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Four Seasons
Allegra Katz has been playing piano since she was four. But these aren't just any piano lessons. She studies at the Julliard School in New York, where careers are being formed—or not.
Between strict practice schedules, music classes, and regular school, Ally doesn't have time for much else. Sometimes she wishes she could break free, but she's never known any other way. Her parents—a professional violinist and a singer—would kill her if they knew she was thinking about quitting piano, especially her mother.
So she keeps on going, but as the months go by, she begins to ask herself, does she even love the piano? Why does she play? And how much longer can she stand the pressure before she breaks?
Between strict practice schedules, music classes, and regular school, Ally doesn't have time for much else. Sometimes she wishes she could break free, but she's never known any other way. Her parents—a professional violinist and a singer—would kill her if they knew she was thinking about quitting piano, especially her mother.
So she keeps on going, but as the months go by, she begins to ask herself, does she even love the piano? Why does she play? And how much longer can she stand the pressure before she breaks?
336 pages, Hardcover
First published February 8, 2011
4 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 14, 2014
I started this book with high expectations. I had heard a lot of good reviews about it, and the plot seemed okay: girl who plays piano at Julliard wants to quit; this is her struggle on how she solved her conflict. It was an easy read, something that I could dive into when the other books I was currently reading got to intense. But I did not like Allegra Katz. I know what you're saying: the book isn't all about the characters, it doesn't matter if you like them or not, it's about the plot. Thing is, I didn't really like the plot either. There wasn't even any real sense of plot that I could find.
Allegra, or Ally, struggles with her piano teacher and her jealousy over her roommate who likes a boy who she likes. Not only that, the boy, Alex, is five years older than Ally and Ally already kissed another boy at home who suddenly doesn't matter anymore. She's annoying and pretentious, getting jealous over nothing and throwing temper tantrums because she believes it'll get her more attention. Throughout the entire book, I just wanted to punch Ally in the face and say "IF YOU HATE PIANO SO MUCH, AND YOUR TEACHER SO MUCH, THAN SOLVE THE DAMN PROBLEM." She acknowledges that she doesn't like her teacher, but then refuses to do anything about it, even when her parents are completely on her side throughout almost the entire book.
I haven't read a lot of music books apart from Virtuosity, so I had better expectations for this book that were not met. I'm not saying that it was entirely awful, just that it wasn't my cup of tea.
Allegra, or Ally, struggles with her piano teacher and her jealousy over her roommate who likes a boy who she likes. Not only that, the boy, Alex, is five years older than Ally and Ally already kissed another boy at home who suddenly doesn't matter anymore. She's annoying and pretentious, getting jealous over nothing and throwing temper tantrums because she believes it'll get her more attention. Throughout the entire book, I just wanted to punch Ally in the face and say "IF YOU HATE PIANO SO MUCH, AND YOUR TEACHER SO MUCH, THAN SOLVE THE DAMN PROBLEM." She acknowledges that she doesn't like her teacher, but then refuses to do anything about it, even when her parents are completely on her side throughout almost the entire book.
I haven't read a lot of music books apart from Virtuosity, so I had better expectations for this book that were not met. I'm not saying that it was entirely awful, just that it wasn't my cup of tea.
May 13, 2024
A charming book that clearly shows the emotions and struggles of being a prodigy.
This was well written and enjoyable.
This was well written and enjoyable.
December 29, 2010
Ally Katz is a thirteen-year-old piano genius, having played since she was four years old. She attends a private music school and practices up to six hours a day. She eat, breathes, and sleeps music, especially with very important recital coming up that will determine her musical future. As you can imagine, this rigorous schedule does not leave a lot of time for a social life. With criticisms getting stronger and stress levels rising, Ally begins to long for something outside of playing piano. A normal life, with girlie sleepovers and maybe even a boyfriend. However, gathering the courage to tell her parents and herself what she really wants is not going to be easy at all.
Four Seasons was an interesting book. Occasionally there will be some kid on the news that lives a similar life as Ally, but reading about it first hand was an entirely different experience. I thought Ally's voice was very raw, very well-written. The reader gets to know her every ache, her hopes, her confusions. Ally's best friend Opal was absolutely adorable and completely charming. Though all teens go through some sort of encounter where they have to learn to express their feelings to their parents, I am not sure this book will appeal to a broad reading audience. It is very focused on the fierce competitive life of being a great musician, with little else in Ally's life that matters. Those who do pick up the book will be rewarded with cute scenes with boys and a happy ending.
Four Seasons was an interesting book. Occasionally there will be some kid on the news that lives a similar life as Ally, but reading about it first hand was an entirely different experience. I thought Ally's voice was very raw, very well-written. The reader gets to know her every ache, her hopes, her confusions. Ally's best friend Opal was absolutely adorable and completely charming. Though all teens go through some sort of encounter where they have to learn to express their feelings to their parents, I am not sure this book will appeal to a broad reading audience. It is very focused on the fierce competitive life of being a great musician, with little else in Ally's life that matters. Those who do pick up the book will be rewarded with cute scenes with boys and a happy ending.
September 14, 2011
*Spoiler Alert?
GoodRead's Summary:
Allegra Katz has been playing piano since she was four. But these aren't just any piano lessons. She studies at the Julliard School in New York, where careers are being formed—or not.
Between strict practice schedules, music classes, and regular school, Ally doesn't have time for much else. Sometimes she wishes she could break free, but she's never known any other way. Her parents—a professional violinist and a singer—would kill her if they knew she was thinking about quitting piano, especially her mother.
So she keeps on going, but as the months go by, she begins to ask herself, does she even love the piano? Why does she play? And how much longer can she stand the pressure before she breaks?
************************
I really don't have much to say. I loved Ally and her confusion about life. She reminded me of myself at that age. I like the fact that the romance wasn't rushed into and it remained young and fresh. I cried a few times in the end, because I completely understood her emotions and indecision.
4 stars because the settings could have used more description and other minor things, but I loved the story(maybe because I was a flutist and was pushed like Ally) and the characters for the most part.
GoodRead's Summary:
Allegra Katz has been playing piano since she was four. But these aren't just any piano lessons. She studies at the Julliard School in New York, where careers are being formed—or not.
Between strict practice schedules, music classes, and regular school, Ally doesn't have time for much else. Sometimes she wishes she could break free, but she's never known any other way. Her parents—a professional violinist and a singer—would kill her if they knew she was thinking about quitting piano, especially her mother.
So she keeps on going, but as the months go by, she begins to ask herself, does she even love the piano? Why does she play? And how much longer can she stand the pressure before she breaks?
************************
I really don't have much to say. I loved Ally and her confusion about life. She reminded me of myself at that age. I like the fact that the romance wasn't rushed into and it remained young and fresh. I cried a few times in the end, because I completely understood her emotions and indecision.
4 stars because the settings could have used more description and other minor things, but I loved the story(maybe because I was a flutist and was pushed like Ally) and the characters for the most part.
February 18, 2011
4 1/2*
Fourteen year-old Allegra Katz is a piano prodigy who has been taking lessons from Miss Pringle, the best piano teacher at Julliiard School in New York, where 14 year-old Ally attends Pre-College. She has been taking these lessons since the age of 4, practicing at least 4 hours a day plus 2 more on her scales. With so much piano activity Ally has no time for anything else but High School, where she is also involved playing the piano.
Ally's parents are accomplished musicians in their own right. Her father plays the violin while her mother sings opera. They are extremely proud of their daughter's gift and take pride that they are a musical family. The only non-musical member is Grandma who lives in an apartment connected to the condo. She is a free-spirit.
Ally's friends are Opal, an artist who makes her art from odd objects and Brad, a school-mate with an interest in Ally. He works for his father in their restaurant and does not go to Jullliard. Ally begins to realize she is missing much of her childhood and begins to doubt her planned career in high stakes piano playing. She is afraid to tell her parents for fear they will be crushed. It also means choosing her summer at a math camp or the music camp she's attends each summer.
Four Seasons is broken up into seasons and seasons into months rather than typical chapters. Each also begin with a poem or a famous quote. The story moves at a good pace and keeps you interested. There is a lot of professional piano lingo and lifestyle, yet it will not take the ability to play an instrument to enjoy this fun book. Teen behavior abounds in the form of first loves, rivalries and all the emotions that go with being a teenage girl.
If I were asked what I did not like about Four Seasons it would be the ending; it is too long and drawn out. The story was over at the end of the third season. The conflict reached its peak and was resolved. Fall ends on a satisfying note (no pun intended). Winter is Ally's life, and those of her friends and family, after Ally's major decision. You get to see a glimpse of what those lives are now like. Those months add nothing to the story yet this epilogue is enjoyable reading. It's not often an author allow us to see the character's lives after the story has ended. Not just Ally's life but the lives of nearly every character mentioned. Opal and Brad, classmates,camp mates, parents and teachers. Nothing wrong with this, it adds a deeper satisfaction to all of the drama Ally endured the first 9 months of that year.
