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Songs Eight Six
What if a world beyond all you've ever imagined really existed?
And what if choosing it only cost you everything you've ever loved?
Cosette Miller had all she ever wanted—Westley Greene. But when the love of her life is caught up in the riptide of a hometown tragedy, Cosette finds herself mourning the loss of the “normal” she’s always clung to and begins to ask what she’s never had to wonder What more could there be to life than Westley?
Cosette’s journey for an answer leads her to Micah, a familiar stranger who shows her a world beyond her own where she discovers the super behind all that is natural, and a life of meaning and purpose that she’s never allowed herself to dream of. Once Cosette’s eyes have been opened – she can’t force them shut again.
To know is to face a choice, and no matter her decision—there will be a price to pay.
Due to some mild language and adult situations, the author personally recommends this book for ages 15 and older.
And what if choosing it only cost you everything you've ever loved?
Cosette Miller had all she ever wanted—Westley Greene. But when the love of her life is caught up in the riptide of a hometown tragedy, Cosette finds herself mourning the loss of the “normal” she’s always clung to and begins to ask what she’s never had to wonder What more could there be to life than Westley?
Cosette’s journey for an answer leads her to Micah, a familiar stranger who shows her a world beyond her own where she discovers the super behind all that is natural, and a life of meaning and purpose that she’s never allowed herself to dream of. Once Cosette’s eyes have been opened – she can’t force them shut again.
To know is to face a choice, and no matter her decision—there will be a price to pay.
Due to some mild language and adult situations, the author personally recommends this book for ages 15 and older.
- GenresBook Club
520 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
4 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 2, 2013
I loved this book! I'm not normally a fiction reader, but I honestly couldn't put it down. The characters were really well developed and as I read I felt very connected to this story and the characters...and couldn't wait to find out how things turned out for them. Great writing that kept me page turning till the end...and filled with lots of great twists and turns. I can't wait to see what this author writes next for these characters (the ending makes me want more!!). Brilliant!
October 17, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed SONGS EIGHT SIX. I’m not the target audience and seldom read teen-oriented fiction but this book came highly recommended. Posthuma spends a bit more time than I expected developing the characters and setting the scene and I often wondered where the story was going. Actually, I wondered right up until the end – which was great. Unlike any story I have read before, Cosette’s is never formulaic. Yes, there is the dysfunctional family, the “perfect” boyfriend, the teenage girl on the cusp of leaving school and launching into the world and a horrible tragedy. Posthuma,however, takes all this in new and very unexpected directions.
Westley isn’t so perfect, Micah isn’t the third in some immature love triangle, Bronwyn, Cosette’s sister, isn’t all hate and anger and Cosette is not the stereotypical, empty-headed girl she first appears to be. There is serious depth to each character and the story as a whole. There is a strong spiritual element to the story but it isn’t preachy or quite what you’d expect either.
I really got drawn into this highly imaginative book. Refreshing, new, unique and other similar words come to mind whenever I try to sum it up. I highly recommend this novel for teens and adults alike.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: Sweet: No sex or scenes of physical intimacy except some kissing. No graphic violence or profanity.
REVIEWED BY: Jeanne Stone-Hunter
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Westley isn’t so perfect, Micah isn’t the third in some immature love triangle, Bronwyn, Cosette’s sister, isn’t all hate and anger and Cosette is not the stereotypical, empty-headed girl she first appears to be. There is serious depth to each character and the story as a whole. There is a strong spiritual element to the story but it isn’t preachy or quite what you’d expect either.
I really got drawn into this highly imaginative book. Refreshing, new, unique and other similar words come to mind whenever I try to sum it up. I highly recommend this novel for teens and adults alike.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: Sweet: No sex or scenes of physical intimacy except some kissing. No graphic violence or profanity.
REVIEWED BY: Jeanne Stone-Hunter
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
October 16, 2016
Keeps you wondering
Warning contains spoilers: I am not really sure how I feel about this story. It kept me wondering what was going to happen, thus I read it pretty quickly.
Cosi's sister was a horrible person, I couldn't stand how she treated her and got away with it. Her dad and grandmother took no active role in her life and that really bothered me too.
The whole teenage engagement put me off too. They had no real life experience. It made me sad the Cosi had nothing in her life besides Westely. She needed to find a hobby or some friends. Really unfortunate that at 18 she had no ambitions for her life.
And the garden was not in my opinion convincing enough to stay. Sure it was beautiful, but the author didn't give a compelling enough reason to want to stay there.
Warning contains spoilers: I am not really sure how I feel about this story. It kept me wondering what was going to happen, thus I read it pretty quickly.
Cosi's sister was a horrible person, I couldn't stand how she treated her and got away with it. Her dad and grandmother took no active role in her life and that really bothered me too.
The whole teenage engagement put me off too. They had no real life experience. It made me sad the Cosi had nothing in her life besides Westely. She needed to find a hobby or some friends. Really unfortunate that at 18 she had no ambitions for her life.
And the garden was not in my opinion convincing enough to stay. Sure it was beautiful, but the author didn't give a compelling enough reason to want to stay there.
September 20, 2013
I was so impressed with this book. The characters are incredibly well developed. I love a book that doesn't simply have 'good guys' and 'bad guys'. The story was completely engaging (and responsible for some lack of sleep as I could hardly put it down). It was interesting and emotional. It made me think about what I believe but still had the fantasy-type elements that kept it from being to heavy or philosophical. It was hopeful and real. I felt connected with the main character and excited to hear what was going to happen next in her life. I would highly recommend this book!
September 17, 2013
What opens as a high school love story quickly morphs into a page-turner laced with mystery, disaster, wonder and the weight of decision. For those who appreciate the beauty of a sentence, the perfection of a phrase, shocking humor, intelligent wit and the reward of curiosity, you will smile with satisfaction as you read. I pre-read it months ago and this story is still rattling around in my brain. Count me among the ranks of those impatiently cheering for a second book.
October 27, 2013
Interesting idea, but too much narrator commentary interfered with enjoyment. Also, should be marketed as Christian fiction more than anything. Characters also remain fairly static/experience little change throughout the book.
October 2, 2013
Wonderful read! Great character development. I felt like I was part of their family. A little open at the end... Anticipating a sequel!!
May 6, 2019
An amazing ride with multiple meanings.
October 12, 2013
Before I start the review, I must say I did not buy this book. I received a copy from Lisabeth Posthuma through the first reads giveaway (BTW thank you!!!). Now with that out of the way...it's time to begin the review.
At first, when I picked this up I was completely giddy. I couldn't wait to see what twists and turns this book would take me on. Especially when I saw Romans 8:28 marked on the inside of the book. I read it and truly wondered how the scripture was going to tie into the book. Now having finished the book, I can see the point that was being made, that being: God has a purpose for everything and that you always have a choice in the end.
In the beginning of the book, it didn't seem to be focused on religion whatsoever. It was focused on Cosette and Westley, their immovable love and schoolwork. That I understand; majority of people in high school probably feel that way/ have felt that way at one time or another. I found it very ironic. Later, though, trouble strikes in paradise. The death of a fellow classmate surely made their life turn upside down.
Now that was interesting to me. Crisis...it affects how each character reacts in a novel. At first, I understood the reaction of all the people in the class. But how her death affected everyone- Westley and Patrick specifically- annoyed me. Okay, Westley should not be going through Elizabeth Kubler Ross' 5 stages of Grief/Dying like that. Yes, he tried to save the girl and she died. However, what real connection to her did he have? Patrick should have been the one going through the stages, for pete's sake. Yet, he was just mellow; practically as though his GIRLFRIEND hadn't died. Ugh. It's obvious throughout the novel. I mean, the novel revolves around that the entire time.
On top of that, Micah was pushing Cosette to make a decision about the garden. I'm pretty sure anyone in Cosette's position would have had a few choice words for Micah. I get his persistence, but he was beating a dead horse. If she wanted the garden more than life itself (and everything in it), she would have chose it. Honestly, at first I thought it was because Micah was in love with Cosette; looked like a major love triangle moment. Thank goodness it wasn't one. I digress, I doubt anyone wants to be shoved into choosing something (unless it's in their own due time). So that was bit annoying.
In conclusion
Do I think Cosette made the right choice? Not particularly. Do I think the novel could be improved? Yes. Would I read it again? Yes, I would in a heartbeat. It's not perfect, but it's also not trash. There were some good points brought out in it and a good overall theme for the reader to mull over. The character's were a realistic, not too much but not too little.
I don't entirely agree with Posthuma's viewpoint on religion in the novel, which is my main reason I can't give the novel a 5 of 5. I actually give it a 3.5 out of 5. But again, overall the novel was good and as I said earlier I do like the themes she brought out, also the fact that her book wasn't exactly the 'norm'. No vampires, werewolves, ghosts, and so on. It's good to see that not all author's feel the incessant need to write paranormal books.
At first, when I picked this up I was completely giddy. I couldn't wait to see what twists and turns this book would take me on. Especially when I saw Romans 8:28 marked on the inside of the book. I read it and truly wondered how the scripture was going to tie into the book. Now having finished the book, I can see the point that was being made, that being: God has a purpose for everything and that you always have a choice in the end.
In the beginning of the book, it didn't seem to be focused on religion whatsoever. It was focused on Cosette and Westley, their immovable love and schoolwork. That I understand; majority of people in high school probably feel that way/ have felt that way at one time or another. I found it very ironic. Later, though, trouble strikes in paradise. The death of a fellow classmate surely made their life turn upside down.
Now that was interesting to me. Crisis...it affects how each character reacts in a novel. At first, I understood the reaction of all the people in the class. But how her death affected everyone- Westley and Patrick specifically- annoyed me. Okay, Westley should not be going through Elizabeth Kubler Ross' 5 stages of Grief/Dying like that. Yes, he tried to save the girl and she died. However, what real connection to her did he have? Patrick should have been the one going through the stages, for pete's sake. Yet, he was just mellow; practically as though his GIRLFRIEND hadn't died. Ugh. It's obvious throughout the novel. I mean, the novel revolves around that the entire time.
On top of that, Micah was pushing Cosette to make a decision about the garden. I'm pretty sure anyone in Cosette's position would have had a few choice words for Micah. I get his persistence, but he was beating a dead horse. If she wanted the garden more than life itself (and everything in it), she would have chose it. Honestly, at first I thought it was because Micah was in love with Cosette; looked like a major love triangle moment. Thank goodness it wasn't one. I digress, I doubt anyone wants to be shoved into choosing something (unless it's in their own due time). So that was bit annoying.
In conclusion
Do I think Cosette made the right choice? Not particularly. Do I think the novel could be improved? Yes. Would I read it again? Yes, I would in a heartbeat. It's not perfect, but it's also not trash. There were some good points brought out in it and a good overall theme for the reader to mull over. The character's were a realistic, not too much but not too little.
I don't entirely agree with Posthuma's viewpoint on religion in the novel, which is my main reason I can't give the novel a 5 of 5. I actually give it a 3.5 out of 5. But again, overall the novel was good and as I said earlier I do like the themes she brought out, also the fact that her book wasn't exactly the 'norm'. No vampires, werewolves, ghosts, and so on. It's good to see that not all author's feel the incessant need to write paranormal books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2013
I've been reading more young adult fiction/fantasy/science fiction lately with varying degrees of success. I was considering putting this down - it was too foreign to me. Here was a high school senior whose sense of self was totally defined by her boyfriend Westley. And her only knowledge of religion came from books and movies. But I convinced myself - if I could buy into near light speed travel and alien lifeforms, well, there probably were still girls that deluded. I then knew it was really because God was involved and while I consider myself spiritual, well, you know. Was I really more comfortable with unfathomable worlds and species than some unanswerable questions here and now?
This is a story of an eighteen year old girl and her life plan (marry the boy she has known and loved since grade school and live happily ever after). When tragedy strikes, Cosette finds herself having to be strong for Westley for the first time in her life. Micah, a new student at high school, is suddenly there for her, helping Westley avoid self-destruction. But Micah is apparently there to show her other choices for her future beginning with the gift of a bible. He is there whenever she really needs him, he even saves her life. Cosette wants to know who he really is and where he came from and everything else about him. If she can overcome her fears.
When a book gets me 'pondering' as much as this one did, when I find myself annoyed that I cannot read while driving/shopping/etc, when I discover upon finishing the book if there will be a sequel I will be lined up to continue the story - well, good book. Read and enjoy.
This is a story of an eighteen year old girl and her life plan (marry the boy she has known and loved since grade school and live happily ever after). When tragedy strikes, Cosette finds herself having to be strong for Westley for the first time in her life. Micah, a new student at high school, is suddenly there for her, helping Westley avoid self-destruction. But Micah is apparently there to show her other choices for her future beginning with the gift of a bible. He is there whenever she really needs him, he even saves her life. Cosette wants to know who he really is and where he came from and everything else about him. If she can overcome her fears.
When a book gets me 'pondering' as much as this one did, when I find myself annoyed that I cannot read while driving/shopping/etc, when I discover upon finishing the book if there will be a sequel I will be lined up to continue the story - well, good book. Read and enjoy.
July 21, 2014
Very interesting story, not at all what I was expecting. I wouldn't necessarily call this my genre, but I couldn't stop reading so it obviously held my attention The writing itself was very well done. The characters seemed well-developed and believable. The descriptions were enough to put me in the same space and place as any given character. I was charmed by two teenagers who believed they could be so in love. The sister is a character we can love to hate, but I would have liked to see some growth from her instead of remaining a villain to the core through the whole story. I wished we could have learned more about the Dad and Grandmother. I wish I could talk about the ending, but I don't want to give it away for other readers. I could definitely feel Cossette's frustration throughout the book when her questions were not answered in the way she wanted them answered. It was like watching an episode of Lost, at times, with more twists and turns being presented without ever dealing with all the twists and turns that had come before. Overall, I enjoyed it. It was different and it made me think about things I don't often think about. Sometimes I like to read for pure entertainment and escape. Other times I get to learn some lessons. I think this was one of those lesson-learnin' kind of stories. Good job!
January 26, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed SONGS EIGHT SIX. I’m not the target audience and seldom read teen-oriented fiction but this book came highly recommended. Posthuma spends a bit more time than I expected developing the characters and setting the scene and I often wondered where the story was going. Actually, I wondered right up until the end – which was great. Unlike any story I have read before, Cosette’s is never formulaic. Yes, there is the dysfunctional family, the “perfect” boyfriend, the teenage girl on the cusp of leaving school and launching into the world and a horrible tragedy. Posthuma,however, takes all this in new and very unexpected directions.
Westley isn’t so perfect, Micah isn’t the third in some immature love triangle, Bronwyn, Cosette’s sister, isn’t all hate and anger and Cosette is not the stereotypical, empty-headed girl she first appears to be. There is serious depth to each character and the story as a whole. There is a strong spiritual element to the story but it isn’t preachy or quite what you’d expect either.
I really got drawn into this highly imaginative book. Refreshing, new, unique and other similar words come to mind whenever I try to sum it up. I highly recommend this novel for teens and adults alike.
RATING: 4.5
Westley isn’t so perfect, Micah isn’t the third in some immature love triangle, Bronwyn, Cosette’s sister, isn’t all hate and anger and Cosette is not the stereotypical, empty-headed girl she first appears to be. There is serious depth to each character and the story as a whole. There is a strong spiritual element to the story but it isn’t preachy or quite what you’d expect either.
I really got drawn into this highly imaginative book. Refreshing, new, unique and other similar words come to mind whenever I try to sum it up. I highly recommend this novel for teens and adults alike.
RATING: 4.5
September 4, 2013
What a spectacular read! I had the hardest time putting this down to do silly things like reading for class or attending meetings for work--and any moment or two that I had free was never enough time to spend back in the world within these pages. The characters were all flawed in their own ways, and every interaction between them felt like a natural progression from their last. Although this is a stand-alone book, I find myself wondering what came of the characters… Not just immediately after the story's end, but months, years, decades after. I'm not ready for these relationships to return to the pages from which they came!
The story kept me guessing until the very end, and I never felt like I knew what was coming next. The core ideas of choice, faith, and the awesomeness of every love all take their places in the growth of the characters, as well as in (at least my experience as) the reader. I'm not normally a reader of anything that could belong in the class of religion (which is too often synonymous with "preachy")--fiction or no--but Songs Eight Six drew me in, and I just felt so welcome as I read it.
The story kept me guessing until the very end, and I never felt like I knew what was coming next. The core ideas of choice, faith, and the awesomeness of every love all take their places in the growth of the characters, as well as in (at least my experience as) the reader. I'm not normally a reader of anything that could belong in the class of religion (which is too often synonymous with "preachy")--fiction or no--but Songs Eight Six drew me in, and I just felt so welcome as I read it.
December 19, 2013
I personally fell in love with the book, and the development of the characters. I really enjoyed the relationship between Cosette and Westley. I liked how the author built up a lot of drama in the book so I would want to read it more. I found the book touching and heart warming, I found it emotional to where I shed a few tears when Julia died. I felt the sadness that Westley felt from watching her pass away right in front of her. I became very interested when Westley proposed to Cosette. I strongly recommend anyone to read this book.
January 29, 2014
I'm surprised at all the positive reviews this book has, and it makes me wonder how many of those reviewers know the author in real life. This was a terribly written story. What could have been an intriguing idea was smothered by shallow characters, basic editing and continuity errors too many to count and a narrative voice that irritated me to the point I was ready to pitch the book in the fireplace after only six chapters. I was distracted through most of the story by just how bad it all was. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
February 2, 2015
What seems to start as a story of very young love quickly turns into a much deeper, complex journey of purpose. This is a smart book - well-written, imaginative, and fresh. The reader is kept guessing and is guided through Cosette's pilgrimage as she discovers that she is worth so much more than she could have realized.
This is a book of Christian faith that is, uniquely, not written just to please Christians. The perspective is one that I have never encountered before, and think is important. You don't have to be perfect to be loved.
This is a book of Christian faith that is, uniquely, not written just to please Christians. The perspective is one that I have never encountered before, and think is important. You don't have to be perfect to be loved.
September 3, 2013
This was my favorite book I have read by far. I felt like I knew the characters personally and could relate with Cossette in so many ways. The description is beyond what I could begin to imagine and makes you feel as if you are in the moment. I was "wowed" by so many parts and left off wanting more each time I stopped reading. I grew stronger in my faith by reading this book because I wanted more of what this book was describing. I can't wait for the next book! Amazing!
October 27, 2013
So. Good. I loved this book from start to finish. The author does an incredible job intricately describing everything from the settings to the characters. The thorough descriptions made it easy to paint pictures in your mind while reading. Even when I wasn't reading the book I would think about the characters. This book left me wanting more of the world the author has created. I can't wait to find out what happens next. ;-)
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February 13, 2015No star rating since this was a DNF for me. This should be classified as Christian fiction, and wasn't. While I have no problem with a little God in the literature I pick up, this was just too much. I mean, TOO MUCH!
The characters were not relatable to me and I just got really frustrated in the long run.
While I see why the book may hold some appeal for others, it wasn't something that I enjoyed.
The characters were not relatable to me and I just got really frustrated in the long run.
While I see why the book may hold some appeal for others, it wasn't something that I enjoyed.
October 14, 2013
This was a very well written story that weaves through space and time. The story engages the reader so much that it's hard to put it down. The book is a spiritual journey and questions it's characters to consider a world beyond their comprehension. Very well done and left me wanting more. I'm ready for the next book!
July 5, 2014
I hadn't read any books in quite some time, but picked this one up. I couldn't put it down. I became completely engrossed every time I picked it up and was sad to see it come to an end. I enjoyed the unpredictability, which is a rare find these days. I absolutely cannot wait for the next installment.
October 19, 2013
It looks like I am the odd one out on this book. This was a bit too religious for me, which I was not aware this book would be about. Even if you take that aspect out, I found the personalities of the characters too extreme to find believable or to relate to any of them. Overall the book was okay just not the right kind for me.
September 1, 2013
Loved this book. I'm not much of reader, but I read it in one day. I love how the author takes what starts off as a typical love story and infuses it with fantasy and God's constant pursuit of mankind. It really is a unique story line with well developed characters.
November 5, 2013
You know it's a good book when I'm screaming at the characters while reading it! Interested to see what happens next. I especially liked the character of Patrick; he reminded me of many of my guy friends from my high school and college days.
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August 31, 2013The story has some interesting twists and turns. It drags through long descriptions of the "heavenly" place. Theologically more new age than Christian.
September 13, 2013
I loved this book. It was very engaging and hard to put down. I am not a reader, but I found myself wanting to read more after reading this book and I can't wait for the sequels.
November 4, 2023
Wow! Great read!
April 30, 2014
I was pleasantly surprised. I found the characters realistic and the story holds your attention and drew me in. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a great read.
December 16, 2013
Loved it! Makes you think! Can't wait for part 2!!!!!
November 1, 2016
Great read. I find myself wondering what I would do in Cosette's place.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews