Lovestruck Summer
Publication Date: May 5, 2009
ISBN: 978-0061715860
Before reviewing this book, I must admit something - I was once an indie girl. I was incredibly selective with my music and preferred bands that weren't known, weren't on the radio. I had bright red streaks in my dark brown hair and only wanted to date indie guys who shared my taste in music and were preferably in a band. I was also 17 years old. Somehow through my college years I learned that a mutual taste in music wasn't enough to sustain a relationship and liking things underground didn't exactly make me cool. So, I learned to like The Ataris (who blew up, I know, I had my "why does everyone know who they are now?!" moment) and Blink 182. Guillemots and Black Eyed Peas. I dated guys outside of the scene and admitted to liking shows like Project Runway. I became myself and not the girl I thought I should be. And I liked it so much better.
Before reviewing this book, I must admit something - I was once an indie girl. I was incredibly selective with my music and preferred bands that weren't known, weren't on the radio. I had bright red streaks in my dark brown hair and only wanted to date indie guys who shared my taste in music and were preferably in a band. I was also 17 years old. Somehow through my college years I learned that a mutual taste in music wasn't enough to sustain a relationship and liking things underground didn't exactly make me cool. So, I learned to like The Ataris (who blew up, I know, I had my "why does everyone know who they are now?!" moment) and Blink 182. Guillemots and Black Eyed Peas. I dated guys outside of the scene and admitted to liking shows like Project Runway. I became myself and not the girl I thought I should be. And I liked it so much better.
Because of that, I loved Lovestruck Summer.
Lovestruck Summer is about Quinn's journey from indie rock girl to her true self. Quinn (actual first name Priscilla) is a blue haired, band t-shirt wearing 18 year old who just graduated high school (of course she had to do something punk to the dreaded cap and gown) and is practically surgically attached to her iPod. When she has the chance to intern for her favorite band's record company in Austin, Texas, she jumps at the offer. When she gets there, however, things aren't as she expected. Living with her sorority sister cousin Penny, Quinn judges everyone before getting to know them. There's Penny, of course, her fruit and candy eating cousin who has the required properly dressed small dog. Russ, Penny's plaid wearing cowboy neighbor who speaks his mind. And, of course, Sebastian - the guy PERFECT for Quinn in every way, with his tight jeans, black shaggy hair, green and black rimmed glasses, and job as a DJ. So as Quinn likes Sebastian, the guy she thinks she should be with, why does she keep thinking about Russ the cowboy?
This book is perfect for anyone who's ever been in Quinn's identity crisis post-high school stage. I loved the voice behind her - so determined, so single minded. It narrates exactly what she's thinking and it's so truthful you believe it, even when you want to smack some sense into her. As a YA book, it's great for girls to read to hopefully help them through those confusing years. And for someone my age, it's a great way to look back and smile. I found myself nodding in agreement and laughing out loud at some of the fantastic and relatable scenes.
As for the characters, I loved the supporting ones that most. Chrissy, the sorority sister who doesn't apologize for who she is, is completely endearing. And Jade, Quinn's fellow intern, is a friend I'd love to have - supportive, funny, and confident (most of the time). Melissa Walker does an excellent job at describing characters that could be completely stereotypical in an interesting and depth-filled way. I love the youthful scenes, like the party scene, that feel like moments I've lived through. Walker also did a great job at pointing out Austin hotspots - although I've never been there, a friend verified that most are there and very, very cool.
My one complaint with this book is actually the cover. Melissa Walker has a fantastic blog where she discusses the covers of new YA books - sometimes with comments from the authors themselves. I like the cover enough, it's cute, but it doesn't convey the message of the book at all. It's the cover of Penny's story, not Quinn's.
Cover aside, I loved the book. It's a book that I didn't want to end, however I don't want there to be a sequel - in my heart, I know everything worked out just fine. And if it didn't, well, Quinn's still learning. It's a book that makes me reflect on those years and kind of miss them - but not too much.
Melissa Walker's blog, articles, and other books published
Interview with her regarding Lovestruck Summer
2 comments:
"Liking underground music doesn't exactly make you cool"
So trueee hahaha been there really. Was such a music snob and I was all about underground hiphop. But then I grow up enough to realize and meet a lot of people who don't share my taste of music but probably the greatest people I know.
Now I can admit I have a lot of guilty pleasure in the music or shows that I watch. Besides, I'm into haute couture and that part of me just can never be called "underground".
You're right its all about being comfortable with ourselves. And this sounds like a good book.
I love the little peek into your psyche, and it definitely sounds like this book was written for you. In my younger years, as well, music was everything. I wasn't indie, I was more '60's and '70's rock...the whole Pink Floyd (the Syd Barrett Floyd), the Who, Clapton, etc. I laugh at the time when I met my now husband, and he said that he loved old Dire Straits (not Money for Nothing!), I thought the match was made in heaven. And now, after being married for 17 years (yikes), I can't remember when was the last time we listened to the Dire Straits together! Anyway, I digress. I love the sound of the book, and I'm sure I could relate. Great review!
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