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The Falling Between Us
All-consuming fame and fortune prove too much for a teen popstar who suddenly goes missing--Eddie and the Cruisers for the Justin Bieber era.
After 15-year-old Joshua Blackbird posts a performance of an original song on YouTube, he becomes an overnight sensation, catapulting to the dizzying heights of celebrity. Joshua is plucked from his middle-of-nowhere small town to pursue a pop star career complete with million-dollar record deals, international tours with sold-out crowds, and a diehard following who call themselves "Birdies." But it's not long before the never-blinking eye of fame begins weighing this bird down--the constant hunger of managers, record execs, paparazzi, even family, all leeching onto him. Then there is the staged romance with a teen pop princess and the unsettling fear brought on by a stalker. Everyone reaching out, determined to grab their piece of stardom, forgetting that an actual person--a kid nonetheless--is on the other side their grasp. It's all too much.
Until, that is, Joshua Blackbird disappears. Was it a suicide? An accident?
Narrated from the perspective of Joshua's girlfriend from home, Roxie, The Falling Between Us presents every wannabe teen heartthrob's dream come true . . . only to realize it is a nightmare.
After 15-year-old Joshua Blackbird posts a performance of an original song on YouTube, he becomes an overnight sensation, catapulting to the dizzying heights of celebrity. Joshua is plucked from his middle-of-nowhere small town to pursue a pop star career complete with million-dollar record deals, international tours with sold-out crowds, and a diehard following who call themselves "Birdies." But it's not long before the never-blinking eye of fame begins weighing this bird down--the constant hunger of managers, record execs, paparazzi, even family, all leeching onto him. Then there is the staged romance with a teen pop princess and the unsettling fear brought on by a stalker. Everyone reaching out, determined to grab their piece of stardom, forgetting that an actual person--a kid nonetheless--is on the other side their grasp. It's all too much.
Until, that is, Joshua Blackbird disappears. Was it a suicide? An accident?
Narrated from the perspective of Joshua's girlfriend from home, Roxie, The Falling Between Us presents every wannabe teen heartthrob's dream come true . . . only to realize it is a nightmare.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2018
31 people are currently reading
1023 people want to read
About the author
Ash Parsons
6 books195 followersAsh Parsons is a graduate of Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Clown College as well as other, more traditional schools. She is a PEN America Literary Award Winner for the Phyllis Naylor Fellowship, and a Literary Arts Fellow for the Alabama State Council of the Arts. She previously taught English to middle and high school students, as well as teaching creative writing through Troy University’s ACCESS program and Media Studies at Auburn University. Ash has spent some time stumbling around as a zombie on The Walking Dead and lives in Alabama with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
April 9, 2018
"A blade of grass is connected to the others all around it, multiple blades pressed close, connected at the root, touching above it. Joshua’s absence is like that. It spreads through me and touches every thought."
We’ve probably all thought about what it would be like to be rich and famous. To wake up and know that somewhere somebody is thinking about you and the enjoyment you bring to their lives. We always assume it would make your life better but we never really look at the outcome. How it takes over your life.
Maybe life in the spotlight isn’t what it’s cracked up to be and Joshua learns this first hand. His story will emotionally drain you as you piece together his life and the pain he’s living through.
I’ve read this book in one day and I regret nothing. There was something about this book that made me keep reading and I needed to know what was going to happen next.
At first, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. The atmosphere that was being built was powerful and it felt as if you were there. The feel of your heart beating faster as the stage lights brighten, thousands of screaming fans, and the thrill of sharing your passion with the word. You were emotionally connected to this story from page one.
The story that flows through these pages is beautiful, unexpected, and fully captivating. It’s one that not only speaks to teens but adults as well. I just really hope that Roxy’s story isn’t over.
Please, judge this book by its cover because the inside is just as breathtaking as the outside!!
Thank you, Penguin Teen!!
If you are ever having a rough time and need someone to talk to, I’m always here to listen!
We’ve probably all thought about what it would be like to be rich and famous. To wake up and know that somewhere somebody is thinking about you and the enjoyment you bring to their lives. We always assume it would make your life better but we never really look at the outcome. How it takes over your life.
Maybe life in the spotlight isn’t what it’s cracked up to be and Joshua learns this first hand. His story will emotionally drain you as you piece together his life and the pain he’s living through.
I’ve read this book in one day and I regret nothing. There was something about this book that made me keep reading and I needed to know what was going to happen next.
At first, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. The atmosphere that was being built was powerful and it felt as if you were there. The feel of your heart beating faster as the stage lights brighten, thousands of screaming fans, and the thrill of sharing your passion with the word. You were emotionally connected to this story from page one.
The story that flows through these pages is beautiful, unexpected, and fully captivating. It’s one that not only speaks to teens but adults as well. I just really hope that Roxy’s story isn’t over.
Please, judge this book by its cover because the inside is just as breathtaking as the outside!!
Thank you, Penguin Teen!!
If you are ever having a rough time and need someone to talk to, I’m always here to listen!
April 1, 2018
**Thank you so much to the lovely people at Penguin Teen for sending me over a review copy of this!! I really appreciate it, but it didn't change my opinion of it!**
Oh, this is a tough one to pinpoint a rating. I'm going to go with three crowns at the moment, but it was super super close to getting a 3.5 crown.
This book was mesmerizing in a weird way, and it just emotionally pulled me in so deep. I felt like I was in such a different head space in this book, and I really have to commend Parsons for this. I don't think I've ever been in this deep with a novel in...such a long time. I have to give major kudos, but I will admit that if you're in a head space that is depressed, I'm not entirely sure this the right book to pick up. It wasn't dark per say, but it deeps with a few people that are struggling with mental wellness and mental health.
To be completely honest, I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into. Was it a mystery? Was it a story of self-discovery? Some kind of fluffy contemporary? However, the story that I got was a deep look into the struggles that Joshua, an viral young musician, and the deep grief that Roxanne faces after she loses him. It's an interesting, emotional look into the dark descent into depression and helplessness that Joshua faces along with the consuming grief that Roxanne feels. They're both done so well done and realistically. Joshua's descent just felt so REAL and my heart ached for him. The same for the way that Roxanne reacted. There was no quickly getting over it. Most the YA novels that deal with grief show only one way and then are like, okay, I spent a chapter, LET'S MOVE ONTO HAPPINESS AND BRUSH THIS ALL AWAY. However, this book did such a wonderful job with the deepness and emotional impact and realisticness.
I'm a tiny bit torn about the characters. To be completely honest, I felt this was kind of a Great Gatsby situation. I did feel for a majorly big part of the story, Roxanne was just the narrator like Nick Carraway was. It wasn't her story because I never really felt her other than her grief. I kind of forgot sometimes she was a big history love because I was so wrapped up in the other characters. I wouldn't have really blinked if someone had told me this was inspired by The Great Gatsby with the narrator that was just along for the ride and questionable side characters in their pursuit of wanting something from the Gatsby character (Joshua) - which was a cool feeling, but I did want more from her heroine. I wanted to know what made her tick, and other than Joshua love, I'm not entirely sure I got much from her. Her connections to Lillian were interesting, though.
Joshua was really the shining star to me. He had such detail to him. Wow, he was defined, and I feltttttttttttttt for him. He was so intriguing for me with all of his little complexities. Speed, Ty, Artie, and even Grandma were well done as well. I got them, I saw them, and I liked them. Other than Roxanne, I thought most of the characters were pretty well done and I got what I wanted from them.
The writing was a bit interesting for me as well. In the beginning, it was a lot of telling. You know the rule show, don't tell? It was a lottttttttttttt of telling. It didn't really throw me off that much, but it did get a little annoying once I picked up on it and it was all I could read. However, by the middle, it totally hits its groove. Parsons definitely shows a lot of promise for her first novel, since it just hits you quite hard in the feels and completely engrosses you. I binge read this literally in two sittings and it was so, so easy to read. Pacing was on par.
