Befiddled

Befiddled is one of the best novels that I have read in years and I read A LOT of books! It has a great story-line and great characters. You can feel what the writter is meaning by the words and 'emotion' that he uses. I would reccomend this book to 11-15 year olds and I can't wait for Pedro de Alcantara's next book!

Writer/musician Pedro de Alcantara has penned an enchanting debut novel with Befiddled, wherein believable characters are drawn with the hand of an expert. The narrative focuses on Becky Cohen, a befuddled klutzy 13 year old, who is obsessed with playing the violin and her little brother Benji, who plays at being an editor for "The Splinter". Becky yearns to be ready to play at the year end music competition. Their widowed mom, who works at a nearby deli to make ends meet, can barely afford to rent Becky's violin and give her lessons with a heartless Mrs. Stark. To top it all off, Becky's pretty "friend" Ramsey is a little virtuoso on the violin. Benji's cleverly offers us a monthly resume of his sister's progress in "The Splinter," together with jokes and his plays on words. Becky's anxiety hinders her playing ability and her schoolmates compare her to "Paganini having spasms." Not only does her violin screech, but she is also a dreadful volleyball player for her Sedgwick team, "The Cream Puffs". It is not until she meets Mr. Freeman, the new super handyman of her building, that she slowly regains her self-confidence. A musician himself, he often stays with Becky and teaches her relaxation methods. Thanks to Mr. Freeman, and her brother, she takes care of a dog and learns a few playful tips from it. Becky embarks on regaining her poise, acquires a boyfriend in Damian, and becomes quite a good volleyball player. Moreover, she becomes a real virtuoso on the violin. Understandably, her mom is very disturbed by the fact that Mr. Freeman visits the children when she is not home and threatens to cancel Becky's participation at the music competition. When everything seems to be lost, De Alcantara fills us with amazed delight and takes the tempo to a magnificent finale. The jacket illustration by Susan Farrington and the jacket design by Trish Parcell Watts(a collage of Becky with the violin, a copy of the Splinter and a volley ball) are very true to the story. Kudos to first time writer Pedro De Alcantara. Befiddled is a must read for all those who lack self-esteem. Lily Azerad-Goldman, artist and book reviewer for bookpleasures.

Becky Cohen is an ugly duckling hoping to transform herself into a swan. She is unpopular at school, a miserable failure in music class, and a huge disappointment to her mother. If that isn't bad enough, she also has to go through life with totally unmanageable hair. Her only ally is her younger brother Benjy. He writes his own monthly newsletter called "The Splinter" and encourages Becky's dreams of becoming a great violinist. Becky's overworked mother cannot afford private violin lessons for her. Instead, Becky must take group music lessons at the local Y. Her teacher ridicules her performances in front of the class, and Becky throws up and cries after every lesson. She is about to give up on a musical career altogether until she befriends Mr. Freeman, the building handyman. He teaches her a lot about music and friendship, and also encourages her to enter a scholarship contest at a performing arts high school. Becky has many obstacles to overcome before she can participate in the contest, but the biggest one is her lack of self-confidence. Pedro de Alcantara is a musician from Brazil who currently lives in Paris and teaches the Alexander Technique, a method used to improve movement. Music lovers of all ages will cheer for Becky Cohen as she struggles to follow her dream. de Alcantara has hit a high note with BEFIDDLED. (...)

This is a great read for kids. The story explores a young musician's struggle to understand the adults in her life and to find her way among her peers as she explores her art. Becky's exploits will captivate you and carry you on to a wonderful and empowering conclusion. She and her younger brother will make you laugh out loud. Readers will learn some things about music and life. I think it is an excellent novel that will inspire whoever reads it. I have decided to give this book to several children this Christmas season. You can be sure that Becky will thrill boys and girls whether or not they have any interest in music at all.

'Befiddled' is a beautifully written book that has it all; it's extremely funny, full of angst, and peppered with just a dash of love and confusion; well just like the life of any thirteen your old. Read the first page and you'll be hooked. I guarantee it. Becky, the narrator, is so nervous as she's called on to play her violin under the evil eye of her teacher and the other hyena like students in her class, you can't help but turn the page and then the next page and the next....until you're done. We've all been in her shoes and like me, you'll be rooting for Becky all through the book, just as if you were rooting for yourself. And maybe you are. Go out and buy it. Buy it for all the kids you know. That's what I'm doing. What you'll get is a great story, a funny story, and one that has that extra special touch, Becky's love of music, that makes it so original and unforgettable. Oh and just wait until you read Benjy's (Becky's younger brother) newspaper, "The Splinter". You'll be cracking up!