Caitlin McCourt has plans to be a diva- but not a pop star, an opera singer. With this goal in mind, she auditions for the muical theater program at Miami High School of the Arts. Her amazing voice sweeps her in the door, but at this new artsy school, she just doesn't feel as interesting as the other students, who are all self-confident and inhibition-free. Caitlin, who spent the first fifteen years of her life overweight and uncomfortable with herself, spent her first year in a newly thin body with an abusive boyfriend, a perfectionist mother, and a lot of self doubt. After spending so much time just trying to blend in, its a huge challenge for her to learn to be herself again, but her new friends and voice teacher are there to help her out. As she finally has a chance to discover her full potential, will she be able to overcome all the fears and doubts she has had in the past and head for the stage?
I really enjoyed reading Diva. I could associate with Caitlin and grew to really like her, despite her self-deprecation and sometimes grating issues. The fact that she is an opera singer, not an actress or dancer, sets her apart from the slew of books about artsy kids. My only issues with the book come at the very end. While its true I would not have liked Caitlin to continue suffering in her abusive relationship with Nick, I felt like the resolution was a little too abrupt and was unrealistic. I was, however, very excited to see her start a new section of her life, and I was left hopeful for her future as a singer.
Content:adult guidance, for some more mature relationships and problems
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Edina , Minnesota USA
