This is a review of a free copy. I have to say that I have mixed feelings. Is this for teenagers or for Beatles's fans? I would bend for the second one as long as you are not a trully real fan, just if you like them. The rest of the plot, in my opinion, just gives some more interest without taking you to any 'deep' place. It's easy-reading ( )

[Disclaimer: I got this book via LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program]
Well, people who knows me also know that I am a huge Beatles fan: probably this is why I have some doubt about this book. It's nice that the young main character is named "Harrison George" (George is the surname) and his friend's name is Prudence; it's also nice that the plot is based in the USSR and revolves around a Beatles' album; but some references are too lame, and I am not even sure that they can be appreciated by the casual Beatles listener, or the young adult which I understand is the target of the book. Also the visions of Harrison are part of the plot, as the reader sees near the end, but in a convoluted way. Besides this, I found the second half more interesting that the beginning: so I suggest to keep reading even if you are not quite convinced. ( )

This was a quick and fun read with a very unique premise: a couple of teenage kids in cold war Moscow who inadvertently get involved in an intrigue revolving around a rare first pressing of the "White" Beatles album. Trying to solve the mystery, the pair have to dodge KGB and Russian mafia on a wild chase through Moscow. It never gets too scary and is well aimed at a YA audience. ( )

I'm a bit confused. Who is this for? Maybe it's a Young Adult novel. The protagonists are in their early teens. Would a YA reader connect with all the Beatles stuff? Or maybe it's really written for someone who was a teenager in the 1960s (e.g., ME). I know all the Beatles songs. Have the whole collection. Even performed a few back in my on-stage days (not memorable). Or maybe Joyce has just got all audiences covered?

It's an easy, well-paced read. Short sentences. Good. The plot tension gets cracking on page one and doesn't let up much, except for the occasional need to explain things. I really enjoyed it. Add a STAR if it's intended for a 74 year old reader who can still channel his 14 year old self. ( )

It's the time of the Cold War. An American teenager, the son of high-ranking diplomats, is listening to his Walkman - The Beatles inside. It's a copy of the 'White Album'.
He is on holiday visiting his parents at their outpost in Moscow, USSR.
And it turns out that the whole of Moscow is out for the White Album, too. Well, not just a copy of it - no, the original, first-ever printed record is wanted desperately. And suddenly, our young man becomes the epicentre of a dramatic hunt for this symbol of freedom and hope.

As I was in Moscow myself last year, I particularly enjoyed this revisiting of all the must-see places of the Russian capital. Fantastic how the author intertwined the mysticism of the city, the music of the Beatles and the free-running imagination of his young protagonist into a modern fairy tale.

Turn on the Beatles' music!
Save this way the world from a nuclear catastrophe!
Save the love of two Russians - with the Beatles!
Turn the pages of this one! ( )