{Book Review:} Chopsticks by Jessica Anthony

Title: Chopsticks
Author: Jessica Anthony
Illustrator: Rodrigo Corral
Number of Pages: 272

Published: February 2nd 2012 by Razorbill

Source: Library
Reading Level: All ages
Star Rating: ★★★★1/2
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After her mother died, Glory retreated into herself and her music. Her single father raised her as a piano prodigy, with a rigid schedule and the goal of playing sold-out shows across the globe. Now, as a teenager, Glory has disappeared. As we flash back to the events leading up to her disappearance, we see a girl on the precipice of disaster. Brilliant and lonely, Glory is drawn to an artistic new boy, Frank, who moves in next door. The farther she falls, the deeper she spirals into madness. Before long, Glory is unable to play anything but the song "Chopsticks."
But nothing is what it seems, and Glory's reality is not reality at all. In this stunningly moving novel told in photographs, pictures, and words, it's up to the reader to decide what is real, what is imagined, and what has been madness all along....

First Impressions: After seeing Chopsticks mentioned on many different blogs I sought out to find out more info about the book. Little did I know that the story in the book is not told is words  but through images not like most novels I have read. I was not sure how I would like a novel like this and was somewhat hesitant to request it at my library. So I decided to wait and read a few more reviews on the book to see if they would spark my attention. I can across Jess's review - here and loved it. So that day I got the book and read it. 

Review:  Who ever said a picture is worth a thousand words knew exactly what they were talking about. While the "Chopsticks" story is told with all images and very few words the book somehow finds a way into the readers heart. I  truly adored how this beautiful and romantic tale was only told from the images on the pages. The story itself is fresh and unique; it sucks you in from the first page until the last leaving you wanting more. I picked up the book and read (or rather looked at) and I was done in less than a hour. All of the images are simply stunning and bring the story to life. Both main character's of the book, Glory and Frank, find each other and fall in love only to be ripped apart from each other suddenly. Glory is a piano prodigy and must leave to go on tour and leaves Frank alone and sad. The images move along in a fast pace and takes the reader through this couple's struggle and hardships. The love and romance is breathtaking between Glory and Frank and even more because you are able to see it with your own eyes. I so fell in love with Chopsticks and so very happy that I decided to take a chance on this book. 

Final Thoughts: I would definitely say go out and read this book. It is a very fun, romantic, and exciting read. I have never read a book that relies on images to tell the story but I can say it was a unique experience. So my readers can see some examples of what the book likes like I am going to shares a few images from the book. 

All images are taken from: http://chopsticksnovel.tumblr.com/

Come visit the official website to check out more images from the book. (here)