What do you think?
Rate this book
Spark
The local Avery Theater was just a run-down building to Quin—until her mother told her the tragic love story of Nick and Emma that played out on the theater’s stage all those years ago. Quin is convinced it’s the perfect story to rewrite for her drama class, but when she goes searching for more information, she makes a startling discovery—the Avery is rapidly regaining its former splendor and setting the stage for her classmates Dylan and Cass to relive Nick and Emma’s romance. Quin can see the spark between them, but it’s up to her to make sure her friends—and the Avery—can both be saved this time around.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published May 17, 2016
3 people are currently reading
1075 people want to read
About the author
Holly Schindler
51 books312 followersHolly Schindler’s work has received starred reviews in Booklist and Publishers Weekly, has won silver and gold medals in ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year and the IPPY Awards, respectively, has been featured on Booklist’s Best First Novels for Youth and School Library Journal’s What’s Hot in YA, and has been a PW Pick of the Week. She can usually be found consuming large quantities of coffee and working on her next book. She can also be found at hollyschindler.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 10, 2016
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss.)
This was a YA magical-realism story, about an old theatre.
Quin was an girl who truly believed in the magic of the Avery theatre, and showed real determination in trying to restore it to what it once was, even when she was put in a tough position as director of the play they were holding.
The storyline in this was about Quin and her drama class putting on a production in hope that they could raise money to save the old theatre, and we also got some magical realism as the theatre transformed itself and those inside it. We also got a little bit of romance in the form of two members of the cast reliving a past romance that had happened at the theatre, in a star-crossed lovers kind of way.
The ending to this was okay, and things ended happily enough.
6 out of 10
“Starting now, it’s up to me to figure out what the skies are trying to say.”
This was a YA magical-realism story, about an old theatre.
Quin was an girl who truly believed in the magic of the Avery theatre, and showed real determination in trying to restore it to what it once was, even when she was put in a tough position as director of the play they were holding.
The storyline in this was about Quin and her drama class putting on a production in hope that they could raise money to save the old theatre, and we also got some magical realism as the theatre transformed itself and those inside it. We also got a little bit of romance in the form of two members of the cast reliving a past romance that had happened at the theatre, in a star-crossed lovers kind of way.
The ending to this was okay, and things ended happily enough.
6 out of 10
February 15, 2016
Okay where to start with this book..... I was a little weary starting this book because I wasn't sure if I wanted to read it or not but there is something about the theater that I love. I started reading it and it was slow in the beginning and I stopped and started a few times before I really could get into it. With that said I did enjoy the book but there was something missing I am just not sure what it was so I decided to finish it and I was glad I did.
Quin is a great character. She can be a little quirky at times but for the most part she was funny. She loves The Avery Theater and one day her mother decides to tell her of the tragic love story of Nick and Emma. Once her mother is done telling the story Quin wants to resurrect the avery. As she is contemplating what to write for her english class her dream is coming true.
The Avery is coming back to life and her classmates Dylan and Cass are going to be playing Nick and Emma. Will the story repeat itself or will Dylan and Cass set a new era for the Avery.......
Quin is a great character. She can be a little quirky at times but for the most part she was funny. She loves The Avery Theater and one day her mother decides to tell her of the tragic love story of Nick and Emma. Once her mother is done telling the story Quin wants to resurrect the avery. As she is contemplating what to write for her english class her dream is coming true.
The Avery is coming back to life and her classmates Dylan and Cass are going to be playing Nick and Emma. Will the story repeat itself or will Dylan and Cass set a new era for the Avery.......
lost-interest-did-not-finish
January 30, 2016Nah, not my thing.
December 26, 2016
Quin and her friends aren't popular. Quin writes, but doesn't share her work with anybody and doesn't want to be noticed. Her best friend Cass has a big mole in her face and their friend Dylan stutters. Quin's mother is their drama teacher and wants the class to give a performance to save the Avery, a once gorgeous old theater in town. Now it's dilapidated because nobody ever set foot in it anymore after the death of two young people, Emma and Nick. Quin is fascinated by the theater and by their story. She is the director of the play and she has to come up with a way to make their class shine instead of stumble, so they won't make fools of themselves.
The Avery is a magical place. Quin feels it straight away when she enters the building. It transforms Dylan and Cass. There they can be themselves. The theater shows Quin two different love stories with many similarities and real sparks. It's up to her to save everyone, but that isn't an easy task...
Spark is set in a small town that has a splendid theater. The Avery used to be grand, but now it's forgotten. When Quin and her friends enter the building it magically comes to life again. I'm a big fan of the theater and therefore loved this story from the first sentence. Holly Schindler's descriptions are detailed and vivid, I could easily picture the theater and the two love stories that are taking place. There's a combination of magic and romance that works very well. The love stories have an unusual aspect, because the narrator isn't the person who's falling in love. She's the person who watches them, which is a fantastic idea for a story that's all about performing in front of an audience. Quin is an excellent observer and it was fabulous to see what was happening on stage through her eyes. It's a remarkable construction and I think it's an amazing one.
I enjoy reading Magical Realism and was immediately enchanted by this story. Holly Schindler's sentences are beautiful. Her story reads like a fairytale. The first stages of rehearsing bring chaos and writing a play while practicing is a process that happens by trial and error. Holly Schindler uses that messiness to her advantage by making the reader feel it while she's still in control of the level of disorder. That is something else I really enjoyed about this book. I loved the author's creativity. The ending is magical and as wonderful as I hoped it would be. Spark is a brilliant unusual story.
The Avery is a magical place. Quin feels it straight away when she enters the building. It transforms Dylan and Cass. There they can be themselves. The theater shows Quin two different love stories with many similarities and real sparks. It's up to her to save everyone, but that isn't an easy task...
