Reviews

My Favourite Band Does Not Exist by Robert T. Jeschonek

cpcabaniss's review against another edition

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4.0

This is a story about two boys living in parallel universes. Idea believes his life is a novel and that he will be killed off in chapter 64. Wanting to be in control himself he creates Youforia, a made up rock band that becomes a sensation. Reacher is the lead singer of the band Youforia and does not understand how someone else knows all of his bands secrets. He also writes a rock opera about a character in a novel who will die in chapter 64. Idea and Reacher, in their own realities, are reading the same novel, into which they are eventually thrown.
I found the concept of this novel very intriguing and must say I found the novel itself equally intriguing. It was different and more complex than many other young adult novels I have read recently and I found myself dragged into the story. I loved the interwoven story lines that had their own branches set in each of three distinct realities. I found the story easy to follow despite the complicated connections and while the story had an ending very close to what I had predicted from near the beginning, it was different enough that I was not bored with the outcome by the time I got there. A fun read filled with interesting twists and turns.

huntinghollers's review against another edition

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4.0

Kinda weird and confusing, but overall interesting and pretty entertaining.

randyribay's review against another edition

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3.0

Interesting concept, but it doesn't pull it off, in my opinion.

erine's review against another edition

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2.0

I read to the end just to see where this crazy story was going. It was entertaining, with an intriguing premise, but just didn't quite reach its potential. The character names were irritating.

librandian's review against another edition

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5.0

Idea does not like his life. In order to escape from the horrors of his day to day life, he does two things. First, he created a band called Youforia. He created bios for each of the band members, including rough sketches. He formatted entire albums, offering free downloadable song samples that led to broken links. Eventually the underground band that never performs became an Internet phenomenon. The discussion boards dedicated to the band erupt with comments from fans claiming that they heard a secret track off one of Youforia’s unreleased albums. Idea’s imaginary world helped distract him from his problems for a little while, but ultimately that wasn’t enough. Specifically because Idea believed that he was a character in a book and that he was going to die in chapter 64. Idea needed to leave home in hopes that his story might take a distract change for the better. While running from his family, Idea meets up with an odd girl named Eunice who helps him.

Reacher is the lead singer of a secret underground band named Youforia. Reacher’s uncontrollable stage fright has kept the group from performing. Somehow, unknown to everyone in the band, all of their private information has been leaked onto the Internet, including the titles of songs that Reacher hasn’t even shared with the group yet. Reacher is currently working on a rock opera about a guy who believes that he is a character in a book, complete with a song called ‘Chapter 64.’ The information about the band via the Internet has caused a major surge in Youforia’s popular, including a reward for any members of the band. Reacher’s girlfriend, Eurydice, is the only hope he has at escaping the mayhem.

The two characters have some connection that Jeschonek keeps from the reader throughout the novel. The only similarities are a relationship with a girl that is a mirror image from the girl in the other story and a fantasy novel called “Fireskull’s Revenant.” Both Reacher and Idea are simultaneously reading the novel, which is included as chapters in the original story as well. The concept may seem a bit out there, but that is its appeal. It is a clash of stories in which connections made by the reader help the story along. Don’t be afraid to be confused or awestruck, this novel is worth every minute it takes to finish it.

bookwormyami's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This was a weird but unique story. I found myself really enjoying it while reading it. I thought it was written well.

ploppyfields's review against another edition

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4.0

This book was way more deep and adventurous than I had expected. I was drawn to this book because after I read This Song Will Save Your Life, I wanted to read more books about music. So I picked up this baby.

My Favorite Band Does Not Exist centers around two boys and a book within a book. The two POVs are from Idea Deity and Reacher Mirage. The book within a book is called Fireskull's Revenant. Idea Deity and Reacher Mirage both are in a situation that is going to change their lives forever. Idea Deity is expected to be successful in life by his parents. Reacher Mirage has grown up with a family who believe he is a failure. I loved both of these characters equally. They're both are being held down by someone. This leaves for much character development which, was a wonderful thing to read about.

Fireskull's Revenant is the book that Idea and Reacher have been reading. In this book, there are two characters fighting against each other, Lord Fireskull and Johnny Without, who are told they are told two different prophecies. They both have their own kingdoms and each of them was to kill the other for varying reasons. Lord Fireskull was a gruesome character who loves bloodshed. Johnny Without is seeking revenge but he does his best for his kingdom. They're basically opposites who's goals are to commit a certain murder.

My Favorite Band Does Not Exist had an original plot and it is something I would recommend for people who either believe they are being controlled or have stage fright.

pussreboots's review against another edition

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4.0

http://www.pussreboots.pair.com/blog/2014/comments_04/my_favorite_band_does_not_exist.html

mariakazantzi's review

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4.0

My Favorite Band does not exist is one of the strangest books I've ever read. Actually, there are three main characters- Idea, Reacher, and the hero of the book they both read, Fireskull. And even though in the beginning it seems that the lives of those three characters aren't connected, the writer with tremendous skill manages not only to unite them but also to surprise the readers with the outcome.
The writer's idea to include in his book extracts from the book that his heroes read is innovative and gives a pleasant touch in the plot- it is like taking a break and reading a sort story. And of course the extracts from Fireskull's Revenant are equally interesting and enjoyable and we are waiting anxiously for the end of this book too- or, more specific for the Chapter 64!
When I finished the book I found myself admiring the writing style and imagination of the author, and I plan to read more books from Robert T. Jeschonek.
If you are tired of reading the same books and want to read something weirder and unusual then My favorite Band Does Not Exist is what you need!

emma_mo's review against another edition

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1.0

I just couldn't make myself finish it! It was choppy, confusing and difficult for me to follow. There was very little depth or information about any of the characters. I know that it's meant to be paranormal but I just could not make myself read any more!

I tried, guys. I really did. I made it 107 pages before I couldn't take it anymore. I feel really disappointed about this. Normally, I've been able to finish all of the books that I've read... even if they weren't my favorite. I still made myself finish them so that I could provide a complete and honest review. I literally could not do that with this one! Please forgive me!