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The Line #1
The Line
Like any normal sixteen year old, Lucy Karate longs for the perfect junior year. The petite brunette imagines herself having fun hanging out with friends, getting good grades, finally finding a boyfriend, and, above all, marching on The Battery. For Lucy, a member of the highly competitive Forrest Hills Flyers Marching Band, The Battery is a chance to actually march on the field and show everyone that girls really can be outstanding percussionists. Rewarded with second bass after intense tryouts, Lucy immediately finds herself in trouble when she begins secretly dating the rival school's Drum Line Captain, Sam Powell. At the same time, she finds it difficult to turn down the attentions of cymbal playing redheaded hottie, Nevada Petersen, from her own section. What's a girl to do?
Woodwind or brass, color guard or majorette, you will want to follow Lucy's misadventures through marching band. Her struggles with chaotic band camp, cute rival drummers, intense indoor competitions, and a crazy love triangle will speak to the band geek in everyone.
Woodwind or brass, color guard or majorette, you will want to follow Lucy's misadventures through marching band. Her struggles with chaotic band camp, cute rival drummers, intense indoor competitions, and a crazy love triangle will speak to the band geek in everyone.
172 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2007
4 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Courtney Brandt
19 books62 followersMs. Brandt is proud to present The Line, and the additional novels in the complete series, A Fine Line, Keeping in Line, and The Line Up (available individually or as an anthology). Each of the lighthearted novels was created for high school students and alumni in marching band. As a former drumline member, Courtney enjoys bringing a fictional voice to band geeks worldwide. The author also released an additional stand-alone novel, Major Pain, and is delighted to also include the duology, Confessions of a Teenage Band Geek and the recently released More Confessions of a Teenage Band Geek, as published novels in the genre.
Courtney is also very proud of her young adult steampunk trilogy. The complete set of novels includes The Queen of England: Coronation, The Queen of England: Grand Tour, and The Queen of England: Ascension.
In late 2020, Ms. Brandt shifted back towards contemporary YA with the exciting reality show inspired novel, Take One at Mulholland High. The sequel, Take Two at Mulholland High, is also available. Courtney hopes her readers enjoy the ongoing adventures of Chloe Winterhaven and Ali Harvist, as the highly anticipated Take Three at Mulholland High is now available.
Additionally, Ms. Brandt would like to invite you to read her three contemporary stand-alone adult novels, Room 702, Life After Joe, and Twenty Year Reunion, published under her pen name, Ann Benjamin.
In March 2019, Courtney was delighted to be involved as an author in the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with the author at courtney.brandt@gmail.com or read more about her author life at https://linktr.ee/cbrandtwright
Courtney is also very proud of her young adult steampunk trilogy. The complete set of novels includes The Queen of England: Coronation, The Queen of England: Grand Tour, and The Queen of England: Ascension.
In late 2020, Ms. Brandt shifted back towards contemporary YA with the exciting reality show inspired novel, Take One at Mulholland High. The sequel, Take Two at Mulholland High, is also available. Courtney hopes her readers enjoy the ongoing adventures of Chloe Winterhaven and Ali Harvist, as the highly anticipated Take Three at Mulholland High is now available.
Additionally, Ms. Brandt would like to invite you to read her three contemporary stand-alone adult novels, Room 702, Life After Joe, and Twenty Year Reunion, published under her pen name, Ann Benjamin.
In March 2019, Courtney was delighted to be involved as an author in the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with the author at courtney.brandt@gmail.com or read more about her author life at https://linktr.ee/cbrandtwright
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 8, 2013
Well, this was rather different from my expectations.... First of all, it was an okay read. I think I'll probably read the second book just because I want to read the conclusion.
My main issues were: Unnecessary melodrama, our weak confused protagonist Lucy, the forced friendships between the bandies and most characters being flat.
So, it was really dramatic, everywhere. Everyone gets super intense just because of relationships between drumlines. I'm in the band too but I've never seen anything as small as that affect our band. The "picking" between Lucy's love interests was very lengthy and took forever to settle.
By the way, why have I never heard of "exclusive dating"? I mean, after I read this story, I understand the concept but their "un-exclusive" dating was JUST like dating. Kisses. Hugs. Hanging out. It's pretty much cheating on the other guy if she dates both at once. I just found that really ignorant to read.