Spark is set in a small town that has a splendid theater. The Avery used to be grand, but now it's forgotten. When Quin and her friends enter the building it magically comes to life again. I'm a big fan of the theater and therefore loved this story from the first sentence. Holly Schindler's descriptions are detailed and vivid, I could easily picture the theater and the two love stories that are taking place. There's a combination of magic and romance that works very well. The love stories have an unusual aspect, because the narrator isn't the person who's falling in love. She's the person who watches them, which is a fantastic idea for a story that's all about performing in front of an audience. Quin is an excellent observer and it was fabulous to see what was happening on stage through her eyes. It's a remarkable construction and I think it's an amazing one.
I enjoy reading Magical Realism and was immediately enchanted by this story. Holly Schindler's sentences are beautiful. Her story reads like a fairytale. The first stages of rehearsing bring chaos and writing a play while practicing is a process that happens by trial and error. Holly Schindler uses that messiness to her advantage by making the reader feel it while she's still in control of the level of disorder. That is something else I really enjoyed about this book. I loved the author's creativity. The ending is magical and as wonderful as I hoped it would be. Spark is a brilliant unusual story.
June 15, 2018
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Spark has such an awkward tension at the beginning, but it is so worth the reading in order to see all of the characters grow by the end of the story. All of the characters in the Advanced Drama class - Quin, Dylan, Cass - are considered to be outsiders compared to their classmates at Verona High. But when Quin's mother decides to revive the old Avery Theater, Quin and her drama class members are all placed in roles they aren't actually comfortable with.
Overall, I love the magic Schindler weaves into her latest book, blending fantasy and contemporary seemlessly and bringing theater to life.
This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts
June 25, 2017
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: This is an adorable magical realism novel that is ultimately a love letter to the theater.
Opening Sentence: When I dream, it’s always on a screen.
The Review:
Going into this book, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. The premise sounded intriguing but contemporary novels are usually hit or miss with me. However, this one was the perfect mix of contemporary and magical realism. Plus, there wasn’t a romance for the main character, which was different and refreshing.
This story combined mystery, romance, and high school to create an engaging tale. After setting the stage through an introduction to the town, the history of the Avery, and introducing the main characters, the story begins when the drama teacher, who also happens to be Quin’s mom, announces that the senior project will be the play Anything Goes. From there, this coming of age tale shows how people can find themselves, sometimes in the unlikeliest of ways (and with the help of a little magic). The author manages to truly capture the essence of small-town life.
There were definite Romeo and Juliet influences on this story and they worked out surprisingly well. I was a little unclear on how Cass and Dylan, the main romantic couple, were star-crossed but I loved Emma and Nick’s story. Told in bits and pieces through flashbacks, the mystery of who they were and what happened the night they died kept me interested throughout the entire novel. Each new flashback peeled back an additional layer or showed another dimension of the story. I actually felt as if this story-telling style allowed me to understand this story within the story at a deeper level than if the author had just told it from beginning to end.
I enjoyed the part of the story that was set in the modern day as well. Quin, Cass, and Dylan were all likable characters and it was a joy to watch them grow throughout the novel. However, I wasn’t a huge fan of the fact that Cass and Dylan flourished mostly when their flaws were taken away. I understand what the author was aiming for but I wish that both characters exhibited the same confidence and self-assuredness while encompassed by the Avery’s magic in the outside world. I would have liked them to succeed because they fully accepted themselves and each other. Other than that, I really enjoyed the characters and the story, particularly the ending.
Ultimately, this was a love letter to the magic of the theater. This was also an adorable, quick read that would be perfect for summer (or if you need a reminder to look for the magic in everyday life).
Notable Scene:
And suddenly, I’m thinking of that bedtime story—the one that has followed me into my dreams for years. I’m remembering Mom telling me that the Avery died. On the night of Emma’s and Nick’s tragic ending. I remember her reciting what Bertie’d told her that night: When the right hearts come to the Avery . . . the Avery will come back from the dead.
It’s true. The Avery’s heart is beating. The theater is breathing.
The Avery’s alive.
I swivel the beam of my flashlight toward the stage, where I no longer see the old half-fallen set, but pristine velvet curtains. Panting in a kind of confused anticipation, I stare as the curtains slowly part. A projector pops to life behind me, washing a bright light across a movie screen. Bold, black letters hover, announcing that the scene about to play takes place on June 4, 1947. And the sound of a train whistle fills the theater.
FTC Advisory: HarperTeen provided me with a copy of Spark. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: This is an adorable magical realism novel that is ultimately a love letter to the theater.
Opening Sentence: When I dream, it’s always on a screen.
The Review:
Going into this book, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. The premise sounded intriguing but contemporary novels are usually hit or miss with me. However, this one was the perfect mix of contemporary and magical realism. Plus, there wasn’t a romance for the main character, which was different and refreshing.
This story combined mystery, romance, and high school to create an engaging tale. After setting the stage through an introduction to the town, the history of the Avery, and introducing the main characters, the story begins when the drama teacher, who also happens to be Quin’s mom, announces that the senior project will be the play Anything Goes. From there, this coming of age tale shows how people can find themselves, sometimes in the unlikeliest of ways (and with the help of a little magic). The author manages to truly capture the essence of small-town life.
There were definite Romeo and Juliet influences on this story and they worked out surprisingly well. I was a little unclear on how Cass and Dylan, the main romantic couple, were star-crossed but I loved Emma and Nick’s story. Told in bits and pieces through flashbacks, the mystery of who they were and what happened the night they died kept me interested throughout the entire novel. Each new flashback peeled back an additional layer or showed another dimension of the story. I actually felt as if this story-telling style allowed me to understand this story within the story at a deeper level than if the author had just told it from beginning to end.
I enjoyed the part of the story that was set in the modern day as well. Quin, Cass, and Dylan were all likable characters and it was a joy to watch them grow throughout the novel. However, I wasn’t a huge fan of the fact that Cass and Dylan flourished mostly when their flaws were taken away. I understand what the author was aiming for but I wish that both characters exhibited the same confidence and self-assuredness while encompassed by the Avery’s magic in the outside world. I would have liked them to succeed because they fully accepted themselves and each other. Other than that, I really enjoyed the characters and the story, particularly the ending.
Ultimately, this was a love letter to the magic of the theater. This was also an adorable, quick read that would be perfect for summer (or if you need a reminder to look for the magic in everyday life).
Notable Scene:
And suddenly, I’m thinking of that bedtime story—the one that has followed me into my dreams for years. I’m remembering Mom telling me that the Avery died. On the night of Emma’s and Nick’s tragic ending. I remember her reciting what Bertie’d told her that night: When the right hearts come to the Avery . . . the Avery will come back from the dead.
It’s true. The Avery’s heart is beating. The theater is breathing.
The Avery’s alive.
I swivel the beam of my flashlight toward the stage, where I no longer see the old half-fallen set, but pristine velvet curtains. Panting in a kind of confused anticipation, I stare as the curtains slowly part. A projector pops to life behind me, washing a bright light across a movie screen. Bold, black letters hover, announcing that the scene about to play takes place on June 4, 1947. And the sound of a train whistle fills the theater.
FTC Advisory: HarperTeen provided me with a copy of Spark. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
May 16, 2016
Check out this and other reviews on my young adult book blog, Here's to Happy Endings!
“‘There is real, undeniable magic in this world – all around us.'”
I haven’t read a lot of books that deal with theater or performing arts, but the ones that I do read I tend to like. They’re always different than your usual contemporary novel, because they tend to have a certain life to them that makes the novel shine. In the case of Spark, by Holly Schindler, there is plenty of life to be found within the pages!
Quin has grown up with her adoptive mother, who always spoke about the town’s old theater – The Avery – as if it was once alive. Until a tragedy struck that caused the owner to close down the theater, in which case her mother says the “The Avery died” when she refers to it. Never really understanding why her mother talked about the old theater as if it were a living, breathing thing, Quin just figured her mother really enjoyed theater and acting – after all, her mother did spend some of her childhood in that theater before it closed, and she’s teaching the drama class as a substitute this year.
When Quin’s mother decides to have the class put on a play of Anything Goes to raise money to save The Avery from being destroyed (and restore it to its former glory), the drama class is curious – until it turns out that Quin’s mother has given everyone a task that pretty much makes them face their fears. For Quin, it’s having to get up and tell everyone what to do, because she’s the director. For Quin’s best friend, she will be the lead – but that terrifies her, because due to a birthmark that covers the side of her face, she tries to stay out of the spotlight. And another boy who has a speech issue and tries to keep to himself has been made the music director. No one is thrilled with the way Quin’s mother wants to run the play, especially with Quin as the director.
However, when strange sounds and lights start appearing to Quin (from The Avery), she starts to wonder if maybe there was a little bit more to the old theater than she had grown up believing. Maybe magic is real, after all.
“It’s true. The Avery’s heart is beating. The theater is breathing. The Avery’s alive.”
As Quin and her friends come to understand that despite the horrible tragedy that occurred in The Avery decades before they were even born, they also come to understand that maybe there really is some magic in the world – and that maybe Quin’s mother was right – maybe The Avery really is alive, and it was just waiting for someone who loved it enough to come back and make it whole again. And maybe if Quin and her drama class can manage to put the play together in time, they will be able to save the theater that was once the center of their town, and make it the hot spot that it used to be.
Spark is a well written novel that will delight fans of theater and those who aren’t that big of theater fans. Quin’s character was enjoyable and easy enough to click with, and the mystery she sets out to solve about her background add a little more fun to the story. While the side characters are just a little bit quiet and don’t have as much personality as the main character, I still enjoyed reading about their time in The Avery. The supernatural/magical aspects that accompany the theater really made the book shine with originality.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun, quick read with an air of magic, mystery, and a small town’s history that really blended well together and created a nice, charming book that will sweep you off your feet and have you believing that magic is definitely real!
Note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
“‘There is real, undeniable magic in this world – all around us.'”
I haven’t read a lot of books that deal with theater or performing arts, but the ones that I do read I tend to like. They’re always different than your usual contemporary novel, because they tend to have a certain life to them that makes the novel shine. In the case of Spark, by Holly Schindler, there is plenty of life to be found within the pages!
Quin has grown up with her adoptive mother, who always spoke about the town’s old theater – The Avery – as if it was once alive. Until a tragedy struck that caused the owner to close down the theater, in which case her mother says the “The Avery died” when she refers to it. Never really understanding why her mother talked about the old theater as if it were a living, breathing thing, Quin just figured her mother really enjoyed theater and acting – after all, her mother did spend some of her childhood in that theater before it closed, and she’s teaching the drama class as a substitute this year.
When Quin’s mother decides to have the class put on a play of Anything Goes to raise money to save The Avery from being destroyed (and restore it to its former glory), the drama class is curious – until it turns out that Quin’s mother has given everyone a task that pretty much makes them face their fears. For Quin, it’s having to get up and tell everyone what to do, because she’s the director. For Quin’s best friend, she will be the lead – but that terrifies her, because due to a birthmark that covers the side of her face, she tries to stay out of the spotlight. And another boy who has a speech issue and tries to keep to himself has been made the music director. No one is thrilled with the way Quin’s mother wants to run the play, especially with Quin as the director.
