Book Blog - Dramarama by E. Lockhart

"Two theater-mad, self-invented
fabulositon Ohio teenagers.
One boy, one girl.
One gay, one straight.
One black, one white.
And SUMMER DRAMA CAMP.
It's a season of hormones,
gold lame,
hissy fits,
jazz hands,
song and dance,
true love,
and unitards
that will determine their future
--and test their friendship."

When you've finished the dark world of SHIP BREAKER, that Katy blogged about yesterday, you might be ready for a little change of pace. DRAMARAMA will definitely do the trick. I've recently been struggling with how to incorporate music as a major theme in my current work in progress, and really appreciate the way E. Lockhart masterfully handles a narrative that includes many references to musical theater. I also love the way E. Lockhart totally immerses the reader into the world of auditions, acting and the intense competition to be "good enough." The characters are funny, unique and definitely larger than life. Although this book isn't a recent release, with the popularity of GLEE, I think readers are clammoring for some jazz hands these days. And if you're a musical theater lover like me, you'll enjoy this special treat. All the songs from Dramarama are on an iMix. If you click on the link on E. Lockhart's blog, an iTunes will open straight to the mix. Listen before you read or listen afterwards to get a sense of Sadye and Demi's musical world.