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devafagan's review against another edition
Loved the voice, loved the exploration of life as an artist, loved the cast of realistic characters with strengths and flaws.
trogdor19's review against another edition
4.0
This book tackles a lot of tough issues in a short amount of space: the highs and gritty lows of being a musician, the relationship challenges teenagers face with friends and girlfriends and parents, growing old and all the terrible things that sometimes includes, sexual orientation, and identity, and what it’s like to tackle a creative life with varying levels of support from the people in your life.
That would be a lot to bite off, but with bright, realistic and likable characters, this author pulls off that laundry list with ease, making this a quick, enjoyable read with a great atmosphere of music throughout the entire thing. The voice is age-appropriate without being annoying and smooth without being simple. A fantastic debut and I look forward to more from this author.
That would be a lot to bite off, but with bright, realistic and likable characters, this author pulls off that laundry list with ease, making this a quick, enjoyable read with a great atmosphere of music throughout the entire thing. The voice is age-appropriate without being annoying and smooth without being simple. A fantastic debut and I look forward to more from this author.
williamsdebbied's review against another edition
3.0
Sammy Bojar is an aspiring musician who is hanging on to his dysfunctional band, hoping to win a Battle of the Bands competition. He is also coming to terms with his grandfather's advancing dementia and his attraction to his best friend, Jen5. Sammy uses music, both listening to it and writing it, to make sense of his life. His relationships all feel authentic and Sammy is a likable character with believable struggles.
A quick, entertaining read that will appeal to readers of a musical bent.
A quick, entertaining read that will appeal to readers of a musical bent.
yatllive's review against another edition
4.0
Struts and Frets by Jon Skovron tells the coming of age story of Samuel Bojar a high school rock and roll member of a garage band. Skovron explores the rollercoaster moments of growing up, the moments of inspiration and the moments in life when things click. Sammy is a songwriter and musician who is struggling to find his place not only in his band but also in life. In a time span of two weeks Sammy struggles with friends, band mates, and worst of all with family all while trying to get ready for Battle of the Bands and hopefully making his dream a reality. Through it all his music moves him and is an underlying motivator in his decisions.
What I appreciated most as an artist and music lover was the artistic and inspirational drive of the story. Sammy shows that being an artist is possible and whether it is music or art of other sorts you can be yourself and be happy doing what you love even though it is not the easiest path in life. Sammy throughout the story is trying to find himself and despite the hurdles life throws at him. Skovron does well to show the true power of music. The Music and lyrics quoted in this book function like a soundtrack seamlessly blending the real life circumstance with the inspiriting words of the song in that moment. Think of a movie: how a character is at pivotal point in the plot arc and the song seems to fit the mood of the moment.
Skovron’s book is multifaceted with multiple plot arcs –Sammy’s friends, band, mother and grandfather –while still sticking closely to the story of the music almost as if it is its own character. For a male’s point of view Skovron successfully draws us in emotionally and I easily related to Sammy and his struggles. Though there was no big bang in the story line I was still interested in learning how Sammy’s band, girlfriend and grandfather issues will play out. It is realistic and true and a good easy read for any music lover or artist. But I won’t stop there…I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys music; the songs are not solely of the rocker variety but are as varied as the characters and it’s an overall pleasure to read.
What I appreciated most as an artist and music lover was the artistic and inspirational drive of the story. Sammy shows that being an artist is possible and whether it is music or art of other sorts you can be yourself and be happy doing what you love even though it is not the easiest path in life. Sammy throughout the story is trying to find himself and despite the hurdles life throws at him. Skovron does well to show the true power of music. The Music and lyrics quoted in this book function like a soundtrack seamlessly blending the real life circumstance with the inspiriting words of the song in that moment. Think of a movie: how a character is at pivotal point in the plot arc and the song seems to fit the mood of the moment.
Skovron’s book is multifaceted with multiple plot arcs –Sammy’s friends, band, mother and grandfather –while still sticking closely to the story of the music almost as if it is its own character. For a male’s point of view Skovron successfully draws us in emotionally and I easily related to Sammy and his struggles. Though there was no big bang in the story line I was still interested in learning how Sammy’s band, girlfriend and grandfather issues will play out. It is realistic and true and a good easy read for any music lover or artist. But I won’t stop there…I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys music; the songs are not solely of the rocker variety but are as varied as the characters and it’s an overall pleasure to read.
serendipity_viv's review against another edition
4.0
Every time I thought about reviewing Struts and Frets, I was reminded of my initial response to the first couple of chapters. I was convinced that this book featured a group of hormonal teenagers who were milder in their tone than the Inbetweeners but still had their attitude. Imagine placing this bunch of teenagers at a High School Musical party which they are about to gatecrash! Get the picture?
For the first half of the book, this was the way I viewed it. The story line was entertaining as Sammy and the rest of his band, Tragedy of Reason, struggled with school, the band and relationships with girls. Sammy was a nice guy; one you would be happy to take home to meet your mum after a couple of dates. A couple of the other band members, you probably would never introduce to another family member, but Sammy was a safe bet.
As the book moved into the second half of the story, it all became more serious and it began to tug a little on my heart strings. Sammy and his mother struggle to come to terms with the deterioration of his grandad. Although it is never mentioned, it appears that he is suffering from Alzheimer's and becomes a danger not only to himself, but also to his loved ones. That is a big issues for a teenager to deal with and I think Sammy has a sudden maturity growth spurt through out this situation. He finally realises what is important to him and what he wants to achieve in life.
This book tackles homosexuality extremely well. Sammy's best friend, Rick, is just coming to terms with telling people about his sexuality and we watch as all his friends learn to deal with the situation in their own way. The majority of them seemed to know before he did and dealt with it with maturity and grace. Others seem to want to 'out' him in public, which is step he wasn't quite ready to take, however when it happens it makes life a lot easier for him, as he can be himself. With all the issues concerning gay and lesbian characters in YA at the moment, it was lovely to read it handled so beautifully. It is definitely a subject that should be increased with the YA market, as at that age, a lot of teenagers are still coming to terms with their sexuality.
The book watches the progression of the relationship between Sammy and his mother as she learns to accept his musical abilities and dreams. For many years, she tied her thoughts and emotions with her past experiences with her parents and could not see past their troubles to envisage Sammy as a separate entity. Once she breaks the connection, she is able to see Sammy for whom he really is and believe in his musical abilities.
For me there was a bit of geeky moment in the book, as Sammy's grandmother was named Viv! My name so rarely comes up in a book,that I always get over excited on the rare occasion it does.
Even though this book is about loud music, it is a quiet story. It develops at a steady pace, as we watch these teenagers deal with the pressures put upon them and learn to cope. A coming of age story that will remind you of your own school days in one way of another. This book will also prove to you that dreams really do come true, as along as you give them 110% of your time!
A thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable read that left me wanting more from Jon Skovron.
For the first half of the book, this was the way I viewed it. The story line was entertaining as Sammy and the rest of his band, Tragedy of Reason, struggled with school, the band and relationships with girls. Sammy was a nice guy; one you would be happy to take home to meet your mum after a couple of dates. A couple of the other band members, you probably would never introduce to another family member, but Sammy was a safe bet.
As the book moved into the second half of the story, it all became more serious and it began to tug a little on my heart strings. Sammy and his mother struggle to come to terms with the deterioration of his grandad. Although it is never mentioned, it appears that he is suffering from Alzheimer's and becomes a danger not only to himself, but also to his loved ones. That is a big issues for a teenager to deal with and I think Sammy has a sudden maturity growth spurt through out this situation. He finally realises what is important to him and what he wants to achieve in life.
This book tackles homosexuality extremely well. Sammy's best friend, Rick, is just coming to terms with telling people about his sexuality and we watch as all his friends learn to deal with the situation in their own way. The majority of them seemed to know before he did and dealt with it with maturity and grace. Others seem to want to 'out' him in public, which is step he wasn't quite ready to take, however when it happens it makes life a lot easier for him, as he can be himself. With all the issues concerning gay and lesbian characters in YA at the moment, it was lovely to read it handled so beautifully. It is definitely a subject that should be increased with the YA market, as at that age, a lot of teenagers are still coming to terms with their sexuality.
The book watches the progression of the relationship between Sammy and his mother as she learns to accept his musical abilities and dreams. For many years, she tied her thoughts and emotions with her past experiences with her parents and could not see past their troubles to envisage Sammy as a separate entity. Once she breaks the connection, she is able to see Sammy for whom he really is and believe in his musical abilities.
For me there was a bit of geeky moment in the book, as Sammy's grandmother was named Viv! My name so rarely comes up in a book,that I always get over excited on the rare occasion it does.
Even though this book is about loud music, it is a quiet story. It develops at a steady pace, as we watch these teenagers deal with the pressures put upon them and learn to cope. A coming of age story that will remind you of your own school days in one way of another. This book will also prove to you that dreams really do come true, as along as you give them 110% of your time!
A thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable read that left me wanting more from Jon Skovron.
missusb21's review against another edition
4.0
It's nice to read a book where the male protaganist is not a jock but a rocker. This is a well written rites of passage book which realistically depicts the highs and lows of growing up, falling in love, forming a rock band and dealing with family. highly recommended.
martha_schwalbe's review
4.0
This book definitely makes my top ten list for NYRA this year. The story is straight forward, compelling, and funny. I really enjoyed the element of perceived magic, especially in the "Moon" discussion Gramps shares. I hope teens today still hold onto some "magic" in their lives.
beergeekgirl's review against another edition
3.0
Based on a publisher provided ARC.
Fun story. Although I felt a little dumb that it took me until the "Caring Is Creepy" chapter to realize all of the chapter titles were song titles.
Many times when ARCs come in, I give them directly to my students and ask them for their reviews. I really should start reading them myself. This has been sitting on my ARC shelf for almost two years. This was a delightful break from dystopia and some of the heavier books I've been reading. I liked the extra dimension given to Joe and the nice little twist at the end involving Jen5's dad (and, as someone born in the Love Story era where every other girl is named Jennifer Lynn, I loved the etymology of Jen5). I especially liked how, even though you could see where things were going to end up, there wasn't a rush to get there. Skovron let his characters take their time to find their place.
Why I picked it up: As part of the Best of the Best challenge from the Popular Paperbacks Top Ten.
Why I finished it: I really wanted to know where Tragedy of Wisdom was going to end up. I also loved the side story with his grandfather.
I'd give this book to: Chris D and Jake, who I think would like the band aspect to the story.
Fun story. Although I felt a little dumb that it took me until the "Caring Is Creepy" chapter to realize all of the chapter titles were song titles.
Many times when ARCs come in, I give them directly to my students and ask them for their reviews. I really should start reading them myself. This has been sitting on my ARC shelf for almost two years. This was a delightful break from dystopia and some of the heavier books I've been reading. I liked the extra dimension given to Joe and the nice little twist at the end involving Jen5's dad (and, as someone born in the Love Story era where every other girl is named Jennifer Lynn, I loved the etymology of Jen5). I especially liked how, even though you could see where things were going to end up, there wasn't a rush to get there. Skovron let his characters take their time to find their place.
Why I picked it up: As part of the Best of the Best challenge from the Popular Paperbacks Top Ten.
Why I finished it: I really wanted to know where Tragedy of Wisdom was going to end up. I also loved the side story with his grandfather.
I'd give this book to: Chris D and Jake, who I think would like the band aspect to the story.
satyridae's review
4.0
Oh, this was fun! The authorial voice was completely authentic- so much so that I found myself saying stern motherly things to the protagonist. Out loud.
Sammy lives for music, but he's also a regular teenage kid with insecurities, blind spots, family issues and in short, a normal life. I love reading about kids with normal lives, kids who are not Representing A Disorder. Samuel is hilarious to read about from an adult perspective, too- this book works on more than one level, and hits on all cylinders.
This is a lovely coming-of-age book with a satisfyingly complex cast of characters, believable dialogue, and a solid plot.
My favorite part is the dialogue about sex between Sammy and his loving but occasionally clueless mom. I can't resist sharing a bit of it:
"But the stuff she said didn't exactly make me feel any more ready, especially conversations that went something like this:
MOM: You know, Sam, when you do decide to start having sex, which shouldn't be anytime soon because you're much too young--
ME: Oh, God, Mom. Can't we just watch the movie?
MOM: No, I just want to clarify that the scene you have just witnessed has very little to do with a realistic and healthy sexual union.
ME: I get it. It's just a movie. I don't plan on hunting down killer cyborgs, either. Now, can we--"
And it goes on, and just gets funnier, from there.
Sammy lives for music, but he's also a regular teenage kid with insecurities, blind spots, family issues and in short, a normal life. I love reading about kids with normal lives, kids who are not Representing A Disorder. Samuel is hilarious to read about from an adult perspective, too- this book works on more than one level, and hits on all cylinders.
This is a lovely coming-of-age book with a satisfyingly complex cast of characters, believable dialogue, and a solid plot.
My favorite part is the dialogue about sex between Sammy and his loving but occasionally clueless mom. I can't resist sharing a bit of it:
"But the stuff she said didn't exactly make me feel any more ready, especially conversations that went something like this:
MOM: You know, Sam, when you do decide to start having sex, which shouldn't be anytime soon because you're much too young--
ME: Oh, God, Mom. Can't we just watch the movie?
MOM: No, I just want to clarify that the scene you have just witnessed has very little to do with a realistic and healthy sexual union.
ME: I get it. It's just a movie. I don't plan on hunting down killer cyborgs, either. Now, can we--"
And it goes on, and just gets funnier, from there.