nelliecubed 's review for:

A Little Bit Country by Brian D. Kennedy

3.5

emotional hopeful medium-paced

---

A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY by Brian D. 

Kennedy is a YA book set with a backdrop of an amusement park in Tennessee. 

Emmett is 17 years old and from Oak Park, Illinois. He wants to be the, not just "A" but "THE," gay country superstar. When he's given the chance to perform at Wanda World, an amusement park owned by one of country's most famous singers, he thinks he has his first big break. He leaves for Tennessee with his guitar and cowboy boots and quickly joins a team of singers at the daily jamboree. 

Emmett meets Luke when they crash into each other as Luke runs to a job interview for a cook at Wanda World. His dream is to be a chef and to own a restaurant. But Luke has family issues, and several secrets. He's gay but closeted, the grandchild of Wanda's nemesis, working a job he's been forbidden to pursue, and knowing his family's desperate financial crisis. 

Luke and Emmett decide to start a relationship even though it will have to be a secret from Luke's family, ex-girlfriend, and former school friends and coworkers. Hiding is only 1 difficulty as Luke finds hidden family papers and photos that could lead to ruin or relief for his family. 

This is a nice story for Pride month, and the main question it asks is if we can be ourselves if we're hiding behind secrets and lies.