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Muted
A ripped-from-the-headlines novel of ambition, music, and innocence lost, perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Jason Reynolds!
Be bold. Get seen. Be Heard.
For seventeen-year-old Denver, music is everything. Writing, performing, and her ultimate goal: escaping her very small, very white hometown.
So Denver is more than ready on the day she and her best friends Dali and Shak sing their way into the orbit of the biggest R&B star in the world, Sean "Mercury" Ellis. Merc gives them everything: parties, perks, wild nights -- plus hours and hours in the recording studio. Even the painful sacrifices and the lies the girls have to tell are all worth it.
Until they're not.
Denver begins to realize that she's trapped in Merc's world, struggling to hold on to her own voice. As the dream turns into a nightmare, she must make a choice: lose her big break, or get broken.
Inspired by true events, Muted is a fearless exploration of the dark side of the music industry, the business of exploitation, how a girl's dreams can be used against her -- and what it takes to fight back.
Be bold. Get seen. Be Heard.
For seventeen-year-old Denver, music is everything. Writing, performing, and her ultimate goal: escaping her very small, very white hometown.
So Denver is more than ready on the day she and her best friends Dali and Shak sing their way into the orbit of the biggest R&B star in the world, Sean "Mercury" Ellis. Merc gives them everything: parties, perks, wild nights -- plus hours and hours in the recording studio. Even the painful sacrifices and the lies the girls have to tell are all worth it.
Until they're not.
Denver begins to realize that she's trapped in Merc's world, struggling to hold on to her own voice. As the dream turns into a nightmare, she must make a choice: lose her big break, or get broken.
Inspired by true events, Muted is a fearless exploration of the dark side of the music industry, the business of exploitation, how a girl's dreams can be used against her -- and what it takes to fight back.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published February 2, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 518 reviews
May 29, 2021
I just didn't vibe well with the writing. Okay, story in verse. It's fine as long as it tells a good story. What's more, it's fun to read a story in this format.
But for this one, I feel the writing was trying too hard. And I just couldn't like any of the characters, especially the main character from whose point of view which the story is being narrated.
Trigger warnings for assault.
However, I would say it wasn't handled properly. Moreover because of the way how the characters perceived it and the way it's been told.
And my least favorite parts were the numerous number of times the writing showed some racist remarks now and then unnecessarily. It was infuriating at times.
The plot is all over the place and the characters weren't realistic enough. The feelings and emotions lacked the punch. The writing lacked the connection the plot and the characters demand.
The ending wasn't that powerful or satisfactory.
But for this one, I feel the writing was trying too hard. And I just couldn't like any of the characters, especially the main character from whose point of view which the story is being narrated.
Trigger warnings for assault.
However, I would say it wasn't handled properly. Moreover because of the way how the characters perceived it and the way it's been told.
And my least favorite parts were the numerous number of times the writing showed some racist remarks now and then unnecessarily. It was infuriating at times.
The plot is all over the place and the characters weren't realistic enough. The feelings and emotions lacked the punch. The writing lacked the connection the plot and the characters demand.
The ending wasn't that powerful or satisfactory.
May 1, 2021
Oh. My. God.
What did I just read?
*book 46 of 2021
Oh my God oh my God oh my God
Wow. Denver, olive juice. Olive juice forever 😭😭😭 I am so sad and wow, I can't even.
Many cheers to anticipated reads that meet and surpass our expectations. I saw this book on Bookstagram and immediately after reading the blurb, I thought of *that book*, which a lot of people have also compared Muted with. *that book* is actually a fave of mine and I was really curious to read Muted and after finding it was a novel-in-verse, I knew I had to read it.
This book is heavy and dark and heartbreaking. Trigger warnings for rape, grooming, kidnapping, forced imprisonment, rape, recorded rape of a minor, fatphobia, and homophobia.
Denver is looking for her big break. When her idol rolls into town and offers her that, she can’t simply turn him down. Along with her two friends Dali and Shak who make up their girl group, they start recording sessions with Merc behind their parents and guardians’ backs. Denver is too excited to notice the red flags, but Shak tries to warn Denver and Dali, and ultimately pulls out of the arrangement. Dali and Denver move on without Shak but before long, the rose-colored glasses fall off.
Denver doesn’t have the best home life and is desperately looking for an out so she’s all too ready to leave everything behind to follow Merc on tour. Her parents have a somewhat rocky marriage and her dad lives in another state, and they only see him on the weekends. Her big sister is the pride of the family and she’s not always there when Denver needs her. Denver feels like the odd one out in her family of overachievers because she’s not doing great in school and she doesn’t want to follow the path set out for her.
Dali and Denver soon find themselves tangled in Merc’s world with no end in sight. Denver is put on an involuntary diet to reach the perfect size for “stardom”. When they realize that things are not as they seem, it’s a little too late. Denver finds herself in a race against time to get out of Merc’s grip.
There was a plot twist/reveal in this book that just shattered my heart to pieces and I found myself crying in a restaurant where I was listening to the audiobook and I am crying again, now, writing this review. This was so heavy to read and I just couldn’t believe it. I love that this is a YA book, and I wish this book would get into the hands of the targeted audience, because it’s not so far fetched from reality.
The audiobook was narrated by the author, and she did such an amazing job with the narration. The audiobook itself featured songs in the book that were written by Denver, with sound effects and all of that, so it was really amazing.
I loved reading this book so much, and I highly recommend it!
Favorite quotes
"olive juice"
"We don’t lose friends.
We just find out who the real ones are."
"But to level up to that grand stage
it’s funny how I had to shed
parts of myself,
school,
family,
friends,
and now this body."
"Some friendships
are born from
coincidence,
knuckle sandwiches,
and
school suspension."
"What becomes
of a voice
muted
far too long?"
What did I just read?
*book 46 of 2021
Oh my God oh my God oh my God
Wow. Denver, olive juice. Olive juice forever 😭😭😭 I am so sad and wow, I can't even.
Many cheers to anticipated reads that meet and surpass our expectations. I saw this book on Bookstagram and immediately after reading the blurb, I thought of *that book*, which a lot of people have also compared Muted with. *that book* is actually a fave of mine and I was really curious to read Muted and after finding it was a novel-in-verse, I knew I had to read it.
This book is heavy and dark and heartbreaking. Trigger warnings for rape, grooming, kidnapping, forced imprisonment, rape, recorded rape of a minor, fatphobia, and homophobia.
Denver is looking for her big break. When her idol rolls into town and offers her that, she can’t simply turn him down. Along with her two friends Dali and Shak who make up their girl group, they start recording sessions with Merc behind their parents and guardians’ backs. Denver is too excited to notice the red flags, but Shak tries to warn Denver and Dali, and ultimately pulls out of the arrangement. Dali and Denver move on without Shak but before long, the rose-colored glasses fall off.
Denver doesn’t have the best home life and is desperately looking for an out so she’s all too ready to leave everything behind to follow Merc on tour. Her parents have a somewhat rocky marriage and her dad lives in another state, and they only see him on the weekends. Her big sister is the pride of the family and she’s not always there when Denver needs her. Denver feels like the odd one out in her family of overachievers because she’s not doing great in school and she doesn’t want to follow the path set out for her.
Dali and Denver soon find themselves tangled in Merc’s world with no end in sight. Denver is put on an involuntary diet to reach the perfect size for “stardom”. When they realize that things are not as they seem, it’s a little too late. Denver finds herself in a race against time to get out of Merc’s grip.
There was a plot twist/reveal in this book that just shattered my heart to pieces and I found myself crying in a restaurant where I was listening to the audiobook and I am crying again, now, writing this review. This was so heavy to read and I just couldn’t believe it. I love that this is a YA book, and I wish this book would get into the hands of the targeted audience, because it’s not so far fetched from reality.
The audiobook was narrated by the author, and she did such an amazing job with the narration. The audiobook itself featured songs in the book that were written by Denver, with sound effects and all of that, so it was really amazing.
I loved reading this book so much, and I highly recommend it!
Favorite quotes
"olive juice"
"We don’t lose friends.
We just find out who the real ones are."
"But to level up to that grand stage
it’s funny how I had to shed
parts of myself,
school,
family,
friends,
and now this body."
"Some friendships
are born from
coincidence,
knuckle sandwiches,
and
school suspension."
"What becomes
of a voice
muted
far too long?"
Read
March 1, 2021Phew.
This book took me completely off guard. I picked this up on a whim, hoping to find a novel highlighting the darker side of the music industry, and Muted did exactly that. Told in verse, we follow Denver and her two friends as they try to break into the music industry with the help of a famous rapper who, right off the bat, seems too good to be true.
There we see how Denver gets deeper and deeper into a horrific situation she cannot escape. While the first act of the novel was slow moving and a bit hard to get into, once you’re into the book, you won’t be able to put it down.
This really opened my eyes to the horrors and manipulations of the music industry and made me wonder how many people have to deal with this mistreatment on a daily basis to have their talents recognized.
Definitely caution yourself before picking this up because it deals with a lot of heavy topics.
AT A GLANCE
- Hard hitting YA novel told in verse
- Explores the darker side of the music industry
- Haitian, lesbian protagonist
TW: Manipulation, gaslighting, eating disorder, body image, drug use, rape, assault, gun violence
This book took me completely off guard. I picked this up on a whim, hoping to find a novel highlighting the darker side of the music industry, and Muted did exactly that. Told in verse, we follow Denver and her two friends as they try to break into the music industry with the help of a famous rapper who, right off the bat, seems too good to be true.
There we see how Denver gets deeper and deeper into a horrific situation she cannot escape. While the first act of the novel was slow moving and a bit hard to get into, once you’re into the book, you won’t be able to put it down.
This really opened my eyes to the horrors and manipulations of the music industry and made me wonder how many people have to deal with this mistreatment on a daily basis to have their talents recognized.
Definitely caution yourself before picking this up because it deals with a lot of heavy topics.
AT A GLANCE
- Hard hitting YA novel told in verse
- Explores the darker side of the music industry
- Haitian, lesbian protagonist
TW: Manipulation, gaslighting, eating disorder, body image, drug use, rape, assault, gun violence
February 10, 2021
This is my first time reading a book in verse. I had previously listened to Clap When You Land, so I'm happy to have both experiences under my belt. I think both have something to offer in terms of strengths over the other, but I believe I will choose to listen to novels that are written this way in the future. I realize this has nothing to do with the book itself (more the format), but wanted to include it in the event it will help you decide how to consume this book!
Before I get into my review, I want to mention that I am ignorant and I didn't really think too much about what "true story" this was based off of when I began to read it. I kind of just started the book and as I was reading, I saw some similarities to R Kelly, but didn't give it that much more thought. After finishing the book and doing some googling...WOW. This book has to be based off of R Kelly. If you are familiar with that story and anything in it might be a trigger warning for you - I urge you to consider if you really think you should read this. There are ALOT of trigger warnings. Sexual abuse, manipulation of minors and young women, sexual assault and the list could go on. So please be forewarned.
Now to discuss my rating. I'm kind of stuck on how to properly assign a number to this. I think it's a very powerful account and was written very creatively, but the pacing was a challenge for me. It took a good chunk of time for the story to develop and then you got to the end and everything happened really fast (and I mean a lot was put into the end) that it was a little overwhelming and then it just ended. So the book was very back heavy. Some things were resolved in the end, but not enough for me. This isn't a bad thing necessarily, but it was a little jarring. I was fortunate to discuss the book with a friend (who had also read it) before writing this review and we both struggled with just how much was put into the back end and why. After doing my google research on who I believe this story to be crafted after, I sort of understand more about why the author decided to include that much in the end. (I'm sorry if I'm being vague, I don't want to ruin the story for those of you who want to read it.) I've also seen comparisons of this to Grown, which is on my list, but I have not had the opportunity to read yet.
Overall, I would absolutely recommend this book to read, but I don't know enough about YA books of like minded content to tell you where this ranks. All I can do is tell you its worth your consideration and that it comes with a lot of heavy material. I'm really glad to have read it and for the experience it provided me as a reader and I look forward to the author's next book.
Thanks to Scholastic YA for the advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review Date: 02/10/2021
Publication Date: 02/02/2021
Before I get into my review, I want to mention that I am ignorant and I didn't really think too much about what "true story" this was based off of when I began to read it. I kind of just started the book and as I was reading, I saw some similarities to R Kelly, but didn't give it that much more thought. After finishing the book and doing some googling...WOW. This book has to be based off of R Kelly. If you are familiar with that story and anything in it might be a trigger warning for you - I urge you to consider if you really think you should read this. There are ALOT of trigger warnings. Sexual abuse, manipulation of minors and young women, sexual assault and the list could go on. So please be forewarned.
Now to discuss my rating. I'm kind of stuck on how to properly assign a number to this. I think it's a very powerful account and was written very creatively, but the pacing was a challenge for me. It took a good chunk of time for the story to develop and then you got to the end and everything happened really fast (and I mean a lot was put into the end) that it was a little overwhelming and then it just ended. So the book was very back heavy. Some things were resolved in the end, but not enough for me. This isn't a bad thing necessarily, but it was a little jarring. I was fortunate to discuss the book with a friend (who had also read it) before writing this review and we both struggled with just how much was put into the back end and why. After doing my google research on who I believe this story to be crafted after, I sort of understand more about why the author decided to include that much in the end. (I'm sorry if I'm being vague, I don't want to ruin the story for those of you who want to read it.) I've also seen comparisons of this to Grown, which is on my list, but I have not had the opportunity to read yet.
Overall, I would absolutely recommend this book to read, but I don't know enough about YA books of like minded content to tell you where this ranks. All I can do is tell you its worth your consideration and that it comes with a lot of heavy material. I'm really glad to have read it and for the experience it provided me as a reader and I look forward to the author's next book.
Thanks to Scholastic YA for the advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review Date: 02/10/2021
Publication Date: 02/02/2021
January 1, 2021
What a fantastic book to start my year off with! I devoured it in a day... I typically don't care for books written in verse, but it just WORKED in this novel. I absolutely loved it.
Do yourself a favor and mark your calendars for February 2nd and pick up this book. You will not be disappointed.
5 huge stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Do yourself a favor and mark your calendars for February 2nd and pick up this book. You will not be disappointed.
5 huge stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
February 3, 2021
Wow! I'm honestly speechless.
The ending hit me so hard. I don't know what to say. At some point while reading MUTED, you just end up reading as quickly as possible, speeding through the verse in quest of what's going to happen to Denver & Dalisay.
(Also. It's queer. Denver is a lesbian. I'm kind of mad no one shouted about this because Denver is in love with her best friend and they have an entire code word to say "I love you" to each other and y'all just stayed quiet about this???)
MUTED is both soft and tender, sharp and jagged. The connection between Denver and Dalisay (and Shakira too) is so beautiful & unbreaking. But we also see the manipulation and abuse by the musician who ends up mentoring them, and it's cruel and horrifying.
The girls themselves become sharp and jagged because of what they experience, and this becomes part of their weaponry.
It's not a a perfect story. It can be harsh and terrifying and you end up aching for the characters, yearning that the find a way out of the situation they're in. But it is evocative and real and something that completely envelops you in Charles' prose.
I would definitely highly recommend MUTED if you're looking for a book not just to read, but to experience. If you're looking for a story that has beautiful and ugly moments, and immerses you in them all.
Also! Please check out the content warnings because some serious stuff happens in the story.
Content Warnings:
The ending hit me so hard. I don't know what to say. At some point while reading MUTED, you just end up reading as quickly as possible, speeding through the verse in quest of what's going to happen to Denver & Dalisay.
(Also. It's queer. Denver is a lesbian. I'm kind of mad no one shouted about this because Denver is in love with her best friend and they have an entire code word to say "I love you" to each other and y'all just stayed quiet about this???)
MUTED is both soft and tender, sharp and jagged. The connection between Denver and Dalisay (and Shakira too) is so beautiful & unbreaking. But we also see the manipulation and abuse by the musician who ends up mentoring them, and it's cruel and horrifying.
The girls themselves become sharp and jagged because of what they experience, and this becomes part of their weaponry.
It's not a a perfect story. It can be harsh and terrifying and you end up aching for the characters, yearning that the find a way out of the situation they're in. But it is evocative and real and something that completely envelops you in Charles' prose.
I would definitely highly recommend MUTED if you're looking for a book not just to read, but to experience. If you're looking for a story that has beautiful and ugly moments, and immerses you in them all.
Also! Please check out the content warnings because some serious stuff happens in the story.
Content Warnings:
January 22, 2021
Be careful what you wish for. Denver and her two besties have a dream of becoming the next Destiny's Child. They hatch a plan to play their demo for Sean "Mercury" Ellis (Merc) when he performs in a concert near their home. A rollercoaster ride begins as the three are invited to sing their original songs in Merc's recording studio -- with his name on the credits. Told in verse, this new release shows the shadowy side of the music business and how fame may not be all its cracked up to be. The format worked well and lent itself to the seamless introduction of Denver's original lyrics. Would like to hear how this is done in audio form. As a parent my heart hurts for the way Mercury separates his chosen ones from those who love them.
Thank you to Scholastic Press and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Scholastic Press and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2023
Denver’s goals are simple: Be bold. Get seen. Be heard. When she is met with the chance of a lifetime—the possibility of being the next rising R&B star—she gives up everything in her old life and doesn’t look back. While this book reminded me of the pretend concerts I used to have on my Gram’s pool deck every summer, it certainly was not all sunshine and rainbows. Charles draws from her own experiences to shed light on the utter deceits of the music industry. It was real and raw, and I am still heartbroken at its ending. All I can do now is hope all of the real Denvers and Dalisays of the world make it home safely.
Side note: Does anyone know which R&B group the author was in? Apparently my self-taught FBI skills are not working atm! 🤪😵💫
Side note: Does anyone know which R&B group the author was in? Apparently my self-taught FBI skills are not working atm! 🤪😵💫
February 25, 2021
I listened to the audiobook version of this story which was narrated by the author.
Muted follows the journey of seventeen-year-old Denver who is ready for R&B stardom and gets the chance to join Sean "Mercury" Ellis on tour and become his protégé. While Denver and her friend Dali are instantly entranced by the studio time and wild parties, their friend Shak finds Merc creepy and is suspicious. Denver and Dali soon run off despite their parent's skepticism and soon find that Merc's world isn't all glitz and glamor. It also is rigorous fitness routines, strict diets, creating a certain image, blatant favoritism, and abuse.
The narration is a strong point that made it easy for me to listen to this story in one day. Tami Charles brings enough flavor that I can easily picture these girls. As far as the original songs while Tami Charles' has a good voice the audio in those sections sounds rough especially compared to the rest of her narration. It kind of sounded like those pieces were done on an old recorder. The production team dropped the ball in those parts.
This story is so fast-paced that I find you don't really get the chance to reflect about what is going on with Denver and these girls. Like something majorly scary would happen and then we'd be right back to talk about Denver's diet which basically consists of water and air towards the end. And I think that takes away some of the impact and connection for me. And since this audiobook is split into 4 parts instead of chapters it's not easy for me to just go back listen to a section.
I also don't feel like we had enough background about her family life to understand how she got sucked into this environment. The main conflict between Denver and her parents seems to be that they're strict Haitians that want her to go to college. Plenty of Caribbean parents are like that. I don't think that only makes girls go run to predators. Sure she had some body images issues as well but it's not like he was telling her that he was giving her a self-esteem boost either.
Also this will be inevitably compared to Grown by Tiffany D Jackson which released last year due to the similar premises. Which while it's important to tell these stories about predators this was way too ripped from the headlines. To the point where I'm like this is just the R Kelly story so I should just go finishing watching Surviving R Kelly instead. Plus that story is still so fresh. I recall just a few years ago when the stories about R Kelly and those girls he was holding hostage were in the headlines on almost a daily basis and people were trying to make excuses about how those were consenting young women because they refused to see past the music.
The only thing that really surprised me was the ending but even that was rushed and didn't have the full impact it could've. Overall it was a little too much like a simplified version of a known story to be impactful.
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
Muted follows the journey of seventeen-year-old Denver who is ready for R&B stardom and gets the chance to join Sean "Mercury" Ellis on tour and become his protégé. While Denver and her friend Dali are instantly entranced by the studio time and wild parties, their friend Shak finds Merc creepy and is suspicious. Denver and Dali soon run off despite their parent's skepticism and soon find that Merc's world isn't all glitz and glamor. It also is rigorous fitness routines, strict diets, creating a certain image, blatant favoritism, and abuse.
The narration is a strong point that made it easy for me to listen to this story in one day. Tami Charles brings enough flavor that I can easily picture these girls. As far as the original songs while Tami Charles' has a good voice the audio in those sections sounds rough especially compared to the rest of her narration. It kind of sounded like those pieces were done on an old recorder. The production team dropped the ball in those parts.
This story is so fast-paced that I find you don't really get the chance to reflect about what is going on with Denver and these girls. Like something majorly scary would happen and then we'd be right back to talk about Denver's diet which basically consists of water and air towards the end. And I think that takes away some of the impact and connection for me. And since this audiobook is split into 4 parts instead of chapters it's not easy for me to just go back listen to a section.
I also don't feel like we had enough background about her family life to understand how she got sucked into this environment. The main conflict between Denver and her parents seems to be that they're strict Haitians that want her to go to college. Plenty of Caribbean parents are like that. I don't think that only makes girls go run to predators. Sure she had some body images issues as well but it's not like he was telling her that he was giving her a self-esteem boost either.
Also this will be inevitably compared to Grown by Tiffany D Jackson which released last year due to the similar premises. Which while it's important to tell these stories about predators this was way too ripped from the headlines. To the point where I'm like this is just the R Kelly story so I should just go finishing watching Surviving R Kelly instead. Plus that story is still so fresh. I recall just a few years ago when the stories about R Kelly and those girls he was holding hostage were in the headlines on almost a daily basis and people were trying to make excuses about how those were consenting young women because they refused to see past the music.
The only thing that really surprised me was the ending but even that was rushed and didn't have the full impact it could've. Overall it was a little too much like a simplified version of a known story to be impactful.
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
December 10, 2020
oh my god
April 20, 2021
4.5 stars! This audiobook told in verse with snippets of songs was amazing! Highly recommend listening to this one.
Storyline is a bit similar to Grown which I loved and deals with a relevant topic in music. Some hard to read moments that pierce your heart making this anything but an easy read but it’s very well done.
Storyline is a bit similar to Grown which I loved and deals with a relevant topic in music. Some hard to read moments that pierce your heart making this anything but an easy read but it’s very well done.
June 4, 2021
This wasn't my kind of story and I really expected something totally different....it appears a lot of this story was taken from recent headlines, which was cool....it made for an interesting tale. **SPOILER ALERT** My problem is the friend was physically , mentally and emotionally abused by Merc, why didn't she tell Denver....usually teenage girls talk....period.....in addition, when police arrived and provided Denver with his business card and she continued to reference that card once she realized she was in trouble, why the hell didn't she use it instead of trying to outsmart someone that had his routine down. She ran around that house like a chicken with its head severed....she wasted a tremendous amount of time....when she found her friend in the basement....she was suppose to utilize that card and call him at her earliest convenience...but, her poor planning cost her. I didn't like the way the story ended, I like happy endings to stories....If I had known it was this kind of story, I really would have bypassed it and stuck with the type of stories I usually go for.
July 7, 2022
all denver dreams of is making it big in the music industry with her friends and getting out of her small town. one day, her music group, consisting of denver and her friends dali and shak, is discovered by a big-name r&b star, sean “mercury” ellis. all the sacrifices merc forces the girls to make seems worth it, until denver realizes her escape might just be a trap.
this book is super heavy so i definitely recommend checking the content warnings before picking it up.
i listened to the audiobook and it was so well-done! it included actual productions of the various songs which was really nice.
this reminded me of grown by tiffany d. jackson, though it did of course have many differences. still, if you liked that one i recommend picking up this one, or vice versa!
i loved the friendships within this book, though they did get turned against each other because of merc. however, i just think that really shows the effect manipulative men in power can have on young girls.
this book is super heavy so i definitely recommend checking the content warnings before picking it up.
i listened to the audiobook and it was so well-done! it included actual productions of the various songs which was really nice.
this reminded me of grown by tiffany d. jackson, though it did of course have many differences. still, if you liked that one i recommend picking up this one, or vice versa!
i loved the friendships within this book, though they did get turned against each other because of merc. however, i just think that really shows the effect manipulative men in power can have on young girls.
November 5, 2020
Thank you Scholastic for the free ARC!
OH MY GOD, how can one book be so beautiful and tragic at the same time? If you loved Tiffany Jackson's GROWN, along with Elizabeth Acevedo's THE POET X - this one's for you. I'm so thankful this was a novel in verse. Not only was it so well written, but it also made the EXTREMELY dark subject matter much easier to get through. I also really appreciate how self-aware and mature our protagonist Denver is; she is somewhat spectacle of the R Kelly archetype in this novel named Merc from the beginning - but his brainwashing (both his & the publics) is so real, you are with her the entire time.
ALSO THIS ENDING DESTROYED ME. ***** Just as much as Tiffany D. Jackson's endings. And that is saying a lot.
OH MY GOD, how can one book be so beautiful and tragic at the same time? If you loved Tiffany Jackson's GROWN, along with Elizabeth Acevedo's THE POET X - this one's for you. I'm so thankful this was a novel in verse. Not only was it so well written, but it also made the EXTREMELY dark subject matter much easier to get through. I also really appreciate how self-aware and mature our protagonist Denver is; she is somewhat spectacle of the R Kelly archetype in this novel named Merc from the beginning - but his brainwashing (both his & the publics) is so real, you are with her the entire time.
ALSO THIS ENDING DESTROYED ME. ***** Just as much as Tiffany D. Jackson's endings. And that is saying a lot.
March 2, 2021
4.5 Stars! This was such an emotional read and this hit me hard, especially the ending. Well written and an important topic to spread awareness on - would highly recommend! But there are many trigger warnings, so please look them up before reading if you think something may be triggering for you in this book.
Side note, the reason they said "olive juice" is the sweetest thing!
(Listening to the audiobook and physically reading it at the same time was great!)
Side note, the reason they said "olive juice" is the sweetest thing!
(Listening to the audiobook and physically reading it at the same time was great!)
February 7, 2021
Unfortunately, when a book comes out months after a previously released book, with the same premise, debuts, readers will unfairly compare them. As a reader, I'm not immune to this action. While I recommend this book, as it has its merits, I'm not as fond of it as the previously released book (which I won't name).
Why? As I read, the story felt diluted. If you're going to "go there" with a topic, don't sugarcoat your writing. Reach the heights the story deserves.
3/5
Why? As I read, the story felt diluted. If you're going to "go there" with a topic, don't sugarcoat your writing. Reach the heights the story deserves.
3/5
May 24, 2021
If you've read Grown, do yourself a favor and pick this one up as well. Or vice versa.
Muted is the story of 17 year old Denver, an Afro-Carribbean girl who wants to make music and get out of her small town. With her friends Dali and Shak, the three catch the eye of Shaun "Mercury" Ellis, a superstar in the music industry. Denver will do anything to make it in the music industry, but soon she's a prisoner in Merc's world and she finds her own voice has been muted.
Like Grown, this book talks about kidnapping, rape, brainwashing, abuse, grooming and toxic relationships. This was not an easy book to read. And it's in verse. The way Tami wrote this book was absolutely amazing. I'm still completely shaken to the core that she delivered such a powerful story in like half the words of a normal prose book. The characters shine in this book, we hear and feel Denver's voice so easily.
Muted also talks about friendship and the ways we can be driven away from friends, and the way the friendships can change. The friendship between Dali and Denver was especially impactful. I wanted so many things for these two girls and seeing how Merc basically used them against each other. Agh. My heart can't even take it.
The ending of this book had me in figurative tears. This book was incredibly impactful and powerful and I don't even have the right words to express how the ending left me feeling.
Muted is the story of 17 year old Denver, an Afro-Carribbean girl who wants to make music and get out of her small town. With her friends Dali and Shak, the three catch the eye of Shaun "Mercury" Ellis, a superstar in the music industry. Denver will do anything to make it in the music industry, but soon she's a prisoner in Merc's world and she finds her own voice has been muted.
Like Grown, this book talks about kidnapping, rape, brainwashing, abuse, grooming and toxic relationships. This was not an easy book to read. And it's in verse. The way Tami wrote this book was absolutely amazing. I'm still completely shaken to the core that she delivered such a powerful story in like half the words of a normal prose book. The characters shine in this book, we hear and feel Denver's voice so easily.
Muted also talks about friendship and the ways we can be driven away from friends, and the way the friendships can change. The friendship between Dali and Denver was especially impactful. I wanted so many things for these two girls and seeing how Merc basically used them against each other. Agh. My heart can't even take it.
The ending of this book had me in figurative tears. This book was incredibly impactful and powerful and I don't even have the right words to express how the ending left me feeling.
January 23, 2021
4.5 stars. This book was not what I was expecting, but not in a bad way. I knew that it would tackle some tough issues, but as the story progressed, it became a thriller (or horror, perhaps used loosely -- I'm not the arbiter of genres). But, it was a complex story. It wasn't just one person's rise to fame or anything, it also dealt with friends and family and sexuality, and some deep evils that actually exist in this world. (I have some thoughts -- I don't think they're really spoiler-ey but it tells you about one of the people who is the "bad guy", so I'll put it in a spoiler just in case) This one is verges on spoiler territory though
CW: sexual assault, abuse, disordered eating, death, blood (mensuration and injury)
CW: sexual assault, abuse, disordered eating, death, blood (mensuration and injury)
December 14, 2021
That ending really did fucking hurt… I’m telling you, get ready to be destroyed emotionally.
This book was beautiful yet heartbreaking. The author really did a good job on this one. I loved the verses concept and seeing the dark side of the music industry. I can’t wait to see what this author will write next.
This book was beautiful yet heartbreaking. The author really did a good job on this one. I loved the verses concept and seeing the dark side of the music industry. I can’t wait to see what this author will write next.
May 2, 2021
It doesn't feel right to categorise a book that is extremely impactful with something as arbitrary as star ratings.
Full review to come.
===============================
Read this review on my blog.
Content Warning(s) for the book: abuse, eating disorders, divorce, manipulation, rape, death
With moving words and electric prose, Muted brings the abusive side of the music industry to life. Seen from the eyes of a teenage lesbian Black girl, Muted fills you with unease as it progresses through step-by-step process of grooming, manipulation and abuse that has become a staple in the entertainment industry, across many parts of the world. Picking and choosing its words wisely, Muted presents a picture that is hard to look away from, harder still with the knowledge and realisation that it is inspired by real events, and this same story is happening to many people right now.
Muted follows Denver, a Black girl living in a small town, with overworking parents and a sister who is the epitome of perfection. She and her two friends, Dalisay and Shakira, form a group, bringing their music wherever they can, being ignored for being too loud, too big, too Black. All yearning for a chance, to be recognised, to be seen, to be told that their talent is enough, that they are enough – some more than the others. They find themselves drawn into the world of a R&B star – Sean “Mercury” Ellis -when they concoct a plan to gain his attention by serenading him before a concert. Merc, as he is called by his fans, is their god, living the life they can only dream of, making the world take notice of him and his music, a Black man proving that they too can make it. From there on out, begins the cycle of manipulation and abuse.
We see Denver willingly walk into the demon’s lair, knowing that something is wrong but not being quite sure what. Chasing her dreams, working very hard to make them come true, all the while falling deeper into a trap that seems so obvious to the reader. She is smart and she knows how to establish boundaries, but she is also lonely, neglected by her parents – who never see her worth, whose expectations lie in getting a 4.0 GPA (like her sister), and following the steps they have laid out to her to be successful. She doesn’t realise it, but she feels pressured by Dali, aka Dalisay, whose financial situation is much different than hers, who has been giving her mixed signals since eight grade, who she loves but does not know which form of love to expect back.
Denver is isolated, her diet controlled to get her into a shape that is “camera ready”, locked into her room when she is asleep, cut off from the outside world with no internet or phone, and she bears all of it because she thinks that just one more step will get her to her goal. All this while, Merc expertly manipulates her into publicly denouncing her parents, stealing the songs she has written, turning her into someone she barely recognises. It feels like Denver just keeps digging herself a deeper hole, as she is shackled to the idea of making it big in an industry where it is impossible to do so without influence.
Muted cleanly demonstrates the mindset of a victim of abuse and the perverse skills of their abuser. The constant push and give to keep the victim placated, while leeching off of them like a parasite. Just when you think, this cannot get any worse, it does. Denver sees and recognises her situation, but is constantly distracted by the gifts of benevolence that Merc chooses to bestow upon her. An impressionable young mind, preyed upon by someone who has absolute power over it. The novel is a horrific and impactful study in what goes on behind closed doors, a call to action, if we dare take it.
Thanks to Colored Pages Bookish Tours for having me on a promotional tour for Muted and to Scholastic Press for providing me with an ARC. This does not have an effect on my review, which is based on my honest opinion.
Full review to come.
===============================
Read this review on my blog.
Content Warning(s) for the book: abuse, eating disorders, divorce, manipulation, rape, death
With moving words and electric prose, Muted brings the abusive side of the music industry to life. Seen from the eyes of a teenage lesbian Black girl, Muted fills you with unease as it progresses through step-by-step process of grooming, manipulation and abuse that has become a staple in the entertainment industry, across many parts of the world. Picking and choosing its words wisely, Muted presents a picture that is hard to look away from, harder still with the knowledge and realisation that it is inspired by real events, and this same story is happening to many people right now.
Muted follows Denver, a Black girl living in a small town, with overworking parents and a sister who is the epitome of perfection. She and her two friends, Dalisay and Shakira, form a group, bringing their music wherever they can, being ignored for being too loud, too big, too Black. All yearning for a chance, to be recognised, to be seen, to be told that their talent is enough, that they are enough – some more than the others. They find themselves drawn into the world of a R&B star – Sean “Mercury” Ellis -when they concoct a plan to gain his attention by serenading him before a concert. Merc, as he is called by his fans, is their god, living the life they can only dream of, making the world take notice of him and his music, a Black man proving that they too can make it. From there on out, begins the cycle of manipulation and abuse.
We see Denver willingly walk into the demon’s lair, knowing that something is wrong but not being quite sure what. Chasing her dreams, working very hard to make them come true, all the while falling deeper into a trap that seems so obvious to the reader. She is smart and she knows how to establish boundaries, but she is also lonely, neglected by her parents – who never see her worth, whose expectations lie in getting a 4.0 GPA (like her sister), and following the steps they have laid out to her to be successful. She doesn’t realise it, but she feels pressured by Dali, aka Dalisay, whose financial situation is much different than hers, who has been giving her mixed signals since eight grade, who she loves but does not know which form of love to expect back.
Denver is isolated, her diet controlled to get her into a shape that is “camera ready”, locked into her room when she is asleep, cut off from the outside world with no internet or phone, and she bears all of it because she thinks that just one more step will get her to her goal. All this while, Merc expertly manipulates her into publicly denouncing her parents, stealing the songs she has written, turning her into someone she barely recognises. It feels like Denver just keeps digging herself a deeper hole, as she is shackled to the idea of making it big in an industry where it is impossible to do so without influence.
Muted cleanly demonstrates the mindset of a victim of abuse and the perverse skills of their abuser. The constant push and give to keep the victim placated, while leeching off of them like a parasite. Just when you think, this cannot get any worse, it does. Denver sees and recognises her situation, but is constantly distracted by the gifts of benevolence that Merc chooses to bestow upon her. An impressionable young mind, preyed upon by someone who has absolute power over it. The novel is a horrific and impactful study in what goes on behind closed doors, a call to action, if we dare take it.
Thanks to Colored Pages Bookish Tours for having me on a promotional tour for Muted and to Scholastic Press for providing me with an ARC. This does not have an effect on my review, which is based on my honest opinion.
July 3, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Well, looks like we have the first favorite of 2023, because this book is going to stick with me.
This book may look cute from the outside but let me tell you, this book is anything but cute. This book is painful, raw, and powerful. It’s a fictional story that is unfortunately the real story of many Black and Brown Minor female girls who get sucked into the promise of love and fame by a predator, who promises them the world and more. It’s so sad to see how horrible and manipulative the music industry can be, depending on who you are.
This book is written verse and even though there are less words than normal, these words are more powerful. I finished this book speechless - not sure how to feel, not sure what to think. I wanted things to work out so badly but they didn’t. It starts off slow but then it picks up and sucks you right in.
This follows Denver, a seventeen year old, who is in a singing group with her two female best friends (Destiny’s Child 2.0) who dream of leaving their lives and starting new, following their dreams to become music legends. One day they go to their favorite artist, ‘Mercury’ show and he instantly picks them up and promises them that he will make them famous. But alas, everything isn’t as perfect as it seems and soon Denver realizes this and decides to fight back.
Denver was a strong lead. Naive at times but that’s the accuracy of these situations. Denver was vocal and advocated for herself in so many different ways. She loved the music, and would do anything to protect and save her best friends. Mercury gave me the creeps from the start, and I knew where this book was headed but I was not expecting my heart to be ripped out the way it was.
Please, please, PLEASE look up trigger warnings before picking this one up. This is a book that absolutely needs to be on everyone’s list, but it’s not a light read so proceed with caution. A beautiful book with a heart-breaking story, that’s based on true events.
January 6, 2021
5 oh my God that ending was SO incredible and I couldn’t put this down all day STARS. Awesome readalike to Grown by Tiffany Jackson. Denver is a fabulous protagonist and I can’t wait for everyone to read this when it comes out on February 2. LOVE the title and the idea of muting all the monsters. And the cover!!!!
I am struggling w the age recommendation. Scholastic and Kirkus both say ages 12+. I would say 13 or 14 as a minimum. Drinking, drugs, abuse, rape all mentioned, although not as explicitly as in Grown.
Thank you to Scholastic for the ARC. Sharing immediately w Kidlitexchange for more reviews!
I am struggling w the age recommendation. Scholastic and Kirkus both say ages 12+. I would say 13 or 14 as a minimum. Drinking, drugs, abuse, rape all mentioned, although not as explicitly as in Grown.
Thank you to Scholastic for the ARC. Sharing immediately w Kidlitexchange for more reviews!
March 16, 2021
I enjoy books in verse. This was so good and reminded me so much of grown by Tiffany Jackson. It just gave me another perspective of the music industry and what ppl will do to get a little bit of fame. Also the people who take advantage of these want to be stars. A+
September 27, 2021
*4.5 damn this was intense
Trigger warnings: Manipulation, rape, divorce, abuse, and eating disorders
Trigger warnings: Manipulation, rape, divorce, abuse, and eating disorders
Want to read
April 20, 2021My tbr though...
December 5, 2021
A little too similar to Grown but very good all the same.
March 25, 2021
I am going to be honest and let everyone know that it is difficult to right a review after reading this book. This book is exceptionally good and well written. The story behind this book tells a message that needs to be heard and read hence the titled "MUTED". For the majority of this story it follows two teenage girls who want to be stars and famous and their names are Dalisay and Denver. Now mind you they are best friends from a small town in Pennsylvania. Both girls know that are going to be super stars because they have voices of angels when they sing. As the sing in an airport to show their talents to the king of r&b named Mercury (Merc), they are immediately noticed and he loved their performance and so that invited them to the studio. Though each visit they could not being their cell phones into the session then he wrote out contracts for their parents to sign because they were only 17 and right away Dalisay's mom signed it because they needed the money. But Denver's parents refused and so she forged their signatures. Now they are considered professionals and signed under Mercury as his artists and they scheduled for a flight to Atlanta where they would live in Marcury's mansion. Though everything is not what it seems. The actions from Mercury and how he was treating the girls did not add up and so Denver started investigating and soon realized that Mercury is a monster and deserves to behind bars. Now there is trigger warnings in this book: rape, sex trafficking, captivity, manipulation, etc. As Denver is trying to escape someone soon loses their life. But when someone loses a life a life is gained. This book reminds me so much of R.Kelly and what he has done to many young black girls. In this book I feel as if Mercury is R.Kelly who silences black girls, manipulates them, and finds ways to pay them off in order to keep quiet. This was a great book that brought me to tears and literally as I am writing this review I am crying because this is still happening to young girls all over the world.
February 19, 2021
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CHECK OUT MY BLOG
my thoughts
once upon a time, there were three girls with voices of gold, most of them were bold, and ventured into a world both familiar and strange. among the girls was denver lafleur, whose musical roots began as a child, her father a great influence. the story follows denver and her friends, their beginning and their ending, and everything that happened in between.
originally, i was planning on just promoting the book, because i thought i wouldn’t finish reading it on time. hence, i messaged one of the organizers of the tour. bless her, when she replied that i should give the book a chance. it was my first time reading a novel in verse, and at first, i couldn’t grasp the story and what it meant to deliver. it was a struggle, but as i read and read, i finally felt a connection and was amazed at how emotionally charged the content was. it made me remember the feeling i had when i read Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe.
everything i never want an artist to experience happened here, e.g. stolen art, controlling management, body shaming, sexual assault, and other related matters. these can be very triggering, therefore if you have such experiences, i highly recommend that you should be careful when you read the book. this is not me preventing you from reading, this is just me warning.
like i mentioned before, this read was my first novel in verse. it fascinated me to the point where i want to write this idea i have in verse as well. although, i still have a lot to learn. for now, i’m doing some research and self-studying.
CHECK OUT MY BLOG
January 30, 2022
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a finished copy.
WHOA, I need a second. I had no idea what Muted was about—I just thought the cover looked cool. I was not at all expecting this to be about the music industry (okay, I probably could have expected that if I read the synopsis but whateverrr), and I DEFINITELY was not expecting this to be about all the other things added into it.
Muted is quite similar to Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson, one of my favorite books of 2020, with the exception that it is written in verse. When I started Muted, I honestly thought it was a mediocre contemporary. Even after reading Grown, I was not prepared for the wild ride ahead. Certainty wasn’t expecting to tear up either.
This is intense, heartbreaking, and has you crossing your fingers that it isn’t going in the direction it looks like it’s turning to. Highly recommend.
✧ ✧ ✧
≪reading 31 books for 31 days of january≫
╰┈➤ 1. all that's left in the world by erik j. brown
╰┈➤ 2. the female of the species by mindy mcginnis
╰┈➤ 3. the battle of the labyrinth by rick riordan
╰┈➤ 4. exit west by mohsin hamid
╰┈➤ 5. don't call us dead by danez smith
╰┈➤ 6. warm bodies by isaac marion
╰┈➤ 7. the other side of perfect by mariko turk
╰┈➤ 8. the last olympian by rick riordan
╰┈➤ 9. counting down with you by tashie bhuiyan
╰┈➤ 10. a matter of death and life by irvin d. yalom and marilyn yalom
╰┈➤ 11. the new hunger by isaac marion
╰┈➤ 12. dorothy must die by danielle paige
╰┈➤ 13. starfish by lisa fipps
╰┈➤ 14. one true loves by elise bryant
╰┈➤ 15. chlorine sky by mahogany l. browne
╰┈➤ 16. for every one by jason reynolds
╰┈➤ 17. fight night by miriam toews
╰┈➤ 18. shooter by walter dean myers
╰┈➤ 19. wade in the water by tracy k. smith
╰┈➤ 20. we the animals by justin torres
╰┈➤ 21. locomotion by jacqueline woodson
╰┈➤ 22. the strength in our scars by bianca sparacino
╰┈➤ 23. forbidden by tabitha suzuma
╰┈➤ 24. the song of achilles by madeline miller
╰┈➤ 25. burned by ellen hopkins
╰┈➤ 26. muted by tami charles
WHOA, I need a second. I had no idea what Muted was about—I just thought the cover looked cool. I was not at all expecting this to be about the music industry (okay, I probably could have expected that if I read the synopsis but whateverrr), and I DEFINITELY was not expecting this to be about all the other things added into it.
Muted is quite similar to Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson, one of my favorite books of 2020, with the exception that it is written in verse. When I started Muted, I honestly thought it was a mediocre contemporary. Even after reading Grown, I was not prepared for the wild ride ahead. Certainty wasn’t expecting to tear up either.
This is intense, heartbreaking, and has you crossing your fingers that it isn’t going in the direction it looks like it’s turning to. Highly recommend.
✧ ✧ ✧
≪reading 31 books for 31 days of january≫
╰┈➤ 1. all that's left in the world by erik j. brown
╰┈➤ 2. the female of the species by mindy mcginnis
╰┈➤ 3. the battle of the labyrinth by rick riordan
╰┈➤ 4. exit west by mohsin hamid
╰┈➤ 5. don't call us dead by danez smith
╰┈➤ 6. warm bodies by isaac marion
╰┈➤ 7. the other side of perfect by mariko turk
╰┈➤ 8. the last olympian by rick riordan
╰┈➤ 9. counting down with you by tashie bhuiyan
╰┈➤ 10. a matter of death and life by irvin d. yalom and marilyn yalom
╰┈➤ 11. the new hunger by isaac marion
╰┈➤ 12. dorothy must die by danielle paige
╰┈➤ 13. starfish by lisa fipps
╰┈➤ 14. one true loves by elise bryant
╰┈➤ 15. chlorine sky by mahogany l. browne
╰┈➤ 16. for every one by jason reynolds
╰┈➤ 17. fight night by miriam toews
╰┈➤ 18. shooter by walter dean myers
╰┈➤ 19. wade in the water by tracy k. smith
╰┈➤ 20. we the animals by justin torres
╰┈➤ 21. locomotion by jacqueline woodson
╰┈➤ 22. the strength in our scars by bianca sparacino
╰┈➤ 23. forbidden by tabitha suzuma
╰┈➤ 24. the song of achilles by madeline miller
╰┈➤ 25. burned by ellen hopkins
╰┈➤ 26. muted by tami charles
Read
February 17, 2021I received a free copy of this book for my honest review.
For 2021, I vowed to step outside of my comfort zone and experience new genres, new authors, and expand my literary prowess. I vow a lot of things that I never get around to doing. But I succeeded so far this year.
Told in verse, MUTED follows seventeen-year-old Denver who wants nothing more than to make it big in the music industry. When she and her two friends take a chance in exposing themselves to a legendary R&B singer, they quickly find themselves drowning in promises of stardom, all at the hands of a man who may or may not have their best interests at heart.
We spiral down with Denver, down, down…
She’s stepping into the viper pit of drugs and parties and manipulative men. As the story progresses, we see hints of danger screaming at us from short bursts of the narrative. But the glam and the pretty words only cover up a lethal reality that crescendos into one of the most heartbreaking stories I’ve ever read.
MUTED is based on true events, and one can make theories into what events, but most of us can make an educated guess.
Muted is the first novel I’ve ever read in verse, and I cannot express how floored I am. Are all novels in verse this astounding? Have I been sleeping on this style of narrative poetry? If I’ve been this closed off in my reading, what else am I missing? I digress…
In closing, I cannot say I loved this book for it stands as an example to the dark side of the music industry and it is not all happy endings and rainbows and butterflies, but I appreciated the message and the beauty of its words.
Rating: *****
QUEER REP (Denver is a lesbian)
TRIGGER WARNING for rape, kidnapping, homophobia, drug use, forced weight loss, and violence
For 2021, I vowed to step outside of my comfort zone and experience new genres, new authors, and expand my literary prowess. I vow a lot of things that I never get around to doing. But I succeeded so far this year.
Told in verse, MUTED follows seventeen-year-old Denver who wants nothing more than to make it big in the music industry. When she and her two friends take a chance in exposing themselves to a legendary R&B singer, they quickly find themselves drowning in promises of stardom, all at the hands of a man who may or may not have their best interests at heart.
We spiral down with Denver, down, down…
She’s stepping into the viper pit of drugs and parties and manipulative men. As the story progresses, we see hints of danger screaming at us from short bursts of the narrative. But the glam and the pretty words only cover up a lethal reality that crescendos into one of the most heartbreaking stories I’ve ever read.
MUTED is based on true events, and one can make theories into what events, but most of us can make an educated guess.
Muted is the first novel I’ve ever read in verse, and I cannot express how floored I am. Are all novels in verse this astounding? Have I been sleeping on this style of narrative poetry? If I’ve been this closed off in my reading, what else am I missing? I digress…
In closing, I cannot say I loved this book for it stands as an example to the dark side of the music industry and it is not all happy endings and rainbows and butterflies, but I appreciated the message and the beauty of its words.
Rating: *****
QUEER REP (Denver is a lesbian)
TRIGGER WARNING for rape, kidnapping, homophobia, drug use, forced weight loss, and violence
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