Shrinking Violet by Danielle Joseph

Publisher: MTV Books
Pub. Date: May 5th 2009
Age Range: 12 and up
Pages: 320
Format: Paperback
Source Of Copy: contest prize

High school senior Teresa Adams is so painfully shy that she dreads speaking to anyone in the hallways or getting called on in class. But in the privacy of her bedroom with her iPod in hand, she rocks out - doing mock broadcasts for Miami's hottest FM radio station, which happens to be owned by her stepfather. When a slot opens up at The SLAM, Tere surprises herself by blossoming behind the mike into confident, sexy Sweet T - and to everyone's shock, she's a hit! Even Gavin, the only guy in school who she dares to talk to, raves about the mysterious DJ's awesome taste in music. But when The SLAM announces a songwriting contest -- and a prom date with Sweet T is the grand prize - Sweet T's dream could turn into Tere's worst nightmare...


Like the title suggests, this book is for all the shrinking violets out there. A story about a shy girl with a passion for music told in such a lovable voice will surely encourage you to let your real self out and do big things you never though you could do.

I enjoyed the story because I myself am a quite shy girl. The good thing about Shrinking Violet is the author decided to push the shyness to the top and she did it well - I've never seen anyone like Teresa before, like she's actually scared of dealing with people and just wanting to be a shadow even though her dream won't let her do it. It has a nice influence on the readers I think because reading this makes you feel the need to urge Teresa to be stronger and then, if you're anything like her, you'll realize it's your time to make a change too.

I also like Danielle Joseph's writing a lot. It's very sweet. Even the conflicts between Teresa and her mother sounds light. The situations are well planned, too, especially the group presentation. I had fun reading that.

As I said above, I'm a shy one so I could relate to Teresa a lot. She's a great and fearless person inside and all she needs to do is let that person come out. Seeing her become a confident girl felt so great I tell you. And I love her radio shows. Her radio name is nothing but cute.

Having said all that, there are some parts of the book that are pretty typical and I expected an impressive ending but there was none. I wish I felt more chemistry between Teresa and Gavin for once as well. Their love seems untrue to me.

Above all, shrinking violets or not, I think you shouldn't pass this book.

Rating: 3.5/5