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Spin
An aspiring teenage DJ must learn how to navigate life when people find out that she's the daughter of a famous singer.
Fifteen-year-old Delilah “Dizzy” Doucette lives with her dad and brother above their vintage record store, The Vinyl Trap. She’s learning how to spin records from her brother’s best friend, and she’s getting pretty good. But behind her bohemian life, Dizzy and her family have a secret: her mom is the mega-famous singer Georgia Waters. When this secret is revealed to the world, Dizzy’s life spins out of control. She must decide what is most important to her — the family she has or the family she wants.
Fifteen-year-old Delilah “Dizzy” Doucette lives with her dad and brother above their vintage record store, The Vinyl Trap. She’s learning how to spin records from her brother’s best friend, and she’s getting pretty good. But behind her bohemian life, Dizzy and her family have a secret: her mom is the mega-famous singer Georgia Waters. When this secret is revealed to the world, Dizzy’s life spins out of control. She must decide what is most important to her — the family she has or the family she wants.
296 pages, Paperback
First published August 10, 2019
6 people are currently reading
1175 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Nelson
32 books131 followersColleen Nelson is the author of YA fiction books Finding Hope (2016), 250 Hours (2015), The Fall (2013) and Tori by Design (2011). 'The Fall' and 'Tori by Design' both won the McNally Robinson Book of the Year Award. 'The Fall' was also nominated for the White Pine Award. Currently living in Winnipeg with her husband, two young sons and three grown step-children, Colleen manages to eke out time to write everyday, but usually in the early morning after a strong cup of coffee. A junior high school teacher for ten years before having children, Colleen is familiar and comfortable with the tricky phase of life called 'adolescence'. Now a Teacher-Librarian in Winnipeg, Canada, Colleen is constantly on the look-out for books that will catch the attention of her reading-reluctant sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 3, 2019
This is the third book by Colleen Nelson that I've read, and I can now say with certainty that Nelson's writing style is one I enjoy. While the two before this one had been hit or miss with me story-wise, the writing is consistently beautiful, and it always flows well.
But Spin is by far my favorite Colleen Nelson book. The story focuses on family and music, and it's so beautifully executed. All the characters are well developed, the relationships set very dynamic and organic. I enjoyed how the plot was paced, and the multiple POVs were very well pulled off, they didn't bleed into one another and cause any confusion.
Spin is captivating. A YA/contemporary book that you shouldn't miss.
*Copy received through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
*Rating: 4.5/5 stars
But Spin is by far my favorite Colleen Nelson book. The story focuses on family and music, and it's so beautifully executed. All the characters are well developed, the relationships set very dynamic and organic. I enjoyed how the plot was paced, and the multiple POVs were very well pulled off, they didn't bleed into one another and cause any confusion.
Spin is captivating. A YA/contemporary book that you shouldn't miss.
*Copy received through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
*Rating: 4.5/5 stars
September 2, 2019
*3.75 Stars*
I was provided an ARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Delilah "Dizzy" Doucette lives with her father and brother since her superstar mother left them when she was not even a year old. No one knows who her mother is but she manages. Between school, friends, her DJ training and working at her father music store, she keeps busy. Until her mother has her first concert in their city in 10 years. Now, all she can think about is her and how she needs to meet her.
I liked a lot of things in this book. The characters were deep and interesting, I loved how the mother wasn't present in person for like 80% of the book but still was so present in every other way. The relationships between the characters were so interesting. Whether it was the family relationships or the friend ones, it captivated me. I also loved getting the whole DJing thing. I never read about a main character starting out as a DJ and it was very fun. The only issue I had was so writing style, it felt stiff for some time. It took me some time getting used to it... But once I got into the story, I really liked it.
I was provided an ARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Delilah "Dizzy" Doucette lives with her father and brother since her superstar mother left them when she was not even a year old. No one knows who her mother is but she manages. Between school, friends, her DJ training and working at her father music store, she keeps busy. Until her mother has her first concert in their city in 10 years. Now, all she can think about is her and how she needs to meet her.
I liked a lot of things in this book. The characters were deep and interesting, I loved how the mother wasn't present in person for like 80% of the book but still was so present in every other way. The relationships between the characters were so interesting. Whether it was the family relationships or the friend ones, it captivated me. I also loved getting the whole DJing thing. I never read about a main character starting out as a DJ and it was very fun. The only issue I had was so writing style, it felt stiff for some time. It took me some time getting used to it... But once I got into the story, I really liked it.
March 23, 2020
Thank you Edelweiss and the publisher for this review copy of Spin.
I enjoyed this story of 15 year old Dizzy and her family. It is another one of those books that starts with a simple but interesting premise. What if your mother was famous and didn’t want to have anything to do with you?
Although the POV’s were a little simplistic and straightforward writing wise (I thought Lou’s could probably use the most work) I appreciated seeing how all three family members dealt with the feelings or loss and abandonment.
It wasn’t a wild or overly dramatic story but it kept my interest and I really wanted to see how the family could reach some kind of conclusion with their absentee member and move forward.
I enjoyed this story of 15 year old Dizzy and her family. It is another one of those books that starts with a simple but interesting premise. What if your mother was famous and didn’t want to have anything to do with you?
Although the POV’s were a little simplistic and straightforward writing wise (I thought Lou’s could probably use the most work) I appreciated seeing how all three family members dealt with the feelings or loss and abandonment.
It wasn’t a wild or overly dramatic story but it kept my interest and I really wanted to see how the family could reach some kind of conclusion with their absentee member and move forward.
