A Song for Bijou Hardcover – February 12, 2013

When I began reading this book, I didn't know what to expect but from the first paragraph, the writer has made me smirk and giggle like a schoolgirl watching the scene unfold before me. I'm just hooked in the world of the main character and love the fact that NYC is portrayed as the melting pot that it is because representation matters.With that being said, I purposefully read fiction that has a cast of main characters who are multicultural and with varying ethnicities. This book was recommended to me by a person I admire and hasn't steered me wrong yet. I knew I had to give it a shot when the main love interest is revealed as Haitian, as I am Haitian as well. It's actually very rare for me to see other characters who are Haitian in romance novels whether it's MG, YA, or IR.I must admit that I doubted the author would be able to accurately portray the life of a Haitian girl. Bijou is from my hometown and describes in detail exactly how it is for a young girl growing up in Haiti. Most families are super strict, not allowing their daughters anywhere without family member serving as a chaperone. I loved the smattering of French in their initial meeting and throughout the book. I was slightly disappointed that there weren't more Kreyol words used besides Tonton. I loved the use of rara and showing our music and voudou in a respectful light.The only cons that I feel this book had was that I don't feel that the villains of the book actually got what they deserved. None of them really had any repercussions for their actions even though Alex had the key to make them pay for the turmoil they caused his friends and him. I also felt like the book ended incredibly abruptly. There's so much more the author could have delved in with regards to the discord between Jenna and Bijou, especially considering the fact that Jenna is from the Dominican Republic.I loved the fact that Bijou was bourgeois. I do wish that she were more of an extrovert and put people in their place with all the ignorant comments they made but I kept telling myself that it wasn't her place to teach people her culture. There's a thing called Google if they really wanted to learn.I really love this book because it's great to see someone who could be me or my female relative in book form. I wish the author would write a sequel to this book as I want to know what the characters have been up to. I still have to so many questions left unanswered! But a good book will do that to you. I would highly recommend this to others to read.

Amazing and wonderful imaginative book! I absolutely loved this book was so amazing and had a great storyline! Great for middle school boys and girls!

I rented the author's apartment for a month, so thought I'd read his material. This was a greatly written book that made you feel good while you read it.

Even though this book was written for younger reader I thought it was very well written, and who could not like the storyline? Just wonderful. This second book is a real step up from the first.

I chose this rating based on how the book really changed the way I feel about my grandfather coming to the US from Iran when he was only 19.

I got this for my eleven year old for Christmas, she has yet to put it down. Great book. Looking forward to more from this author.

I love this book and all the characters in it!!!!!!!!!!! It a great book and kids love it !!!!!!!!!!!! Great for the family!!!!!!!!!

very cute and romantic