Muted by Tami Charles
Muted is a YA novel told in verse, following 17-year old Denver. With her and her two best friends, Dali and Shak, they get the attention of a top music producer. Almost from the beginning, you know the guy is sketchy. He doesn’t want their parents or guardians to know they are working together at first, and from there, it’s one icky thing after another. Despite this, Denver is determined to stick it out and make her dreams come true. One of the girls drops out, but the other could really use the money that Merc, the producer, promises them is coming, which is another reason that Denver tries to ignore the things she doesn’t think are okay.
This is a really intense read, so definitely check your trigger and content warnings. I don’t know if Merc is based on anyone in particular, but he reminded me of R. Kelly for sure. I felt so bad for Denver and her friends. It was easy to see that they were being manipulated and that things weren’t okay, but I could also understand some of their reasoning for sticking around and not speaking up.
There is an aspect of this book that really took me by surprise, and it makes things that much more heartbreaking. I won’t say more though because I don’t want to spoil things but I definitely didn’t see it coming.
This sounds so interesting! Thanks for the warning about the content.
I’ll have to see if I can find the audiobook. I’m loving verse in audio and always looking for more.
Karen @For What It’s Worth
Oh my! I was just talking about this idea of preying on the young and talented yesterday with one of my kids. I hope there is some spark of a silver lining!
I wanted to read this one so bad, but I just can’t get into the novels in verse very easily. But it does sound like a good read. Great review!
I love books written in verse! They are such a unique and captivating way to tell a story. I’m so glad this one was enjoyable. 🙂
When I saw this cover on your My Month is booked post, with that gorgeous cover, I didn’t expect something so dark and heartbreaking.
This sounds like such an interesting book! Thanks for sharing. I haven’t heard of this one yet.