make it better or as if it didn't matter.

I think what's most commendable about Paradise is how real it felt and also, how it wasn't all pink and rosy. The ending is not tied up all nice and neat, the relationship between Paisley and Gabe was not perfect... The rock band members were friends, but not BFFs...

What didn't work for me? I think I went into Paradise with expectations that were a bit too high. All in all, Paisley and Gabe's characters were nice, but they did not stand out for me. I also expected a lot more from the ending. I was hoping for it to be more poignant... Perhaps because I knew the ending already, so it ruined it for me ^_^; One thing about Paisley and Gabe's relationship... I liked that Gabe understood the meaning of "no." Paisley wears a purity ring and part of it, is to please her mother... but she's not ready to have sex. So Gabe would stop whenever she'd tell him. However, every time, it felt like the making out was initiated by Gabe. I feel if he really understood and respected Paisley, he wouldn't...

Another thing that bothers me a bit about the whole book is that all the events felt like a dream. Because the timeline was so fast, I didn't feel the depth of their relationship. Also, throughout the book,Paisley called Gabe Paradise. The whole thing makes it feels transient, no permanence, like a dream. Perhaps it was done on purpose...

My Grade? 3.5/5 (B-). I don't regret reading Paradise and the realness of it was really nice, but I have to say I was expecting more.(less)

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Aug 03, 2012 Junna CarLa ♥♥♥ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: death-is-enevitable, ebooks, favorites, made-me-cry, made-me-swoon, made-me-laugh, wanna-marry-this-guy, young-adult-novel, swoon-worthy-guys

WHAT WAS THAT??? OMG! THE ENDING!
I CAN'T EVEN! WHAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTT????

i'm crying so much right now, i don't understand what's happening???
i thought everything's gonna be alright ..
i have my hopes high that before the ending, Paradise will show up and he's alive after all ..

but ACKNOWLEDGEMENT came, and then nothing ..
my hopes were crushed .. and i just can't do anything but cry ..
gosh! :(

description

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on the other side, this book is super sa-woooooooon!!
made me swoon all the time ....more

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Feb 13, 2013 Adrienne rated it 3 of 5 stars

Paisley Tillery is dead set on achieving her dreams of becoming a drummer, and she'll do anything to help her band be able to play in the upcoming Texapalooza music festival--including accept new boy Gabe, a.k.a. Paradise, as their new lead singer. Paradise has a way of getting under her skin that Paisley doesn't really know how to handle. Besides dealing with all the sexual tension between her and Paradise, Paisley also has to keep the fact that she's in a band a secret from her mother, who def...more

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Mar 23, 2012 Stormy rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-contemporary

2.5 Stars.

Goodness! The synopsis did not help me ease into this. Paradise was not what I was looking for and not what I was expecting.

It's so country! It's more country than Where the Heart Is, and I would never thought I would say that. Especially, about a young adult book. Growing up in the country, there were a few things in Paradise that I could relate to, not too much but enough. There were quite a bit of things that were weird to me and that I didn't understand but it didn't take away from...more

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Apr 01, 2012 Michelle Anne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shoot! Not the ending I was expecting. At. All. My goodness. I dont know what to think, how to feel.
After reading this book I am so overwhelmed with emotions. Jill S. Alexander had the ability to manipulate: the characters and words written in the book and most of all: the emotion that was evoked while (and post) reading this book. From start to finish, I was able to interact with main character, teenage Paisley and drummer of the Waylon Slider Band. Thanks to Alexander's use of first person na...more

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Jan 04, 2012 Marianna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Paisley´s dream is not what her mother wants for her, she´s a talented drummer in a country rock band and she has to hide it. She wants to play, she wants to be in the band and she wants to win Texapalooza, she wants to do what she likes but her mother would never approve.
Secret rehearsals and gigs and a couple of lies is what it takes to keep everything under control, to keep playing. But when Paradise, the new vocalist, comes into scene, things get more complicated.
Paradise is a very lovely bo...more

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Jun 25, 2012 Laura rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

This book caught my attention a lot quicker than I expected it to. I was engrossed from page one, and sped through the first half. I really enjoyed the way the characters were introduced and the glimpse into small-town Texas life. But, what I found interesting at first became almost unbearably frustrating about halfway through. The mother in the story is so unlikable and repetitive, I wondered how any of her family could even stand to be in the same room with her, let alone actually love her. Ma...more

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About Jill S. Alexander

An interest in novels came late for me in my rural East Texas hometown. With no public library and few books, save one full set of encyclopedias, I learned poetry from church hymnals and storytelling from eccentric relatives. Captivated by country music's story-songs coming across my grandfather's AM radio after the morning farm report, I began writing out the lyrics and creating my own as early a...more

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Quotes from Paradise

“In his arms, I slowly unfolded like a love note read in secret.” — 26 people liked it

“The most beautiful part of the day isn´t always the brightest.” — 12 people liked it

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