However, when strange sounds and lights start appearing to Quin (from The Avery), she starts to wonder if maybe there was a little bit more to the old theater than she had grown up believing. Maybe magic is real, after all.
“It’s true. The Avery’s heart is beating. The theater is breathing. The Avery’s alive.”
As Quin and her friends come to understand that despite the horrible tragedy that occurred in The Avery decades before they were even born, they also come to understand that maybe there really is some magic in the world – and that maybe Quin’s mother was right – maybe The Avery really is alive, and it was just waiting for someone who loved it enough to come back and make it whole again. And maybe if Quin and her drama class can manage to put the play together in time, they will be able to save the theater that was once the center of their town, and make it the hot spot that it used to be.
Spark is a well written novel that will delight fans of theater and those who aren’t that big of theater fans. Quin’s character was enjoyable and easy enough to click with, and the mystery she sets out to solve about her background add a little more fun to the story. While the side characters are just a little bit quiet and don’t have as much personality as the main character, I still enjoyed reading about their time in The Avery. The supernatural/magical aspects that accompany the theater really made the book shine with originality.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun, quick read with an air of magic, mystery, and a small town’s history that really blended well together and created a nice, charming book that will sweep you off your feet and have you believing that magic is definitely real!
Note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2016
The local Avery Theater was just a run-down building to Quin—until her mother told her the tragic love story of Nick and Emma that played out on the theater’s stage all those years ago. Quin is convinced it’s the perfect story to rewrite for her drama class, but when she goes searching for more information, she makes a startling discovery—the Avery is rapidly regaining its former splendor and setting the stage for her classmates Dylan and Cass to relive Nick and Emma’s romance. Quin can see the spark between them, but it’s up to her to make sure her friends—and the Avery—can both be saved this time around.
I first thought Spark was a contemporary romance, but it is more of a supernatural book, about reviving a past through a star-crossed love. Quin's mother has been trying to get the local theatre Avery to not be torn down, and since she is also their drama teacher, has made the Advanced Drama class of the school to put on Avery's last play to raise funds. Quin, for her part, loves the bedtime story she was brought up on - the story of Emma and Nick, who died on the stage of the Avery in 1947. So now, being made the director of the play she is put to the task to get her reluctant classmates to bring about a miracle - to put on a play that won't, at the very least, embarrass them. Worse is the fact that they have mostly been put into roles they don't want - like her best friend Cass, who wishes to stay out of the spotlight due to the huge birthmark on her face, but has been cast as the lead, or the quiet stuttering loner Dylan, who has been made the music director.
But what Quin doesn't expect is the fact of the two of them, Cass and Dylan, coming together and continuing the story of the lovers from before. With them, the magic of the theatre has come alive, as was foretold by Quin's own great grandmother. So, while she and Cass are hiding the secret of the magic of the theater, events are unfolding to show Quin the past. The writing I found to be descriptive in a way that brought the magic of seeing it along with it, a story unfolding in the mind just like how it was being shown to Quin. The magic itself isn't really explained, though, which was a let-down for me. Everybody just sees it and goes along with it - like an entire town - and nobody questions whether some hallucinogen got into their water supply. And any plot hole was explained away by magic. That ending was good, though, and brought a nice conclusion to the story. In summation, I found it to be an interesting story, but felt a lot of details were skimmed over.
Received a free galley from HarperTeen, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.
I first thought Spark was a contemporary romance, but it is more of a supernatural book, about reviving a past through a star-crossed love. Quin's mother has been trying to get the local theatre Avery to not be torn down, and since she is also their drama teacher, has made the Advanced Drama class of the school to put on Avery's last play to raise funds. Quin, for her part, loves the bedtime story she was brought up on - the story of Emma and Nick, who died on the stage of the Avery in 1947. So now, being made the director of the play she is put to the task to get her reluctant classmates to bring about a miracle - to put on a play that won't, at the very least, embarrass them. Worse is the fact that they have mostly been put into roles they don't want - like her best friend Cass, who wishes to stay out of the spotlight due to the huge birthmark on her face, but has been cast as the lead, or the quiet stuttering loner Dylan, who has been made the music director.
But what Quin doesn't expect is the fact of the two of them, Cass and Dylan, coming together and continuing the story of the lovers from before. With them, the magic of the theatre has come alive, as was foretold by Quin's own great grandmother. So, while she and Cass are hiding the secret of the magic of the theater, events are unfolding to show Quin the past. The writing I found to be descriptive in a way that brought the magic of seeing it along with it, a story unfolding in the mind just like how it was being shown to Quin. The magic itself isn't really explained, though, which was a let-down for me. Everybody just sees it and goes along with it - like an entire town - and nobody questions whether some hallucinogen got into their water supply. And any plot hole was explained away by magic. That ending was good, though, and brought a nice conclusion to the story. In summation, I found it to be an interesting story, but felt a lot of details were skimmed over.
Received a free galley from HarperTeen, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2016
This was a fascinating contemporary story with just a touch of magic. Quin is a pretty normal high school senior. She likes being average and fading into the crowd. When her drama class is tasked by her teacher - who also happens to be her mother - to recreate the production of Anything Goes in order to save the local theater from destruction, Quin finds herself mixed up in something big.
Her best friend Cass is to star. Cass has a marvelous voice that no one knows about because of her self-consciousness about the port wine birthmark on her face. The musical director is Derek who has a severe stutter. And Quin is set as director over them and the crowd of misfits who make up her Drama class.
Quin has always dreamed about the Avery, the theater they are trying to save, because it featured largely in the bedtime stories her mother told her. There was a tragedy there when her mother was young that left two star-crossed lovers dead on the stage. Ever since her mother has had a goal to reinvigorate the theater and the crumbling square around it.
