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lannthacker's review
3.0
YA BROTHER - alcoholism, transvestites, death of a parent, drugs, sexuality
After Johnny's father dies, his mother stops dealing and Johnny has to take up the slack. But at 12 years old the pressure is too much and he turns to alcohol. When things go too far he ends up in rehab, and is then shipped off to live with his uncle. In rehab, Johnny discovers Debbie Harry and things will never be the same. But does Johnny want her, or want to be her? Older teens
After Johnny's father dies, his mother stops dealing and Johnny has to take up the slack. But at 12 years old the pressure is too much and he turns to alcohol. When things go too far he ends up in rehab, and is then shipped off to live with his uncle. In rehab, Johnny discovers Debbie Harry and things will never be the same. But does Johnny want her, or want to be her? Older teens
nospmisannah's review against another edition
2.0
subject matter was interesting but the writing was pretty elementary and simplistic. lots of random plot lines introduced and never followed through on, and writing somehow felt lazy and like it was trying too hard at the same time. again, story was interesting but it was a kinda laborsome to finish.
kristid's review against another edition
3.0
Johnny turns to drinking after his dad dies in a car accident. His mother is overcome by grief and isn’t much of a mother at all. Johnny takes over the responsibilities of the grocery shopping, paying the bills and caring for his mother the way she should be caring for him. Drinking seems to be the only thing that can relieve the stress. His drinking habits also influence his choice of friends and his appearance. He’s used to being called names in his black clothes, black hair, black nails and eyeliner. When Johnny wakes in the hospital from a possible drug overdose, his mom sends him to live with his father’s brother, Uncle Sam, in South Carolina.
The one thing, well the one person that keeps Johnny on the straight and narrow is Debbie Harry the singer from Blondie. Once Johnny heard her singing in his stay in rehab, he has a slight obsession. He wishes he could be more like her, strong, tough, cool and beautiful. At his new school Johnny meets Maria who also shares in his love of music. He knows he is falling in love with Maria, so why does he want to be Debbie Harry and wear her clothes?
Have you heard of Debbie Harry Sings in French? Well, I hadn't and I wasn’t sure what to expect. But this novel ended up leaving a strong impression. Johnny’s story is very interesting to say the least. This books main theme is a teen trying to find his identity, he doesn’t think he is gay, but he likes to feel beautiful and he even wears a dress in one part of the story. Brother’s also incorporates a very real and compelling look into homosexuality and transvetism. I couldn’t help but feel empathetic. He ends up learning more about his father toward the end of the story and Johnny’s musical and artistic style makes more sense. Debbie Harry Sings in French is Meagan Brother’s debut novel. I would recommend it to readers who like music and are looking for something fresh and enlightening.
The one thing, well the one person that keeps Johnny on the straight and narrow is Debbie Harry the singer from Blondie. Once Johnny heard her singing in his stay in rehab, he has a slight obsession. He wishes he could be more like her, strong, tough, cool and beautiful. At his new school Johnny meets Maria who also shares in his love of music. He knows he is falling in love with Maria, so why does he want to be Debbie Harry and wear her clothes?
Have you heard of Debbie Harry Sings in French? Well, I hadn't and I wasn’t sure what to expect. But this novel ended up leaving a strong impression. Johnny’s story is very interesting to say the least. This books main theme is a teen trying to find his identity, he doesn’t think he is gay, but he likes to feel beautiful and he even wears a dress in one part of the story. Brother’s also incorporates a very real and compelling look into homosexuality and transvetism. I couldn’t help but feel empathetic. He ends up learning more about his father toward the end of the story and Johnny’s musical and artistic style makes more sense. Debbie Harry Sings in French is Meagan Brother’s debut novel. I would recommend it to readers who like music and are looking for something fresh and enlightening.
willowsfair's review against another edition
4.0
This was an amazing work. Definitely going to look for more books by this author.
fizzy_reads's review
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Drug abuse, Drug use, Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Dysphoria, Self harm, Transphobia, Death of parent, and Homophobia
shrrawat's review against another edition
2.0
I have long since been a fan of LGBT books. The emotional aspects of books of that genre are usually so developed and tangible to the reader. But "Debbie Harry Sings in French" did not have that same emotional appeal as other LGBT novels.
"Debbie Harry Sings in French" tells the story of Johnny, a boy who has faced a rough childhood, and finds that his best respite is in the music of Debbie Harry, main singer of Blondie. The book is supposed his journey of wanting to dress up like Debbie, all while maintaining his relationship with his girlfriend.
I haven't read many books on transvestites. In fact, not a single one. Which is why I was so excited to read this book. Unfortunately, it had a slow start, and even when the story was properly set up, I felt the author had a hard time prepping for her other situations as well.
Johnny's developing sexuality irked me too. It seemed less like he was dressing up as a girl because he liked it, and more because his girlfriend did. The sudden urge Johnny had to start trying on dresses that the author uses as justification just didn't fly with me.
Finally, on Johnny and his girlfriend Maria's relationship, it dominated the book. Honestly, it felt less like a book on a budding transvestite and more like one on a drama-filled romance. I didn't feel much chemistry between the two, and felt like the only connections they had was a bad past, and liking to put Johnny in ladies' clothing.
In the end, this book just disappointed me. While it was tolerable enough to see to the end, the elements of the book disgusted me in how overly melodramatic and unconvincing the plot was. I'm not sure whether I'll read this author's books again, if that's how the rest of her books are going to be like.
"Debbie Harry Sings in French" tells the story of Johnny, a boy who has faced a rough childhood, and finds that his best respite is in the music of Debbie Harry, main singer of Blondie. The book is supposed his journey of wanting to dress up like Debbie, all while maintaining his relationship with his girlfriend.
I haven't read many books on transvestites. In fact, not a single one. Which is why I was so excited to read this book. Unfortunately, it had a slow start, and even when the story was properly set up, I felt the author had a hard time prepping for her other situations as well.
Johnny's developing sexuality irked me too. It seemed less like he was dressing up as a girl because he liked it, and more because his girlfriend did. The sudden urge Johnny had to start trying on dresses that the author uses as justification just didn't fly with me.
Finally, on Johnny and his girlfriend Maria's relationship, it dominated the book. Honestly, it felt less like a book on a budding transvestite and more like one on a drama-filled romance. I didn't feel much chemistry between the two, and felt like the only connections they had was a bad past, and liking to put Johnny in ladies' clothing.
In the end, this book just disappointed me. While it was tolerable enough to see to the end, the elements of the book disgusted me in how overly melodramatic and unconvincing the plot was. I'm not sure whether I'll read this author's books again, if that's how the rest of her books are going to be like.
caedocyon's review against another edition
4.0
Short and sweet, sad and optimistic. A teen issue novel, but with sweet, complicated characters that make it worthwhile. Really liked it.
beanmom's review against another edition
4.0
Great YA book about gender, sexual orientation, love and grief. Comes with its very own built-in soundtrack of Blondie tunes! :D
kmc3050's review against another edition
1.0
Man, this is a horribly written book, and the plot and characters are just as bad. It could have been so much more!