A beautiful story that has stuck with me through the years. A realistic look at the end of high school with the added twist of the desire of fame, You In Five Acts is a true coming of age story that deals with the complexities of holding on and letting go of the life you knew before graduation, and everything that comes after.

Trying very hard to be clever when a straightforward book would have worked far better. The shifting POV, so we're not entirely clear who "you" is at any given time, doesn't help make the story come to life it just creates a pause while readers figures out who and what. Once the gimmick is dispensed with, this is a standard last semester of school novel, one with all the fears about the future, taking last chances, etc.. It might have helped if the situations weren't so obvious, or if there had been a true Roshomon-effect with the differing POVs

An emotional roller coaster of a story. La Marche has created driven, passionate characters developed through a truly unique lens.

What I liked:
I always appreciate when a book tries something structurally innovative. The unique first/second person POV from five different characters was interesting.

What I didn't like:
-Often for me the struggle with more than two POVs is to delve deeply enough into the characters. And sure enough, ultimately I was left feeling like I had a shallow understanding/empathy for many of the characters.
-I wish the story had utilized the setting better. I think the arts can be such a powerfully inspiring environment...here it felt more like an incidental necessity.
-I know the plot structure lent itself to this...but I found the plot distressingly predictable.

2.5 stars.

*I received a review copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*