The mystery/plot was interesting as well. Once we got to the BIG change in the story, I was super lost on where it was going to go. However, I thought it did a pretty good job with keeping it still interesting and giving us a few twists and turns. The mystery aspect doesn't really show up until quite late in the story, and while I did have my guesses, I wasn't entirely sure how it would pan out. I'm not entirely sure how I felt about the ending, though. It did feel a bit abrupt, and I kind of felt like it might have been better if it had entered just a slight bit differently. But it still was quite interesting.
Overall, this was quite an interesting little read that was super different than anything I've read in such a long time. I don't remember feeling as engrossed in a novel as I had in such a long time. It was so different and I still feel so suckered into this book world. However, it did have a few issues like a weak main character and some writing/small plot issues. That being said, I did think this was a great debut, and I would recommend it if you're looking for a contemporary that is totally different and you just want to be hit in the feels. It is a bit dark and does talk about mental health/wellness, so warning for that. Three crowns - that might eventually be turned into a 3.5 - and a Jasmine rating because this was a whole new world.
Oh, this is a tough one to pinpoint a rating. I'm going to go with three crowns at the moment, but it was super super close to getting a 3.5 crown.
This book was mesmerizing in a weird way, and it just emotionally pulled me in so deep. I felt like I was in such a different head space in this book, and I really have to commend Parsons for this. I don't think I've ever been in this deep with a novel in...such a long time. I have to give major kudos, but I will admit that if you're in a head space that is depressed, I'm not entirely sure this the right book to pick up. It wasn't dark per say, but it deeps with a few people that are struggling with mental wellness and mental health.
To be completely honest, I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into. Was it a mystery? Was it a story of self-discovery? Some kind of fluffy contemporary? However, the story that I got was a deep look into the struggles that Joshua, an viral young musician, and the deep grief that Roxanne faces after she loses him. It's an interesting, emotional look into the dark descent into depression and helplessness that Joshua faces along with the consuming grief that Roxanne feels. They're both done so well done and realistically. Joshua's descent just felt so REAL and my heart ached for him. The same for the way that Roxanne reacted. There was no quickly getting over it. Most the YA novels that deal with grief show only one way and then are like, okay, I spent a chapter, LET'S MOVE ONTO HAPPINESS AND BRUSH THIS ALL AWAY. However, this book did such a wonderful job with the deepness and emotional impact and realisticness.
I'm a tiny bit torn about the characters. To be completely honest, I felt this was kind of a Great Gatsby situation. I did feel for a majorly big part of the story, Roxanne was just the narrator like Nick Carraway was. It wasn't her story because I never really felt her other than her grief. I kind of forgot sometimes she was a big history love because I was so wrapped up in the other characters. I wouldn't have really blinked if someone had told me this was inspired by The Great Gatsby with the narrator that was just along for the ride and questionable side characters in their pursuit of wanting something from the Gatsby character (Joshua) - which was a cool feeling, but I did want more from her heroine. I wanted to know what made her tick, and other than Joshua love, I'm not entirely sure I got much from her. Her connections to Lillian were interesting, though.
Joshua was really the shining star to me. He had such detail to him. Wow, he was defined, and I feltttttttttttttt for him. He was so intriguing for me with all of his little complexities. Speed, Ty, Artie, and even Grandma were well done as well. I got them, I saw them, and I liked them. Other than Roxanne, I thought most of the characters were pretty well done and I got what I wanted from them.
The writing was a bit interesting for me as well. In the beginning, it was a lot of telling. You know the rule show, don't tell? It was a lottttttttttttt of telling. It didn't really throw me off that much, but it did get a little annoying once I picked up on it and it was all I could read. However, by the middle, it totally hits its groove. Parsons definitely shows a lot of promise for her first novel, since it just hits you quite hard in the feels and completely engrosses you. I binge read this literally in two sittings and it was so, so easy to read. Pacing was on par.
The mystery/plot was interesting as well. Once we got to the BIG change in the story, I was super lost on where it was going to go. However, I thought it did a pretty good job with keeping it still interesting and giving us a few twists and turns. The mystery aspect doesn't really show up until quite late in the story, and while I did have my guesses, I wasn't entirely sure how it would pan out. I'm not entirely sure how I felt about the ending, though. It did feel a bit abrupt, and I kind of felt like it might have been better if it had entered just a slight bit differently. But it still was quite interesting.
Overall, this was quite an interesting little read that was super different than anything I've read in such a long time. I don't remember feeling as engrossed in a novel as I had in such a long time. It was so different and I still feel so suckered into this book world. However, it did have a few issues like a weak main character and some writing/small plot issues. That being said, I did think this was a great debut, and I would recommend it if you're looking for a contemporary that is totally different and you just want to be hit in the feels. It is a bit dark and does talk about mental health/wellness, so warning for that. Three crowns - that might eventually be turned into a 3.5 - and a Jasmine rating because this was a whole new world.
December 10, 2021
Finished this in an hour between midterms. Huge plot twist. Absolutely amazing. Emphasizes the meaning between falling and flying.
May 4, 2021
This book was lovely and moody. The beginning is drenched in dread, and then hope, and then dread, and then maybe hope again.
Joshua Blackbird is a teen sensation on the music scene. Fans literally attack him with their frenzied adoration. But that kind of love, that kind of attention and the hate that comes from non-fans is intense and overwhelming. Roxy, his hometown girlfriend, can see that Joshua is unhappy, but the industry machine rolls on.
As the reader follows Roxy's narrative, it's easy to love Joshua. It's fascinating to learn tidbits of the life of Lillian Leitzel, a famous acrobat/aerialist from the 1920s and 30s- whom Roxy is intrigued by. The way that Lillian would dislocate her shoulder over and over again to delight the circus crowds, the way that all performers sacrifice parts of themselves for their fans.
I really enjoyed this one, and it was a quick (on audio) one day read.
Joshua Blackbird is a teen sensation on the music scene. Fans literally attack him with their frenzied adoration. But that kind of love, that kind of attention and the hate that comes from non-fans is intense and overwhelming. Roxy, his hometown girlfriend, can see that Joshua is unhappy, but the industry machine rolls on.
As the reader follows Roxy's narrative, it's easy to love Joshua. It's fascinating to learn tidbits of the life of Lillian Leitzel, a famous acrobat/aerialist from the 1920s and 30s- whom Roxy is intrigued by. The way that Lillian would dislocate her shoulder over and over again to delight the circus crowds, the way that all performers sacrifice parts of themselves for their fans.
I really enjoyed this one, and it was a quick (on audio) one day read.
April 5, 2018
*I was sent a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I ended up giving THE FALLING BETWEEN US 3.5 stars.
I did enjoy my time reading this novel. It explored the struggles that celebrities experience with fame and expectations, but a few things didn’t flow as I would have liked. For one, I felt some of the characters weren’t developed well. Rox, the narrator, Joshua, and the entourage traveling with them were all described vaguely, and I would have loved to see more of what they were like. I also felt some of the writing was choppy and unclear, but for the most part told the story in a beautiful way. In the end, I felt the story was just too short. Some things in the middle could have been drawn out to make events seem more realistic. Overall, though, I did like this book and would recommend it, but do be aware of some subplots of depression and suicide.
I ended up giving THE FALLING BETWEEN US 3.5 stars.
I did enjoy my time reading this novel. It explored the struggles that celebrities experience with fame and expectations, but a few things didn’t flow as I would have liked. For one, I felt some of the characters weren’t developed well. Rox, the narrator, Joshua, and the entourage traveling with them were all described vaguely, and I would have loved to see more of what they were like. I also felt some of the writing was choppy and unclear, but for the most part told the story in a beautiful way. In the end, I felt the story was just too short. Some things in the middle could have been drawn out to make events seem more realistic. Overall, though, I did like this book and would recommend it, but do be aware of some subplots of depression and suicide.
September 2, 2020
This definitely had those Eddie and the Cruisers vibe, but it was about so much more. It was about watching someone you love fade before your eyes and feeling helpless. It was about love, loss, and the different ways we grieve. It also took a hard look at teen celebrity, which is always fraught with pitfalls. I liked the bit history between Joshua and Roxy and enjoyed the touch of mystery in the story.
