All Shook Up: A Novel

by Enid Langbert

This YA debut speaks to the continued interest in the teen culture of the 1950s—Elvis Presley, teenage rebellion—with a young girl embarking on adventure and music, ultimately uncovering family secrets.

Being fourteen is especially hard in 1956, when the world is changing around you. Honor student Paula Levy was born into a family of historical her mother’s youth was lost in the Depression and her father’s was destroyed in the Holocaust, an as-yet-unnamed event about which no one speaks. But Paula has heard the new music taking hold of the nation—rock and roll—and it has given her hope. And she has two friends to get her through life’s ups and Holden Caulfield, hero of Catcher in the Rye, who shares her view of the world, and Barbara, a “cool” girl in her high school who unexpectedly shares Paula’s view of Holden.

Paula’s mother is not a fan of Barbara, and she prohibits her daughter from associating with her. Paula manages to get around her mother’s rule and see Barbara anyway—but when Paula asks the wrong questions about her father’s past and Barbara is caught with her “boyfriend,” their private world of Holden, rock, and Elvis Presley crumbles. Angry with the adults in their lives, the two girls run away to find Barbara’s real father, a jazz musician. Disappointingly, he does not live in a mansion or socialize with Elvis—but Paula and Barbara may get something even better than a brush with celebrity by the end of their journey.

288 pages, Paperback

Published September 10, 2024

Reviews

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paula Levy is being raised in 1956 in a middle class family in Queens. Her mother was fourteen during the Great Depression, and her father had to flee Nazi Germany, so they are not very sympathetic to what utter DRAGS they are. They made her wear pleated skirts and sweater sets, and care about her academic work. They even make comments about the rock music that has recently enthralled her like "Music she calls it. I thought the furnace had exploded!" This is why it is so important that she has made a "cool" friend at school, Barbara. Barbara has blonde streaks in her hair, wears makeup, and wears tight skirts and sweaters. While the two bond over a love of rock music and Catcher in the Rye, Barnara can't possibly been seen in public with such a drip. Paula is a little concerned; her neighbor Margaret, whose parents knew her father in Germany, is a goodie two shoes who never hesitates to tattle on her. When rumors swirl that Elvis will be on the Milton Berle show, Barbara makes plans to go to the studio and meet him, but Paula learns when she watches the show that it was filmed in California. She eventually visits Barbara's apartment, which is disheveled, and learns that Barbara's mother is remarried. After Margaret shows Paula a picture of her father with another woman and baby girl, she has Barbara help her look through family pictures to find out more information, after a perusal of the phone book in the local drugstore doesn't turn up any information. Mrs. Levy is appalled to find Barbara in the home, and the parents sit down and tell her that yes, the father had another family, but they were swept up in the Holocaust, and no, she can never see that tramp again! After Barbara is caught kissing 19-year-old Billy in her living room, she is hauled to the doctor to make sure she is not pregnant, and threatened with an all girls' Catholic school. Since the girls are so fed up with their lives, they decide to run away. At first, Memphis sounds like a good idea, but Paula has questions. She suggests going to Cleveland to live with her Aunt, but Barbara thinks that sounds like Nowheresville. Instead, they settle on going to Hoboken and staying with Barbara's estranged father. After withdrawing $285 from Paula's savings, the two take off, and find the father's run down aparment easily enough. It turns out he is a jaxzz musician, but Barbara doesn't really want to stay with him. The girls return to the city but make the mistake of talking to some sailors on leave. The sailors make advances, and the police accuse the girls of "playing their trade" and get set to arrest them. Luckily, Barbara's father has alerted her mother, who shows up at the bus station. There's quite an altercation, and even the parents start to throw insults at each other. In the end, things are worked out, and because Paula has stood up to her parents, they start to get along a little better.

[Malcriado · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first, Paola’s monologue, fitting for a girl her age, makes one forget that All Shook Up is set in a post-war and Post-Holocaust era, and that she’s also the daughter of a Holocaust survivor.

However, don’t think for a second that she’s out there lamenting on the situation - rather, she’s concerned with her popularity in school, and befriending the cool kids.

It definitely feels like a fresh spin on historical fiction, because it’s set through the eyes of a younger POV than what’s usually chosen for the genre.

Readers shouldn’t be blamed for forgetting that this story is set more than seventy years ago, considering how Langbert has masterfully crafted Paola’s character as a relatable and spirited fourteen-year-old, navigating her love for Elvis and a friendship with Barbara, the “cool” girl who represents the allure of rebellion.

Through Enid Langbert’s vibrant and immersive storytelling, readers are drawn into Paola Levy’s life, where teenage complexities mix with the cultural upheaval surrounding her, particularly the rise of Rock and Roll.

Paola’s fascination with rock music brings an energetic nostalgia, giving readers a glimpse into how revolutionary the genre felt to the youth of the time.

Teenage and young adult readers will enjoy this book the most, which has a relatable and heartwarming message of being true to yourself, no matter what.

[Ermentraut Weiss · Rating 3 out of 5]

All Shook Up by Enid Langbert is a beautifully written coming-of-age novel that perfectly captures the energy, emotion, and uncertainty of growing up in a changing world. Set in the vibrant 1950s, the story blends the excitement of rock and roll with deeper themes of identity, family history, and friendship.

Paula is a compelling and relatable protagonist thoughtful, curious, and quietly brave. Her journey feels authentic, filled with moments of rebellion, self-discovery, and emotional growth. The friendships in the story add warmth and charm, while the underlying family secrets bring depth and meaning.

What makes this novel stand out is its balance. It’s both light and reflective, nostalgic yet emotionally relevant. The writing draws you in effortlessly, making it easy to become invested in Paula’s world and the choices she faces.

Overall, All Shook Up is a heartfelt and memorable read a story about finding your voice, understanding your past, and embracing the journey of growing up. A truly enjoyable and meaningful novel that stays with you long after the final page.

[Constance · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Shook Up by Enid Langbert follows Paula Levy, a fourteen year old girl as she navigates her complicated family dynamics, school drama, and societal pressures- particularly those brought up from her love of Rock and Roll music. To this effect, the book is even named after one of Elvis’s (who the protagonist loves) hits.

The book is an easy read. It’s fun, engaging, and easy to follow along. Paula is a relateable protagonist and although the book is set in the 1950s, the topics it tackles will be relateable to all teenagers. Author Enid Langbert built a vibrant world around Paula, and narrating the story from a first person perspective helps immerse readers in that world. Through Paula’s viewpoint, we got to experience the Age of Rock and Roll from the perspective of a teen who would have been at the center of that era.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a delightful, heartfelt novel that beautifully captures the highs and lows of family life and self-discovery. Langbert’s writing style is engaging and humorous, making connecting with the characters and their journeys easy. Paula’s struggles are relatable, and the storyline unfolds with warmth and authenticity, offering moments of both laughter and reflection. I especially love the storyline and the references to Holden Caulfield and The Catcher in the Rye. The unexpected plot twists and well-developed relationships make it hard to put down. Fans of contemporary fiction will appreciate the emotional depth and satisfying resolution. It's a fun, feel-good read that will leave a smile. The book was brilliantly edited, written, and structured. For these reasons, I am giving this book four stars.

[Chidinma Anozie · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Shook Up by Enid Langbert is written from the perspective of teenage Paula. The book is set in the 1950s, at a time when the age of rock and roll is just coming up. However, Paula's struggles are the same for teenagers in every era.
She struggles to fit in and longs to be part of the popular crew. She wants to please her parents but, at the same time, wants to be her true self. I enjoyed the little bits of history found in different parts of the book.
I did find myself wanting Paula to find friends who would understand her and be proud to be seen with her. But I also understood Barbara's struggle of wanting a friend she could have intellectual conversations with and still fit in with the cool kids and not be labelled a creep. I enjoyed reading this book.

[Ed Malaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew All Shook Up: A Novel was going to be fun as soon as I started reading. It explained exactly what I felt like hearing rock and roll for the first time. What followed was a great coming-of-age story about a young girl growing up in the 1950s who loves music. There’s plenty of nostalgia as the author captures your imagination with great dialogue and clear descriptions that made me feel as if I were there.

I recommend this to anyone who loves the music of that time, especially Elvis, and to people who enjoy a well-written coming-of-age story. While the reading age is for a younger crowd, I think elderly people will also enjoy the look back to when the world was much different.

[Donna Emperador · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timeless

All Shook Up may have taken place decades ago, but the story is timeless. I wasn't born during this time, but I could still relate to Paula.

Enid Langbert does an amazing job of capturing teen angst about not fitting in with peers, being misunderstood by parents, and feeling like you have no control over your life. Like Holden Caufield, Paula and Barbara relate to his feeling that everyone is phony.

This book is great for teens as it can bring them a sense that someone understands them. It is also a good book for parents. It can help us remember our teen years and hopefully use that to gain understanding of our own children.

[Bookcritic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well-done piece of historical fiction. I thought the protagonist is very interesting with a nearly 100% teenage mentality. I like that it includes a lot of different nuances, like the depression and the holocaust—not just rock and roll. I think it’d make for a good book that teens could read for school purposes.

I also thought Enid Langbert’s writing was really top-notch. She writes very well and in a way that subtly provokes interest. The cover is a nice design too—it’s quite catchy and speaks to the heart of the novel. All in all, I liked the book,

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grass may seem greener!

This is a great novel for a teenager crowd. Not only does it touch on the music, bullies, and differences with cultures, but it also proves that all we look at our friends and how grand their life is, it may not be what we see. Every person goes through their own struggles, and just because they talk to you doesn't mean you know what they are hiding. Enid touched on some very touchy subjects that seem to be in every generation, not just the 70s. But it doesn't mean we can only understand if we were teenagers in the 70s.

[Akhil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a wonderful and insightful coming of age story. Paula was born at an interesting time and it is really a fascinating and immersive perspective. I enjoy good historical fiction and this was certainly a treat.

I’ve always thought rock music was so harsh compared to what people were used to back then and wondered why it became such a hit. Hearing it through the ears of Paula really helped me understand it better. I’d recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction.

[britanny kenneth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came for the vintage 1950s aesthetic, but I stayed for the characters and their messy, real emotions. The mix of humor, friendship, and family secrets makes this such a fun and heartfelt read. Also… the rock & roll energy? Absolutely loved it. It gave the whole story such a lively vibe.

[Audrey Dalton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how the story blends personal struggles with a bigger historical background. It gives the book depth without losing that light, engaging tone. Plus, the characters are just so easy to like.

[Melodie Coulter-Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

If "Are you there god? It's me Margaret" featured some angsty teens instead of preteens, navigating the darker parts of puberty and parental relationships, All Shook Up would be that book.

Just like Judy Blume wrote exactly from my 6th grade brain, here is my 10th grade brain splayed out on the page. I worried I would hate it- I read Catcher in the Rye a bit too late in life and found Holden absolutely miserable, but it sounds like Paula and Barbara found it at exactly the right time. I loved watching their friendship develop and feeling so much for the duo navigating cliques.

This was an excellent, excellent read. Especially for people who loved Margaret for the same reasons.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This piece originally appeared in the Washington Independent Review of Books:

It’s 1956 in Queens, New York. Paula Levy is only fourteen, but she already knows that she’ll never forget hearing her first rock and roll song. As she puts it: “It was like waking up when I didn't know I'd been asleep. The drums pounded, and the melody kept going around and around. My body moved by itself. I felt as if I were lost in a world I'd never been in before but might have been born in and never wanted to leave-like all my life until that moment I had been inside a little cage, and the door just swung open."

An honor student who skipped a grade, Paula is used to being a loner so it’s no surprise to her when neither her parents nor her neighbor and classmate Margaret have any use for this new kind of music. They don’t understand her love for Holden Caulfield in The Catcher in the Rye either.

Paula is resigned to never connecting with anyone about her two passions when she finds a new friend in the most unlikely of places: a cool girl named Barbara. It’s not a surprise when they cross paths at the record store, but Paula is shocked when she recognizes a very familiar book sticking out of Barbara’s coat pocket. "And even though the book was squished and only half sticking out of her pocket, I knew what book it was from the gold-and-red cover. Catcher in the Rye. All beat-up, it looked exactly like my copy. Like the copy I always kept with me in my book bag because everyone thought it was a dirty book. My mother would've had a heart attack if she knew I'd read it even once, let alone four times."

While Paula struggles to be seen as more than a “creep” at school by the cool kids, Barbara can’t discuss anything as intellectual as a book without jeopardizing her reputation among the other cool kids. Obviously the two girls can’t tell anyone about their friendship, but that doesn’t change their connection. Especially when Barbara introduces Paula to Elvis Presley and sets off a chain of events that will change both girls’ lives forever in All Shook Up (2024) by Enid Langbert.

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As Paula observes, “Up until a few months ago, my life was so boring I thought nobody could have a worse life. Well now I knew that having problems is worse than being bored. I had so many problems, I didn't have a second free for boredom.” Langbert also touches on the specificity of the time with Paula’s father emigrating from Germany after losing his family in the Holocaust—an event not yet distant enough to be taught in history classes or even named, and something barely discussed by Paula’s family in part because her father hoped for the “past to stay in the past.”

With a meandering plot including failed acts of rebellion, misunderstandings, and an eventual reconciliation, All Shook Up echoes Paula’s favorite novel repeatedly as she begins to understand that sometimes all a body can do is keep persevering. “After the book ended, he just went home and grew up. And so would we.”

Langbert’s debut novel is filled with voicey prose reminiscent of classic YA in the vein of Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison. Langbert perfectly captures Paula’s youth alongside her desire to keep up with more sophisticated Barbara and the melodramatic narcissism that can make so many of the universal struggles of adolescence feel painfully unique.

Possible Pairings: Cures for Heartbreak by Margo Rabb, Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison, The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger

*An advance copy of this title was provided by the publisher for review consideration*