July 30, 2019
First off, this is definitely a type of contemporary that I enjoy - but is a new area for me. This book held strong similarities to On The Come Up by Angie Thomas. Musically inclined girl has a famous parent and she is trying to get her start in the music industry, and of course drama ensues. There were definitely enough differences to not feel like a carbon copy book.
Dizzy Doucette knows her mother is famous, but has been forbidden to tell her friends. Her father did not want her growing up with a famous mother, paparazzi following them around all the time. He wanted them to have a normal life, especially because her famous mother left them when she was very young. Dizzy desires to have a relationship with her mother, where her father and brother are resigned to the fact that it isn't going to happen. Dizzy holds out hope and gives Georgia the benefit of the doubt (whether she deserves it or not). Dizzy begins DJ'ing in her father's record store and is an instant hit - so she begins to use some old tracks of her mother's to build up her set. I won't give super spoilers, but this is a BAD idea.
The book also provides narration from Dizzy's brother and father. It is helpful to get those perspectives, as they do differ greatly from Dizzy's. It is an interesting family dynamic that is very endearing.
I did enjoy this book, I just found it underwhelming in the end. Colleen Nelson has excellent writing, the plot moved along nicely, and the characters were well fleshed out. The plot line itself was just lackluster. I wasn't excited to read it, and I didn't have problems putting it down at times. For this reason, I gave it a 3.5/5 stars.
For those of you who love Angie Thomas and On The Come Up, I would definitely suggest checking this out!
Dizzy Doucette knows her mother is famous, but has been forbidden to tell her friends. Her father did not want her growing up with a famous mother, paparazzi following them around all the time. He wanted them to have a normal life, especially because her famous mother left them when she was very young. Dizzy desires to have a relationship with her mother, where her father and brother are resigned to the fact that it isn't going to happen. Dizzy holds out hope and gives Georgia the benefit of the doubt (whether she deserves it or not). Dizzy begins DJ'ing in her father's record store and is an instant hit - so she begins to use some old tracks of her mother's to build up her set. I won't give super spoilers, but this is a BAD idea.
The book also provides narration from Dizzy's brother and father. It is helpful to get those perspectives, as they do differ greatly from Dizzy's. It is an interesting family dynamic that is very endearing.
I did enjoy this book, I just found it underwhelming in the end. Colleen Nelson has excellent writing, the plot moved along nicely, and the characters were well fleshed out. The plot line itself was just lackluster. I wasn't excited to read it, and I didn't have problems putting it down at times. For this reason, I gave it a 3.5/5 stars.
For those of you who love Angie Thomas and On The Come Up, I would definitely suggest checking this out!
May 28, 2019
Thoroughly entertaining, once the story got going I couldn’t put it down!
EDITED to include full review.
I was excited about this book from the start! (I mean look at the cover!) Plus, books about music combine my two loves (reading and music) and they are a match made in heaven. Colleen's writing kept reminding me of Nicola Yoon, I don't know if it was the first person narrative that switched from character to character or the brightness and ease of the prose.
It took a few chapters for the conflict of this story to become evident, and it may be harder for some teens to relate to the struggles in this book because of how fantastical some elements are, but I think we can all learn something from these adorable and amazing characters. They are what drew me into the story.
Dizzy and her brother Lou were abandoned by their Mom when they were very young so she could go in search of fame and fortune and not be tied down by them. She is now a famous singer and is coming to perform in their home town for the first time in 10 years. Dizzy's Dad owns a Vinyl Record store that hosts DJ nights and both Dizzy and her brother Lou work at the store.
Dizzy is fierce and creative and she believes she needs to know her Mom to know herself, she starts using her DJ talents to sort through her emotions through music and uploads it for the world to hear. She begins to gain internet fame thanks to the help of another local DJ. Some of the tracks include irreplaceable recordings of her Mom from before she was famous, and that may lead to trouble for Dizzy and her Dad if her Mom or the record label find out!
Lou loves reading is struggling to figure out life after high school. Does he continue in the same old life and the current status quo, or is there something else for him. He doesn't feel like he has found his passion like Dizzy's DJ skills, but he knows there has to be more for him then working at the record store for the rest of his life. He finds himself on a local college campus and sneaks into a English lecture (because of a girl) and slowly, his future begins to take shape in his heart.
By the half way point I couldn't put it down and had to know what happened! I was thoroughly entertained and loved getting to know Dizzy and her family and friends. Props to Maya her BFF for being a true friend and willing to sacrifice something important (to her) for the sake of her friend. Definitely gave me all the feels towards the end of the book!
The final resolution wasn't everything I wanted it to be, but I think it mirrored what would happen in real life if this was based on a true story.
Thank you to the author and Netgalley for giving me an eArc in exchange for an honest review!
.
EDITED to include full review.
I was excited about this book from the start! (I mean look at the cover!) Plus, books about music combine my two loves (reading and music) and they are a match made in heaven. Colleen's writing kept reminding me of Nicola Yoon, I don't know if it was the first person narrative that switched from character to character or the brightness and ease of the prose.
It took a few chapters for the conflict of this story to become evident, and it may be harder for some teens to relate to the struggles in this book because of how fantastical some elements are, but I think we can all learn something from these adorable and amazing characters. They are what drew me into the story.
Dizzy and her brother Lou were abandoned by their Mom when they were very young so she could go in search of fame and fortune and not be tied down by them. She is now a famous singer and is coming to perform in their home town for the first time in 10 years. Dizzy's Dad owns a Vinyl Record store that hosts DJ nights and both Dizzy and her brother Lou work at the store.
Dizzy is fierce and creative and she believes she needs to know her Mom to know herself, she starts using her DJ talents to sort through her emotions through music and uploads it for the world to hear. She begins to gain internet fame thanks to the help of another local DJ. Some of the tracks include irreplaceable recordings of her Mom from before she was famous, and that may lead to trouble for Dizzy and her Dad if her Mom or the record label find out!
Lou loves reading is struggling to figure out life after high school. Does he continue in the same old life and the current status quo, or is there something else for him. He doesn't feel like he has found his passion like Dizzy's DJ skills, but he knows there has to be more for him then working at the record store for the rest of his life. He finds himself on a local college campus and sneaks into a English lecture (because of a girl) and slowly, his future begins to take shape in his heart.
By the half way point I couldn't put it down and had to know what happened! I was thoroughly entertained and loved getting to know Dizzy and her family and friends. Props to Maya her BFF for being a true friend and willing to sacrifice something important (to her) for the sake of her friend. Definitely gave me all the feels towards the end of the book!
The final resolution wasn't everything I wanted it to be, but I think it mirrored what would happen in real life if this was based on a true story.
Thank you to the author and Netgalley for giving me an eArc in exchange for an honest review!
.
August 29, 2019
4.5 stars
Spin centers around Delilah "Dizzy" Doucette, an aspiring DJ living above her family's vintage record store. Dizzy's love of music stems from her parents. Her father plays the saxophone while her mother is a singer. However, her mother isn't just any old singer. She's the famous Georgia Waters. She's also the mother who left her family years ago for stardom. Leaving behind her husband and children who continue to remain a secret to the public. When Dizzy's big family secret is out, her life spins out of control. Dizzy wants her mother to know her, but will she lose herself in the process?
Hands down, the most underrated YA book I've read yet. Why is no one talking about this book? It's coming out very soon and I'm wondering why there aren't people shouting from the rooftops to tell people to Read. This. Book! This is a YA book worth reading. There was no romance and no need for one. Just a story about family, music, and being brave. This is why I love contemporary fiction so much. You get to see inside someone's life. See what their wants and fears are. See inside their soul. And you get all the good and the bad of life in this one character who even though is fictional, you can't help but want them to have a happy ending.
Nelson did the smart thing and had three POV's - Dizzy, Lou, and her father. I got so much insight into each family member's life. As this is a book centered around family as well as music, this was such a key factor in why I enjoyed Spin so much. Dizzy herself is reckless, passionate, and fights for what she wants. The music she spins was a perfect addition to the story. It's different. It's creative.
Dizzy's brother, Lou, is going through an identity crisis just like his sister. I thought his POV was perfect because he wasn't a musician. He was kind of the black sheep of the family even if he helped with the record store marketing. He wants something different then what has been handed to him, he just doesn't know what yet.
When Dizzy's father's POV came around, it gave me insight into him being a single father, his love for Georgia, and his love for his kids. I love positive parenting in YA. Usually you don't see the parents around or they are cruel towards their children. Dizzy's dad was none of those things.
I felt the emotion that Dizzy felt. I could feel her want for her mother to know her. I could feel her notice-me attitude when she got on stage. She wasn't obnoxious or anything like that. She was a hurt teenager who fought for her family.
Spin was a beautifully told story about what makes a family. If you love YA contemporaries you will love Spin. Highly recommended!
Spin centers around Delilah "Dizzy" Doucette, an aspiring DJ living above her family's vintage record store. Dizzy's love of music stems from her parents. Her father plays the saxophone while her mother is a singer. However, her mother isn't just any old singer. She's the famous Georgia Waters. She's also the mother who left her family years ago for stardom. Leaving behind her husband and children who continue to remain a secret to the public. When Dizzy's big family secret is out, her life spins out of control. Dizzy wants her mother to know her, but will she lose herself in the process?
Hands down, the most underrated YA book I've read yet. Why is no one talking about this book? It's coming out very soon and I'm wondering why there aren't people shouting from the rooftops to tell people to Read. This. Book! This is a YA book worth reading. There was no romance and no need for one. Just a story about family, music, and being brave. This is why I love contemporary fiction so much. You get to see inside someone's life. See what their wants and fears are. See inside their soul. And you get all the good and the bad of life in this one character who even though is fictional, you can't help but want them to have a happy ending.
Nelson did the smart thing and had three POV's - Dizzy, Lou, and her father. I got so much insight into each family member's life. As this is a book centered around family as well as music, this was such a key factor in why I enjoyed Spin so much. Dizzy herself is reckless, passionate, and fights for what she wants. The music she spins was a perfect addition to the story. It's different. It's creative.
Dizzy's brother, Lou, is going through an identity crisis just like his sister. I thought his POV was perfect because he wasn't a musician. He was kind of the black sheep of the family even if he helped with the record store marketing. He wants something different then what has been handed to him, he just doesn't know what yet.
When Dizzy's father's POV came around, it gave me insight into him being a single father, his love for Georgia, and his love for his kids. I love positive parenting in YA. Usually you don't see the parents around or they are cruel towards their children. Dizzy's dad was none of those things.
I felt the emotion that Dizzy felt. I could feel her want for her mother to know her. I could feel her notice-me attitude when she got on stage. She wasn't obnoxious or anything like that. She was a hurt teenager who fought for her family.
Spin was a beautifully told story about what makes a family. If you love YA contemporaries you will love Spin. Highly recommended!
September 8, 2020
Fifteen-year-old Delilah “Dizzy” Doucette lives with her dad and brother above their vintage record store, The Vinyl Trap. She’s learning how to spin records from her brother’s best friend, and she’s getting pretty good. But behind her bohemian life, Dizzy and her family have a secret: her mom is the mega-famous singer Georgia Waters. When this secret is revealed to the world, Dizzy’s life spins out of control. She must decide what is most important to her — the family she has or the family she wants.
Spin is so different all of the YA I usually read because there's no romance, no angst, just family.
*Book received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Spin is so different all of the YA I usually read because there's no romance, no angst, just family.
*Book received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
January 10, 2020
I really enjoyed this! The characters were very likable and easy to relate to. I think the authour's decision to write the book from not only Dizzy's perspective, but from her father and brother's as well, was a good one. It added more depth to the story and gave me a chance to see the events from different perspectives. Every once in a while, I read a book where I like the characters so much that I'm sad when it ends. Spin is definitely one of these books!
September 28, 2020
I received an advanced reader's copy from from Dundurn via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Spin is not only a coming of age story for Dizzy, but it is also a strong young female empowerment story. Dizzy has grown up with only her older brother and her dad. All three have gone through their lives, struggling to find themselves, knowing that their mom intentionally left them to pursue her signing career. All while keeping it a secret that the biggest artist in the world should be a part of their lives.
Dizzy feels as if she cannot find who she really is until she confronts her mom to ask her why she left. She is an aspiring DJ but can she actually become successful without her mom's influence?
I found this young adult book intriguing. The strength Dizzy finds within to do things that are scary, to repair poor mistakes she made, and confront her demons is an important example for young girls in this day and age. We need to encourage our girls to make decisions based on their own growth and I think Spin exemplifies this.
Spin is not only a coming of age story for Dizzy, but it is also a strong young female empowerment story. Dizzy has grown up with only her older brother and her dad. All three have gone through their lives, struggling to find themselves, knowing that their mom intentionally left them to pursue her signing career. All while keeping it a secret that the biggest artist in the world should be a part of their lives.
Dizzy feels as if she cannot find who she really is until she confronts her mom to ask her why she left. She is an aspiring DJ but can she actually become successful without her mom's influence?
I found this young adult book intriguing. The strength Dizzy finds within to do things that are scary, to repair poor mistakes she made, and confront her demons is an important example for young girls in this day and age. We need to encourage our girls to make decisions based on their own growth and I think Spin exemplifies this.
October 31, 2019
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars - this was cute. Starts off a little slow but I got interested in the characters a little way into it. It’s a shifting perspective (dad, and 2 different kids) which seemed off putting at first but I see why it was needed to get the plot where it was going. The main character is a 15 year old DJ named Dizzy, who at times is super frustrating and makes some questionable responsibility decisions, but that’s just my adult brain showing.
Overall I enjoyed the story and the characters and read most of it in one sitting. I recommend this for a light read.
3.5 stars - this was cute. Starts off a little slow but I got interested in the characters a little way into it. It’s a shifting perspective (dad, and 2 different kids) which seemed off putting at first but I see why it was needed to get the plot where it was going. The main character is a 15 year old DJ named Dizzy, who at times is super frustrating and makes some questionable responsibility decisions, but that’s just my adult brain showing.
Overall I enjoyed the story and the characters and read most of it in one sitting. I recommend this for a light read.
September 25, 2019
This book had so much heart in it. I loved how family oriented it was and how it dealt with what it means to be a mother or father. I also loved how it was also a coming of age novel and how that shaped Lou and Dizzy in different ways. I just wish it was a bit longer, dealing with the fallout of the Georgia situation more, and that specific social media wasn’t mentioned so heavily as that tends to date the work quite quickly. But I’m always here for some good Canadian YA!
May 22, 2023
DNF 24%
2.5 stars.
it just was not my type of book. The chapters were sometimes so short and boring to me. It jumped back and forth, i did not feel like we got to know the characters well enough this way.
2.5 stars.
it just was not my type of book. The chapters were sometimes so short and boring to me. It jumped back and forth, i did not feel like we got to know the characters well enough this way.
August 7, 2019
Thanks to netgalley for an ebook copy of Spin before publication date.
Rating- 4 stars.
I loved the cover of this book with the main character depicted with a mass of curly hair.
While I was reading I pictured famous mother Georgia to sound like Adele, look like Carrie Underwood, with natural curls like Zendaya.
Dizzy is a teenager with musical parents who lives above a record store with her father and older brother, Lou. Having a DJ deck in store, her musical abilites soon shine, where she creates old school record mixing and sampling, and posts them online.
But having to also navigate teenage family dynamics Dizzy, and the people in her life, make choices and we read about their decisions and the after effects of them.
Rating- 4 stars.
I loved the cover of this book with the main character depicted with a mass of curly hair.
While I was reading I pictured famous mother Georgia to sound like Adele, look like Carrie Underwood, with natural curls like Zendaya.
Dizzy is a teenager with musical parents who lives above a record store with her father and older brother, Lou. Having a DJ deck in store, her musical abilites soon shine, where she creates old school record mixing and sampling, and posts them online.
But having to also navigate teenage family dynamics Dizzy, and the people in her life, make choices and we read about their decisions and the after effects of them.
June 27, 2019
Delilah “Dizzy” Doucette is just another regular teenager. She lives with her brother Lou and her dad above their music store, The Vinyl Trap. But Dizzy has an amazing talent, she can spin. And she does it marvelously. Everything would be perfect if only her mom could be with them.
What happened to her? Well, she’s no other than famous singer Georgia Waters and she left her home to achieve a career in the music industry when both Dizzy and Lou were little. Now, fourteen years later, she is coming back to town to put on one final show.
Could this be the opportunity Dizzy has always begged for? Will she be able to meet with Georgia? If so, will her mother recognize her after all this time? Does she remember she had a family? Dizzy will get her answers, and along with her and her family, we’ll be starting a journey of self-discovery with the help of music and love.
Reading the story of the Doucette family was both entertaining and delightful. I appreciated that the author included not only Dizzy’s POV but also Lou’s and Ray’s, their father. This gave us a full understanding of how things happened and how it affected everybody in both their personal and family lives. The thing I loved most about this book was the role of music. Whether it was by singing, playing an instrument, spinning some mixes or just by listening to it, music was an invisible wire surrounding every aspect of the Doucette’s story. After all, the music got the family together, and music tore it apart. Will music be able to get them back together again?
Spin is a very well written and enjoyable novel, whose characters were just perfect for the story. Love and friendship are the keywords, and I am sure most of you will have a wonderful time while reading this book, I did and I hope you enjoy it too.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Dundurn for giving me the opportunity to read and review this amazing book.
What happened to her? Well, she’s no other than famous singer Georgia Waters and she left her home to achieve a career in the music industry when both Dizzy and Lou were little. Now, fourteen years later, she is coming back to town to put on one final show.
Could this be the opportunity Dizzy has always begged for? Will she be able to meet with Georgia? If so, will her mother recognize her after all this time? Does she remember she had a family? Dizzy will get her answers, and along with her and her family, we’ll be starting a journey of self-discovery with the help of music and love.
Reading the story of the Doucette family was both entertaining and delightful. I appreciated that the author included not only Dizzy’s POV but also Lou’s and Ray’s, their father. This gave us a full understanding of how things happened and how it affected everybody in both their personal and family lives. The thing I loved most about this book was the role of music. Whether it was by singing, playing an instrument, spinning some mixes or just by listening to it, music was an invisible wire surrounding every aspect of the Doucette’s story. After all, the music got the family together, and music tore it apart. Will music be able to get them back together again?
Spin is a very well written and enjoyable novel, whose characters were just perfect for the story. Love and friendship are the keywords, and I am sure most of you will have a wonderful time while reading this book, I did and I hope you enjoy it too.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Dundurn for giving me the opportunity to read and review this amazing book.
June 18, 2019
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Spin was a wonderfully fluffy novel about love, family, friendship, and music. I loved how Nelson didn't stay in Dizzy's POV but also explored Lou and Ray's, however, because of this the switch in perspectives happened often and was confusing sometimes. Yet most of the confusion is avoided because the three all have very distinct voices.
The set up of Spin was great, with setting and backstory firmly in place. I especially enjoyed tracking down all the pinch points placed within the story.
Georgia was also such an interesting character. She's depicted in so many ways: by Ray, Lou, Dizzy, and the public. It's not really until the end of the book until we truly begin to understand the person she is. Even though she's not a main character, she's still a huge part of the book and I loved how layered she was.
And the music. I thought it was great how Nelson made it clear that the love of music can be expressed in different ways - through singing, playing, plain listening, and mixing. Kudos for the racial diversity in the book, too!
The ending was perfect. It seemed plausible and satisfying without pushing my suspension of disbelief.
A couple of things I have to criticize, however, are the few infodumps there are within Spin (one that I can remember clearly was Dizzy's backstory on Maya). Also, Dizzy's trip to see her mother -- was too easy. Even though this is acknowledged in the book, it still didn't seem believable.
All in all, I quite enjoyed Spin and would recommend it to those who are just about done with Middle Grade and want to start exploring Young Adult fiction.
Rating: 3.8 stars
Spin was a wonderfully fluffy novel about love, family, friendship, and music. I loved how Nelson didn't stay in Dizzy's POV but also explored Lou and Ray's, however, because of this the switch in perspectives happened often and was confusing sometimes. Yet most of the confusion is avoided because the three all have very distinct voices.
The set up of Spin was great, with setting and backstory firmly in place. I especially enjoyed tracking down all the pinch points placed within the story.
Georgia was also such an interesting character. She's depicted in so many ways: by Ray, Lou, Dizzy, and the public. It's not really until the end of the book until we truly begin to understand the person she is. Even though she's not a main character, she's still a huge part of the book and I loved how layered she was.
And the music. I thought it was great how Nelson made it clear that the love of music can be expressed in different ways - through singing, playing, plain listening, and mixing. Kudos for the racial diversity in the book, too!
The ending was perfect. It seemed plausible and satisfying without pushing my suspension of disbelief.
A couple of things I have to criticize, however, are the few infodumps there are within Spin (one that I can remember clearly was Dizzy's backstory on Maya). Also, Dizzy's trip to see her mother -- was too easy. Even though this is acknowledged in the book, it still didn't seem believable.
All in all, I quite enjoyed Spin and would recommend it to those who are just about done with Middle Grade and want to start exploring Young Adult fiction.
Rating: 3.8 stars
June 10, 2019
This was my first NetGalley read in AGES!
It was certainly a good way to restart my reviewing career.
Spin is a wonderful, heartfelt, refreshing story about family.
It is not about romance and teenage angst. No ridiculous mean girls and high school drama. Just one family, trying to find themselves despite their one missing piece.
Each family member was an equal part of the story. The story wasn't about Dizzy and her spinning career. Nor was it about her brother and his longing for knowledge and an education. It wasn't solely about their father and his love for his children and how much he struggles to keep their family happy and normal despite his children's mother having left them a decade ago, leaving one child with hate for her and the other with questions.
This book was about all of those things; it was the story of a family in which all parts weaved together equally to create an honest story of people caring for each other and trying to find their way in the world.
I could relate to this family, and I'm sure many of you could too. It ended well for everyone, in a believable way that gives the reader hope. This family didn't just miraculously get healed and the children didn't miraculously reunite with their mother. But the ending makes you realize that, for them, everything will be ok and that they have only just begun the journey towards healing.
If you need a break from the typical drama, cliches, and tropes of most YA and Middle Grade literature, I recommend this book. And if you are in need of some healing, perhaps this novel could be therapeutic.
It was certainly a good way to restart my reviewing career.
Spin is a wonderful, heartfelt, refreshing story about family.
It is not about romance and teenage angst. No ridiculous mean girls and high school drama. Just one family, trying to find themselves despite their one missing piece.
Each family member was an equal part of the story. The story wasn't about Dizzy and her spinning career. Nor was it about her brother and his longing for knowledge and an education. It wasn't solely about their father and his love for his children and how much he struggles to keep their family happy and normal despite his children's mother having left them a decade ago, leaving one child with hate for her and the other with questions.
This book was about all of those things; it was the story of a family in which all parts weaved together equally to create an honest story of people caring for each other and trying to find their way in the world.
I could relate to this family, and I'm sure many of you could too. It ended well for everyone, in a believable way that gives the reader hope. This family didn't just miraculously get healed and the children didn't miraculously reunite with their mother. But the ending makes you realize that, for them, everything will be ok and that they have only just begun the journey towards healing.
If you need a break from the typical drama, cliches, and tropes of most YA and Middle Grade literature, I recommend this book. And if you are in need of some healing, perhaps this novel could be therapeutic.
March 4, 2019
Colleen Nelson has done it again. She’s written a terrific young adult novel with spirit and sass. I really enjoyed reading this novel. The story is told by three characters. The chapters are short and the reader gets to know the characters well: Dizzy, is a 15 year-old aspiring DJ, her older brother Lou, and her dad, Ray. They all live above Dad’s vinyl record store. For years the family has kept a secret. Dizzy and Lou’s mother is the famous rock singer, Georgia Waters. She left the family when the kids were toddlers to pursue her music career. Dad never stopped loving her. The kids don’t really know her but long to. Dizzy learns through social media that Georgia is coming to town – it will be her last concert before heading off to Vegas. This may be Dizzy’s only chance to see her mother and she’ll do whatever it takes; even if it means breaking the secret and her father’s heart.
March 9, 2019
Dynamic YA book about a young girl trying to live her dream to be a DJ while dealing with the loss of her mother (though her mother isn't dead). This book is so well done. The writing is almost musical in its cadence. Plus the protagonist, Dizzy, is super cool. Reading this you want to be here. Along with the strong writing, I appreciated the way this book touched on the stresses of social media for teens without turning it into an afterschool special. Very good book.
Seema Rao Write : Instagram| Blog| Twitter|
Seema Rao Write : Instagram| Blog| Twitter|
May 17, 2019
Children always think that a missing parent, one whom they have never met, is somehow magical. That if they only met them, if they only knew them, that their life would be complete.
This is how Dizzy is. She feels if she could just get to know her mother, who is a famous singer, but who also has abandoned her, and wants nothing to do with her, or her family, that if she could just get to see her mother and talk to her, that it would all be great.
Of course, it wouldn't be much of a story if it all worked out, now would it.
Very well written novel, told in three voices, Dizzy's, Lou, her brothers, and her fathers.
Highly recommend it. Well written, and a good read.
This is how Dizzy is. She feels if she could just get to know her mother, who is a famous singer, but who also has abandoned her, and wants nothing to do with her, or her family, that if she could just get to see her mother and talk to her, that it would all be great.
Of course, it wouldn't be much of a story if it all worked out, now would it.
Very well written novel, told in three voices, Dizzy's, Lou, her brothers, and her fathers.
Highly recommend it. Well written, and a good read.
May 29, 2019
Spin is a coming-of-age novel about 15-year-old Delilah “Dizzy” Doucette, whose father owns a record store and whose mother happens to be Georgia Waters, the most famous musician on Earth. Except Dizzy isn't allowed to tell anyone about her mother, who left when Dizzy was one year old and has only visited once,
There is no shortage of fictional randomly-running-into-and-or-related-to-a-celebrity stories, but I greatly enjoyed Spin. The chapters are short and alternate between Dizzy, her brother Lou, and her father Ray, and every character seems well fleshed out and interesting. It was a pretty feel-good book with an interesting cast of characters.
There is no shortage of fictional randomly-running-into-and-or-related-to-a-celebrity stories, but I greatly enjoyed Spin. The chapters are short and alternate between Dizzy, her brother Lou, and her father Ray, and every character seems well fleshed out and interesting. It was a pretty feel-good book with an interesting cast of characters.
January 21, 2022
It was an incredible book it gave me so much excitement. However, I believe it shouldn't have ended as it did. The whole "spin girl spin" is overrated and makes for a weird cliff hanger. It should have ended with Georgia showing up after the show and claiming Dizzy as her daughter. That would give the reader the happy ending effect they would want with this book. But overall the book is a masterpiece so good job on making it. So for such a masterpiece, I will rate it accordingly.
December 24, 2020
*3.5 STARS
"Slipping from my fingers, you leave / we'll meet again, I have to believe."
I'm slowly making my way through all of my Netgalley ARC's from last year and this one was up next on my list. I'm not sure why I requested this one, maybe I was just in the mood for some contemporary with music as a big part of the storyline. If that's what I wanted then I definitely got it.
Spin is mainly Dizzy's story. She's a fifteen year old who dreams of becoming a DJ star but has always felt a hole in her life due the fact that her mother abandoned the family when Dizzy was very young. Now, her mother is a worldwide singing superstar and her latest tour has brought her to the city Dizzy lives in and she's determined to get some answers whatever it takes.
There were a lot of components that I really liked about this book. Firstly, we do actually get three POV's; Dizzy, her older brother Lou and their dad Ray, which I wasn't expecting. It worked really well as we got to see how Georgia's departure affected the whole family and how they're dealing with their own problems. It meant the story had a few layers to it but they came together to make a whole picture. I think all three perspectives were all really strong as well. There wasn't a time where I just wanted to get back to another POV because I was interested in each of the characters individually.
Another element I really liked was the relationship between Dizzy and her best friend Maya. It really spoke through the pages how much Maya cared for Dizzy and the lengths she would go through to help her friend. She was a really selfless and kind character and she's someone I wished appeared more in the book. I also really liked Ray's group of friends, they were like a group of fun uncles that gather at the family's record store to jam out all the time.
Music obviously plays a big part in this story. Dizzy's mum Georgia is a singer, her day Ray always has his saxaphone ready to play a tune and Dizzy is beginning to find her rhythm with spinning records. The way music flows through this family is pretty special and it really spoke of how much they live and breathe music and use it to tell stories and create messages. I enjoyed seeing how music had a different meaning for each of them whether it's an escape, a way of life or a way of expressing themself.
Dizzy was an interesting character too. It's her story and she was an incredibly determined and passionate individual that really wanted to find her roots and discover who she really is. She refused to give up on what she wanted and could be a little sneaky in getting it too. I think her age definitely showed through at times though. She could be very rash and naive with her actions, she often didn't think through what she was doing or the consequences for her dad and brother. Whilst these scenes did frustrate me, I think it also made her pretty realistic. As a teenager your emotions are definitely overwhelming and can lead to some pretty bad decisions at times!
"She had that spark that made her special. Maybe it was guts, or just being ballsy, but failure was not an option for Dizzy."
I think teenagers will really connect with the characters in this book, it's got a lot of heart and emotion at it's core with really strong writing. It's fun to see three characters at different stages of life and their family bond. It has really strong themes of family, frienship and of course, music, that will speak to a lot of people.
"Slipping from my fingers, you leave / we'll meet again, I have to believe."
I'm slowly making my way through all of my Netgalley ARC's from last year and this one was up next on my list. I'm not sure why I requested this one, maybe I was just in the mood for some contemporary with music as a big part of the storyline. If that's what I wanted then I definitely got it.
Spin is mainly Dizzy's story. She's a fifteen year old who dreams of becoming a DJ star but has always felt a hole in her life due the fact that her mother abandoned the family when Dizzy was very young. Now, her mother is a worldwide singing superstar and her latest tour has brought her to the city Dizzy lives in and she's determined to get some answers whatever it takes.
There were a lot of components that I really liked about this book. Firstly, we do actually get three POV's; Dizzy, her older brother Lou and their dad Ray, which I wasn't expecting. It worked really well as we got to see how Georgia's departure affected the whole family and how they're dealing with their own problems. It meant the story had a few layers to it but they came together to make a whole picture. I think all three perspectives were all really strong as well. There wasn't a time where I just wanted to get back to another POV because I was interested in each of the characters individually.
Another element I really liked was the relationship between Dizzy and her best friend Maya. It really spoke through the pages how much Maya cared for Dizzy and the lengths she would go through to help her friend. She was a really selfless and kind character and she's someone I wished appeared more in the book. I also really liked Ray's group of friends, they were like a group of fun uncles that gather at the family's record store to jam out all the time.
Music obviously plays a big part in this story. Dizzy's mum Georgia is a singer, her day Ray always has his saxaphone ready to play a tune and Dizzy is beginning to find her rhythm with spinning records. The way music flows through this family is pretty special and it really spoke of how much they live and breathe music and use it to tell stories and create messages. I enjoyed seeing how music had a different meaning for each of them whether it's an escape, a way of life or a way of expressing themself.
Dizzy was an interesting character too. It's her story and she was an incredibly determined and passionate individual that really wanted to find her roots and discover who she really is. She refused to give up on what she wanted and could be a little sneaky in getting it too. I think her age definitely showed through at times though. She could be very rash and naive with her actions, she often didn't think through what she was doing or the consequences for her dad and brother. Whilst these scenes did frustrate me, I think it also made her pretty realistic. As a teenager your emotions are definitely overwhelming and can lead to some pretty bad decisions at times!
"She had that spark that made her special. Maybe it was guts, or just being ballsy, but failure was not an option for Dizzy."
I think teenagers will really connect with the characters in this book, it's got a lot of heart and emotion at it's core with really strong writing. It's fun to see three characters at different stages of life and their family bond. It has really strong themes of family, frienship and of course, music, that will speak to a lot of people.
January 13, 2020
I was really hoping I’d love this one, but sadly, I didn’t.
I mean, I love the aspect of DJing and the concept of music and celebrity parents. Everything about the book was pretty solid, a 4 star read... however... well... some things stood out to me that made me lower it.
Firstly, did anybody else find Lou sweet but also, slightly creepy at the same time? I mean, around the start of the story (if you do not want to know anything about even the slightest bit of the story, skip to the next paragraph) he is watching people. At college. Where he doesn’t go to school. Anybody see why this is weird? Just me? Okay. I’ll shut up.
Secondly, the story was so repetitive. Dizzy and Lou were sworn to secrecy about their famous mother, but when they told people, they always used the same evidence and it got so repetitive. I mean, yeah, of course, it would be a little repetitive, but after a while, it just got annoying.
Third/lastly, Lou’s romance was developed way to quickly. He literally spoke to the girl a few times, went out for coffee with her, then was ready to drop everything for her. It seemed very instalovey and not completely developed.
I mean, to be honest, Lou’s story wasn’t really complete. There was so much to be explored in the school and the romance but——
And that ending. Oh my god, I just——it made me so annoyed that... well... that was the ‘big climactic ending’ when it wasn’t.
Overall, I loved the story, but, well, there were some things that could have been done better.
I mean, I love the aspect of DJing and the concept of music and celebrity parents. Everything about the book was pretty solid, a 4 star read... however... well... some things stood out to me that made me lower it.
Firstly, did anybody else find Lou sweet but also, slightly creepy at the same time? I mean, around the start of the story (if you do not want to know anything about even the slightest bit of the story, skip to the next paragraph) he is watching people. At college. Where he doesn’t go to school. Anybody see why this is weird? Just me? Okay. I’ll shut up.
Secondly, the story was so repetitive. Dizzy and Lou were sworn to secrecy about their famous mother, but when they told people, they always used the same evidence and it got so repetitive. I mean, yeah, of course, it would be a little repetitive, but after a while, it just got annoying.
Third/lastly, Lou’s romance was developed way to quickly. He literally spoke to the girl a few times, went out for coffee with her, then was ready to drop everything for her. It seemed very instalovey and not completely developed.
I mean, to be honest, Lou’s story wasn’t really complete. There was so much to be explored in the school and the romance but——
And that ending. Oh my god, I just——it made me so annoyed that... well... that was the ‘big climactic ending’ when it wasn’t.
Overall, I loved the story, but, well, there were some things that could have been done better.
September 14, 2019
A contemporary young adult book about a young girl with dreams of becoming a DJ , while hiding a secret that could make or break her dreams. Delilah " Dizzy" Doucette has grown up surrounded by music, her father owns a record store and her brother's best friend has been teaching her how to spin records. When she agrees to open for a guest DJ at her dad's store , the experience and the response she gets shows her that her dream of doing it for a living might be a possibility after all.. Everything is not running quite so smoothly at home however. Dizzy's mom left her, her Dad and her brother years ago to pursue her musical career and is now a world famous singer. She has never publicly acknowledged the family she abandoned, and despite her father and brother telling her not to get her hopes up, when Dizzy finds out that she will b performing nearby, she is determined to see her., no matter the consequences.
This is an enjoyable and well written book, with good characters. The pace moves well and the plot is well thought out and executed. My favourite thing about it was the family dynamic between Dizzy, her brother and her Dad, it seemed really natural and completely believeable.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
This is an enjoyable and well written book, with good characters. The pace moves well and the plot is well thought out and executed. My favourite thing about it was the family dynamic between Dizzy, her brother and her Dad, it seemed really natural and completely believeable.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
August 31, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a good book. I enjoyed the music element. However, I didn’t enjoy the book being told from different characters’ perspectives. It wasn’t done well and I didn’t see the point. I enjoyed Dizzy’s character, her bond with her best friend, and her love for music. I think she goes through an important journey that was something that she just had to do. Although this wouldn’t be at the top of my recommend list, I would still recommend this book to other readers.
This was a good book. I enjoyed the music element. However, I didn’t enjoy the book being told from different characters’ perspectives. It wasn’t done well and I didn’t see the point. I enjoyed Dizzy’s character, her bond with her best friend, and her love for music. I think she goes through an important journey that was something that she just had to do. Although this wouldn’t be at the top of my recommend list, I would still recommend this book to other readers.
September 5, 2021
Dizzy is a character I grew to love. She is passionate and behaves impulsively. She loves with a big heart. And she has some lessons to learn. As always, Nelson takes the reader on the character's journey with empathy and sensitivity. I have enjoyed this author's middle grade books in the past and can now vouch for this YA novel. Spin is a novel which will resonate with readers who have felt less than because of rejection. It will also resonate with readers who have a love of music. I highly this novel for the teen reader in your life.
August 24, 2019
How do you figure out who you are when one of your parents is the most famous singer in the world? Dizzy and Lou live with their Dad above his record store. Dizzy at only 15 is becoming a well known DJ. But Dizzy and Lou share a secret, their Mom is the Georgia Waters! I enjoyed this coming if age story. I loved how music played such an important part of their lives. The author captured teen feelings perfectly.
May 4, 2025
It was okay. Glad it ended happily with Georgia being involved with her family again, Dizzy DJing, Lou getting into Waverly University with his girlfriend, the homeless guy getting his life together, and Ray in good health. The book made me realize that I know nothing at all about DJing. Typically I like short chapters, but these were really short. And the bouncing around between Dizzy, Lou, and Ray was…dizzying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2019
Spin was a very well written contemporary ya about a girl named Dizzy. Her mother is a famous singer that has never been involved in her life. Even though her father and brother are resigned to this, Dizzy still hopes to one day have a relationship with her. Again very well written and aside from a slow point or two a really solid read.
July 31, 2019
In Spin, we follow the alternating POVs of Dizzy—an aspiring DJ, Lou—Dizzy’s older brother who is struggling with his self-identity, and Ray—Dizzy’s dad, as they learn how to deal with the pieces left behind by their mother/SO when she left them years ago to pursue her singing career.
I loved the family dynamics, the little things/ moments shared between Dizzy, Lou and Ray. Each POV has something to offer, I wasn’t rushing to finish a chapter because I didn’t like the narrator. Although Dizzy came across as annoying to me at first, we get to see how much the whole family has matured in a small amount of time, especially Dizzy.
Like most contemporaries I liked, this was a fast read. Once the story started to pick up, I couldn’t put it down.
Thank you NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the family dynamics, the little things/ moments shared between Dizzy, Lou and Ray. Each POV has something to offer, I wasn’t rushing to finish a chapter because I didn’t like the narrator. Although Dizzy came across as annoying to me at first, we get to see how much the whole family has matured in a small amount of time, especially Dizzy.
Like most contemporaries I liked, this was a fast read. Once the story started to pick up, I couldn’t put it down.
Thank you NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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