We see what happened in the past through Quin's vivid imagination - or maybe magical intervention - and see the parallels between the past and what is happening now. And we watch the kids grow and change in ways they never expected as they work on this theater production.
Theater buffs and fans of star-crossed romance would be the perfect audience for this engaging story.
Her best friend Cass is to star. Cass has a marvelous voice that no one knows about because of her self-consciousness about the port wine birthmark on her face. The musical director is Derek who has a severe stutter. And Quin is set as director over them and the crowd of misfits who make up her Drama class.
Quin has always dreamed about the Avery, the theater they are trying to save, because it featured largely in the bedtime stories her mother told her. There was a tragedy there when her mother was young that left two star-crossed lovers dead on the stage. Ever since her mother has had a goal to reinvigorate the theater and the crumbling square around it.
We see what happened in the past through Quin's vivid imagination - or maybe magical intervention - and see the parallels between the past and what is happening now. And we watch the kids grow and change in ways they never expected as they work on this theater production.
Theater buffs and fans of star-crossed romance would be the perfect audience for this engaging story.
did-not-finish
February 29, 2016I wouldn't really mark this as a DNF since I didn't make it too far but I could just tell that this really wasn't the book for me. The first chapter seemed a bit pieced together, especially to kick off the book, and I was sort of confused at what was going on. I would have much rather gotten to know the characters first before being thrown into a confusing dream sequence.
A few chapters later and I was still struggling with the writing. I tried to forge ahead a bit more but it was difficult and I wasn't really into this magical realism of the theater. It wasn't quite what I was expecting so I think I'll pass on this one for now.
A few chapters later and I was still struggling with the writing. I tried to forge ahead a bit more but it was difficult and I wasn't really into this magical realism of the theater. It wasn't quite what I was expecting so I think I'll pass on this one for now.
February 14, 2016
Thanks to Edelweiss and HarperTeen for the ARC! 3.5 stars.
I had to think about how to review this one, because magical realism can be a bit hit-or-miss for me, and I found that in some places I was having more trouble suspending my disbelief. But I liked the book more as it went on, and having been to small Midwest towns I can picture the Verona square pretty easily, which I think also helped.
I had to think about how to review this one, because magical realism can be a bit hit-or-miss for me, and I found that in some places I was having more trouble suspending my disbelief. But I liked the book more as it went on, and having been to small Midwest towns I can picture the Verona square pretty easily, which I think also helped.
Read
May 13, 2016review to come.
September 27, 2020
In 1947, star-crossed lovers Nick and Emma die in a terrible accident on the stage of the Avery Theatre, closing it down and killing the social and commercial heart of Verona, Missouri. Cut to present day, when Quin Drewery's adopted mother, the replacement drama teacher at the local high school, decides to save the theater from demolition by replacing the traditionally pro forma senior class project with a fundraising full-scale musical performance of Anything Goes, the last show ever performed at the Avery. There are just a few problems: the new musical director, Dylan, has a stutter which makes him too self-conscious to direct; the star of the show, Cass, has a birthmark which gives her performance anxiety that overwhelms her natural singing talent; the whole class more or less sucks; and Quin, as director, only has two months to pull the whole thing together. Oh, and the Avery Theatre may actually be alive and pushing Dylan and Cass into a relationship which looks dangerously like the one that cost Nick and Emma their lives.
There are many ways this novel could have worked, but didn't. As a paranormal, with the ghosts of the past influencing the present. As a psychological thriller, with Quin (established early as the granddaughter of the town loon/prophet) slowly being consumed by her grandmother's prophecies and losing track of what's real as she begins to manifest schizophrenia. As a contemporary small-town reboot of Romeo and Juliet, with a couple of charming outsiders finding themselves through the power of theater. Instead we get something that's not quite magical realism, described by a narrator who is utterly unnecessary to the story. Seriously, why is Quin even here? She contributes next to nothing, and mostly just describes the action happening to other people. It's like if Shakespeare had decided that the person we really needed to hear from in R&J was Benvolio, and stuck with his POV for the entire play.
Schindler writes some truly beautiful prose, and her last line ("Because the space between what is and what could be -isn't that the most magical place of all?") is killer, but Spark feels like it spends most of its time focused on stage left when the action is down center. It's a pity that the weakness of the narration steals the spotlight from the quality of the writing.
There are many ways this novel could have worked, but didn't. As a paranormal, with the ghosts of the past influencing the present. As a psychological thriller, with Quin (established early as the granddaughter of the town loon/prophet) slowly being consumed by her grandmother's prophecies and losing track of what's real as she begins to manifest schizophrenia. As a contemporary small-town reboot of Romeo and Juliet, with a couple of charming outsiders finding themselves through the power of theater. Instead we get something that's not quite magical realism, described by a narrator who is utterly unnecessary to the story. Seriously, why is Quin even here? She contributes next to nothing, and mostly just describes the action happening to other people. It's like if Shakespeare had decided that the person we really needed to hear from in R&J was Benvolio, and stuck with his POV for the entire play.
Schindler writes some truly beautiful prose, and her last line ("Because the space between what is and what could be -isn't that the most magical place of all?") is killer, but Spark feels like it spends most of its time focused on stage left when the action is down center. It's a pity that the weakness of the narration steals the spotlight from the quality of the writing.
January 8, 2018
This is Verona High's senior project nightmare! Quin's mom is the substitute drama teacher and she has assigned the play "Anything Goes" as the senior project. But this cast is full of misfits and those hiding from the limelight. Add to that a dying town, a magical theater and a story that is aching to be told and maybe, just maybe, Quin's mom and Quin can help bring a spark back to the old town square of Verona.
I loved SPARK! I love old buildings that have personalities of their own, underdogs that save the day, and pasts colliding with the present. All of those elements make up the story in Spark and it was magical for me! The cast of characters was great! The Avery theater(because yes, this theater is a character unto itself!) brought life back to the town of Verona after it's spark seemed to go out. Quin and her connection to the past and her glimpses into the tragedy that caused the Avery to close. Quin's friends Cass, with her unsightly birthmark, and Dylan with his impossible stutter and even Quin's mom who was a part of the past, all were perfectly portrayed and endearing. I enjoyed every moment of the story and highly recommend it!
I loved SPARK! I love old buildings that have personalities of their own, underdogs that save the day, and pasts colliding with the present. All of those elements make up the story in Spark and it was magical for me! The cast of characters was great! The Avery theater(because yes, this theater is a character unto itself!) brought life back to the town of Verona after it's spark seemed to go out. Quin and her connection to the past and her glimpses into the tragedy that caused the Avery to close. Quin's friends Cass, with her unsightly birthmark, and Dylan with his impossible stutter and even Quin's mom who was a part of the past, all were perfectly portrayed and endearing. I enjoyed every moment of the story and highly recommend it!
November 30, 2017
Must ready mystery with a Spark of magic. Holly Schindler captures the vibe of small town life and those who live anything but small lives. You will never look at an abandoned theater on a Main Street the same again. What secrets does it keep? And how long will it wait to share secrets with someone who understands it's magic. Add in a mysterious diary with shifting words and thoughts, and it's a whirlwind ride with no wind.....just a spark of lightning.
September 28, 2018
This book was really great to read! I loved the idea of using the weather to predict the future, that it could influence the future! Loved the love story, it was really great to have a book where the main character wasn't the one falling in love!
July 29, 2017
Interesting plot! I am not always into magic, but I did like the premise of the story.
May 19, 2016
Please Note: I received an advanced readers copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not influence the opinions in my review in any way.
"Theater Geeks, Unite!" That's what I thought when I read the synopsis for this book. I was a total theater kid in high school. I performed in nearly every show, was co-president of the Drama Club and co-directed the senior show! I actually met my future husband in a production of Fiddler On The Roof (he was the Rabbi's son), and worked in an old , spooky theater!So, saying I understood the topic would be an understatement. I really enjoyed this book! It was fun, nostalgic, and very imaginative.
I was a bit confused at the beginning of the book because I didn't realize this book was a fable. Quin has heard stories about the Avery Theater all her life. She begins to see parts of the story come alive as she prepares to direct her Senior Show, Anything Goes. I wasn't sure, at first, if Quin was having a hallucination, or if there was a magical element to the story. Once I understood the premise about the "magic of the theater", I bought in.
Most of the story revolves around a town square that has lost its luster. The Avery Theater sits, abandoned, amid empty store fronts. The few businesses still around are a music store, a second hand clothing shop, and the purfumery run by Quin's mom. It's only a matter of time before these shops, relics of a time gone by, will be gone as well.
Quin's mom is also the theater teacher at the local high school. She assigns the Advanced Drama class to put on the show, Anything Goes. This was also the last production of The Avery...
As Quin becomes more troubled by how she will direct the show, she begins to see flashes of how the theater looked back in 1947, when a tragedy unfolded and two young lovers died. These flashbacks help tell the story of the couple and mirror the budding romance of Quin's two friends. I found the love story realistic and sweet. I enjoyed how performing transformed the teens from awkward and self-conscious to strong and fearless.
Theater is a great way for people who are not athletic to become involved in a large group activity. If one is shy or has self-confidence issues, acting and singing can bring them out of their shell. It can also help others to see them in a different light. Everyone has a talent. Sometimes it takes a spotlight on a stage to illuminate it for others to see. That is the beauty of the performing arts. And this is what is celebrated in this book.
"Theater Geeks, Unite!" That's what I thought when I read the synopsis for this book. I was a total theater kid in high school. I performed in nearly every show, was co-president of the Drama Club and co-directed the senior show! I actually met my future husband in a production of Fiddler On The Roof (he was the Rabbi's son), and worked in an old , spooky theater!So, saying I understood the topic would be an understatement. I really enjoyed this book! It was fun, nostalgic, and very imaginative.
I was a bit confused at the beginning of the book because I didn't realize this book was a fable. Quin has heard stories about the Avery Theater all her life. She begins to see parts of the story come alive as she prepares to direct her Senior Show, Anything Goes. I wasn't sure, at first, if Quin was having a hallucination, or if there was a magical element to the story. Once I understood the premise about the "magic of the theater", I bought in.
Most of the story revolves around a town square that has lost its luster. The Avery Theater sits, abandoned, amid empty store fronts. The few businesses still around are a music store, a second hand clothing shop, and the purfumery run by Quin's mom. It's only a matter of time before these shops, relics of a time gone by, will be gone as well.
Quin's mom is also the theater teacher at the local high school. She assigns the Advanced Drama class to put on the show, Anything Goes. This was also the last production of The Avery...
As Quin becomes more troubled by how she will direct the show, she begins to see flashes of how the theater looked back in 1947, when a tragedy unfolded and two young lovers died. These flashbacks help tell the story of the couple and mirror the budding romance of Quin's two friends. I found the love story realistic and sweet. I enjoyed how performing transformed the teens from awkward and self-conscious to strong and fearless.
Theater is a great way for people who are not athletic to become involved in a large group activity. If one is shy or has self-confidence issues, acting and singing can bring them out of their shell. It can also help others to see them in a different light. Everyone has a talent. Sometimes it takes a spotlight on a stage to illuminate it for others to see. That is the beauty of the performing arts. And this is what is celebrated in this book.