Then we have Lucy who is probably the most indecisive protagonist I've ever seen. She may be new to dating and whatnot but she really just lets guys hit on her, and vice versa. She spends a lot of time sulking on who to choose. But in reality, it isn't really hard. It isn't a life-or-death situation. Like I said before, the drumline takes everything too seriously.
Anyway, onto my last few troubles. The characters and their relationships. It didn't feel real to me, truthfully. The girls and Lucy just felt like band mates, not real girl friends. Most of the characters were only there to interact with Lucy. Nevada was possibly the clingiest but still decent character I've seen.
Onto the good points: This book was a page turner and kept me interested actually even in all the melodrama. I don't know why but I really liked Sam specifically and his relationship with Lucy. It just felt right and they fit each other better right from the start. I would recommend this to people who like reading tons of drama, romance, and band geek stuff.
My main issues were: Unnecessary melodrama, our weak confused protagonist Lucy, the forced friendships between the bandies and most characters being flat.
So, it was really dramatic, everywhere. Everyone gets super intense just because of relationships between drumlines. I'm in the band too but I've never seen anything as small as that affect our band. The "picking" between Lucy's love interests was very lengthy and took forever to settle.
By the way, why have I never heard of "exclusive dating"? I mean, after I read this story, I understand the concept but their "un-exclusive" dating was JUST like dating. Kisses. Hugs. Hanging out. It's pretty much cheating on the other guy if she dates both at once. I just found that really ignorant to read.
Then we have Lucy who is probably the most indecisive protagonist I've ever seen. She may be new to dating and whatnot but she really just lets guys hit on her, and vice versa. She spends a lot of time sulking on who to choose. But in reality, it isn't really hard. It isn't a life-or-death situation. Like I said before, the drumline takes everything too seriously.
Anyway, onto my last few troubles. The characters and their relationships. It didn't feel real to me, truthfully. The girls and Lucy just felt like band mates, not real girl friends. Most of the characters were only there to interact with Lucy. Nevada was possibly the clingiest but still decent character I've seen.
Onto the good points: This book was a page turner and kept me interested actually even in all the melodrama. I don't know why but I really liked Sam specifically and his relationship with Lucy. It just felt right and they fit each other better right from the start. I would recommend this to people who like reading tons of drama, romance, and band geek stuff.
June 23, 2021
Drumline girls are awesome but I am biased since I was one! Fun YA read that brought back fun memories of my time as a band weenie.
to-read-i-own-it
November 6, 2012Reviewed by Cana Rensberger for TeensReadToo.com
THE LINE is a novel for all those band geeks out there. If you are a percussionist, you'll feel right at home as the Forrest Hills High School drum line prepares for a new season of football games and competitions.
Lucy has spent weeks preparing for her audition to be a member of The Battery. Once she makes it, she finds out that being the only girl on the line has special challenges. Especially when the hot cymbal player she's been crushing on leaves no doubt that he's interested in a relationship. Lucy will have a boyfriend to take her to the homecoming dance!
But, of course, it's not that simple. Lucy has also met another guy and can't stop thinking about him. That fact that he's the Captain of the rival drum line makes the situation even more complicated. Is it possible to date two guys from different schools? Should she tell them about each other? What if they find out that they are competitors, not only for Lucy, but on the drum line competition field as well?
Once Lucy opts for truth, she realizes it's not fair to the boys who both want to date her exclusively. Who will she choose? Nevada, the flashy cymbal player from her own line? Or Sam, from the rival line, who liked her even after finding out who she was? Will Lucy find out the secret that has fueled the rivalry between the two drum lines? And who is that mysterious cyber-buddy that's always on-line for her?
The beginning of this book is a little slow starting, with a fair amount of telling. But don't let that discourage you. Lucy will draw you in. The fun tension between the drum lines and the boys will make you want to read on. You will inevitably pick who you want Lucy to choose and you won't be disappointed. It took me back to my band days, those bus trips, the pranks in the band room, and the rush you feel when you compete with high honors. My 12-year-old daughter took this book away from me and read it in a day. She and I agree that this book was a fun read with a highly satisfying ending.
THE LINE is a novel for all those band geeks out there. If you are a percussionist, you'll feel right at home as the Forrest Hills High School drum line prepares for a new season of football games and competitions.
