Diva by Alex Flinn

Summary: “For most people, the word “diva” means brilliant, talented, over-the-top, and glamorous. I, however, seemed to be trapped in the not-very-glamorous life of a cheerleader wannabe with serious ex-boyfriend issues and a permanent yo-yo diet. At least until the day I auditioned for Miami High School of the Arts—and got in! All I had to do was convince my mother, the cosmetics salesperson with epically bad taste in clothes and men, that going downtown to hang with the music geeks was a good idea. I had to blackmail her to be able to do it, but I’m here—a diva-in-training—and I’m not so sure I can cut it. Now what?”

This book is about a girl named Caitlin trying to fulfill her dreams as an opera singer. Along the way there’s so many people bringing her down but also others building her up, so there’s a lot of confusion in her life. Caitlin is also a character in the book Breathing Underwater (also a great book), and if you’ve read it you know she hasn’t had the best past. So, in attempt to lead a better life, she auditions for the Miami High School of the Arts. Her parents are no help in her life what-so-ever and you get to see and feel her struggles she has with her mom. She also struggles with her dad but in more of a you’re-never-around way. She’s also dealing with the ghost of boyfriends past, and also her cheerleader friends who she no longer would like to be associated with. Throughout the whole story you get watch her grow and change which is a really cool thing because it’s not always so noticeable in every book. You’ll really hurt for Caitlin, because it’s so hard to imagine having to go through what she does, but also you will be proud of her and excited for her and cheering for her the whole time.

There is a lot of different kinds of characters in this book. There’s Caitlin, who is insecure, shy, and super talented. Her two ‘friends’ Ashley and Peyton, who are weight obsessed, stuck up, and popular. Her mom who is stuck in her teenage years. Sean and Rudy who are also super talented, sweet, funny and down-to-earth. Gigi is confident, witty, and a good friend to Caitlin. You will also meet Nick (if you haven’t already), who is sexy, and every girls dream guy (most days..). There are also a lot more interesting people with big personalities that you’ll hear about in this book.

This book is full of heart, strength, and determination and the struggle it takes to get what you want. You’ll see Caitlin’s relationships with others come together and fall apart, you’ll see her learn to stand up for what she believes and cheer for her as she fights for what she wants.

I would recommend this to girls because I think this is a little chick-flicky. I would also recommend reading Breathing Underwater for both guys and girls because it’s a really strong book that teaches many lessons, and it’s also cool to read a little bit of Caitlin’s story after reading that book first.

 4/5 stars