Review: A Beautiful and Bittersweet Debut About First Love, Following Your Passion & Being True to Yourself
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 3, 2013
My Thoughts:Another Little Piece of My Heart, by Tracey Martin, is a beautiful and bittersweet debut about first love, following your passion and dreams, and most importantly being true to yourself.  I became deeply drawn into Claire and Jared's story, and felt many intense and deep emotions, as I followed them on their journey.Claire comes from a wealthy socioeconomic background.  She lives in a huge home, attends a top notch prestigious private high school, and can have any material item that she desires.  Both of her parents only care about keeping up appearances, making money, and having the best that money can buy.  Claire has had classical piano training since she was young, is very intelligent, but is not snobby like her parents.  She has a deep passion for music, plays piano beautifully, and loves writing her own music.When Claire attends her first high school party, she meets Jared Steel.  Immediately these two click when they begin discussing their love of all of their favorite bands (especially, The Beatles), compare the talents of various musicians, debate politics, and completely become taken by one another.  Before they know it, the party ends, and from that day forward the two of them become inseparable. Jared teaches Claire how to play the guitar, she loses her virginity to him, and realizes he is the only guy that she ever wants to be with.  Unfortunately, Claire's parents do not approve of Jared.  He doesn't come from money, drives an old beat up truck, attends public school, and doesn't plan on attending college.  Jared's dream and passion is to follow music, and him and Claire have a plan to write music and sing it together.  Claire's mother finds out she is dying of Cancer, and repeatedly puts pressure on Claire to leave Jared.  Claire's father tells her that she is selfish, and is putting stress on her mother.  Claire's parents are horrible to Jared, and treat him like he is trash, and not worthy of their daughter.  Needless to say, Claire is caught in the middle of a difficult situation.  Her parents try everything to keep her from Jared, by grounding her, refusing to let her see him, and constantly making her feel guilty.  Jared refuses to go to Claire's home, and they argue about her family.  Eventually, Claire breaks down and tells Jared that they need a break from each other.  Jared leaves, and even though Claire quickly realizes that she has made a mistake, Jared refuses to answer her calls, texts, and emails.  He moves away, and they don't see each other again.Two years later, circumstances end up bringing Claire and Jared face to face in the same small town.  They both have a lot of hurt and anger toward one another, and things become complicated when they end up sharing the same circle of friends. Every time they end up having to be around each other there is a lot of tension and animosity.  Jealousy also ends up playing a significant role in their feelings for one another, and the dynamic between Claire and Jared becomes very interesting.I loved the main characters, Claire and Jared.  They were both very realistic, unique, complex, and dynamic.Neither of them were perfect, but I loved the essence of who they were as individuals.  It was obvious that these two were meant to be together from the very beginning.  They were both intelligent, giving, passionate, and talented people.  However, all of the trials and tribulations that they went through were part of growing up, and maturing.  This story was character driven, and I became very attached to Claire and Jared.  I could feel their pain, and wanted them to stop being so stubborn, because it was obvious to me that they still loved one another deeply.  The pacing of the story was on the slow side, but I think that's because Ms. Martin really took the time to develop the characters, and plot.  There were no dull moments, as Another Little Piece of my Heart was filled with the innocence, excitement and anticipation of first love, as well as angst, heartache, passion, and surprises!  I loved the musical aspect in this story.  It was fun reading the lyrics that Claire and Jared wrote in their music.  Music was so intricately woven in to the story plot, was important in how Claire and Jared expressed themselves, and was an aspect that made the story really come alive and stand out for me.My Rating:I give Another Little Piece of My Heart, by Tracey Martin, 3.5 Passionate, Path Finding, First Love Filled Stars!  This was a sweet and angst filled love story that leapt off of the pages!  If you are a music lover, and are looking for a unique, and engaging debut, read A Little Piece of My Heart!My Favorite Quote:"Kissing him is better than teasing him.  This is how kisses are supposed to be.  Just like I remember them.  Just like no time has passed since our last one.  When we pull apart I'm out of breath and can barely stand."  (eARC, Loc. 2688)~Claire*To Read More Book Reviews, Visit A Bookish Escape!