He makes mistakes and learns from them and becomes a better person, and this is the realest thing you can ask from a character. As a coming-of-age story, Quinn's is well-executed and relatable, and the best thing is, it doesn't change the core of what he is (which would be an improbable feat, but it doesn't mean that a less skilled writer wouldn't have gone there). During the course of a few months though, all these things are about to change, for better or worse. And he's equally oblivious to the changes occurring around him, what with the Vietnam War seeping more and more into his idyllic suburban life. He's oblivious to what boils under his unbalanced family dynamic. He has an older female sibling with whom he entertains your classic love-hate relationship, but still leaning on the love side (though he probably would never admit it if not under torture). And self-absorbed (or lacking social awareness) in a way that rings completely true for a teen his age. He's fourteen, never been kissed, passionate about music in a way that - alas - only a kid who grew up before the digital age can be. FWIW is a coming-of-age story as much as it's a story fueled by music, and those are the two aspects my review will focus on. Also, please note: this particular review has been split in two parts only (instead of the usual three) because it would have been redundant to do otherwise. I think it was what influenced my rating the most, because FWIW has a lot going for it. This one is a bit of an odd fish, since it crosses the boundary between MG and YA, and yet it would be better appreciated by an adult with a basic knowledge of the music involved. Adults who grew up with classic rock and are willing to read a well-crafted slice of teenage life set in the era. Youngsters who can relate to loving music on a deep level. Will appeal to: Youngsters dealing with first loves, complicated family dynamics and making sense of the world. Pros: Nice coming-of-age story with authentic teenage voice and a classic rock soundtrack.Ĭons: While middle-graders/younger teens are the best audience for this one, they're likely not to be familiar with most of the music featured, unless their parents (or grandparents?) exposed them to it. Youngsters who ca Rated 3.5 really.Įxcerpt from my review - originally published at Offbeat YA. Cons: While middle-graders/younger teens are the best audience for this one, they're likely not to be familiar with most of the music featured, unless their parents (or grandparents?) exposed them to it. Pros: Nice coming-of-age story with authentic teenage voice and a classic rock soundtrack. Excerpt from my review - originally published at Offbeat YA.
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