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March 9, 2018
Ahhh. The cover copy doesn't really do this justice.
I was definitely dismayed at the very millennial, pop-culture story-line, but it surprises you, and it hits you harder than you think. This a story relevant to and needed in this glamoured society of Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube phenomenons. This is what the other side looks like when it wants out of the pressures of fame.
It ends quite abruptly, so that was disappointing, but Rox's process through grief is real and ugly, even if I didn't like that she latched onto Ty in Joshua's absence (it's a thing and it happens--we latch onto others emotionally in whatever form brings us temporary comfort).
A worthwhile read!!
I was definitely dismayed at the very millennial, pop-culture story-line, but it surprises you, and it hits you harder than you think. This a story relevant to and needed in this glamoured society of Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube phenomenons. This is what the other side looks like when it wants out of the pressures of fame.
It ends quite abruptly, so that was disappointing, but Rox's process through grief is real and ugly, even if I didn't like that she latched onto Ty in Joshua's absence (it's a thing and it happens--we latch onto others emotionally in whatever form brings us temporary comfort).
A worthwhile read!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2018
It's been a wild ride for Joshua Blackbird and his girlfriend, Roxanne Stewart. After posting his original song on YouTube, the musician was snapped up by the music machine and became wildly famous, setting off on a nation-wide tour and leaving his small town home of Marchant, Georgia, far behind. From that promising, fairy tale beginning, Roxanne looks back on the eighteen months that have taken a toll on Joshua. It's pretty clear from the get-go that Joshua is done, completely used up by the expectations of his manager, Artie; his fans, the Birdies; even his own mother who seems only to want more money from him. Everything in his life has been carefully orchestrated, even his for PR purposes, girlfriend, Angel Rey. He even experienced being stalked and attacked by a deranged fan, necessitating tighter security to insulate him from the masses. But none of this fame or fortune has brought Joshua happiness, and now that he's on the verge of another tour to support his new album, he needs to step off the carousel. But there seems to be no way to do so. When he disappears while on a yacht, the world is devastated, and Roxanne goes home to heal while his younger brother, Ty, seems poised to take his place. Roxanne can't make sense of the fact that Joshua left no suicide note other than some lyrics. Eventually, she tracks down the truth behind his disappearance. I was pretty sure how all this was going to play out, and wasn't surprised by the ending although I wondered about the riskiness of some of the clues he left behind. If nothing else, this is a cautionary tale about the price of fame and how impossible it becomes to trust anyone when you are their meal ticket. Honestly, given what often happens with celebs of all stripes, I was a bit surprised that Joshua didn't replace Roxanne with a different model along the way. But perhaps he could see the writing on the wall and realized that it might be just a matter of time. Many teens may enjoy imagining what they'd do with so much adulation, fame, and fortune, but it seems clear to me that it would be hard to remain true to oneself amid all those temptations. While I enjoyed this, I was expecting more from the story. It felt as though I'd read similar tales before. I hardly felt that I knew much about Roxanne's grandmother, and would have appreciated more details about life before fame hit.
August 2, 2018
While the writing for this novel is beautiful, the subject was just too dark and heavy for me. Perhaps the author intended it to be this way, but I felt myself being pulled into the oppressive world of Joshua Blackbird and the wearing push and pull of fame. Flashback scenes from simpler and happier times began to feel like the sun trying to push through before the clouds swallowed it back. The ending was not a satisfying resolution for me either, especially after the painful road to get there. I really wanted to like this story, but it just left me a little more depressed than when I began. I did enjoy certain aspects, such as the voice, and I would give Ash Parsons another try with a different story.
January 25, 2019
Throughout the book, the characters remained flat. The historical figure, Lillian Leitzel, offered the only more fully-developed character. I'm curious to know what appealed to the student who recommended this title.
I'd recommend it to strong readers since it took the fact that it is on the NYRA list for me to finish it.
I'd recommend it to strong readers since it took the fact that it is on the NYRA list for me to finish it.
May 4, 2018
Implausible that in 8 months that he would rise from being discovered on YouTube to having literally millions of dollars to throw away. The ending was pretty telegraphed as well, but it did show how being a "star" can destroy your psyche.
April 8, 2018
I was sent this book by the publisher. My ratings and reviews will be my own personal opinions and are in no way influenced by publishers or authors who may have sent me books to review.
I have not heard anyone talking about this book. Before agreeing to review this, I looked it up on Goodreads. The first thing I saw was this was the perfect read for the Justin Bieber era (which is not me). Do not let that stop you from picking this up though. I read the premise and still wanted to give this a try as it sounded like something I would enjoy. As I started reading, I was thinking this was going to be your typical YA Rockstar romance. I was wrong and in the best kind of way.
This is a story about fame, social media, love, loss, and so much more. There is also a little mystery thrown in to make it stand out even more. There was just something about the writing and the story that was memorizing. I cannot really explain it. I just loved the direction this was taking as you learn more about Joshua through the eyes of his best friend/girlfriend Roxie. You not only learn about Joshua and his breakthrough into the entertainment world, but about their childhood and his path to and after fame. My heart really broke as I read about their story and the demons we all hide from the outside world.
The mystery is much different than I thought it was going to be. You actually do not have a mystery around what happened at first, but more of why it happened. I wish the second half of the book focused more on the mystery. I lost interest once it started to follow Tyler, the brother of Joshua. It does all come together in the end though. I got really excited once the mystery started back up again. I would give the first half of this story 5 stars. The middle half started to take a direction I did not enjoy as much, but it was still good.
I read this in one sitting and is perfect if you are looking for a quick read. It is very fast paced and just under 300 pages. I would have liked a little more at the end and wanted more of Roxie and Joshua.
Overall, I ended up enjoying this more than I thought I would. I definitely recommend it as I do think it brings something different to the YA world. I will be picking up the other book by the author soon!
I have not heard anyone talking about this book. Before agreeing to review this, I looked it up on Goodreads. The first thing I saw was this was the perfect read for the Justin Bieber era (which is not me). Do not let that stop you from picking this up though. I read the premise and still wanted to give this a try as it sounded like something I would enjoy. As I started reading, I was thinking this was going to be your typical YA Rockstar romance. I was wrong and in the best kind of way.
This is a story about fame, social media, love, loss, and so much more. There is also a little mystery thrown in to make it stand out even more. There was just something about the writing and the story that was memorizing. I cannot really explain it. I just loved the direction this was taking as you learn more about Joshua through the eyes of his best friend/girlfriend Roxie. You not only learn about Joshua and his breakthrough into the entertainment world, but about their childhood and his path to and after fame. My heart really broke as I read about their story and the demons we all hide from the outside world.
The mystery is much different than I thought it was going to be. You actually do not have a mystery around what happened at first, but more of why it happened. I wish the second half of the book focused more on the mystery. I lost interest once it started to follow Tyler, the brother of Joshua. It does all come together in the end though. I got really excited once the mystery started back up again. I would give the first half of this story 5 stars. The middle half started to take a direction I did not enjoy as much, but it was still good.
I read this in one sitting and is perfect if you are looking for a quick read. It is very fast paced and just under 300 pages. I would have liked a little more at the end and wanted more of Roxie and Joshua.
Overall, I ended up enjoying this more than I thought I would. I definitely recommend it as I do think it brings something different to the YA world. I will be picking up the other book by the author soon!
December 18, 2020
Holding On To You by Ash Parsons is a story that revolves around being a rock star and the pressure of living the life one didn't sign up for. Of constantly being in the limelight, crazy fans, limited choices and the burden of being America's favourite musician. The first half of this book is quite manageable but after that, things started to go downhill and that's the main reason that made me give such a low rating for this story.
I didn't have high expectations for this book in the first place so I wasn't surprised to read this messy book. The writing style was good but the story was inconsistent that at one point, I just wanted to hurl the book far away from me. The first half was okay as its about the life of Joshua and how its so apparent that he hates his life and just wanted to run away. But, the last half of the book is a disaster.
