What do you think?
Rate this book
DJ Rising
The first thing I hear is music. The first thing I've always heard is music.
Meet Marley, an unassuming high school junior who breathes in music like oxygen. In between caring for his heroin-addicted mother, and keeping his scholarship at a fancy prep school, he dreams of becoming a professional DJ.
When chance lands Marley his first real DJ job, his career as "DJ Ice" suddenly skyrockets. But when heart-rending disaster at home brings Marley crashing back down to earth, he is torn between obligation and following his dreams.
Meet Marley, an unassuming high school junior who breathes in music like oxygen. In between caring for his heroin-addicted mother, and keeping his scholarship at a fancy prep school, he dreams of becoming a professional DJ.
When chance lands Marley his first real DJ job, his career as "DJ Ice" suddenly skyrockets. But when heart-rending disaster at home brings Marley crashing back down to earth, he is torn between obligation and following his dreams.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
31 people are currently reading
627 people want to read
About the author
Love Maia
2 books21 followersLove Maia has always been a reluctant reader. She sees her writing as an opportunity to reach out to other reluctant readers and make books more enjoyable for them by combining literature and music. In addition to writing, she enjoys underground hip-hop, pizza, fog, death metal, and butterflies. When not writing, Love can be found playing drums in an alternative rock band around the city of San Francisco.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
February 7, 2012
3.5 stars
The book tells the story about Marley, a boy who has seen a lot of sorrow. Yet for all the times he's down, he finds his way back up and keeps swimming. He sets his goals high and works for his dreams. It all sounds quite After-School-Special but I assure you it is not. Although Marley is a hard working student on scholarship in an expensive prep school, finding jobs as a DJ, he is still dealing with a mother who shoots the rent through her veins then does nothing but sit in a heroin induced stupor. Marley gets tired. He wants a childhood but the responsibilities lay heavy on his shoulders.
The characters Marley meets along the way represent different aspects of hope, redemption, common sense, love, and belonging. The message is one of forgiveness and acceptance but the journey there involves a lot of grit. Marley sees a lot of drug and alcohol use/abuse, dialogue and swearing is strong and the tragedies Marley endures takes him to a new low. Marley is not perfect but he is definitely a good role model.
I also had no idea what an art being a DJ is! The author describes it in many different ways and paints beautiful pictures with her words. The end result is that I understood how out of blue, comes green. When all of life is layered together, balanced just right, even the tragedies can add depth to a human soul, depending on the person's willingness to accept and forgive.
The book tells the story about Marley, a boy who has seen a lot of sorrow. Yet for all the times he's down, he finds his way back up and keeps swimming. He sets his goals high and works for his dreams. It all sounds quite After-School-Special but I assure you it is not. Although Marley is a hard working student on scholarship in an expensive prep school, finding jobs as a DJ, he is still dealing with a mother who shoots the rent through her veins then does nothing but sit in a heroin induced stupor. Marley gets tired. He wants a childhood but the responsibilities lay heavy on his shoulders.
The characters Marley meets along the way represent different aspects of hope, redemption, common sense, love, and belonging. The message is one of forgiveness and acceptance but the journey there involves a lot of grit. Marley sees a lot of drug and alcohol use/abuse, dialogue and swearing is strong and the tragedies Marley endures takes him to a new low. Marley is not perfect but he is definitely a good role model.
I also had no idea what an art being a DJ is! The author describes it in many different ways and paints beautiful pictures with her words. The end result is that I understood how out of blue, comes green. When all of life is layered together, balanced just right, even the tragedies can add depth to a human soul, depending on the person's willingness to accept and forgive.
March 6, 2015
Marley Johnywas Diego-Dylan is a hard-working kid with a lot on his plate. His mother is addicted to heroin and is incapable of helping him. He has to somehow balance his top-rated schooling, his work, and caring for his mother. Marley aspires to be a professional DJ at the club "Fever," but how will he accomplish this goal with all of these things holding him back?
January 9, 2014
"DJ Rising" by Love Maia was one of the best books that I had ever read. The reason I liked this book was because of the emotion that the author stirred up in the reader; the way the many twists and turns embraced the plot; how a young boy named Marley and his love for music and spinning as a DJ took him from his shabby school and a heroin addicted mother to spinning in a DJ Competition in one of the greatest clubs in the city; the club that Marley sat across from every day after finishing work; the club that he dreamed of spinning in every night; Fever. How he got there is a longer story involving an amazing DJ spinner named Hawk. Hawk was the man that spun on the tables right after Marley after he got the invitation to spin at a club named Cream. He tells him that he is worthless and can't spin, however later signs him up for a competition at Fever and offers to tutor and school him on how to spin more efficiently. Halfway through the story, Marley's mother breaks from her month-long period of composure and suddenly overdoses on heroin when Marley gets home from the club. He calls 911 and she gets taken to the hospital; in a severe coma and struggling on the verge of life support. At the hospital, he calls Hawk and lets him know that he isn't coming to the DJ competition because he needs to stay with his mother while she's in her coma. He later decides to go to the competition anyway after his mother passes away, so that she didn't die for nothing. I like this part of the story because it shows that Marley wasn't a person that gave up after struggling from a hard blow. He spins at the club in Fever and wins the competition- this is my favorite part of the story because it was completely unexpected. Marley didn't expect to win and he believed that it was good enough that he got to spin at the greatest club in the city, and then Hawk and his friend runs out to get Marley, who was walking out. Marley eventually moves in with his newfound family that he met at his mother's funeral.
January 9, 2014
DJ Rising by Love Maia is a realistic fiction novel about Marley Johnywas Dieago-Dylan, a junior in high school who has a serious passion for music. This sory is about him as a young teenager who wants to soon make it as a professional DJ. But eventhough his goals are high, Marley has many things to deal with already in his life. He has to deal with busing tables at a restaurant to keep some money in his pocket, he has to uphold his scholarship at a school full of wealthier students that he is unable to really relate to, trying to impress his beautiful classmate Lea Hall, and he has to care for his heroin-addicted mother. While worrying about these aspects of life, Marley still has to focus on his dreams as he continues to fight for DJ jobs to gain more notoriety.
There are many things that I enjoyed about this book. First of all I like that I can feel that I am able to relate to this characer because we both come from poverty yet we still have high standards for ourselves. I enjoyed the few twist and turns throughout the book that made me cringe and sometimes and made me have a warm smile on my face. The best thing about this book is the drama. Marley's life continuously kept me on edge and had me excited for every new page I would turn, wondering to read what would happen next. But there are times when few characters in the stories personality and descisions would make the reader irate and frustrate them at times. Examples can easily be found with Marleys mother as she continues to make blatant mistakes one after another.
Although some characters can be a pain to read about, I still highly recommend "DJ Rising". The trials and tribulations of Marleys life and his desire to still succeed only made me continue to open the book and I believe that anyone else who reads this book will appreciate it and feel the same way. I seriously plan on reading the author Love Maia's next book.
There are many things that I enjoyed about this book. First of all I like that I can feel that I am able to relate to this characer because we both come from poverty yet we still have high standards for ourselves. I enjoyed the few twist and turns throughout the book that made me cringe and sometimes and made me have a warm smile on my face. The best thing about this book is the drama. Marley's life continuously kept me on edge and had me excited for every new page I would turn, wondering to read what would happen next. But there are times when few characters in the stories personality and descisions would make the reader irate and frustrate them at times. Examples can easily be found with Marleys mother as she continues to make blatant mistakes one after another.
Although some characters can be a pain to read about, I still highly recommend "DJ Rising". The trials and tribulations of Marleys life and his desire to still succeed only made me continue to open the book and I believe that anyone else who reads this book will appreciate it and feel the same way. I seriously plan on reading the author Love Maia's next book.
July 9, 2014
While I felt DJ Rising might be a bit unrealistic, it was an interesting, heartwarming story.
Marley has a hard life. His mother is a heroin addict, so Marley must earn enough to support both himself and his mother. Totally on his own. He' attending a prestigious high school on scholarship, and all the rich kids at the school know he's not one of them. But he has a strong desire to go to college, and he works hard and gets straight As.
But, the most important thing to Marley is music. His dad, who was killed in a car accident, got him started DJing, and Marley's band instructor has helped him hone his skills. It's all Marley dreams of -- being a DJ at a popular club.
Marley gets some opportunities to DJ, and meets some people who help him. He also makes some progress in the romance department. Things might be looking up at home too. For a while, Marley sees all his dreams coming true.
Marley really has it together. Almost too much together. He has some great friends, but really not much of a support system, and at the beginning of DJ Rising he's working and studying, and cleaning and cooking and it all seems a bit too easy.
There are a lot of descriptions of being a DJ. The songs he plays and how he mixes them together. Also, how he tries to create his own music. All the parts about his passion for music and DJing got really repetitive.
My favorite part of DJ Rising is the last 25%. The tension builds. Marley meets some real obstacles and he overcomes them successfully. Parts of this resolution are a bit lucky, but it still made me feel good.
Teens who love music would definitely be drawn to DJ Rising. It's a story about how working hard and sticking with your dreams can all pay off--a message that's important to today's teens.
Marley has a hard life. His mother is a heroin addict, so Marley must earn enough to support both himself and his mother. Totally on his own. He' attending a prestigious high school on scholarship, and all the rich kids at the school know he's not one of them. But he has a strong desire to go to college, and he works hard and gets straight As.
But, the most important thing to Marley is music. His dad, who was killed in a car accident, got him started DJing, and Marley's band instructor has helped him hone his skills. It's all Marley dreams of -- being a DJ at a popular club.
Marley gets some opportunities to DJ, and meets some people who help him. He also makes some progress in the romance department. Things might be looking up at home too. For a while, Marley sees all his dreams coming true.
Marley really has it together. Almost too much together. He has some great friends, but really not much of a support system, and at the beginning of DJ Rising he's working and studying, and cleaning and cooking and it all seems a bit too easy.
There are a lot of descriptions of being a DJ. The songs he plays and how he mixes them together. Also, how he tries to create his own music. All the parts about his passion for music and DJing got really repetitive.
My favorite part of DJ Rising is the last 25%. The tension builds. Marley meets some real obstacles and he overcomes them successfully. Parts of this resolution are a bit lucky, but it still made me feel good.
Teens who love music would definitely be drawn to DJ Rising. It's a story about how working hard and sticking with your dreams can all pay off--a message that's important to today's teens.
June 12, 2017
Mi sento sempre in difficoltà quando devo parlare di un libro che mi ha colpita così tanto da farmi piangere - sì, ho pianto, lo ammetto senza vergogna - perché mi sembra sempre di non avere mai abbastanza parole per rendergli giustizia.
La mia storia con questo libro ha inizio due anni fa quando, nel mese di maggio, dopo aver finito di leggere This Song Will Save Your Life di Leila Sales (pubblicato dalla DeAgostini l'anno scorso con il titolo Resta fino all'ultima canzone) nei suggerimenti di Goodreads mi è apparso il libro oggetto del post.
Inutile dire che è finito immediatamente in wishlist.
Se un po' avete imparato a conoscere i miei gusti, saprete che adoro i libri che parlano di musica. Ma non quelli in cui la musica è solo un contorno alla storia d'amore che si fa spazio a gomitate per attirare la vostra attenzione, bensì quelli in cui la musica è uno dei pilastri fondamentali della vita del protagonista - in cui la musica è l'amore del protagonista e se ne parla come qualcosa di tangibile e concreto.
E DJ Rising ha tutto quello che cerco in un libro del genere, una perfetta combinazione di elementi che ho amato in altri tre libri che sono diventati i miei preferiti.
Se pensate che il nome del protagonista sia strano, non vi preoccupate: c'è una spiegazione per quello praticamente all'inizio del romanzo.
Marley è un ragazzo di sedici anni, vive nella parte più povera della città, è orfano di padre da quattro anni e deve prendersi cura della madre che da quando ha perso il compagno è scesa in una spirale distruttiva di erba, alcol ed eroina. Tutto il peso dell'affitto ricade sulle spalle di Marley, che lavora quasi ogni sera in un ristorante in cui serve ai tavoli, sparecchia e poi resta anche a fare il lavoro notturno di lavapiatti. E non dimentichiamo lo studio per mantenere i voti alti alla Ellington Prep, una scuola prestigiosa in cui è entrato insieme ad altri suoi amici grazie ad una borsa di studio con la speranza che poi questa gli aprirà le porte per un college il più lontano possibile da casa.
Le uniche cose che gli sollevano il morale sono il sedersi fuori dal Fever sognando di essere lui a far ballare tutta la gente al suo interno e sperimentare nuovi suoni con i dischi e i piatti ereditati da suo padre.
La vita sembra scorrere normale, tra una madre quasi sempre catatonica e la casa invasa dei suoi fidanzati e amici tossici che svuotano il frigo e i ragazzi ricchi a scuola che si credono meglio di tutti coloro che sono entrati grazie alle borse di studio.
Ma poi una sera Marley riceve l'offerta più inaspettata di tutte: mentre suona ad una festa a casa di amici, gli viene proposto di sostituire all'ultimo un DJ che si è rotto un braccio in piccolo club sabato sera. È l'occasione che Marley stava aspettando, un piccolo primo passo verso una carriera professionista da DJ.
E proprio quando Marley si convince che si è trattato di un'unica occasione, un'altra telefonata inaspettata sconvolge la sua vita: il proprietario di uno dei club più "in" della città lo vuole assumere. Peccato sia convinto che Marley abbia ventun'anni...
Vi concederò che sia un po' irrealistico, su come questo sedicenne riesca ad ingannare un po' tutti spacciandosi per un maggiorenne. Ma non è questo il punto, perché poi la realtà prende il sopravvento e lo fa nella maniera più violenta possibile. La fine stessa è realistica, ma ovviamente non vi posso dire in che modo altrimenti rovinerei tutto.
È la storia di come Marley scelga di essere finalmente un po' egoista e di inseguire i suoi sogni, anche quando sua madre e il suo fidanzato commetteranno uno dei peggiori atti immaginabili. È la storia di come Marley continui ad onorare suo padre e il legame che li univa attraverso la musica. È la storia di come Marley trovi una sorta di famiglia nella crew del Cream, che ad ogni chiusura del club si trova a casa del barista Hogan per un after-party. È la storia della nascita di Marley come DJ Ice sotto la guida del mentore più acido della storia quando al Fever - il club dei sogni di Marley - viene organizzata la prima battaglia tra DJs con in palio un posto da regular una sera a settimana.
Mi sono emozionata tantissimo con Marley, mi sono arrabbiata e ho pianto insieme a lui. Ama profondamente la musica e nonostante tutto il dolore che deve affrontare si rimette in piedi e, quando da solo non ce la fa, ha gli amici vecchi e nuovi a ricordargli che è forte abbastanza da potercela fare.
Ho trovato giusto che abbia mostrato egoismo, come ogni adolescente che vuole vivere il meglio dei suoi anni e invece è costretto a prendersi cura di una madre che è tutto fuorché questo, ma ho capito anche i suoi sensi di colpa nel lasciarla a se stessa e la rabbia verso di lei quando gli ha rovinato ancora una volta i suoi sogni.
È un libro scorrevole, crudo, pieno di dolore ma anche di speranza per una vita migliore. Ho trovato molte affinità con altre tre libri che ho amato: con il già citato This Song Will Save Your Life di Leila Sales per il modo in cui sia Elise che Marley si esprimono attraverso i suoni che creano con le canzoni e per la voglia che hanno di far ballare la gente e farla perdere nel loro mondo; con Fall for Anything di Courtney Summers per il modo in cui Marley era più legato al padre e per come la madre è andata in pezzi alla sua morte dimenticandosi che anche il figlio soffriva nello stesso modo in cui è successo a Eddie Reeves - con la differenza che sua madre non si era data all'eroina e aveva la sua migliore amica che provava a tirarla su; con Sorta Like a Rock Star di Matthew Quick perché tutti i sentimenti contrastanti di odio, amore, pena, dolore e rabbia che Marley prova per sua madre sono gli stessi che Amber Appleton provava per sua madre alcolizzata e la loro reazione la stessa ad un determinato evento.
Lo stesso Matthew Quick è uno degli autori che ha scritto una recensione positiva a DJ Rising - e non credo sia solo per l'affinità della tematica.
DJ Rising è un libro che parla di musica, di come questa faccia da colonna sonora e portante nella vita di Marley e di come gli permetta di affrontare tutto quello che ha passato e tutto quello che verrà in futuro. E se anche non diventerà un DJ di fama internazionale, sa che comunque la sua è una passione che non si esaurirà mai e che gli amici che ha trovato sono l'unica vera famiglia di cui ha bisogno.
La mia storia con questo libro ha inizio due anni fa quando, nel mese di maggio, dopo aver finito di leggere This Song Will Save Your Life di Leila Sales (pubblicato dalla DeAgostini l'anno scorso con il titolo Resta fino all'ultima canzone) nei suggerimenti di Goodreads mi è apparso il libro oggetto del post.
Inutile dire che è finito immediatamente in wishlist.
Se un po' avete imparato a conoscere i miei gusti, saprete che adoro i libri che parlano di musica. Ma non quelli in cui la musica è solo un contorno alla storia d'amore che si fa spazio a gomitate per attirare la vostra attenzione, bensì quelli in cui la musica è uno dei pilastri fondamentali della vita del protagonista - in cui la musica è l'amore del protagonista e se ne parla come qualcosa di tangibile e concreto.
E DJ Rising ha tutto quello che cerco in un libro del genere, una perfetta combinazione di elementi che ho amato in altri tre libri che sono diventati i miei preferiti.
Se pensate che il nome del protagonista sia strano, non vi preoccupate: c'è una spiegazione per quello praticamente all'inizio del romanzo.
Marley è un ragazzo di sedici anni, vive nella parte più povera della città, è orfano di padre da quattro anni e deve prendersi cura della madre che da quando ha perso il compagno è scesa in una spirale distruttiva di erba, alcol ed eroina. Tutto il peso dell'affitto ricade sulle spalle di Marley, che lavora quasi ogni sera in un ristorante in cui serve ai tavoli, sparecchia e poi resta anche a fare il lavoro notturno di lavapiatti. E non dimentichiamo lo studio per mantenere i voti alti alla Ellington Prep, una scuola prestigiosa in cui è entrato insieme ad altri suoi amici grazie ad una borsa di studio con la speranza che poi questa gli aprirà le porte per un college il più lontano possibile da casa.
Le uniche cose che gli sollevano il morale sono il sedersi fuori dal Fever sognando di essere lui a far ballare tutta la gente al suo interno e sperimentare nuovi suoni con i dischi e i piatti ereditati da suo padre.
La vita sembra scorrere normale, tra una madre quasi sempre catatonica e la casa invasa dei suoi fidanzati e amici tossici che svuotano il frigo e i ragazzi ricchi a scuola che si credono meglio di tutti coloro che sono entrati grazie alle borse di studio.
Ma poi una sera Marley riceve l'offerta più inaspettata di tutte: mentre suona ad una festa a casa di amici, gli viene proposto di sostituire all'ultimo un DJ che si è rotto un braccio in piccolo club sabato sera. È l'occasione che Marley stava aspettando, un piccolo primo passo verso una carriera professionista da DJ.
E proprio quando Marley si convince che si è trattato di un'unica occasione, un'altra telefonata inaspettata sconvolge la sua vita: il proprietario di uno dei club più "in" della città lo vuole assumere. Peccato sia convinto che Marley abbia ventun'anni...
Vi concederò che sia un po' irrealistico, su come questo sedicenne riesca ad ingannare un po' tutti spacciandosi per un maggiorenne. Ma non è questo il punto, perché poi la realtà prende il sopravvento e lo fa nella maniera più violenta possibile. La fine stessa è realistica, ma ovviamente non vi posso dire in che modo altrimenti rovinerei tutto.
È la storia di come Marley scelga di essere finalmente un po' egoista e di inseguire i suoi sogni, anche quando sua madre e il suo fidanzato commetteranno uno dei peggiori atti immaginabili. È la storia di come Marley continui ad onorare suo padre e il legame che li univa attraverso la musica. È la storia di come Marley trovi una sorta di famiglia nella crew del Cream, che ad ogni chiusura del club si trova a casa del barista Hogan per un after-party. È la storia della nascita di Marley come DJ Ice sotto la guida del mentore più acido della storia quando al Fever - il club dei sogni di Marley - viene organizzata la prima battaglia tra DJs con in palio un posto da regular una sera a settimana.
Mi sono emozionata tantissimo con Marley, mi sono arrabbiata e ho pianto insieme a lui. Ama profondamente la musica e nonostante tutto il dolore che deve affrontare si rimette in piedi e, quando da solo non ce la fa, ha gli amici vecchi e nuovi a ricordargli che è forte abbastanza da potercela fare.
Ho trovato giusto che abbia mostrato egoismo, come ogni adolescente che vuole vivere il meglio dei suoi anni e invece è costretto a prendersi cura di una madre che è tutto fuorché questo, ma ho capito anche i suoi sensi di colpa nel lasciarla a se stessa e la rabbia verso di lei quando gli ha rovinato ancora una volta i suoi sogni.
È un libro scorrevole, crudo, pieno di dolore ma anche di speranza per una vita migliore. Ho trovato molte affinità con altre tre libri che ho amato: con il già citato This Song Will Save Your Life di Leila Sales per il modo in cui sia Elise che Marley si esprimono attraverso i suoni che creano con le canzoni e per la voglia che hanno di far ballare la gente e farla perdere nel loro mondo; con Fall for Anything di Courtney Summers per il modo in cui Marley era più legato al padre e per come la madre è andata in pezzi alla sua morte dimenticandosi che anche il figlio soffriva nello stesso modo in cui è successo a Eddie Reeves - con la differenza che sua madre non si era data all'eroina e aveva la sua migliore amica che provava a tirarla su; con Sorta Like a Rock Star di Matthew Quick perché tutti i sentimenti contrastanti di odio, amore, pena, dolore e rabbia che Marley prova per sua madre sono gli stessi che Amber Appleton provava per sua madre alcolizzata e la loro reazione la stessa ad un determinato evento.
Lo stesso Matthew Quick è uno degli autori che ha scritto una recensione positiva a DJ Rising - e non credo sia solo per l'affinità della tematica.
DJ Rising è un libro che parla di musica, di come questa faccia da colonna sonora e portante nella vita di Marley e di come gli permetta di affrontare tutto quello che ha passato e tutto quello che verrà in futuro. E se anche non diventerà un DJ di fama internazionale, sa che comunque la sua è una passione che non si esaurirà mai e che gli amici che ha trovato sono l'unica vera famiglia di cui ha bisogno.
March 23, 2012
This is a type of story that I love. One with hard times and redemption. I mean, who doesn't go through hard times and want a happy ending?
I love the way this plot line flowed. The reader meets a young man who has big dreams. I love that the plot line isn't filled with partying at clubs and doing stupid things. The plot line is full of real life experiences that a lot of teens face today. Nothing is painted pretty.
The characters of the book both amaze and shocked me. Marley is a bright young man who is living a tough life. Marley amazed me through and through all the time. Faced with some of toughest times in his life, Marley keeps his head high and always look towards his dreams. I really loved how well the author made it possible to relate to every aspect of Marley's life.
There is a slight love interest in this book but nothing detailed. I still loved the redemption of Marley and his success. It's good to see him make it after all he went through.
DJ Rising is an amazing story of a teen making it till the very end. Marley will amaze you with the strength that he has. You see the potential for Marley so you root for him to make it. DJ Rising is an surreal and gritty book.
I love the way this plot line flowed. The reader meets a young man who has big dreams. I love that the plot line isn't filled with partying at clubs and doing stupid things. The plot line is full of real life experiences that a lot of teens face today. Nothing is painted pretty.
The characters of the book both amaze and shocked me. Marley is a bright young man who is living a tough life. Marley amazed me through and through all the time. Faced with some of toughest times in his life, Marley keeps his head high and always look towards his dreams. I really loved how well the author made it possible to relate to every aspect of Marley's life.
There is a slight love interest in this book but nothing detailed. I still loved the redemption of Marley and his success. It's good to see him make it after all he went through.
DJ Rising is an amazing story of a teen making it till the very end. Marley will amaze you with the strength that he has. You see the potential for Marley so you root for him to make it. DJ Rising is an surreal and gritty book.
June 6, 2011
I love Marley. Here is a guy that is given a tough set of life circumstances and inspires you while he rises above it all.
I was given an advanced copy of the book to read and I picked it up on a Friday afternoon and didn't get much sleep that night because I couldn't put it down.
The story pulls you in and stays with you. Marley inspires. This is a great story. 5 Stars.
I was given an advanced copy of the book to read and I picked it up on a Friday afternoon and didn't get much sleep that night because I couldn't put it down.
The story pulls you in and stays with you. Marley inspires. This is a great story. 5 Stars.
March 6, 2015
Marley Johnywas Diego-Dylan is a high school junior attending Ellington Prep on a scholarship. He lives in the projects with his heroin addicted mother. He somehow manages to work, go to school, keep up with his grades, and take care of his mother all at the same time. What Marley really wants to do is DJ at the club ¨Fever¨ full time. Will he be able to follow his dream?
June 27, 2011
Scored an early copy. Marley is the coolest. Can't wait for this one to come out for real so everyone can read it!!!
January 11, 2018
DJ Rising tells the story of Marley Johnnywas Deigo-Dylan. Follow him on this journey that tells about love, loss, hope, fear, and figuring out who you're supposed to be.
Marley has loved DJ-ing since a young age. Before his father passed away in a drunk hit-and-run and left him with a heroin-addicted "mother," he would have Marley play with him. Music was Marley's hobby. It was oxygen for him, and he constantly took a deep breath every chance he got.
Marley is a junior at the school Ellington Prep and a worker at a fancy restaurant. Keeping straight A's and waiting on tables and chasing the beautiful Lea Hall takes most of his time, but he always fits in a chance to keep mixing. Marley gets a chance for his very first gig at a club called Cream. He earned the position with ease and began his first DJ career. While a DJ at Cream, he meets another DJ named Hawk. One night, he receives a letter inviting him as one of the six nominees for a First Annual DJ Battle at the hottest club in town, Fever. He accepts and his new name becomes "DJ Ice." It's just days before the battle when something terrible, something horribly heart-wrenching and morbid happens. Marley drops out. The night before the contest, Marley decides he is going to do it anyway. The night of the contest came and he was more nervous than ever. Marley rises to the stage and forgets everything, breathing in the music as if it was his last breath, and becomes the hottest DJ in town. Want to learn the rest of the story behind Marley Johnny was Diego-Dylan? Read DJ Rising to find out.
I absolutely loved this book. I can relate so well to Marley and it honestly hurts to see someone else in a similar position I am in. Music is also my passion and so this book was perfect for me. I recommend this book to anyone who loves books about love, music, and finding yourself would love this book as well.
Marley has loved DJ-ing since a young age. Before his father passed away in a drunk hit-and-run and left him with a heroin-addicted "mother," he would have Marley play with him. Music was Marley's hobby. It was oxygen for him, and he constantly took a deep breath every chance he got.
Marley is a junior at the school Ellington Prep and a worker at a fancy restaurant. Keeping straight A's and waiting on tables and chasing the beautiful Lea Hall takes most of his time, but he always fits in a chance to keep mixing. Marley gets a chance for his very first gig at a club called Cream. He earned the position with ease and began his first DJ career. While a DJ at Cream, he meets another DJ named Hawk. One night, he receives a letter inviting him as one of the six nominees for a First Annual DJ Battle at the hottest club in town, Fever. He accepts and his new name becomes "DJ Ice." It's just days before the battle when something terrible, something horribly heart-wrenching and morbid happens. Marley drops out. The night before the contest, Marley decides he is going to do it anyway. The night of the contest came and he was more nervous than ever. Marley rises to the stage and forgets everything, breathing in the music as if it was his last breath, and becomes the hottest DJ in town. Want to learn the rest of the story behind Marley Johnny was Diego-Dylan? Read DJ Rising to find out.
I absolutely loved this book. I can relate so well to Marley and it honestly hurts to see someone else in a similar position I am in. Music is also my passion and so this book was perfect for me. I recommend this book to anyone who loves books about love, music, and finding yourself would love this book as well.
April 26, 2018
I was not fond of this book. I loved that he was so into music and I liked the way he thought about it, but the book itself and even the story line wasn't good. It gave me a little more to think about on the world, though. Just a warning, though: there's a lot of language and a lot of not cool stuff like drugs and alcohol.
Marley is just a kid who loves music and likes to DJ at his friends' parties while they get completely drunk and do other bad things. He'd rather play with his music any day, though. Its an escape from everything, even his home life. His mom is a druggy and can't do anything but watch TV and bring home boyfriends that only last a month. Marley is the one who works after school and keeps food in the fridge and actually keeps the house and rent from falling apart.
When he gets a job at a club doing his job, DJing, he's overjoyed. The crowd likes him and he gets to do what he loves best. Unfortunately, he's underaged and has to lie in order to get into the club and get the job. But he does it. His friends' even get fake IDs to come hear him 'spin'. Now he can escape home even more often and his life is finally becoming something he can enjoy.
Then, things go really south.
So, yeah. It wasn't good, but it wasn't the worst book I've ever read. Marley was pretty much the only good part/character and I only picked this up because I love music.
Marley is just a kid who loves music and likes to DJ at his friends' parties while they get completely drunk and do other bad things. He'd rather play with his music any day, though. Its an escape from everything, even his home life. His mom is a druggy and can't do anything but watch TV and bring home boyfriends that only last a month. Marley is the one who works after school and keeps food in the fridge and actually keeps the house and rent from falling apart.
When he gets a job at a club doing his job, DJing, he's overjoyed. The crowd likes him and he gets to do what he loves best. Unfortunately, he's underaged and has to lie in order to get into the club and get the job. But he does it. His friends' even get fake IDs to come hear him 'spin'. Now he can escape home even more often and his life is finally becoming something he can enjoy.
Then, things go really south.
So, yeah. It wasn't good, but it wasn't the worst book I've ever read. Marley was pretty much the only good part/character and I only picked this up because I love music.
October 2, 2021
Marley’s DJ passion sustains him despite dire circumstances at home. Home is supposed to be a place of comfort and support, but for Marley, it is unstable and chaotic. How does one thrive in life when a parent is an obstacle and a heartache? There is never a dull moment in the book.
The conflict escalates, and there is so much is at stake: keeping up at a prep school, working, maintaining a home, Lea Hall–a secret love interest–and realizing a dream of becoming a DJ at a premier club called Fever. Adversity reveals character, and we learn about Marley’s life test. His dream transports the reader into the transformative experience of the club’s atmosphere, which is shared in exquisite details. Along the way, we meet Marley’s friends, who demonstrate the spirit of genuine friendship. Also, the academy’s “Haves” of privileged teens try to remind Marley of his place in the social ranks, but he persists–he is the DJ Rising! I looked forward to reading this book each evening and didn’t want the story to end. The novel shares a realistic story that is honest and well-written. Marley’s journey is an experience you’ll never forget, and your heart will be transformed. I highly recommend DJ Rising by Love Maia.
The conflict escalates, and there is so much is at stake: keeping up at a prep school, working, maintaining a home, Lea Hall–a secret love interest–and realizing a dream of becoming a DJ at a premier club called Fever. Adversity reveals character, and we learn about Marley’s life test. His dream transports the reader into the transformative experience of the club’s atmosphere, which is shared in exquisite details. Along the way, we meet Marley’s friends, who demonstrate the spirit of genuine friendship. Also, the academy’s “Haves” of privileged teens try to remind Marley of his place in the social ranks, but he persists–he is the DJ Rising! I looked forward to reading this book each evening and didn’t want the story to end. The novel shares a realistic story that is honest and well-written. Marley’s journey is an experience you’ll never forget, and your heart will be transformed. I highly recommend DJ Rising by Love Maia.
May 10, 2021
Here's a novel with lots of heart, struggle and passion for what you were meant to do in life. The music in DJ Rising reminds me of how people with synesthesia taste shapes and hear colors. I feel like I am seeing music. I love when a novel lists bands and songs as a way of fleshing out a character, but DJ Rising takes it in a different direction. It leads the reader to experience music in a different way, and even when I don't know the bands being mentioned, I don't feel left out. I feel like I'm being shown what's so special about them. I hope Love Maia's next novel has lots of music in it too, because what Maia does with music is unique.
October 23, 2017
I thought this book was very interesting, I couldn't let myself put down this book because I always wanted to know what happens next. I liked the characters interactions with others, it felt as if the characters were people I know. I also liked the relationships in the book, they were very life like and affect the plot in different parts. It was very interesting the follow the plot and see the challenges he had to face with only being in high school.
February 2, 2020
I, personally, found Marley to be a bit unlikable and unbelievable. Every problem that he had there was a clear solution to it right in front of him. I think the idea of this book seemed interesting but it missed the mark for me.
July 26, 2018
thought this book was a completely waste of time reading, storyline bit over the top and unrealistic and very unrelatable
Want to read
January 27, 20205.3
11.0
11.0
September 3, 2022
Loved the opening scene, and the main character was likable. Story was alright, but the writing was pretty unremarkable, and all of Hawk’s dialogue was terrible.
November 25, 2012
This review appeared first @ Moosubi Reviews!
When reading this review, I feel it's important to mention three things:
1. I love music. That being said, any book with music is already pushed a little upwards.
2. I read a book I didn't like so much before DJ Rising (not that DJ Rising was a bad book though!)
3. I was probably in the mood for a quick, contemporary read!
That being said, I definitely still enjoyed this book!
When I think of it now, DJ Rising is the type of book that, in my opinion, would make a good movie. There's the unique idea (DJing, although the musical aspect appeals to teenagers - including me!), the feel-good ending, the relatable characters, and the quick-paced plot!
Marley's definitely a likable character. He's the type that is so hard-working and generous, but also a mellow kind of dude at the same time. I wouldn't say his situation's so horrifying that it's eye-popping, especially compared to Tap Out, but it's still not a position to be envied. His connection to music was what really stood out to me though - a lot of the chapters started out with the phrase "The first thing I hear is music. The first thing I've always heard is music". As a musician, although a different kind, I understood his escape to the world of music, and the fact that sometimes his tunes were his version of a drug.
The other supporting characters were likable when they were supposed to be! Again, I'd think this book would probably make a good movie especially because of some of the speeches and character types in this book. For example, someone like Hawk realistically wouldn't exist in real life, and someone like Jewel rarely makes those types of inspirational speeches. Still, I still found it to be a "feel-good" book, which was what I happened to be looking for!
There's also one supporting character whose name I will not mention that really shined to me in the end. For the sake of spoilers, I'm not going to mention his name, but his interaction with Marley, as well as Marley's forgiveness made me tear up a little :')
The plot is a little predictable, but entertaining nonetheless! One thing that bothered me was that other than one huge setback (not to be mentioned for the sake of spoilers), Marley's DJ training came pretty easily to him. Moreover, the book blurb pretty much explains a lot of the book's plot. However, what made my reading experience interesting was how the characters interacted with each other and formed a beautiful family.
Overall, DJ Rising is a short but enjoyable read, perfect for contemporary or music lovers! If you're the type of reader that likes "feel-good" books or books where the characters and relationships come together, I definitely recommend DJ Rising (:
*Thank you to Erin from Tea For Three Books & Jennifer + Lili from ARCycling for providing me a review copy of this book!*
When reading this review, I feel it's important to mention three things:
1. I love music. That being said, any book with music is already pushed a little upwards.
2. I read a book I didn't like so much before DJ Rising (not that DJ Rising was a bad book though!)
3. I was probably in the mood for a quick, contemporary read!
That being said, I definitely still enjoyed this book!
When I think of it now, DJ Rising is the type of book that, in my opinion, would make a good movie. There's the unique idea (DJing, although the musical aspect appeals to teenagers - including me!), the feel-good ending, the relatable characters, and the quick-paced plot!
Marley's definitely a likable character. He's the type that is so hard-working and generous, but also a mellow kind of dude at the same time. I wouldn't say his situation's so horrifying that it's eye-popping, especially compared to Tap Out, but it's still not a position to be envied. His connection to music was what really stood out to me though - a lot of the chapters started out with the phrase "The first thing I hear is music. The first thing I've always heard is music". As a musician, although a different kind, I understood his escape to the world of music, and the fact that sometimes his tunes were his version of a drug.
The other supporting characters were likable when they were supposed to be! Again, I'd think this book would probably make a good movie especially because of some of the speeches and character types in this book. For example, someone like Hawk realistically wouldn't exist in real life, and someone like Jewel rarely makes those types of inspirational speeches. Still, I still found it to be a "feel-good" book, which was what I happened to be looking for!
There's also one supporting character whose name I will not mention that really shined to me in the end. For the sake of spoilers, I'm not going to mention his name, but his interaction with Marley, as well as Marley's forgiveness made me tear up a little :')
The plot is a little predictable, but entertaining nonetheless! One thing that bothered me was that other than one huge setback (not to be mentioned for the sake of spoilers), Marley's DJ training came pretty easily to him. Moreover, the book blurb pretty much explains a lot of the book's plot. However, what made my reading experience interesting was how the characters interacted with each other and formed a beautiful family.
Overall, DJ Rising is a short but enjoyable read, perfect for contemporary or music lovers! If you're the type of reader that likes "feel-good" books or books where the characters and relationships come together, I definitely recommend DJ Rising (:
*Thank you to Erin from Tea For Three Books & Jennifer + Lili from ARCycling for providing me a review copy of this book!*
March 8, 2013
This novel unfolds with the introduction of Marley Johnnywas Diego-Dylan who only has one goal in life : to become a famous and well know DJ. Marley's life is far from normal due to the fact that his mother is an heroin addict that hardly ever acknowledged his presence and his father died when Marley was young. Marley life consists of waking up at the crack of dawn to be able to attend a fancy prep school and then rushing from there to work the night shift at a restaurant to be able to provide for him and his mother. Marley doesn't fit in with any other students other than the scholarship students , or as the like to identify themselves as "transplants." Marley spends most of his free time just dreaming of a life that is much better than his. A life when his father is still alive and a life where he gets to be just a teenager.. A life where he gets to be a world renowned DJ. He dreams until one day , his dreams began to come true.
A part that surprised me in the novel was, after Marley was granted the opportunity to participate in a DJ contest in a nightclub and things were going well for him: his mother overdoses for the last time and dies. This plot twist really shook me up because it was not something that I had expected. Everything in Marley's life was going so good for him; ; his mother was clean for a monthand she was dating a guy that was a drug dealer; and then this comes along and shatters the life as he knew it. Although that was a surprise , I liked it. Throwing curve-balls in writing helps to keep the audience on their toes. I hate reading books that I can predict whats going to happen next.
I would recommend this book to anyone that has an interest in the underdog. I would consider Marley to be an underdog because he attends an expensive private school with teenagers that are very well off while he struggles to pay simply rent, put food on the table and take care of his heroin addicted mother. All of these things were against him yet he was determined not to let them get him down. He was not going to allow his situation to hinder his success. He had a dream and he acknowledged it and decided that he would risk it all to obtain it. However, what I admire the most about Marley was not his dedication to his dream but his ability to acknowledge that sometimes we have to sacrifice those things that we want when our loved ones need us. For a teenage boy, he is extremely mature and that is perhaps because of his mother's addiction. I would rate this book at five stars because it surprised me. When I began reading it, I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
A part that surprised me in the novel was, after Marley was granted the opportunity to participate in a DJ contest in a nightclub and things were going well for him: his mother overdoses for the last time and dies. This plot twist really shook me up because it was not something that I had expected. Everything in Marley's life was going so good for him; ; his mother was clean for a monthand she was dating a guy that was a drug dealer; and then this comes along and shatters the life as he knew it. Although that was a surprise , I liked it. Throwing curve-balls in writing helps to keep the audience on their toes. I hate reading books that I can predict whats going to happen next.
I would recommend this book to anyone that has an interest in the underdog. I would consider Marley to be an underdog because he attends an expensive private school with teenagers that are very well off while he struggles to pay simply rent, put food on the table and take care of his heroin addicted mother. All of these things were against him yet he was determined not to let them get him down. He was not going to allow his situation to hinder his success. He had a dream and he acknowledged it and decided that he would risk it all to obtain it. However, what I admire the most about Marley was not his dedication to his dream but his ability to acknowledge that sometimes we have to sacrifice those things that we want when our loved ones need us. For a teenage boy, he is extremely mature and that is perhaps because of his mother's addiction. I would rate this book at five stars because it surprised me. When I began reading it, I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
December 11, 2012
This novel stands out from the rest of the YA music-centred pack with several distinctions: a male protagonist, a focus on mixing music rather than purely creating it, and a slightly grittier, more urban setting than, say, Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez or Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly. It’s easy to feel the heart poured into this story; it’s an ode to music.
Marley has voice and humour going for him. Even before we’re informed he’s Puerto Rican and black, the narrative lets us into his bubble of perspective. It’s also fabulous to see friends who are at once flippant and supportive, and to watch the repartee between Marley’s circle and the “Haves”; although the rich-poor line is a bit too thick to feel realistic, it makes for hilarious banter:
Oh Marley. :D
The plot is a steady, straightforward one, allowing the characters and the beautiful scenes in the clubs to take precedence. And the DJing scenes are sublime. It’s where Love Maia’s prose flows best; it spills a passion for music across the pages while offering a descriptive look behind the scenes—or rather, behind the turntables.
Otherwise, however, DJ Rising does not shine in the writing department. Characters often info-dump in conversation, and a menacing number of exclamation marks litter each chapter, accentuating the often-used clichés. Speaking of clichés, the romance definitely is one. Though the longing Marley feels for Lea Hall is realistic, the ease of their relationship is not. It grows too quickly into the dream of a perfect relationship, reminiscent of Take Me There by Carolee Dean.
Oh, but the last paragraph. It’s so lovely it makes up for the entire last summarizing chapter. (You know those summarizing paragraphs... they say "oh, I ended up with her, and my mom finally called me, and my friends all came back!") I want to quote it, but also don’t want to ruin the surprise. So… yes, I would say go ahead and read this one.
*Review originally published on
Marley has voice and humour going for him. Even before we’re informed he’s Puerto Rican and black, the narrative lets us into his bubble of perspective. It’s also fabulous to see friends who are at once flippant and supportive, and to watch the repartee between Marley’s circle and the “Haves”; although the rich-poor line is a bit too thick to feel realistic, it makes for hilarious banter:
I eye him warily as he [Todd Bitherman] places a hand on Justin’s shoulder and leers at me. “I thought you said his name was DJ Ice. What a completely idiotic name.”
I pull away my headphones and lean forward. “Well, I was thinking of going with the name DJ Todd, but I didn’t want anyone to mix us up and think I’m the one who’s the total asshole."
Oh Marley. :D
The plot is a steady, straightforward one, allowing the characters and the beautiful scenes in the clubs to take precedence. And the DJing scenes are sublime. It’s where Love Maia’s prose flows best; it spills a passion for music across the pages while offering a descriptive look behind the scenes—or rather, behind the turntables.
Otherwise, however, DJ Rising does not shine in the writing department. Characters often info-dump in conversation, and a menacing number of exclamation marks litter each chapter, accentuating the often-used clichés. Speaking of clichés, the romance definitely is one. Though the longing Marley feels for Lea Hall is realistic, the ease of their relationship is not. It grows too quickly into the dream of a perfect relationship, reminiscent of Take Me There by Carolee Dean.
Oh, but the last paragraph. It’s so lovely it makes up for the entire last summarizing chapter. (You know those summarizing paragraphs... they say "oh, I ended up with her, and my mom finally called me, and my friends all came back!") I want to quote it, but also don’t want to ruin the surprise. So… yes, I would say go ahead and read this one.
*Review originally published on
April 24, 2013
DJ Rising by Love Maria is a book about A 16 year old teenage boy who is named Marley, Marley's dad passed away so he lived with his mother, his mom was a drug addict along with her boyfriend who was living with them. Marley had a dream of one day becoming a well known DJ, he played at parties and everyone though he was a great DJ! specially his friends Scuzz and Chuckie they were always their for him, they even knew each other since they were young and grew up together. Marley had a crush on this girl named Lea, Lea was one of her classmates, Marley always had the though of her always ignoring him and he unlike that. Marley had the chance to play at this club called Cream it was the most known club and he was happy and excited that he played their. Everyday Marley came home and saw his mom how she was slowly getting lost in drugs, sitting on the couch all the time, and not even knowing how to cook because Marley was the only one who cooked for everyone. One day something huge happened to him, Lea started talking to him, they became friends and he couldn't believe it, but he couldn't hardly believe is that he was going to play at fever and compete with other deejays, for him this was something extraordinary, it was his biggest dream because if he won the competition he would get nominated as the best DJ around the World.! But something unexpected happened his mom overdosed and had to go to the hospital, even though he didn't want to give up his dream of playing at fever he had to. But then he realized that he had been doing everything for his mom, and even though he loved her and cared for her, he couldn't let a huge opportunity like that pass by, he decided to play at fever and played passionately for his audience, at the End he was nominated for the best deejay in the world and he got to be with Lea the girl of his dreams. I enjoyed reading this book because it was about how a teenage boy had to take care of his drug addict mom but he still had that dream that he was willing to make it come true, what I liked is that he had to go through all this obstacles to get where he wanted and even though it was hard for him he still made it through. I do recommend this book because it has a meaning to it and that meaning is to never give up on your dreams, even through all the hard obstacles you have to face you can still make your dreams come true, you just have to work hard and find a way to face your problems.
June 3, 2012
Okay, so this book caught me completely off-guard. I devoured it, reading it in just about 24 hours. I have never been in a club, never seen a live DJ...didn't matter one bit. It may be my favorite book of the years thus far. Yup. There, I said it.
Marley is a character your instantly fall in love with, but in a "I really want to see this boy win!" type of way. He's a boy, like many out there, who is forced to grow-up and become a man way too early in life. A boy forced to take on the responsibilities no sixteen-year-old should have to deal with, and he does it with style. He doesn't do everything "right" by any means, but he's definitely got some role-model qualities that even some adults could learn from. Seeing the way he deals with his lot in life is inspirational, moving, and if you don't weep at least once while reading this book, well, you're doing something wrong and missed chapters or something.
Now, this book deals with some legit hard-core subjects, namely the fact that Marley's mom is a heroin addict and the fact that most of the action takes places in clubs and parties and whatnot. Since I'm probably the most conservative of the Hooked to Books crew, I feel that's something to be aware of when reading the book, but I'd say it's what makes Marley seem like such an amazing character in the way he deals with life that I appreciate the honesty of the writing (which also involves language I'm not generally comfortable with, but the author actually used it well if that makes any sense, not in an extraneous way just trying to look "cool" for a high school YA audience, which I appreciate.) The book deals with love, loss, and forgiveness in ways I never imagined when reading the description or glancing at the title/cover. Perhaps being surprised by all the book had in store for me was part of why I loved it so much, but had it not arrived in my mailbox, I would have never given it a chance. Give it a chance.
(Review posted at hookedtobooks.com)
Marley is a character your instantly fall in love with, but in a "I really want to see this boy win!" type of way. He's a boy, like many out there, who is forced to grow-up and become a man way too early in life. A boy forced to take on the responsibilities no sixteen-year-old should have to deal with, and he does it with style. He doesn't do everything "right" by any means, but he's definitely got some role-model qualities that even some adults could learn from. Seeing the way he deals with his lot in life is inspirational, moving, and if you don't weep at least once while reading this book, well, you're doing something wrong and missed chapters or something.
Now, this book deals with some legit hard-core subjects, namely the fact that Marley's mom is a heroin addict and the fact that most of the action takes places in clubs and parties and whatnot. Since I'm probably the most conservative of the Hooked to Books crew, I feel that's something to be aware of when reading the book, but I'd say it's what makes Marley seem like such an amazing character in the way he deals with life that I appreciate the honesty of the writing (which also involves language I'm not generally comfortable with, but the author actually used it well if that makes any sense, not in an extraneous way just trying to look "cool" for a high school YA audience, which I appreciate.) The book deals with love, loss, and forgiveness in ways I never imagined when reading the description or glancing at the title/cover. Perhaps being surprised by all the book had in store for me was part of why I loved it so much, but had it not arrived in my mailbox, I would have never given it a chance. Give it a chance.
(Review posted at hookedtobooks.com)
December 9, 2014
Marley Johnywas Diego-Dylan is the aspiring DJ from the projects. His father died four years ago in a hit and run accident and his mother has been on a drug induced downward spiral ever since. While Marley manages working full time, school, and taking care of his mom he has dreams of becoming a world famous DJ. Marley finally gets a shot at becoming a DJ and his whole life slowly changes. Will Marley be able to hang onto his new world, or will he be back to just dreaming of what could be?
One of the reasons so many people enjoy this book is because of the 'reality' of the book. There are no lofty sentences, no dancing around the conflicts between characters, or eloquent language that needs to be reread to understand what the characters are saying. The language in this book is simple and it uses the language teenagers would use and the conflicts are clear throughout the whole book. Something else that makes this book good is how it describes a DJ and the work they do. Throughout this book the reader will see how much time, effort, thought, and practice goes into DJing. The reader will see that to be a DJ, is an art form, not just a career. While this book had amazing descriptions on what it is like to DJ and the preparation used, the conflicts of the novel were all solved too easily. At the end of the novel Marley got everything he wanted and everything was explained. Another reason why the novel was not the best is because everything good that could happen to Marley did, and this bugged me. Everything seemed to just fall into place for Marley and the end was foreseeable.
One of the reasons so many people enjoy this book is because of the 'reality' of the book. There are no lofty sentences, no dancing around the conflicts between characters, or eloquent language that needs to be reread to understand what the characters are saying. The language in this book is simple and it uses the language teenagers would use and the conflicts are clear throughout the whole book. Something else that makes this book good is how it describes a DJ and the work they do. Throughout this book the reader will see how much time, effort, thought, and practice goes into DJing. The reader will see that to be a DJ, is an art form, not just a career. While this book had amazing descriptions on what it is like to DJ and the preparation used, the conflicts of the novel were all solved too easily. At the end of the novel Marley got everything he wanted and everything was explained. Another reason why the novel was not the best is because everything good that could happen to Marley did, and this bugged me. Everything seemed to just fall into place for Marley and the end was foreseeable.
March 27, 2012
Marley says the first thing he heard when he was born was music and music is always the first thing that he hears. After his father died some years before, his mother took to drugs. She brings a steady stream of low life boyfriends through their home while Marley watches and waits for her to be the mother she once was. Marley, at 15, works a full time job and attends a local private school on a scholarship where he is made to feel like an outsider because of his lower economic status. He has two of the best friends ever written in YA but they have absolutely no clue what their friend’s life is really like. Of course he has eyes for one of the most attractive girls in the school. As if this isn’t enough for him, he accepts a weekly gig working as a DJ at an over 21 club and this is where Marley’s passion truly lies. He wants to be a DJ, like his dad.
Maia gives us a story of a young man who is essentially making it on his own, but she fails to develop his struggle. Everything comes just too easy with little to no conflict. I couldn’t understand why Marley made the effort to attend this private school when college was not on his agenda.
While I could definitely feel Marley’s love for music when he described his DJ sessions, I found the author to be uncomfortable in describing technical details relating to the craft. I can’t say I was sold on her writing in a male voice, either.
I read an advanced copy of the book and hope that several issues in grammar were corrected before final release.
Maia gives us a story of a young man who is essentially making it on his own, but she fails to develop his struggle. Everything comes just too easy with little to no conflict. I couldn’t understand why Marley made the effort to attend this private school when college was not on his agenda.
While I could definitely feel Marley’s love for music when he described his DJ sessions, I found the author to be uncomfortable in describing technical details relating to the craft. I can’t say I was sold on her writing in a male voice, either.
I read an advanced copy of the book and hope that several issues in grammar were corrected before final release.
April 27, 2015
Dj Rising
By: Love Maia
Dj riding is a 14 year dj who is a popular dj at a renowned club in his home town. Marley or “ Dj Ice” has big problems with family. After he lost his mom to the drug abuse. Marley finally met the family he didn't know about. Marley has a tough childhood with the passing of his father and now his mother.
Marley is a high school sophomore and dreaming to be once a professional Dj. Love Maia does a good explanation of Marley’s life goals and problems that are on the way. Marley has to choose between performing a dj battle or not going at all. Marley is a teenage boy whose interest is music. He had the turntables of his father the only thing that was left of his father. But one day, Marley’s mom decides to get a new boyfriend. He and Marley don’t get along that well for starters. The boyfriend sells the price possession of Marley, his dads turntables. Marley get upset that the boyfriend sold the turntables to buy heroin. So, Marley decides to leave the house , and to go away as possible from the drug addicts.So Marley does the thing he always does , Dj. Marley goes to the DJ battle.He goes and wins the battle and accomplishes his goals .Marley has to go through a lot of things in order to complete his life goal.
To conclude Love Maia does an excellent job on how to explain the life of Marley. Love Maia Is a good author when it comes to explaining the life of a character. She does a good job explaining Marley. She writes about him if she was actually him. Marley a teenage boy who is also a popular DJ in his town.
By: Love Maia
Dj riding is a 14 year dj who is a popular dj at a renowned club in his home town. Marley or “ Dj Ice” has big problems with family. After he lost his mom to the drug abuse. Marley finally met the family he didn't know about. Marley has a tough childhood with the passing of his father and now his mother.
Marley is a high school sophomore and dreaming to be once a professional Dj. Love Maia does a good explanation of Marley’s life goals and problems that are on the way. Marley has to choose between performing a dj battle or not going at all. Marley is a teenage boy whose interest is music. He had the turntables of his father the only thing that was left of his father. But one day, Marley’s mom decides to get a new boyfriend. He and Marley don’t get along that well for starters. The boyfriend sells the price possession of Marley, his dads turntables. Marley get upset that the boyfriend sold the turntables to buy heroin. So, Marley decides to leave the house , and to go away as possible from the drug addicts.So Marley does the thing he always does , Dj. Marley goes to the DJ battle.He goes and wins the battle and accomplishes his goals .Marley has to go through a lot of things in order to complete his life goal.
To conclude Love Maia does an excellent job on how to explain the life of Marley. Love Maia Is a good author when it comes to explaining the life of a character. She does a good job explaining Marley. She writes about him if she was actually him. Marley a teenage boy who is also a popular DJ in his town.
June 7, 2011
I just finished reading an advanced copy of DJ Rising and I was quietly weeping as I read the final pages. I loved this book. Marley, the 16 year-old aspiring DJ, narrates his own story, and I totally fell for this kid before I’d finished the second chapter. He’s a tough, bright, sensitive, talented bi-racial kid from the wrong side of town – a scholarship student at a tony private school where most of the kids are white and rich. His world is filled with equally fascinating and wonderful characters – Chuckie and Scuz, his crew from the hood, Latreece, who waits tables at the restaurant where he works nights to support himself and his Mom, the regulars at the little club where he gets his first job, and Hawk, the brilliant and ornery old-school DJ who can make or break Marley’s career. These are real people, not sit-com characters. I read the book in two nights and then wished I had lingered so I could spend more time with these folks. Marley’s got a thing for a lovely girl from the other side of town who doesn’t seem to know he’s there. This gives the book just the touch of ramance it needs, and gives you some empathy and insight into the world of the rich kids in his school. It’s a great story, but what makes the book special is the way it takes you inside a DJ’s world – inside the clubs, inside the music and inside Marley’s head and heart. And what a heart this kid has. Did I say I fell in love with this boy? Did I say I loved the book? You know I did!
January 10, 2012
3.5 stars
I am a huge music addict. I love it as much as Marley does, and as someone who has recently been joking about wanting to be a DJ as a side-job in the future, DJ Rising seemed like one ironic gift from fate when I received it in the mail the other week. Either way, I'm just glad that I ended up liking it.
For DJ Rising to be her first book, Love Maia did an awesome job. Although the beginning was a bit slow, getting used to the setting and Maia's writing style, the book got better as it progressed and as you became invested in Marley and everything that he has to go through.
While the DJ aspect is quite original, you can figure the general plot and ending out just from reading the summary, but that's fine because Maia's writing is what really shines in the story. She manages to evoke so many emotions through her words alone. I was so easily caught up in the story, feeling a raging anger that paralleled Marley's one minute and then feeling heartrendingly anguished the next.
However, there was one other small complaint that I had when reading DJ Rising. There were a couple of times when I felt like the dialogue was a bit... stilted. For example, Jewel's speech at Hawk near the end, while it was effective, it felt a little scripted. Like, I'm not even sure if people would normally talk that much without being interrupted or something. Anyway, it's a small problem; it doesn't really effect anything.
I'm definitely interested to read whatever Maia writes next.
I am a huge music addict. I love it as much as Marley does, and as someone who has recently been joking about wanting to be a DJ as a side-job in the future, DJ Rising seemed like one ironic gift from fate when I received it in the mail the other week. Either way, I'm just glad that I ended up liking it.
For DJ Rising to be her first book, Love Maia did an awesome job. Although the beginning was a bit slow, getting used to the setting and Maia's writing style, the book got better as it progressed and as you became invested in Marley and everything that he has to go through.
While the DJ aspect is quite original, you can figure the general plot and ending out just from reading the summary, but that's fine because Maia's writing is what really shines in the story. She manages to evoke so many emotions through her words alone. I was so easily caught up in the story, feeling a raging anger that paralleled Marley's one minute and then feeling heartrendingly anguished the next.
However, there was one other small complaint that I had when reading DJ Rising. There were a couple of times when I felt like the dialogue was a bit... stilted. For example, Jewel's speech at Hawk near the end, while it was effective, it felt a little scripted. Like, I'm not even sure if people would normally talk that much without being interrupted or something. Anyway, it's a small problem; it doesn't really effect anything.
I'm definitely interested to read whatever Maia writes next.
March 5, 2014
DJ Rising is a great book. This book kept me on the edge wondering what would happen next to protagonist. This book was recommend to me by my English teacher and my fellow scholars in my classroom.
DJ Rising is about a sixteen-year-old Marley Diego-Dylan, one of the only kids in his elite high school on financial aid. His father died a few years back, and his mom spends her days strung out on heroin in front of the television with her loser boyfriends. Marley loves music and listens to it every second of each day while trying to discover new music for his DJ career. Marley then gets his big shot at becoming a DJ at a famous club, the club of his dream but suddenly bad problems start to occur at his house. Marley is now torn between his DJ career as “DJ Ice” or the problems uprising at his house. Marley’s mother overdoses for the last time and dies. This plot twist really shook me up because it was not something that I had expected. Everything in Marley's life was going so good for him, his mother was clean for a month, and she was dating a guy that was a drug dealer, and then this comes along and shatters the life as he knew it.
I would recommend this book to young adults because this book is graphic but is still a great book. If you enjoy books with a great plot twist and how the character turns his or her life around then this is the book for you. Go and buy a copy now!
DJ Rising is about a sixteen-year-old Marley Diego-Dylan, one of the only kids in his elite high school on financial aid. His father died a few years back, and his mom spends her days strung out on heroin in front of the television with her loser boyfriends. Marley loves music and listens to it every second of each day while trying to discover new music for his DJ career. Marley then gets his big shot at becoming a DJ at a famous club, the club of his dream but suddenly bad problems start to occur at his house. Marley is now torn between his DJ career as “DJ Ice” or the problems uprising at his house. Marley’s mother overdoses for the last time and dies. This plot twist really shook me up because it was not something that I had expected. Everything in Marley's life was going so good for him, his mother was clean for a month, and she was dating a guy that was a drug dealer, and then this comes along and shatters the life as he knew it.
I would recommend this book to young adults because this book is graphic but is still a great book. If you enjoy books with a great plot twist and how the character turns his or her life around then this is the book for you. Go and buy a copy now!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews