Sparkle by Denene Millner

THEY HAD A DREAM. SHE HAD IT ALL. Detroit, 1968. The Motown sound is sweeping the nation. Girl groups are hotter than ever. Over their mother’s objections, three beautiful sisters—Delores, Sister and Sparkle—are taking the local music scene by storm. But their dreams are bigger than Detroit. Their manager, Stix, is just as ambitious and will do whatever it takes to make it to the big time, even if it means using the girls—and his love for Sparkle—as the foundation of a new musical empire.
Behind the music and lights, the recording industry is a ruthless and unforgiving place, just as Mama had warned her girls. Sister, with her good looks and voice, is the natural headliner of the trio, yet her complicated personal life threatens to overshadow her talent; Delores has her sights set on a different kind of life outside the spotlight; and young Sparkle must push past her deepest fears if she is to fulfill her destiny—does she really have what it takes to go all the way?
Riveting and soul-stirring, this timeless tale reminds us of the unbreakable bonds between family, the high price of fame and what can happen when we dare to show the world how brightly we can sparkle.

Goodreads Summary



    Although I have not yet seen the movie, the novel, Sparkle, has made me want to.  I love the story, characters, and back-and-forth dialogue.  Millner did a great job describing the events of the book; it was easy to imagine the scenes taking place.  I loved the humor and speech patterns of the characters.  Everyone was quick-witted and funny.  If the book was this good, the movie and music must be fantastic.
    Three sisters begin singing together and after winning a contest in 1960s Detroit, their talent quickly takes over the city.  Romance, abuse, and drugs are the problems that threaten their rise to the top.  Sister becomes engaged to an abusive man and takes up cocaine, Sparkle has to move past her nerves and embrace her talent, and Delores merely wants to help her sisters’ rise to the top and earn enough money to fund her education.  All this drama takes place in the midst of the Civil Rights movement.  
    Millner’s novel is excellent and anyone would enjoy reading it.  The book is fast-paced and never lost my attention.  I give this novel four out of five stars. 
4 Stars

*Reviewed by Kristin*

Find this book:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
The Book Depository


This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.