May 14, 2016
Ever since the tragic accident that occurred in 1947, the Avery Theater has been closed. According to Quin’s mom, Dahlia, who was a child at the time, the theater and its magic died that day. But there is still a little bit of magic in the dilapidated theater. It awaits the day when the right hearts will enter and bring their true love. When that happens, all that is needed is a spark.
Spark, by Holly Schindler. I love the title. It encapsulates the story in many ways. And the cover is magical, just like the story inside. As far as YA novels go, Spark is definitely different, unique and fantastic. The setting, placed in the past and present was wonderful and well-done. The characters were developed and deep. And the magic was, well, absolutely magical.
The story is of two romances, past and present. Their stories are parallel in every way, except, thankfully, for the ending of the one in the past. Several key characters present in the past are also paralleled in the present, one of which is the main character, paralleled to her great-grandmother, the eccentric Bertie who foretold much of the story. The romance of the present, featuring Cass and Dylan, is intended to right the wrongs that were committed in the first, bringing a once-in-forever kind of love to the theater.
A person would think, given the situation, that the narrator and main character of the story would be the one in the epic, once-in-forever relationship. But it is actually Quin’s best friend in the relationship. This, in my opinion, is probably the most unique and well-done part of the story: the narrator is not the main character. Quin is the observer and collector of facts. She knows more than anyone what is going on with the Avery, the past, and the present. She orchestrates as much as she can, but she is neither the person in the relationship or the true mastermind of the situation. Yet Quin is genuine with a part to play. The author pulled off this wacky narration expertly. I cannot begin to express how epic I believe this book is because of the way Holly Schindler narrated this book! It is truly astounding, and I applaud her.
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy YA novels with a little bit of romance, history, and theater mixed in.
I received a free copy of this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Spark, by Holly Schindler. I love the title. It encapsulates the story in many ways. And the cover is magical, just like the story inside. As far as YA novels go, Spark is definitely different, unique and fantastic. The setting, placed in the past and present was wonderful and well-done. The characters were developed and deep. And the magic was, well, absolutely magical.
The story is of two romances, past and present. Their stories are parallel in every way, except, thankfully, for the ending of the one in the past. Several key characters present in the past are also paralleled in the present, one of which is the main character, paralleled to her great-grandmother, the eccentric Bertie who foretold much of the story. The romance of the present, featuring Cass and Dylan, is intended to right the wrongs that were committed in the first, bringing a once-in-forever kind of love to the theater.
A person would think, given the situation, that the narrator and main character of the story would be the one in the epic, once-in-forever relationship. But it is actually Quin’s best friend in the relationship. This, in my opinion, is probably the most unique and well-done part of the story: the narrator is not the main character. Quin is the observer and collector of facts. She knows more than anyone what is going on with the Avery, the past, and the present. She orchestrates as much as she can, but she is neither the person in the relationship or the true mastermind of the situation. Yet Quin is genuine with a part to play. The author pulled off this wacky narration expertly. I cannot begin to express how epic I believe this book is because of the way Holly Schindler narrated this book! It is truly astounding, and I applaud her.
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy YA novels with a little bit of romance, history, and theater mixed in.
I received a free copy of this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2016
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
I found this book really quick and easy to read. It was a fairly original idea and I found Quin to be a character I could easily relate to and empathise with, especially due to her love of reading and her writing ability.
I thought it was good to see the very first scene in the Avery at the beginning, which gave me some insight into the history of the theatre… while also leaving me with a lot of questions to be answered through the course of the book.
While some of the secondary characters weren’t as well-developed as they could have been, I did like Cass and Dylan. It was interesting to see that, although Quin was an important character in the book, she wasn’t actually a part of the star-crossed lovers story.
I did think that it was good to see the parallels between Emma and Nick in the past and Cass and Dylan in the present, though I couldn’t have said that the two couples shared much in the way of similarity. It was good to see elements of magic in the Avery… and I liked seeing how the Avery had once been considered a living thing.
I especially liked seeing the comparisons between Trouble and Mrs. Drewery. I liked the child and it was good to know how Quin’s mother had told her the story of the history of the Avery.
I did feel that there were a lot more parts of the story that could have been told, since there were a lot of other characters rather than just the main ones. It was interesting to see how the journal played a big part in it all… but I would have really liked to see Cass and Quin talk more to each other about what was going on. It would have been good to see them sharing a bit more and seeing more of the romance developing, not just in sneaky moments Quin observed the two of them in.
I’d be interested in reading more books by this author in the future. I did enjoy this and I liked the storyline and the main characters. I would recommend this as a book that was sweet and entertaining to read.
(This review may contain spoilers).
I found this book really quick and easy to read. It was a fairly original idea and I found Quin to be a character I could easily relate to and empathise with, especially due to her love of reading and her writing ability.
I thought it was good to see the very first scene in the Avery at the beginning, which gave me some insight into the history of the theatre… while also leaving me with a lot of questions to be answered through the course of the book.
While some of the secondary characters weren’t as well-developed as they could have been, I did like Cass and Dylan. It was interesting to see that, although Quin was an important character in the book, she wasn’t actually a part of the star-crossed lovers story.
I did think that it was good to see the parallels between Emma and Nick in the past and Cass and Dylan in the present, though I couldn’t have said that the two couples shared much in the way of similarity. It was good to see elements of magic in the Avery… and I liked seeing how the Avery had once been considered a living thing.
I especially liked seeing the comparisons between Trouble and Mrs. Drewery. I liked the child and it was good to know how Quin’s mother had told her the story of the history of the Avery.
I did feel that there were a lot more parts of the story that could have been told, since there were a lot of other characters rather than just the main ones. It was interesting to see how the journal played a big part in it all… but I would have really liked to see Cass and Quin talk more to each other about what was going on. It would have been good to see them sharing a bit more and seeing more of the romance developing, not just in sneaky moments Quin observed the two of them in.
I’d be interested in reading more books by this author in the future. I did enjoy this and I liked the storyline and the main characters. I would recommend this as a book that was sweet and entertaining to read.
March 14, 2016
I expected this to be a cutesy contemporary romance. Needless to say, I didn't get what I was expecting. I got something more. This story carries the feel of a fairytale, and it isn't meant to be taken as a contemporary, nor is the magic meant to be completely explained. It merely tells a story of love and friendship and overcoming the past.
I absolutely fell in love with the Avery and all of it's history. Verona felt real to me, and the magic was just irresistible. I loved how everyone came together and brought out a beautiful end production.
The romance in this is unexpected and sweet. It isn't a romance for the main character, which I loved. Cass and Dylan seemed meant for each other.
I am just so in love with Holly Schindler's writing. It was crisp and bright and made everyone feel so real and right. The whole idea of this story could have been considered campy or cheesy but Holly Schindler executed it perfectly.
The pure magic of this book is completely irresistible. I fell in love with each individual character and loved every aspect of the story. This was my first time reading something like this (I think it's officially considered magical realism??) and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
FIVE STARS, MOST DEFINITELY.
FOR THE PARENTS -
INTIMACY - Mild kissing
CUSSING - I don't remember any cuss words, but maybe there was one or two??
DRUGS/DRINKING - None
VIOLENCE - Barely any.
I absolutely fell in love with the Avery and all of it's history. Verona felt real to me, and the magic was just irresistible. I loved how everyone came together and brought out a beautiful end production.
The romance in this is unexpected and sweet. It isn't a romance for the main character, which I loved. Cass and Dylan seemed meant for each other.
I am just so in love with Holly Schindler's writing. It was crisp and bright and made everyone feel so real and right. The whole idea of this story could have been considered campy or cheesy but Holly Schindler executed it perfectly.
The pure magic of this book is completely irresistible. I fell in love with each individual character and loved every aspect of the story. This was my first time reading something like this (I think it's officially considered magical realism??) and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
FIVE STARS, MOST DEFINITELY.
FOR THE PARENTS -
INTIMACY - Mild kissing
CUSSING - I don't remember any cuss words, but maybe there was one or two??
DRUGS/DRINKING - None
VIOLENCE - Barely any.
July 19, 2016
This book didn't do it for me. I guess I'm not a big fan of paranormal, magical realities.
I didn't feel like many of the characters were fleshed out very well. Some were just totally crazy. And I think it's a little sad that people view a small town as a destination and an inevitable future. Come on, there's more than growing up in a small town! Although I guess it was nice to read about since I'm so far removed from that kind of lifestyle.
The story drove home how important appearances and exterior characteristics matter. But what about people who don't get that kind of magic in their lives? I wish the "magic of the theatre" wasn't taken so literally in this book. Perhaps it could've been more about stage make up, illusions, and being able to sing even when you have trouble speaking. Who knows? There were so many other directions that this book could have gone. Unfortunately, I didn't feel like this was the right path to take.
I didn't feel like many of the characters were fleshed out very well. Some were just totally crazy. And I think it's a little sad that people view a small town as a destination and an inevitable future. Come on, there's more than growing up in a small town! Although I guess it was nice to read about since I'm so far removed from that kind of lifestyle.
The story drove home how important appearances and exterior characteristics matter. But what about people who don't get that kind of magic in their lives? I wish the "magic of the theatre" wasn't taken so literally in this book. Perhaps it could've been more about stage make up, illusions, and being able to sing even when you have trouble speaking. Who knows? There were so many other directions that this book could have gone. Unfortunately, I didn't feel like this was the right path to take.
Read
February 9, 2017This book has a similar feel to Wendy Mass' Willow Falls books only older!
May 13, 2016
A novel with a great premise that just can't seem to deliver. A magical theatre, a series of flashbacks to the past...It should be magic, but there's not enough background to the characters and setting to pull it off. There's also a lot of different messages going on throughout the book, which makes it a bit messy - is it a ghost story? A story about true love? An ode to small town life and an admonition against letting that fade? A clearer decision would have made the story stronger.
**I received an ARC from the publisher via Edelweiss. All opinions are my own.**
**I received an ARC from the publisher via Edelweiss. All opinions are my own.**
July 7, 2016
Quin has heard the story of how two Nick and Emma died on stage her whole life. When it's time for the advanced drama to put on a play to save the Avery, the local theater that hasn't had a play since Nick and Emma died, nobody is thrilled. As rehearsles progress the Avery starts to show Quin glimpses of the past. As Quin starts to put the pieces together she realizes history is repeating itself with her best friend, Cass, and Dlyan. Will she be able to rewrite history and make things right this time?
October 29, 2016
This is definitely one of those "and a half" stars. Great book, specifically regarding Emma and Nick's , and . I didn't like the main character as much, but the romance relationships and the rather intriguing story of the "star-crossed lovers" kept me intrigued, and before I knew it, I was finished the book after wanting to read more.
April 29, 2016
I won this book and was so excited to get it but I must admit it really wasn't one I loved. I couldn't get into it. I'm so sorry Miss Schindler. I don't like to give a bad review but this book just isn't for me.
May 12, 2016
Ehhhh.
November 8, 2016
Boring - didn't even finish it.
September 23, 2016
well written book , I was brought in to the magic from the very first page, characters are well developed and make you feel as if you have known them for years.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews