⭐⭐⭐

This YA book follows Claire, a young pianist in training going to a performing arts boarding school. The year starts fairly normal, save for a new mysterious piano teacher that no one can get a read on.

I think what this book does well is show the pressure teens can be under, even if society doesn’t always acknowledge that. Claire has parents who are, while supportive, very much like how many Asian American parents are described. They want her to be a doctor or a lawyer or anything but a pianist. There isn’t only pressure coming from that but from the nature of the school. They are training to be the best, and that’s a ton to put on a teen, as shown by her friend Rocky. The new teacher really layers that on, especially for Claire and Rocky, because of what she sees in their potential. Claire also struggles with not feeling as though she’s Asian enough when she is declined as a member of the Asian Student Society before the events of the book.

I gave it a 3 star review because I don't think the whole underlying story with the notes promised in the synopsis (the word eerie is used, which I think implies a certain kind of narrative with the rise of YA thrillers) is delivered. The notes, while weird, weren't eerie at all and it wasn't some nefarious thing like the blurb makes it out to be, which was a disappointment to me, since that underlying story was part of why I picked up the book.

Overall, this book is a positive reflection of the struggles teens can be under, and how that can further manifest in such an extreme environment.

I read this in one sitting! But for me, it wasn’t simply a suspenseful read. Anyone like myself who has had formative experiences in youth orchestra, performing arts school, band camp, etc. will be taken aback by this compelling portrayal of the life of an impressionable music student. Often these kinds of portrayals are cringey and inaccurate, but Con Morse nails it by bringing her lived experience into this story—something for which there is no replacement. The greyness of student-teacher relationships, the studio dynamics, and the drive and loneliness that is experienced in the classical music world are well-captured. I resonated deeply with the protagonist, but others may also see themselves in the diverse cast of characters: some angsty, some stubborn, some endearing, and some just trying to keep their head above water. Give this to any student trying to find their way in an environment that pushes for excellence. It’s a testament to not losing sight of your true worth and purpose.

Oh and on top of that, can we talk about that Asian-American representation? Two of the main characters portray two different sides of the Asian-American experience and find it within themselves to offer support and compassion for one another. Heck yeah!

Claire attends a performing arts boarding school that is well renowned for turning out proteges. She is worried that she doesn't have what it takes so when a glamorous new piano teacher show up, Claire wants to impress her. Dr. Li is everything Claire wants to be and her fascination with her starts to improve her performance. But then she starts feeling the pressure of perfection and mysterious notes that are highly personal start appearing. Claire begins to wonder is it all really worth it?

Ok so it's weird but I love stories set in boarding school. I never went to one but there's something about the isolation and forced community with teenagers that makes it appealing. So I was thrilled to see that this was the setting for the story. It's overall a relatable coming of age story and for readers who want more contemporary realistic stories without romance as a main focus, this is for you.

I very much appreciated the underlying thread of identity and not feeling like you belong because I know how much teens go through that. Heck even as an adult, I STILL go through that. The whole feeling like you're not Asian enough because you didn't grow up in a traditional Asian household is super familiar to me as well.

I honestly had no idea who was writing the notes and I actually had several suspects in mind. I was actually pretty pleased that I guessed WRONG because I enjoy having twists. This is author's debut novel and it's a stellar one. I can't wait to read more from her in the future!

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Catherine Con Morse is a new-to-me author, but I was drawn to the cover and premise of The Notes. I know next to nothing about the world of music, but I appreciated how the pressure of being a musician was depicted, along with dealing with academic pressure, first love, and other issues a young teen deals with.
Claire is a sympathetic protagonist, juggling all these concerns early on in the book. The cultural nuance is also woven through the book, interrogating the common archetype that Chinese Americans excel at everything. I really liked how she came into her own, developing self-confidence in her abilities.
The relationships in the book are pivotal to Claire’s growth. Dr. Li, the glamorous music teacher, is instrumental in Claire pushing herself to succeed and strive to achieve her dreams. And while it’s not a romance, I really liked her growing bond with fellow student Rocky, who she bonds with over the intense expectations placed upon them.
This was an enjoyable debut, and I’m interested to read more from Catherine Con Morse in the future. If you’re looking for a multicultural coming-of-age story, I’d recommend checking out this one!

Before I start, I will preface this with, music is not my thing. HOWEVER, I did enjoy this book that is based around music and musicians...and the pressure they are under from themselves, their families, their teachers. I think I would better appreciate this book if I was more knowledgeable about the music world, so I will definitely recommend this to the musicians in my life. This book was a window for me to look into that world that is so unknown to me. The social dynamics of high school students in a boarding school are unique to this book as well -- something that I nor any of my readers have experienced, but are definitely curious about. How does a 16 year old live in a dorm without their parents?!

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Notes" by Catherine Con Morse! The protagonist was incredibly relatable, and the supporting characters felt like people I've encountered in my own life. I eagerly look forward to exploring more of Morse's work. I read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book voluntarily, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I'd give this book a solid 5 out of 5 stars.

Catherine Con Morse's "The Notes" is a gripping coming-of-age tale that delves into themes of identity, ambition, and the pursuit of excellence within the performing arts.

Set in a Southern boarding school for the performing arts, the story revolves around Claire Wu, a reserved Chinese American teenager who grapples with doubts about her potential as a concert pianist. Amidst the pressures of academic success and the fear of failure, Claire's world is shaken by the arrival of Dr. Li, a glamorous and mysterious piano teacher.

Under Dr. Li's guidance, Claire pushes herself to new limits, driven by dreams of success and the desire to fit in with the exclusive Asian Student Society. Along the way, she forms a connection with Rocky Wong, a talented pianist with a carefree charm masking deeper struggles.

Morse skillfully intertwines themes of cultural identity and the pursuit of perfection, crafting a narrative that feels immersive and authentic. The characters are vividly portrayed, each grappling with their own aspirations, fears, and insecurities in the competitive world of music and academia.

The relationship between Claire and Rocky, with its complexities and tensions, adds depth to the story, making it feel incredibly genuine and relatable. Morse adeptly explores the challenges of first love and the quest to find one's place in a world of high expectations.

As the story builds towards the Showcase event, Claire confronts her doubts and fears, discovering her true capabilities and aspirations. A plot twist adds an unexpected layer of intrigue, keeping readers engaged until the very end.

"The Notes" is a compelling debut novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page. Morse's insightful exploration of identity, ambition, and the pursuit of excellence makes this a must-read for fans of young adult fiction. I eagerly await more from this talented author.

I found this book to be quite enjoyable! The protagonist was very relatable, and the other characters reminded me of individuals I have encountered in my own life. I am eagerly anticipating delving into more works by this author.

4.7 rounded up to 5/5.

"The Notes" by Catherine Con Morse is a captivating and intense coming-of-age novel that explores themes of identity, ambition, and the pursuit of greatness in the world of performing arts.

Set in a Southern performing arts boarding school, the story follows Claire Wu, a reserved Chinese American teen who harbors doubts about her potential as a concert pianist. Amidst the pressures of academic excellence and the fear of becoming a "washed-out performer," Claire's world is turned upside down with the arrival of Dr. Li, a glamorous and enigmatic piano teacher.

Under Dr. Li's tutelage, Claire begins to push herself harder than ever before, fueled by dreams of success and the possibility of finally fitting in with the elusive Asian Student Society. Along the way, she finds herself drawn to Rocky Wong, a talented pianist with a lighthearted charm that hides deeper struggles.

Morse expertly weaves together themes of cultural identity and the pressures of perfectionism, creating a rich and immersive narrative that resonates with authenticity. The characters are vividly drawn, each grappling with their own hopes, fears, and insecurities as they navigate the competitive world of music and academia.

The dynamic between Claire and Rocky, as well as the push and pull of their relationship, adds depth and complexity to the story, making it feel incredibly real and relatable. Morse deftly explores the tensions and complexities of first love, as well as the challenges of finding one's place in a world where expectations run high.

As the tension builds towards the Showcase, Claire must confront her own doubts and fears, ultimately discovering what she's truly capable of and who she wants to be. The plot twist adds an unexpected layer of intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

"The Notes" is a powerful and poignant debut novel that will resonate with readers long after they've turned the final page. Morse's insightful exploration of identity, ambition, and the pursuit of greatness makes this a must-read for fans of young adult fiction. I eagerly anticipate more from this talented author.

I really enjoyed how realistic this was, it had everything that I was hoping for and enjoyed from the genre. The concept was everything that I was hoping for and thought the characters worked well in this universe. Catherine Con Morse does a great job in making the reader care and it had everything that I was hoping for. It was a great coming-of-age novel and I enjoyed the characters in this world.

This book was great! I loved seeing how the !son character and Rocky grew together, it was so cute! The plot twist was crazy, and it wrapped up into a nice sweet ending that I really liked.

I enjoyed this book! The main character was likeable and the characters felt like people I’ve known in real life. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Wow this is an intense YA read.
Claire is a pianist at a private arts school and works hard to become better at her craft. With the help of the new piano teacher, it seems that her dreams are in sight.
And Rocky who is another great seems to want to get closer to her too. I liked Rocky a lot. He had a lightheartedness about him, but there are some things below the surface too.
The representation of Asian culture is really prominent within this book. We see Claire trying to fit in with the special Asian society and finally feel like she belongs somewhere.
There is a lot of push and pull between the characters and some drama, but it makes for a very real and raw story.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Thank you to netgalley and Random House Children's, Crown Books for Young Readers for allowing me to read this book. I really enjoyed the journey that the author took us on.