Lucy has spent weeks preparing for her audition to be a member of The Battery. Once she makes it, she finds out that being the only girl on the line has special challenges. Especially when the hot cymbal player she's been crushing on leaves no doubt that he's interested in a relationship. Lucy will have a boyfriend to take her to the homecoming dance!
But, of course, it's not that simple. Lucy has also met another guy and can't stop thinking about him. That fact that he's the Captain of the rival drum line makes the situation even more complicated. Is it possible to date two guys from different schools? Should she tell them about each other? What if they find out that they are competitors, not only for Lucy, but on the drum line competition field as well?
Once Lucy opts for truth, she realizes it's not fair to the boys who both want to date her exclusively. Who will she choose? Nevada, the flashy cymbal player from her own line? Or Sam, from the rival line, who liked her even after finding out who she was? Will Lucy find out the secret that has fueled the rivalry between the two drum lines? And who is that mysterious cyber-buddy that's always on-line for her?
The beginning of this book is a little slow starting, with a fair amount of telling. But don't let that discourage you. Lucy will draw you in. The fun tension between the drum lines and the boys will make you want to read on. You will inevitably pick who you want Lucy to choose and you won't be disappointed. It took me back to my band days, those bus trips, the pranks in the band room, and the rush you feel when you compete with high honors. My 12-year-old daughter took this book away from me and read it in a day. She and I agree that this book was a fun read with a highly satisfying ending.
January 3, 2010
THE LINE is a novel for all those band geeks out there. If you are a percussionist, you’ll feel right at home as the Forrest Hills High School drum line prepares for a new season of football games and competitions.
Lucy has spent weeks preparing for her audition to be a member of The Battery. Once she makes it, she finds out that being the only girl on the line has special challenges. Especially when the hot cymbal player she’s been crushing on leaves no doubt that he’s interested in a relationship. Lucy will have a boyfriend to take her to the homecoming dance!
But of course, it’s not that simple. Lucy has also met another guy and can’t stop thinking about him. That fact that he’s the Captain of the Forrest Hills rival drum line makes the situation even more complicated. Is it possible to date two guys from different schools? Should she tell them about each other? What if they find out that they are competitors not only for Lucy, but on the drum line competition field as well?
Once Lucy opts for truth, she realizes it’s not fair to the boys who both want to date her exclusively. Who will she choose? Nevada, the flashy cymbal player from her own line? Or Sam, from the rival line, who liked her even after finding out who she was? Will Lucy find out the secret that has fueled the rivalry between the two drum lines? And who is that mysterious cyber-buddy that’s always on-line for her?
The beginning of this book is a little slow starting, with a fair amount of telling. But don’t let that discourage you. Lucy will draw you in. The fun tension between the drum lines and the boys will make you want to read on. You will inevitably pick who you want Lucy to choose and you won’t be disappointed. It took me back to my band days, those bus trips, the pranks in the band room, and the rush you feel when you compete with high honors. My 12-year-old daughter took this book away from me and read it in a day. She and I agree that this book was a fun read with a highly satisfying ending.
Lucy has spent weeks preparing for her audition to be a member of The Battery. Once she makes it, she finds out that being the only girl on the line has special challenges. Especially when the hot cymbal player she’s been crushing on leaves no doubt that he’s interested in a relationship. Lucy will have a boyfriend to take her to the homecoming dance!
But of course, it’s not that simple. Lucy has also met another guy and can’t stop thinking about him. That fact that he’s the Captain of the Forrest Hills rival drum line makes the situation even more complicated. Is it possible to date two guys from different schools? Should she tell them about each other? What if they find out that they are competitors not only for Lucy, but on the drum line competition field as well?
Once Lucy opts for truth, she realizes it’s not fair to the boys who both want to date her exclusively. Who will she choose? Nevada, the flashy cymbal player from her own line? Or Sam, from the rival line, who liked her even after finding out who she was? Will Lucy find out the secret that has fueled the rivalry between the two drum lines? And who is that mysterious cyber-buddy that’s always on-line for her?
The beginning of this book is a little slow starting, with a fair amount of telling. But don’t let that discourage you. Lucy will draw you in. The fun tension between the drum lines and the boys will make you want to read on. You will inevitably pick who you want Lucy to choose and you won’t be disappointed. It took me back to my band days, those bus trips, the pranks in the band room, and the rush you feel when you compete with high honors. My 12-year-old daughter took this book away from me and read it in a day. She and I agree that this book was a fun read with a highly satisfying ending.