Who will enjoy this young adult novel? Anyone accomplished in a musical field may be enjoyably taken back to their youth. Tenn girls will love power struggles between Ally and her mother and Ally and Miss Pringle. Those that like a well-constructed story will enjoy Four Season, the new novel from Jane Breskin Zalben.
NOTE: received from publishe
Fourteen year-old Allegra Katz is a piano prodigy who has been taking lessons from Miss Pringle, the best piano teacher at Julliiard School in New York, where 14 year-old Ally attends Pre-College. She has been taking these lessons since the age of 4, practicing at least 4 hours a day plus 2 more on her scales. With so much piano activity Ally has no time for anything else but High School, where she is also involved playing the piano.
Ally's parents are accomplished musicians in their own right. Her father plays the violin while her mother sings opera. They are extremely proud of their daughter's gift and take pride that they are a musical family. The only non-musical member is Grandma who lives in an apartment connected to the condo. She is a free-spirit.
Ally's friends are Opal, an artist who makes her art from odd objects and Brad, a school-mate with an interest in Ally. He works for his father in their restaurant and does not go to Jullliard. Ally begins to realize she is missing much of her childhood and begins to doubt her planned career in high stakes piano playing. She is afraid to tell her parents for fear they will be crushed. It also means choosing her summer at a math camp or the music camp she's attends each summer.
Four Seasons is broken up into seasons and seasons into months rather than typical chapters. Each also begin with a poem or a famous quote. The story moves at a good pace and keeps you interested. There is a lot of professional piano lingo and lifestyle, yet it will not take the ability to play an instrument to enjoy this fun book. Teen behavior abounds in the form of first loves, rivalries and all the emotions that go with being a teenage girl.
If I were asked what I did not like about Four Seasons it would be the ending; it is too long and drawn out. The story was over at the end of the third season. The conflict reached its peak and was resolved. Fall ends on a satisfying note (no pun intended). Winter is Ally's life, and those of her friends and family, after Ally's major decision. You get to see a glimpse of what those lives are now like. Those months add nothing to the story yet this epilogue is enjoyable reading. It's not often an author allow us to see the character's lives after the story has ended. Not just Ally's life but the lives of nearly every character mentioned. Opal and Brad, classmates,camp mates, parents and teachers. Nothing wrong with this, it adds a deeper satisfaction to all of the drama Ally endured the first 9 months of that year.
Who will enjoy this young adult novel? Anyone accomplished in a musical field may be enjoyably taken back to their youth. Tenn girls will love power struggles between Ally and her mother and Ally and Miss Pringle. Those that like a well-constructed story will enjoy Four Season, the new novel from Jane Breskin Zalben.
NOTE: received from publishe
September 23, 2011
This is an emotionally engrossing novel that takes us through four seasons of Ally's life, from almost-thirteen to almost-fourteen. She's been taking piano lessons since the age of four, and now all of her free time is taken up with lessons and classes at Julliard. Ally is torn between loving the piano and wanting to be a normal kid and have free time to spend with her friends. She struggles to find the motivation to practice as much as she should (boy, can I relate to that - I was having flashbacks to ballet lessons for much of the book), with the thought of disappointing her musician & singer parents and her stern teacher if she opts out of recitals or even quits.
Each season of the book has its own emotional highs and lows - the intensity of lessons in the spring, combined with a few crushes, the friendships and disappointments at the summer music camp, and the escapism and depression of the fall. Things take an upward turn in the winter, but Ally earns her personal victories and the resolution never feels too easy. The plot manages to move along at a brisk pace, but this isn't a book for readers who are bored by an in-depth exploration of teen emotions. At times it can be slightly over-wraught, but this feels mostly in keeping with the way it feels to be thirteen.
My only complaint is the occasional stilted dialog - characters, especially her parents, saying things that sound more authorial than natural, being clearer with their thoughts and emotionals than real human beings usually are. Another small issue (as another reviewer pointed out) is the incredible number of times Ally's mother cries. I get crying at the drop of a hat, but for a while there, barely a scene goes by without her needing a hankie, and it starts to feel like a quick shorthand for her emotions rather than adding any emotional depth.
Overall, I'd recommend this, especially to young teen girls who are interested in stories about what it feels like to be thirteen. Young musicians might delight in reading about common experiences, but this also has wider appeal to anyone who enjoys reading about how we choose to live life.
Source: my public library
Each season of the book has its own emotional highs and lows - the intensity of lessons in the spring, combined with a few crushes, the friendships and disappointments at the summer music camp, and the escapism and depression of the fall. Things take an upward turn in the winter, but Ally earns her personal victories and the resolution never feels too easy. The plot manages to move along at a brisk pace, but this isn't a book for readers who are bored by an in-depth exploration of teen emotions. At times it can be slightly over-wraught, but this feels mostly in keeping with the way it feels to be thirteen.
My only complaint is the occasional stilted dialog - characters, especially her parents, saying things that sound more authorial than natural, being clearer with their thoughts and emotionals than real human beings usually are. Another small issue (as another reviewer pointed out) is the incredible number of times Ally's mother cries. I get crying at the drop of a hat, but for a while there, barely a scene goes by without her needing a hankie, and it starts to feel like a quick shorthand for her emotions rather than adding any emotional depth.
Overall, I'd recommend this, especially to young teen girls who are interested in stories about what it feels like to be thirteen. Young musicians might delight in reading about common experiences, but this also has wider appeal to anyone who enjoys reading about how we choose to live life.
Source: my public library
April 10, 2011
Reviewed by Marta Morrison for TeensReadToo.com
Ally is a master at playing the piano. She has been taking lessons since she was four. She is now thirteen. She takes lessons from one of the most talented teachers in New York City at the pre-college program at Juilliard.
You have to audition to get into the program, and to stay in the program you have to live and breathe music. She needs to practice at least six hours a day, and she goes to lessons during the week and all day on Saturdays. Her teacher wants her to quit her public school and be home-schooled so she will have even more time to practice.
Ally isn't buying this anymore. She realizes that she is missing out on being a kid. She wants to spend a Saturday hanging out with her best friend and her almost-boyfriend. But her parents are into music, too. Her dad makes his living playing the violin and her mother sings. They don't want her to give up her dream.
Ally is confused and doesn't know what she wants to do. She has a love of music but she also has a love of mathematics. The story in FOUR SEASONS is not lighthearted. This tale tells about how stressed kids can be who are over-programmed in life, and how that stress can cause many problems for them. I really enjoyed this book and hope that many others will, too.
Ally is a master at playing the piano. She has been taking lessons since she was four. She is now thirteen. She takes lessons from one of the most talented teachers in New York City at the pre-college program at Juilliard.
You have to audition to get into the program, and to stay in the program you have to live and breathe music. She needs to practice at least six hours a day, and she goes to lessons during the week and all day on Saturdays. Her teacher wants her to quit her public school and be home-schooled so she will have even more time to practice.
Ally isn't buying this anymore. She realizes that she is missing out on being a kid. She wants to spend a Saturday hanging out with her best friend and her almost-boyfriend. But her parents are into music, too. Her dad makes his living playing the violin and her mother sings. They don't want her to give up her dream.
Ally is confused and doesn't know what she wants to do. She has a love of music but she also has a love of mathematics. The story in FOUR SEASONS is not lighthearted. This tale tells about how stressed kids can be who are over-programmed in life, and how that stress can cause many problems for them. I really enjoyed this book and hope that many others will, too.
July 10, 2014
I'd rate this at a 3.5/5
I picked this up expecting a light read, and it was in the beginning, so much so that I started to think it could be a middle grade novel.
And then you get to the middle and shit goes down.
Frankly, I have mixed emotions. The beginning was a little dry. I wanted something more advanced or interesting, something to just spice it up. Well, that something came. It was a little surprising, but in hindsight you could see it coming. Maybe not that specifically, but you knew something was coming.
That being said, I really enjoyed this period of the book. She captured the emotions very well. There was melancholy, fear, and happiness that were appropriate for the situation. Having been in a similar situation before, I strongly related to Ally. I felt the characters were at their worst and their best, and we really saw what mattered most to them.
The ending was a little dull, but it's to be expected after what happened. It's realistically portrayed, and although that made it dry in some parts, it enhanced the characters.
These story is character centered. We watch how Ally, and her family and friends to a certain extent, grow and prioritize their lives. It's well written and painfully truthful.
I picked this up expecting a light read, and it was in the beginning, so much so that I started to think it could be a middle grade novel.
And then you get to the middle and shit goes down.
Frankly, I have mixed emotions. The beginning was a little dry. I wanted something more advanced or interesting, something to just spice it up. Well, that something came. It was a little surprising, but in hindsight you could see it coming. Maybe not that specifically, but you knew something was coming.
That being said, I really enjoyed this period of the book. She captured the emotions very well. There was melancholy, fear, and happiness that were appropriate for the situation. Having been in a similar situation before, I strongly related to Ally. I felt the characters were at their worst and their best, and we really saw what mattered most to them.
The ending was a little dull, but it's to be expected after what happened. It's realistically portrayed, and although that made it dry in some parts, it enhanced the characters.
These story is character centered. We watch how Ally, and her family and friends to a certain extent, grow and prioritize their lives. It's well written and painfully truthful.
June 2, 2016
I picked out this book because of one thing: piano. The title was relating to pieces created and there was a piano on the cover. It must have some music-y stuff in it! So I picked the book and read the summary of it, unsure of what to expect from it. When I read the summary, I could see me as the main character. It was relatable. As a piano player, I could relate to Ally, the main character. When I read through this book, I felt like I was the main character instead, trapped in a vortex of expectations and stress. The ending was decent, but I thought there could have been a better one.
February 4, 2020
Four Seasons starts slow. Then you get immersed and don't want to come up for air. Zalben does an excellent job of keeping us inside the mind of a young pianist, who isn't sure if the total devotion required for her music studies is worth it. The characterization is rich, complex, and deep. This story weaves with a natural flow supported by a writing style that sometimes seems disjointed or awkward, but actually mimics the swirlings of the mind and life in general.
December 24, 2018
Loved the part when I could feel the true love of family and how parents think of their daughters and sons to protect them from difficulties. The best book for ones around my age or up when you are concerned about your dreams and future every day. This book will tell the teens whatever we do, our family is always the biggest supporters of us who can help us in many ways if we have problems; our best friends or good teachers are also there for us, but they are not as much as your family, your parents.
October 15, 2018
Not a bad book, there are a couple lines I've been coming back to, but a lot of the time the characters and conflicts just seemed rather flat.
February 17, 2011
Thirteen Year Old Allegra Katz is a piano prodigy. She studies at Julliard with one of the most acclaimed teachers of all time. Not to mention, she has the best friends in the world. Also, she has parents that expect the very best, for they are very accomplished musicians as well. But is she happy? Her teacher is a very critical teacher that never gives words of encouragement. She expects everything from all of her students. So, when she starts to contemplate this issue, she realizes she wants more in life than just piano. When she sprains her pinky, she soon gets to enjoy life. Or so she thinks. Will she finally be happy? Read the book to find out.
I have a lot of criticism for this book. First of all, the title is THE FOUR SEASONS. The Four Seasons is a Violin Concerto composed by Vivaldi. I don’t think this title was fitting because the main character Ally, plays the piano. It would have made a lot more sense if she played the violin. And the cover has a piano on it. For me, it looked contradicting. Second of all, at the beginning you couldn’t tell what her age was until about the end, when she clearly says that she’s thirteen. At the beginning of the book, I was very confused, and thought that she was in college (at Julliard) studying music. I didn’t like that aspect of the book. Finally, the subplots weren’t resolved. Brad’s subplot? The ending of his subplot was not good and we don’t know what happens or if it gets better! I give this book 2 and a half stars because the book overall was not well written. The only part about it that I liked is that I could make a lot of connections, but I think that people that do not play an instrument will not be able to make connections. Also the pieces in the book looked like she searched “hard pieces for piano” and put them in her book. The music pieces seemed very distant, and it didn’t seem like she researched them enough. But, all in all, I wouldn't really recommend this book to people. But let me know what you think!
I have a lot of criticism for this book. First of all, the title is THE FOUR SEASONS. The Four Seasons is a Violin Concerto composed by Vivaldi. I don’t think this title was fitting because the main character Ally, plays the piano. It would have made a lot more sense if she played the violin. And the cover has a piano on it. For me, it looked contradicting. Second of all, at the beginning you couldn’t tell what her age was until about the end, when she clearly says that she’s thirteen. At the beginning of the book, I was very confused, and thought that she was in college (at Julliard) studying music. I didn’t like that aspect of the book. Finally, the subplots weren’t resolved. Brad’s subplot? The ending of his subplot was not good and we don’t know what happens or if it gets better! I give this book 2 and a half stars because the book overall was not well written. The only part about it that I liked is that I could make a lot of connections, but I think that people that do not play an instrument will not be able to make connections. Also the pieces in the book looked like she searched “hard pieces for piano” and put them in her book. The music pieces seemed very distant, and it didn’t seem like she researched them enough. But, all in all, I wouldn't really recommend this book to people. But let me know what you think!
November 5, 2012
I was introduced to this book by a librarian from our public library. What drew me to this book was that the main character named Ally, studied piano at the Julliard school, which happens to be the very school I wish to attend. While reading the book, the similarities between Ally's life and mine were so shocking, that it was as if the author were writing about me! Here are the many ways that our lives parallel each other: we both play the piano, our mothers are professional opera singers, our dads are musicians, she and I are only children, our best friend is an artist, we are Jewish, both of us have long brown hair, and much more.
Because Ally is a 13 year old piano prodigy, she studies with Ms. Pringle, a prestigious yet cruel teacher at Julliard. Ally's days are totally consumed with practicing the piano that she doesn't have any extra time for fun or friends. Ultimately, the stress of being perfect becomes too much for her to bear. Throughout the book the reader is able to truly feel Ally's struggle with herself. Does she play the piano because she loves it or because she wants to appease her parents? This book should be read by any teen wrestling with the decisions of what they feel is the best path for them rather than what is expected of them.
ACADEMIC HONESTY--By pasting this statement, I am indicating that I read the book, and the information on this page is accurate.
Because Ally is a 13 year old piano prodigy, she studies with Ms. Pringle, a prestigious yet cruel teacher at Julliard. Ally's days are totally consumed with practicing the piano that she doesn't have any extra time for fun or friends. Ultimately, the stress of being perfect becomes too much for her to bear. Throughout the book the reader is able to truly feel Ally's struggle with herself. Does she play the piano because she loves it or because she wants to appease her parents? This book should be read by any teen wrestling with the decisions of what they feel is the best path for them rather than what is expected of them.
ACADEMIC HONESTY--By pasting this statement, I am indicating that I read the book, and the information on this page is accurate.
May 1, 2012
Reviewed by teen reviewer Joselyn
This book is about a teenaged pianist named Allegra Katz, or Ally, who is thinking about quitting piano by is scared because she’s been taking piano lesson from when she was four years old. Her mother is a singer and her father a professional violinist. It’s a hard decision for Ally because she studies at Julliard School in New York.
I liked this book because Ally goes through everyday life like everyone else, but she has to try to balance school with the hours she has to practice piano. I like this book because I can relate to it – keeping a tight schedule and some people who play their instruments a long time feel like quitting but don’t know what to do and are stuck in that situation. They don’t want to disappoint anyone in their family, like their parents.
Young musicians who play piano would definitely like this book because they might relate to it. And people who try to balance school and practicing their instruments would also like it.
This book is about a teenaged pianist named Allegra Katz, or Ally, who is thinking about quitting piano by is scared because she’s been taking piano lesson from when she was four years old. Her mother is a singer and her father a professional violinist. It’s a hard decision for Ally because she studies at Julliard School in New York.
I liked this book because Ally goes through everyday life like everyone else, but she has to try to balance school with the hours she has to practice piano. I like this book because I can relate to it – keeping a tight schedule and some people who play their instruments a long time feel like quitting but don’t know what to do and are stuck in that situation. They don’t want to disappoint anyone in their family, like their parents.
Young musicians who play piano would definitely like this book because they might relate to it. And people who try to balance school and practicing their instruments would also like it.
December 1, 2012
It was O.K and I liked it but..... there wasn't really anything THERE for me. All I got from this book is that I'm so very glad I haven't devoted my life to playing an instrument. This is a story about a girl named Ally and her growing up and deciding what to do with her life. Whether to quit piano or to continue even though she hates it sometimes. Even though it was interesting to look through the window at child prodigies and their devotion to their music, I had to run and grab the book to remember the main character's name. Not a very WOW! book. I wished she had elaborated more on different kinds of music, even if I can't hear it, paint a picture in my mind of jazzy piano pieces and elaborate fingerings, show me the passion they feel when they play. It might have said that they played with such emotion but I felt that it wasn't explained enough to give me an image. Little things that sway my review. Just overall, a little flat. But still, even though I didn't know about most of the modern musical artist, it was about music. 3 stars.
September 15, 2013
I read this book because i went to a book group.
I liked this book, probably because the main character Ally, is a musician, and I am also. I also really liked her because she has a great personality, and I also liked her friends Opal and Brad.
There was some parts where the story was a little boring though, like the second chapter.
But I liked most of the book.
Her father is a violinist and her mother is a singer, and the story starts with her never seeing them in concert, but wanting to.
There are several parts in this book that surprised me.
Okay, so. More book details. *rolls up sleeves*
Thirteen-year-old Ally goes to piano lessons at the Juilliard school, and her teacher, Miss Pringle, is very strict, and makes her practice for four hours a day. Ally has been playing piano since she was four, and she is thinking of quitting but she doesn't want to tell anyone, especially not her parents, especially not her mother.
So... The End.
I liked this book, probably because the main character Ally, is a musician, and I am also. I also really liked her because she has a great personality, and I also liked her friends Opal and Brad.
There was some parts where the story was a little boring though, like the second chapter.
But I liked most of the book.
Her father is a violinist and her mother is a singer, and the story starts with her never seeing them in concert, but wanting to.
There are several parts in this book that surprised me.
Okay, so. More book details. *rolls up sleeves*
Thirteen-year-old Ally goes to piano lessons at the Juilliard school, and her teacher, Miss Pringle, is very strict, and makes her practice for four hours a day. Ally has been playing piano since she was four, and she is thinking of quitting but she doesn't want to tell anyone, especially not her parents, especially not her mother.
So... The End.
March 28, 2014
Oh, Allegra Katz. you had everything id ever wanted. i play the piano too, but not as long as you did.
WHY I READ THIS BOOK:
My sister bought this for me yeaaars ago from a ginormous book fair in Manila. I became interested whilst seeing the cover, and reading the short synopsis.
this book is like a coming of age novel. When youre thirteen, there's sooo much ahead of you. but as for Ally Katz, she had only music, the piano, and her family.
i could not imagine the pressures if being in Juilliard, but i know what its like to be in a Conservatory, to study there. It is place filled with politics, you fight against each other to prove who's better, and most of all, everyone struggles for perfection.
I think this was beautifully written. I felt as if this book was written by a teenager. I highly recommend this, esp to those who are currently torn with their decisions, and for people who are opting to give up something so dear to them.
WHY I READ THIS BOOK:
My sister bought this for me yeaaars ago from a ginormous book fair in Manila. I became interested whilst seeing the cover, and reading the short synopsis.
this book is like a coming of age novel. When youre thirteen, there's sooo much ahead of you. but as for Ally Katz, she had only music, the piano, and her family.
i could not imagine the pressures if being in Juilliard, but i know what its like to be in a Conservatory, to study there. It is place filled with politics, you fight against each other to prove who's better, and most of all, everyone struggles for perfection.
I think this was beautifully written. I felt as if this book was written by a teenager. I highly recommend this, esp to those who are currently torn with their decisions, and for people who are opting to give up something so dear to them.
October 5, 2021
I read this book when I was about the age of 17, and I absolutely loved it. Music has always been a part of me, and I love reading stories, whether they are fictional or not about other people's experience with music. This girl had been playing piano for as long as she could remember, and she did it competitively, taking serious lessons. But that didn't all come from her, her parents and other people really pushed her to do it and she lost her passion for playing. She couldn't feel the music anymore, she was lost and couldn't tell what she wanted to do. Being in that position before, I knew exactly how she felt, and that is what this book was meant to do. It is not only for music lovers to read, but anyone. This book teaches some valuable life lessons about how to get back up after you fall down, how to find your passion again and keep going, and most importantly: how to find yourself after you have been lost.
February 23, 2012
Reading Level: Grades 6-8
Allegra Katz is going to be a concert pianist. Her family of musicians has know that since she was four. Ally has been attending the Julliard School's Saturday Pre-College Division music program for years. Now Ally is almost thirteen and she longs for a life with more choices. Allegra doesn't know what she wants or even how to tell her parents she is having doubts about her future. If you are born with a tremendous gift MUST you choose it as your life's path?
Other stories of young musicians include:
Shattered by Kathi Baron
The Mozart Season by Virginia Euwer Wolff
and Guitar Boy by Mary Jane Auch
For more book reviews from the HPPL Youth Department, click here.
Allegra Katz is going to be a concert pianist. Her family of musicians has know that since she was four. Ally has been attending the Julliard School's Saturday Pre-College Division music program for years. Now Ally is almost thirteen and she longs for a life with more choices. Allegra doesn't know what she wants or even how to tell her parents she is having doubts about her future. If you are born with a tremendous gift MUST you choose it as your life's path?
Other stories of young musicians include:
Shattered by Kathi Baron
The Mozart Season by Virginia Euwer Wolff
and Guitar Boy by Mary Jane Auch
For more book reviews from the HPPL Youth Department, click here.
October 1, 2020
This is truly an amazing story! It was a bit heartbreaking and very concerning in the middle, but the last quarter left me breathless with delight. The family relationships are probably my favourite part, and they continually get better and better, especially in the last quarter of the novel.
Note: even though the main character is 13, I would recommend this book for older readers, as there is discussion of suicide and depression, which may be heavy for a 13-year-old. That said, I think the book does present a beautiful and delicate (and realistic) examination of those issues, and does so in a way that is thought-provoking and hopeful. I also loved the way the novel shows the recovery process, and the fact that it IS a long, and sometimes quite difficult, process!
Note: even though the main character is 13, I would recommend this book for older readers, as there is discussion of suicide and depression, which may be heavy for a 13-year-old. That said, I think the book does present a beautiful and delicate (and realistic) examination of those issues, and does so in a way that is thought-provoking and hopeful. I also loved the way the novel shows the recovery process, and the fact that it IS a long, and sometimes quite difficult, process!
August 28, 2011
When I first saw Four Seasons in the library, I passed on it because of the cover. (Pink nail polish doesn't appeal to me too much. And yes I'm guilty of judging books by their covers.) The next time I was there, I decided to try it because after closer examination, I saw it had praise from Gordon Korman (who I like), so I took it.
The lessons learnt here are fairly obvious, and straightforward, but it was a bit too sappy for my taste. I mean, how many times is her mother going to cry?! Maybe this happens when you're an only child, but there were just too many family moments for me.
Otherwise it was a pretty good story, just beware of the mushiness.
The lessons learnt here are fairly obvious, and straightforward, but it was a bit too sappy for my taste. I mean, how many times is her mother going to cry?! Maybe this happens when you're an only child, but there were just too many family moments for me.
Otherwise it was a pretty good story, just beware of the mushiness.
September 8, 2012
I could definitely relate to this book, probably because I am a pianist myself. I didn't like Ally as much as I should have; but I enjoyed watching her slow journey to her breaking point.
I sometimes consider if it's worth it to quit, and I was going through one of these phases when I was reading this book. Four Seasons did play an influence in my decisions.
I'm still playing piano today. And I love it. :)
I sometimes consider if it's worth it to quit, and I was going through one of these phases when I was reading this book. Four Seasons did play an influence in my decisions.
I'm still playing piano today. And I love it. :)
April 11, 2011
Allegra Katz is a very talented pianist attending the Julliard School of Music. However, she is not sure that is exactly what she wants to do with her life anymore, but the expectations of her parents weigh so heavily on her that she feels trapped.
Allegra is selfish, short-sighted, and makes some bad decisions. The writing feels a bit preachy and heavy-handed at times.
Allegra is selfish, short-sighted, and makes some bad decisions. The writing feels a bit preachy and heavy-handed at times.
May 7, 2012
This book was fascinating to me on so many levels. At the top of that list is the idea that you can be one of the most skilled people in your field, but if you are surrounded all the time only by people who are as good or better than you, then you really can forget how good you actually are. Especially when people you trust are always criticizing and never praising.
April 3, 2016
I only read this for the piano bits, which I personally think there wasn't enough of. I admit, though, that I wasn't interested in any of the romantic aspects which was probably why. Also, that hand on the cover does not look like a pianist's hand, imo. And her nails are painted in a rather gaudy color. Anyway.
November 22, 2013
Overall a sweet book. Not that I hate it. There is just not much too it. It is somewhat childish. Not an in depth book.I just like the fact it revolves around Vivaldi's Four Seasons. Since I am a big fan of classical music. If your looking for something simple that just tells a story about choice, pick this book up.
September 18, 2015
As a musician myself, I found it easy to relate to Allegra and her story. She is in love with music, but finds obstacles in the way of her playing and success with every turn. I loved her story of how she fell miles, but was able to climb back up. I did a project on this book and didn't regret it for a minute. A definite re-read!
November 23, 2016
Young Adult Fiction - my son really wanted me to read it as he enjoyed it. I thought it was quite good - deals with the pressure parents sometimes put on their children, to give them the opportunities they couldn't have and the negative effects that can have. The main character eventually lost herself to find herself again.
June 9, 2011
I was drawn to this book by its cover. I always love a book that centers around music. This book adeptly shows the pressure that kids at Julliard feel from parents, teachers and peers. The main character is believable and lovably human despite her genious for playing the piano.
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