It started to get cringy and weird after Joshua was found missing. Even after the events that come after that wasn't even described and the story picked up to Rox's new love interest to no one's surprise none other than Joshua's brother, Ty. They were going through grief after losing someone they love but its too sudden that they start to fool around with each other and I just hated this. It just doesn't make sense. Rox even has a feeling deep down inside her that Joshua might still be alive somewhere but she was just like, "Whatever! Carpe diem!"
I'm not even sure if Ty was just so stupid or naive but he gladly let Rox walk all over him and play with his feelings. After, Rox found concrete evidence that Joshua is in fact alive after al (this too wasn't at all surprising for me), they just left things the way it is and Rox went back into Joshua's embrace like nothing at all happened. No remorse, guilt and doubts. This too didn't make sense.
There is little to none that I liked about this book. I absolutely would never recommend this book to anyone because it's just a waste of time. The story is all over the place and just messy. It's not worth it, so you might as well pick up another book and forget this book even existed. I said what I said.
I didn't have high expectations for this book in the first place so I wasn't surprised to read this messy book. The writing style was good but the story was inconsistent that at one point, I just wanted to hurl the book far away from me. The first half was okay as its about the life of Joshua and how its so apparent that he hates his life and just wanted to run away. But, the last half of the book is a disaster.
It started to get cringy and weird after Joshua was found missing. Even after the events that come after that wasn't even described and the story picked up to Rox's new love interest to no one's surprise none other than Joshua's brother, Ty. They were going through grief after losing someone they love but its too sudden that they start to fool around with each other and I just hated this. It just doesn't make sense. Rox even has a feeling deep down inside her that Joshua might still be alive somewhere but she was just like, "Whatever! Carpe diem!"
I'm not even sure if Ty was just so stupid or naive but he gladly let Rox walk all over him and play with his feelings. After, Rox found concrete evidence that Joshua is in fact alive after al (this too wasn't at all surprising for me), they just left things the way it is and Rox went back into Joshua's embrace like nothing at all happened. No remorse, guilt and doubts. This too didn't make sense.
There is little to none that I liked about this book. I absolutely would never recommend this book to anyone because it's just a waste of time. The story is all over the place and just messy. It's not worth it, so you might as well pick up another book and forget this book even existed. I said what I said.
April 2, 2018
To start, something positive. This book had a few beautiful sentences worth lingering over. The types of sentences that make you feel seen and understood--or even consider the world from another angle. Sadly, the one-dimensional characters and tired plot drowned most of those moments. I might have given this book two stars if not for the ending. If you're looking for an intriguing, gritty celebrity book try Follow Me Back by A.V. Geiger instead. Hopefully Ash Parsons can bring us a book with the same beautiful writing and a character and plot upgrade next time!
May 1, 2018
You know when you pick up a book and you expect it to be full of the same old, same old, teen story? That is what I expected when I picked up a young adult that advertised teen love and a rock star. But Parson's writing blew me away. Fresh figurative language sucked me into the experience and kept me turning page after page. Yes, this is a teen love story. Yes, it is about a rock star. Yes, it includes all of the expected pieces. But, no, you won't be putting this book down. Enjoy!
March 22, 2018
I loved the way this book explored fame, grief, love, family relationships and other big topics. It was hard-hitting and emotional. HOWEVER, I really didn’t like the ending at all. It seemed unrealistic and was definitely unsatisfying. I liked it, but I won’t read it again.
February 20, 2022
i got this book from the dollar tree so it’s as good as you expect a book from the dollar tree to be
June 5, 2018
The story The Falling Between Us By Jean Kwok is a very compelling yet complicated love story. Where overnight Joshua Blackbird becomes an overnight sensation after posting a song cover and it went viral. Soon after, Roxanne Stewart’s life also gets flipped upside down as the girlfriend of Joshua. The two of them will travel together as Joshua’s tour starts. However, one night Joshua suddenly disappeared and Roxanne's life gets turned around again however in the worst possible way. The story gives us a very in depth and haunting insight into the prices you pay for fame, fortune, and love.
Something that was really effective and nice about the story was the point of view. The author's view is Roxanne’s or Roxy’s ( for short) point of view and it’s really enjoyable. Throughout the story, you can feel and sense the feelings friends and family feel for the celebrity. It also gives you an insight the way things work in the industry. For example, in the story, Roxy can’t be named as Joshua’s girlfriend. Instead, he has a fake relationship with a girl named Angel Rey, who is another celebrity. Roxy gets put to the side however once cameras are out of their faces, Joshua really tries to give her all the attention he has. Roxy can’t help but notice all the fatigue and bags under his eyes and the fact that he looks like he’s about to collapse I to himself. The point of view also helps you see how the managers and people act behind the scenes. Like the nicest person, you think could be the meanest and it takes you by surprise. The point of view really made me enjoy the story more and helped me understand what these people are going through and how sometimes these things are happening with actual celebrities right now.
The characterization was something I also enjoyed about this book. However, it didn’t give you too much information about the characters but that made it more open-minded and helped you imagined the story more in your own way. The story did give basic characteristics and throughout the story, you really get to see a lot of the characters personalities. The main characters are:
Roxanne Stewart (Rox/ Roxy): a smart 15 years old who is Joshua Blackbirds girlfriend. She supports her man through any decision he makes but also leads him to the right decisions. She’s very open-minded and speaks her opinions out to people she trusts and knows.
Joshua Blackbird: a 17-year-old who turned into a superstar overnight after posting an original song on the internet. The boyfriend of Roxy and the heartthrob of the so-called “birdies”. He’s very soft spoken and very hardworking, but an amazing singer and secretive person.
Ty Blackbird: Joshua’s little brother and the one who takes after Joshua’s career after his disappearance
Artie: Joshua’s manager from the start. She seems pretty two-faced and harsh. She somehow gets what she wants by putting on this “motherly tone” that Joshua always listens to however she puts too much work and pressure on Joshua.
Speed: the drummer of Joshua’s band and goes on tour with him. Joshua and Roxy’s really good friend that they can trust with anything.
Santiago: Joshua’s bodyguard who is also very secretive and mysterious. He is the only one Joshua tells his secret too and knows about it.
However, I did like how the author made it like your own story and how you could imagine the characters the way you wanted and it didn’t have this sort of exact thing of what they looked like.
In the end, I found this book really enjoyable to read and it kept me wondering where Joshua was the entire book. I also enjoyed how I could relate to the characters lots and how they were so realistic and modern for us teen to relate to easily. I think that people who enjoy things like love stories and mysteries would enjoy this book a lot. People who may have read the stories like The way I used to be By Amber Smith or Girl in Pieces By Kathleen Glasgow might enjoy this book. In general, this book is great and I would totally read the sequel if it comes out with one!
Something that was really effective and nice about the story was the point of view. The author's view is Roxanne’s or Roxy’s ( for short) point of view and it’s really enjoyable. Throughout the story, you can feel and sense the feelings friends and family feel for the celebrity. It also gives you an insight the way things work in the industry. For example, in the story, Roxy can’t be named as Joshua’s girlfriend. Instead, he has a fake relationship with a girl named Angel Rey, who is another celebrity. Roxy gets put to the side however once cameras are out of their faces, Joshua really tries to give her all the attention he has. Roxy can’t help but notice all the fatigue and bags under his eyes and the fact that he looks like he’s about to collapse I to himself. The point of view also helps you see how the managers and people act behind the scenes. Like the nicest person, you think could be the meanest and it takes you by surprise. The point of view really made me enjoy the story more and helped me understand what these people are going through and how sometimes these things are happening with actual celebrities right now.
The characterization was something I also enjoyed about this book. However, it didn’t give you too much information about the characters but that made it more open-minded and helped you imagined the story more in your own way. The story did give basic characteristics and throughout the story, you really get to see a lot of the characters personalities. The main characters are:
Roxanne Stewart (Rox/ Roxy): a smart 15 years old who is Joshua Blackbirds girlfriend. She supports her man through any decision he makes but also leads him to the right decisions. She’s very open-minded and speaks her opinions out to people she trusts and knows.
Joshua Blackbird: a 17-year-old who turned into a superstar overnight after posting an original song on the internet. The boyfriend of Roxy and the heartthrob of the so-called “birdies”. He’s very soft spoken and very hardworking, but an amazing singer and secretive person.
Ty Blackbird: Joshua’s little brother and the one who takes after Joshua’s career after his disappearance
Artie: Joshua’s manager from the start. She seems pretty two-faced and harsh. She somehow gets what she wants by putting on this “motherly tone” that Joshua always listens to however she puts too much work and pressure on Joshua.
Speed: the drummer of Joshua’s band and goes on tour with him. Joshua and Roxy’s really good friend that they can trust with anything.
Santiago: Joshua’s bodyguard who is also very secretive and mysterious. He is the only one Joshua tells his secret too and knows about it.
However, I did like how the author made it like your own story and how you could imagine the characters the way you wanted and it didn’t have this sort of exact thing of what they looked like.
In the end, I found this book really enjoyable to read and it kept me wondering where Joshua was the entire book. I also enjoyed how I could relate to the characters lots and how they were so realistic and modern for us teen to relate to easily. I think that people who enjoy things like love stories and mysteries would enjoy this book a lot. People who may have read the stories like The way I used to be By Amber Smith or Girl in Pieces By Kathleen Glasgow might enjoy this book. In general, this book is great and I would totally read the sequel if it comes out with one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2021
I read this book quickly, prepared to dismiss it as a sweet but simple love story between a pair of young teenagers, tinged with the poorly integrated results of an author's research obsession she obviously didn't have quite enough ambition to turn into a nonfiction or full-fledged historical novel on the subject*.
Then I read it again a couple of weeks later, more slowly this time, after I couldn't stop thinking about the story and getting a lingering feeling that I'd missed something crucial with my surface level impressions. And I started to fall in love.
This book is an important look at the pressures of fame + the harm that overly invested fans can do, especially for people who shot to stardom young and/or those who never wanted to be famous per se, but for whom fame was a byproduct of pursuing their artistry full time. It does an excellent job of showing how you get caught up in the "machine," managed within an inch of your life by labels and managers/publicists and anyone else who wants a cut of the product that is you. But it's so much more than that.
The writing style is an interesting one -- a mix of short, choppy sentences and genuinely poetic turns of phrase. The parallels to Lilian Lietzel that had bored me at first broke my heart the second time around as I started to understand how Roxy saw the same sort of path for Joshua, giving so much of himself and burning so bright that his performance would consume him, in the end.
"Lietzel always risked. Always reached for what she wanted, fought for it with every breath. No matter how her shoulder hurt, or how her wrist was cut, again and again, skin torn by the cuff that held her aloft. It was the price she paid for everything she needed. She accepted that pain was part of it. Of everything. Was that her greatest strength?"
After his disappearance, the way she continues to contrast her struggle to cope with the fearless way her idol lived her life is also very good.
Part of the reason this book didn't click for me right away is that neither Joshua nor Roxy sound at all attractive to me, so it's hard for me to feel shippy about them -- I look at Roxy and her fashion choices the way Artie does, while one reference to Joshua's gross mohawk killed off whatever his skinny frame and shoulder-length hair would normally do for me (though the eyeliner he wears for shows would not have helped regardless). To be honest, throw me into this universe and I'm probably an AngelBird shipper, happy to accept prettiness even over high school sweethearts.
But if I pretend they're more normal-looking people, I am a THOUSAND percent sold on this romance, a romance that started at the very unstable age of 15 and has endured across two years of fame, life on tour, money coming in hand over fist, and a PR girlfriend to boot. That's gotta be the real thing. There are even multiple scenes of them falling asleep together in the most innocent of ways, mostly her desperately trying to get him to relax and find calm because he is a walking skeleton of exhaustion, burdened by the sense of obligation toward everyone but himself.
I also loved the mention of Speed's unrequited but undemanding love wrapped in friendship, especially since he ALSO falls asleep next to Joshua in one of the above scenarios. "Speed has never had a poker face when looking at Joshua. And Joshua is so spun out, so depleted from every wringing thing, that he needs that pure, unrequited love. Joshua draws from it what he can, which makes the love a vampire sustenance, and it doesn't matter if it's fair to Speed. The intersection of Joshua's need and Speed's friendship and desire are tangled, connected like joint circulation across a shared limb."
I was a little EEK about Roxy/Ty, but I am very grateful that it never went beyond making out. She desperately needed some tangible comfort at that point that wasn't a reckless hookup with a stranger, but also not a confusing full-fledged romantic entanglement.
It's still awkward and uncomfortable to read, but at the same time, I feel like it's something that made sense for them at the time? And he's so good, so pure of heart, so understanding even when he wants more than she can give -- "I love you. However it needs to be. I always have, since we were kids."
Speaking of the second half of the book, the importance of Tumblr feels a bit off for a contemporary published in 2018 -- I feel like Tumblr reached its peak a couple of years before that, as its users began leaving for Twitter and Instagram in droves.
But since I can definitely imagine this sort of content on there four or five years earlier, I could really empathize with Roxy losing herself in the Birdie fandom, seeking solace in everything from lovingly designed artwork, edits and fanfiction to theories and discussions, whatever little ways she can use to keep bits of Joshua alive.
"For all of their fanatical devotion, for all that people have always derided the enthusiasm of young women, of "fangirls," for all the ways the world -- including me -- mocks them...they're not stupid. I read their analyses. Because I will never know what he meant, and I can never ask him."
I spoiled myself on the ending because I wanted to know what mindset I should have while reading, but for once I wish I hadn't. It packs an emotional punch regardless of which theory you believe about his disappearance, and I wish I'd been able to explore Roxy's grief and half-mad hopes along with her in her desperate search for closure -- a search she has to make largely on her own, with no family but her grandmother and no friends other than Joshua's brother, who can share some of it but also needs the space to process in his own way.
Thoughts on the ending behind the spoiler cut:
Flying not falling, indeed.
If I read it a third time, I'm sure I could pinpoint at least 20 more turns of phrase that stood out and scenes, even allusions to scenes, that made my heart twinge. There is so much to love, right down to the fact that the chapters are named, something not many authors do anymore. For once in my life, I even love the original, illustrated cover more than the (beautiful!) photographic one -- mostly because the latter doesn't really fit my image of the main characters AND they look older than high school, but partly because the colors in this are so pretty and the symbolism of the solid silhouette looking up with her whole heart at the FRAZZLED SCRIBBLES vaguely forming the shape of a person is so neat.
Maybe I'll bump it all the way up to 5 stars once I get some distance from it -- I'm really only hesitating because it started off at 3. For now I'll just say this is one of the books that I have paged back through and reflected on the most this year, and I've read close to a hundred. I really cannot fathom how it has amassed barely 250 ratings after more than three years.
*P.S. In the author's notes, she mentions that her interest in Lillian Leitzel came not just from going down some rabbit hole of internet browsing, but what she learned in a class about the history of the circus at an actual clown college -- The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College to be specific, which is a thing I did not even know existed, and now I am way more impressed by how she wove that niche interest into this story.
Then I read it again a couple of weeks later, more slowly this time, after I couldn't stop thinking about the story and getting a lingering feeling that I'd missed something crucial with my surface level impressions. And I started to fall in love.
This book is an important look at the pressures of fame + the harm that overly invested fans can do, especially for people who shot to stardom young and/or those who never wanted to be famous per se, but for whom fame was a byproduct of pursuing their artistry full time. It does an excellent job of showing how you get caught up in the "machine," managed within an inch of your life by labels and managers/publicists and anyone else who wants a cut of the product that is you. But it's so much more than that.
The writing style is an interesting one -- a mix of short, choppy sentences and genuinely poetic turns of phrase. The parallels to Lilian Lietzel that had bored me at first broke my heart the second time around as I started to understand how Roxy saw the same sort of path for Joshua, giving so much of himself and burning so bright that his performance would consume him, in the end.
"Lietzel always risked. Always reached for what she wanted, fought for it with every breath. No matter how her shoulder hurt, or how her wrist was cut, again and again, skin torn by the cuff that held her aloft. It was the price she paid for everything she needed. She accepted that pain was part of it. Of everything. Was that her greatest strength?"
After his disappearance, the way she continues to contrast her struggle to cope with the fearless way her idol lived her life is also very good.
Part of the reason this book didn't click for me right away is that neither Joshua nor Roxy sound at all attractive to me, so it's hard for me to feel shippy about them -- I look at Roxy and her fashion choices the way Artie does, while one reference to Joshua's gross mohawk killed off whatever his skinny frame and shoulder-length hair would normally do for me (though the eyeliner he wears for shows would not have helped regardless). To be honest, throw me into this universe and I'm probably an AngelBird shipper, happy to accept prettiness even over high school sweethearts.
But if I pretend they're more normal-looking people, I am a THOUSAND percent sold on this romance, a romance that started at the very unstable age of 15 and has endured across two years of fame, life on tour, money coming in hand over fist, and a PR girlfriend to boot. That's gotta be the real thing. There are even multiple scenes of them falling asleep together in the most innocent of ways, mostly her desperately trying to get him to relax and find calm because he is a walking skeleton of exhaustion, burdened by the sense of obligation toward everyone but himself.
I also loved the mention of Speed's unrequited but undemanding love wrapped in friendship, especially since he ALSO falls asleep next to Joshua in one of the above scenarios. "Speed has never had a poker face when looking at Joshua. And Joshua is so spun out, so depleted from every wringing thing, that he needs that pure, unrequited love. Joshua draws from it what he can, which makes the love a vampire sustenance, and it doesn't matter if it's fair to Speed. The intersection of Joshua's need and Speed's friendship and desire are tangled, connected like joint circulation across a shared limb."
I was a little EEK about Roxy/Ty, but I am very grateful that it never went beyond making out. She desperately needed some tangible comfort at that point that wasn't a reckless hookup with a stranger, but also not a confusing full-fledged romantic entanglement.
It's still awkward and uncomfortable to read, but at the same time, I feel like it's something that made sense for them at the time? And he's so good, so pure of heart, so understanding even when he wants more than she can give -- "I love you. However it needs to be. I always have, since we were kids."
Speaking of the second half of the book, the importance of Tumblr feels a bit off for a contemporary published in 2018 -- I feel like Tumblr reached its peak a couple of years before that, as its users began leaving for Twitter and Instagram in droves.
But since I can definitely imagine this sort of content on there four or five years earlier, I could really empathize with Roxy losing herself in the Birdie fandom, seeking solace in everything from lovingly designed artwork, edits and fanfiction to theories and discussions, whatever little ways she can use to keep bits of Joshua alive.
"For all of their fanatical devotion, for all that people have always derided the enthusiasm of young women, of "fangirls," for all the ways the world -- including me -- mocks them...they're not stupid. I read their analyses. Because I will never know what he meant, and I can never ask him."
I spoiled myself on the ending because I wanted to know what mindset I should have while reading, but for once I wish I hadn't. It packs an emotional punch regardless of which theory you believe about his disappearance, and I wish I'd been able to explore Roxy's grief and half-mad hopes along with her in her desperate search for closure -- a search she has to make largely on her own, with no family but her grandmother and no friends other than Joshua's brother, who can share some of it but also needs the space to process in his own way.
Thoughts on the ending behind the spoiler cut:
Flying not falling, indeed.
If I read it a third time, I'm sure I could pinpoint at least 20 more turns of phrase that stood out and scenes, even allusions to scenes, that made my heart twinge. There is so much to love, right down to the fact that the chapters are named, something not many authors do anymore. For once in my life, I even love the original, illustrated cover more than the (beautiful!) photographic one -- mostly because the latter doesn't really fit my image of the main characters AND they look older than high school, but partly because the colors in this are so pretty and the symbolism of the solid silhouette looking up with her whole heart at the FRAZZLED SCRIBBLES vaguely forming the shape of a person is so neat.
Maybe I'll bump it all the way up to 5 stars once I get some distance from it -- I'm really only hesitating because it started off at 3. For now I'll just say this is one of the books that I have paged back through and reflected on the most this year, and I've read close to a hundred. I really cannot fathom how it has amassed barely 250 ratings after more than three years.
*P.S. In the author's notes, she mentions that her interest in Lillian Leitzel came not just from going down some rabbit hole of internet browsing, but what she learned in a class about the history of the circus at an actual clown college -- The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College to be specific, which is a thing I did not even know existed, and now I am way more impressed by how she wove that niche interest into this story.
January 10, 2021
The perfect balance between sweet and edgy, but The Falling Between Us requires too much suspension of disbelief.
Roxanne, a misfit teen with a blood-red homemade pixie cut and a wardrobe from the Army Surplus store, tells the story of her boyfriend, superstar Joshua Blackbird. Joshua is a cute guy from a trailer park with a love of blues guitar, but when his Youtube videos go viral, he gets snapped up by a music studio and is manufactured into a heartthrob pop star. Although Joshua never loses his love for music, he doesn't care much for fame, fortune, and his fake identity. One night he goes missing from a yacht party and no one knows if it was a suicide, accidental drowning, or an elaborate plot to fake his death...
His younger brother Ty makes a blues version of Joshua's final lyrics and the same story starts to play out again: the viral Youtube video, his dead brother's production team swooping in, the rise to fame and fortune, even a fling with Rox. Although Ty doesn't have the same unique talent that Joshua had, the teen fans are salivating for anything Blackbird. Meanwhile, Rox is uncovering some strange clues that her dead boyfriend may be alive, after all.
I can understand the appeal of this book. Rox is an embodiment of a cliché teen fantasy: the unpopular girl from nowhere who wins the heart of a drop-dead gorgeous star. Somehow, the teens' turbulent relationship turns out to be an unbreakable love (I guess she never told Joshua that she slept with his brother. Although Ash Parsons's style is so squeaky clean that there isn't any real proof that Rox had sex with anyone). As a romance, this novel is a rollercoaster with a sappy ending, so I guess fans of the genre will enjoy it. It's tame even by YA standards, though.
Some parts, like Rox's grief and the the be-careful-what-you-wish for element of Joshua's fame are done well. Otherwise, I didn't enjoy much of the novel. The story with Ty is too convenient and so is the ending where Rox tracks down Joshua to a house he bought in rural Mexico. I'm ambivalent about Parsons's style. She writes with a lot of metaphor, but they're equal parts good and terrible. The plot is really slow, especially in the beginning, but somehow each chapter ends on a cliffhanger. I admit that the book is hard to put down. I just wish that it were more believable.
Roxanne, a misfit teen with a blood-red homemade pixie cut and a wardrobe from the Army Surplus store, tells the story of her boyfriend, superstar Joshua Blackbird. Joshua is a cute guy from a trailer park with a love of blues guitar, but when his Youtube videos go viral, he gets snapped up by a music studio and is manufactured into a heartthrob pop star. Although Joshua never loses his love for music, he doesn't care much for fame, fortune, and his fake identity. One night he goes missing from a yacht party and no one knows if it was a suicide, accidental drowning, or an elaborate plot to fake his death...
His younger brother Ty makes a blues version of Joshua's final lyrics and the same story starts to play out again: the viral Youtube video, his dead brother's production team swooping in, the rise to fame and fortune, even a fling with Rox. Although Ty doesn't have the same unique talent that Joshua had, the teen fans are salivating for anything Blackbird. Meanwhile, Rox is uncovering some strange clues that her dead boyfriend may be alive, after all.
I can understand the appeal of this book. Rox is an embodiment of a cliché teen fantasy: the unpopular girl from nowhere who wins the heart of a drop-dead gorgeous star. Somehow, the teens' turbulent relationship turns out to be an unbreakable love (I guess she never told Joshua that she slept with his brother. Although Ash Parsons's style is so squeaky clean that there isn't any real proof that Rox had sex with anyone). As a romance, this novel is a rollercoaster with a sappy ending, so I guess fans of the genre will enjoy it. It's tame even by YA standards, though.
Some parts, like Rox's grief and the the be-careful-what-you-wish for element of Joshua's fame are done well. Otherwise, I didn't enjoy much of the novel. The story with Ty is too convenient and so is the ending where Rox tracks down Joshua to a house he bought in rural Mexico. I'm ambivalent about Parsons's style. She writes with a lot of metaphor, but they're equal parts good and terrible. The plot is really slow, especially in the beginning, but somehow each chapter ends on a cliffhanger. I admit that the book is hard to put down. I just wish that it were more believable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2019
I thought the writing was beautiful. There were many sentences that just were unique and scrupulous.
However, the plot and the characters disappointed me.
When I first picked the book up, as I do with each book I read, I read the summary on the inside cover of what I could expect from the book. There, it said already that Joshua was going to disappear. So, as I was reading, I expected his vanishing to happen towards the exposition of the book. However, the picture of Joshua and Roxanne being beaten by life on the road as rockstars was a lengthy part of the book. I did enjoy reading that, but I felt it was a bit pointless because I was already aware that Joshua was going to disappear and at some points I was just waiting for it to happen.
In addition to that portion of the book, there were hints of Joshua's morbid encounters with fans and the show life, but it was vaguely described. That part was actually interesting to me and I wish that it had been included more.
After Joshua disappeared, I really lost interest in the book. Roxanne wasn't doing anything really (which I do understand was part of her depressing over losing her beloved boyfriend) but I feel like that was dragged out, and when she did do stuff, I wasn't necessarily happy with it. (i.e. making out with Joshua's little brother). I kept holding out, hoping that the end would satisfy me.
When Ty took over as the next Joshua Blackbird, I didn't really have any opinion on that. To me, it was irrelevant to the story plot besides the fact that it brought Roxanne to California.
Now, the ending wasn't as satisfying as I hoped. But the plot was okay and the writing was amazing so I landed on 3 stars.
Roxanne has NO personality. Besides her fascination with Lillian Leitzel, we don't really see her as a person but as the unwanted girlfriend of a rockstar. I didn't really see her personality at all so it was hard to have empathy for her.
Overall, I think it had potential to be a really great book and I'm sure the author will do better next time.
However, the plot and the characters disappointed me.
When I first picked the book up, as I do with each book I read, I read the summary on the inside cover of what I could expect from the book. There, it said already that Joshua was going to disappear. So, as I was reading, I expected his vanishing to happen towards the exposition of the book. However, the picture of Joshua and Roxanne being beaten by life on the road as rockstars was a lengthy part of the book. I did enjoy reading that, but I felt it was a bit pointless because I was already aware that Joshua was going to disappear and at some points I was just waiting for it to happen.
In addition to that portion of the book, there were hints of Joshua's morbid encounters with fans and the show life, but it was vaguely described. That part was actually interesting to me and I wish that it had been included more.
After Joshua disappeared, I really lost interest in the book. Roxanne wasn't doing anything really (which I do understand was part of her depressing over losing her beloved boyfriend) but I feel like that was dragged out, and when she did do stuff, I wasn't necessarily happy with it. (i.e. making out with Joshua's little brother). I kept holding out, hoping that the end would satisfy me.
When Ty took over as the next Joshua Blackbird, I didn't really have any opinion on that. To me, it was irrelevant to the story plot besides the fact that it brought Roxanne to California.
Now, the ending wasn't as satisfying as I hoped. But the plot was okay and the writing was amazing so I landed on 3 stars.
Roxanne has NO personality. Besides her fascination with Lillian Leitzel, we don't really see her as a person but as the unwanted girlfriend of a rockstar. I didn't really see her personality at all so it was hard to have empathy for her.
Overall, I think it had potential to be a really great book and I'm sure the author will do better next time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2019
The Falling Between Us by Ash Parsons, 283 pages. Philomel Books (Penguin), 2018. $18.
Language: PG-13 (15 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Roxanne and Joshua have been friends forever, long before Joshua became famous. Now everything has changed and his manager, Artie, controls everything. She’s decided it’s time for him to have a new girlfriend, she’s decided who he can talk to and what questions the media can ask, and now she’s telling Roxanne what to do. Roxanne and Joshua just want things like they used to be but everything is complicated now and Roxanne doesn’t know how much more she can take. She has also noticed Joshua isn’t looking so great. Is it just the fame taking its toll? Or is there something else wrong?
This took longer to read than I thought it would. Roxanne’s actions and thoughts began to bug me as the story unfolded, the writing seemed off, at times, and I lost interest about halfway through. The ending, however, was a pleasant surprise, and I finished thinking it wasn’t so bad, afterall. While the book deals with serious topics; the realities of fame, prescription drug use, mental issues, and suicide, it is not done with great detail, and I think it will appeal to those that want realistic fiction but aren’t quite ready for a deeper, harsher look at the heavy topics involved.
Reviewer: RB
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
Language: PG-13 (15 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Roxanne and Joshua have been friends forever, long before Joshua became famous. Now everything has changed and his manager, Artie, controls everything. She’s decided it’s time for him to have a new girlfriend, she’s decided who he can talk to and what questions the media can ask, and now she’s telling Roxanne what to do. Roxanne and Joshua just want things like they used to be but everything is complicated now and Roxanne doesn’t know how much more she can take. She has also noticed Joshua isn’t looking so great. Is it just the fame taking its toll? Or is there something else wrong?
This took longer to read than I thought it would. Roxanne’s actions and thoughts began to bug me as the story unfolded, the writing seemed off, at times, and I lost interest about halfway through. The ending, however, was a pleasant surprise, and I finished thinking it wasn’t so bad, afterall. While the book deals with serious topics; the realities of fame, prescription drug use, mental issues, and suicide, it is not done with great detail, and I think it will appeal to those that want realistic fiction but aren’t quite ready for a deeper, harsher look at the heavy topics involved.
Reviewer: RB
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
August 15, 2019
In Parson’s sophomore novel we follow Roxanne Stewart on a mystery of sorts. After her boyfriend, Joshua “Shu” Blackbird, posts a performance of an original song online, he goes from small town native to international pop-star. But out of the blue he disappears eight months after stardom finds him. Was he murdered by an insane fan? Did he kill himself to escape a life he didn’t intend living? These are the questions that plague his girlfriend Roxanne’s mind. And she will stop at nothing to discover what really happened.
I’m always up for a good mystery, and this one combined with Parson’s unique talent to craft haunting and unforgettable prose is a recipe for an awesome read. Throughout the experience my heart broke for Joshua. It was clear that he was just having fun by posting his performance to YouTube, and didn’t expect to become the next teenage sensation. Parsons masters connecting the reader to the overall emotional arc of the characters in her stories. I recommend reading her debut Still Waters if you were hooked in by how emotional Falling was.
I would have given it a full five out of five had Roxanne been a little more developed and fleshed out. Even in stories that are more so plot-driven (as I feel Falling was) I expect the protagonist to be a fully formed character. Roxanne could’ve used a bit more backstory in my opinion. Other than that, I loved The Falling Between Us and can’t wait for book three from Parsons.
I’m always up for a good mystery, and this one combined with Parson’s unique talent to craft haunting and unforgettable prose is a recipe for an awesome read. Throughout the experience my heart broke for Joshua. It was clear that he was just having fun by posting his performance to YouTube, and didn’t expect to become the next teenage sensation. Parsons masters connecting the reader to the overall emotional arc of the characters in her stories. I recommend reading her debut Still Waters if you were hooked in by how emotional Falling was.
I would have given it a full five out of five had Roxanne been a little more developed and fleshed out. Even in stories that are more so plot-driven (as I feel Falling was) I expect the protagonist to be a fully formed character. Roxanne could’ve used a bit more backstory in my opinion. Other than that, I loved The Falling Between Us and can’t wait for book three from Parsons.
May 29, 2018
I gave this book 3 stars, mostly for the final third of the book.
This story follows Roxy a teenager girl who has followed her boyfriend, Joshua, into the chaotic world of being an adored superstar. The character describes the world around them as a machine that once living in it, takes over and moves everyone impassively forward. Joshua aware at his own loss of agency becomes distant and isolated. Roxy tries to hang on to their relationship and remain a grounded reminder of simpler times.
I actually found this story initially a bit tedious. I definately felt I was not the target audience while reading. Yes, I know this is a middle school reader, but I often don't feel it quite so obvious when involved in the story. I had so many unanswered questions about the characters, I felt like I was missing some elements whie other elements were so drawn out it seemed repetitive.
The story did grab my interest towards the end. I really think that the most interesting part the story was after climatic moment. I would have enjoyed it so much more if the readers were able follow the characters futher out from the defining event.
This story follows Roxy a teenager girl who has followed her boyfriend, Joshua, into the chaotic world of being an adored superstar. The character describes the world around them as a machine that once living in it, takes over and moves everyone impassively forward. Joshua aware at his own loss of agency becomes distant and isolated. Roxy tries to hang on to their relationship and remain a grounded reminder of simpler times.
I actually found this story initially a bit tedious. I definately felt I was not the target audience while reading. Yes, I know this is a middle school reader, but I often don't feel it quite so obvious when involved in the story. I had so many unanswered questions about the characters, I felt like I was missing some elements whie other elements were so drawn out it seemed repetitive.
The story did grab my interest towards the end. I really think that the most interesting part the story was after climatic moment. I would have enjoyed it so much more if the readers were able follow the characters futher out from the defining event.
January 21, 2020
2.5 stars.
I finished this last night, and at first, I had a relatively positive reaction to it. The more I've thought about it though, the weirder I feel about it. It's not bad. I mostly enjoyed reading it. It's just the story that didn't really do it for me. I saw a review on here that compared Rox to Nick Carraway in The Great Gatsby, and I think that's perfect. She feels so unimportant except to fill the role as narrator.
Now to the weird parts. I think the book was pretty good up to the point of Joshua's disappearance. But then after that? Eh.
I finished this last night, and at first, I had a relatively positive reaction to it. The more I've thought about it though, the weirder I feel about it. It's not bad. I mostly enjoyed reading it. It's just the story that didn't really do it for me. I saw a review on here that compared Rox to Nick Carraway in The Great Gatsby, and I think that's perfect. She feels so unimportant except to fill the role as narrator.
Now to the weird parts. I think the book was pretty good up to the point of Joshua's disappearance. But then after that? Eh.
March 7, 2019
An interesting plot, but many of the characters other than Joshua and the manager seem too forced. Roxanne, the main character, is so bland it’s scary. Her appearance is heavily described, and from that description you expect her to have a lot of spark, but honestly other than her obsession with the circus she doesn’t have a personality other than “Joshua’s girlfriend.” Ty was an interesting plot development, although his short make-out session with Roxanne seems fo have came out of nowhere. There wasn’t enough leading up to it. Joshua was interesting, however I feel like we didn’t get a good enough look inside his head. I understand that is because of the limited narration, but I wish the things described that happened (the incident at the club, the incident with the fan) were more heavily described and we saw the immediate impact of them. Certain sections were too drawn out and others weren’t written enough.
Overall, unpolished, could be something great but fell short due to a lack of characterization on many characters apart from physical descriptions.
Overall, unpolished, could be something great but fell short due to a lack of characterization on many characters apart from physical descriptions.
February 10, 2023
As far as YA fiction goes, this was fine. I think I would’ve enjoyed it more in 6th or 7th grade
I think that the pressure society puts on talented children is a good topic to explore because the results can be so devastating. Not many people want to talk about it.
I think that the topics of depression and anxiety and mental health were addressed at the surface level, which is probably appropriate for the genre but I felt like a lot of info was missing. I this en including some more detailed struggles or having Rox herself deal with them in addition to her grief could’ve opened up the story.
I’m a little dissatisfied with the love triangles all throughout the book. I think Rox should’ve broken up with Joshua way before everything but whatever. And I don’t like Ty much… makes Rox seem quite desperate and is a very uncomfy dynamic.
All the “I’m not like the other girls” lines at the beginning drive me nuts. Again, maybe sixth grade Flo would’ve appreciated it more. Idk.
Very fast read, I wouldn’t be very likely to recommend this book to a friend.
I think that the pressure society puts on talented children is a good topic to explore because the results can be so devastating. Not many people want to talk about it.
I think that the topics of depression and anxiety and mental health were addressed at the surface level, which is probably appropriate for the genre but I felt like a lot of info was missing. I this en including some more detailed struggles or having Rox herself deal with them in addition to her grief could’ve opened up the story.
I’m a little dissatisfied with the love triangles all throughout the book. I think Rox should’ve broken up with Joshua way before everything but whatever. And I don’t like Ty much… makes Rox seem quite desperate and is a very uncomfy dynamic.
All the “I’m not like the other girls” lines at the beginning drive me nuts. Again, maybe sixth grade Flo would’ve appreciated it more. Idk.
Very fast read, I wouldn’t be very likely to recommend this book to a friend.
September 6, 2018
You want to believe in these characters from the first pages. You want to imagine they are some kind of star crossed couple under the controlling umbrella of a latter-day Col Tom Parker. You think you can understand their trailer park backgrounds and their motivations to use talent and opportunity to escape. But you"d be wrong. As in her first book (Still Waters) Ash
Parsons crafts superbly authentic, intelligent, and non-traditional young adult characters and places them in the unrealistic and high pressure world of modern music celebrity. Younger readers will enjoy this back stage look at pop celebrity but all readers will find multiple facets of setting, character development, and plot from which to appreciate and celebrate this work. At times reminescent of some of ME Kerr’s work but ultimately so much more redemptive and triumphant. This is one readers of almost any age can enjoy and appreciate.
Parsons crafts superbly authentic, intelligent, and non-traditional young adult characters and places them in the unrealistic and high pressure world of modern music celebrity. Younger readers will enjoy this back stage look at pop celebrity but all readers will find multiple facets of setting, character development, and plot from which to appreciate and celebrate this work. At times reminescent of some of ME Kerr’s work but ultimately so much more redemptive and triumphant. This is one readers of almost any age can enjoy and appreciate.
April 15, 2022
3-3.5 stars. I genuinely enjoyed most of this book, especially the main story line, but I wanted more from it. Especially from the end, which seemed too short to me. I will not be giving away any spoilers, but if you’ve read the book I hope you agree with me in saying it seemed rushed. I also did not like to Ty-Roxy dynamic after Joshua’s death. I saw it coming, and was very close to just closing the book. I guess it makes some sense about why the author included it, to show how Roxy reacts through grief. However, I wish the author had found a different wait to display her grief. My final issue with the book was some of the writing choices. I saw sentences that ran on for over 3 lines, being a one sentence paragraph. It mostly seemed unnecessary, and I just wish the author had broken these long sentences into shorter ones. Overall, decent book. Might recommend, but could be a lot better.
July 8, 2018
Easy to follow and had characters who were fairly complex despite the lack of focus on anyone but the two protagonists and one of their siblings. It was a nice read for slow night shifts and I think it did a good job illustrating how complicated and constant and frustrating fame can be, especially for someone with legions of obsessive fans. It also does a decent job of representing depression and how it manifests itself in different ways. But I can't five star it, because there were a few parts that felt like queer baiting (female protagonist fixates on the attractiveness of other girls/women in a way that didn't seem casual but there's never any mention of potential bisexuality) and the ending, I don't want to spoil it, but despite how complicated the story had to be to make the ending happen, it still kinda felt like a cop out.
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