May 2, 2015
At first I was really excited to read this book, because hey, marching band is my life! But then I read it and regret it. The story focused more on the main character's love life than on the actual marching band. I didn't like that the main character kept insulting woodwinds. Why would she insult woodwinds if she plays oboe? That didn't make sense. The main character also kept insulting color guard and putting them on the same level as cheerleaders which really irritated me. If color guard were easy it would be called cheerleading. At one point the main character said she'd just come from marching band practice, and went on to describe her outfit. SHE WAS WEARING FLIP FLOPS. NO ONE WEARS FLIP FLOPS TO MARCHING BAND UNLESS THEY HAVE A DEATH WISH. I wore sandals to my very first marching band practice, and it hurt too much to stand afterwards, and we were only practicing stepoffs and then playing music the rest of the time. Besides the failure at portraying the epicness of marching band, the writing itself was sloppy. The writer kept saying things like 'the green-eyed brunette walked into the house'. Okay I get it! The main character has brown hair and green eyes! Stop telling me that! This book vexed me greatly on many levels. I made it about halfway through this book and couldn't finish.
October 8, 2014
Well...it didn't really meet my expectations, and that's disappointing. I picked it up because I could definitely related to the main character. I was a bass drummer in my high school's marching band, and I was one of few girls on the battery. I was hoping for an awesome adventure with marching band and boys and just a fun, high school book, but...that's not what I got.
I wasn't all that impressed with the writing and I didn't enjoy the main character at all. She was confusing and flat for most of the book. The story didn't catch me; I was bored and kept making confused faces the entire time. Nothing in it really hooked me. I was hoping for a fun, marching band-centered story, but I was mostly disappointed with what I got. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, really.
Warnings:
- marching band??
- lots of romance
- confusion
- typical teenage things
- flat characters
I wasn't all that impressed with the writing and I didn't enjoy the main character at all. She was confusing and flat for most of the book. The story didn't catch me; I was bored and kept making confused faces the entire time. Nothing in it really hooked me. I was hoping for a fun, marching band-centered story, but I was mostly disappointed with what I got. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, really.
Warnings:
- marching band??
- lots of romance
- confusion
- typical teenage things
- flat characters
April 30, 2012
Good choice for music/band geeks
Lucy is an oboist in the band, but she is also auditioning for the drumline for marching band. She gets in (this isn't a spoiler, it happens in the 1st 3 pages) and she can't believe her incredible good fortune. Now if only she could say the same thing for her dating life... Well, be careful what you wish for because she has not one, but two, very desirable boys interested in her. And she's interested in them as well. Too bad one of them is the captain of their rival schools marching band! oh the drama!
Lucy is an oboist in the band, but she is also auditioning for the drumline for marching band. She gets in (this isn't a spoiler, it happens in the 1st 3 pages) and she can't believe her incredible good fortune. Now if only she could say the same thing for her dating life... Well, be careful what you wish for because she has not one, but two, very desirable boys interested in her. And she's interested in them as well. Too bad one of them is the captain of their rival schools marching band! oh the drama!
January 23, 2012
I am a band geek, and although I am not in the drum line, I did relate to alot of this. This is a great book for all band geeks, no matter what instrument you play. There is one thing I would say about this, and that is it needs to be edited more closely. I found many errors and confusing parts, and if I could edit it, I would make many minor, and major changes. But other than that, very good book. I would recommend it. :)
August 31, 2014
Terrible editing, worse plot line, and even more horrible writing style. There is nothing wrong with using character's names or just "(s)he," yet the author insists on avoiding them like the plague, opting instead to use "the drummer," or "the junior," repetitively to describe what the characters do.
May 21, 2008
Well, I am a bit biased - but it's a fun book and gives fictional voice to a demographic who definitely needs one!
February 21, 2013
It was good, and I enjoyed the plot. It kept me interested, even in the slower parts, but there were many typos.
July 27, 2013
I am a biased band nerd--review to come. I can't wait to write this one. It's definitely a three star max for non band kids but four for band nerds.
June 8, 2014
Good depiction of high school marching band experiences. If you or your child went to Brookwood HS you'll have a good read with this one as Courtney is a Brookwood Bronco alumna
October 5, 2007
the best story of music band ever!!!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews