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jacquelynsbookshelf 's review for:
Hot Wax
by M.L. Rio
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Release Date September 9, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for my free copy of this book.
Present Day: Suzanne was never expecting to get her dad’s car and some junk when he dies. But she has, and now she is on a journey to remember what happened that summer of 1989 and come to terms with what it all means. 1989: 11 year old Suzanne is getting to spend the summer on tour with her dad and his band Gil and the Kills. What does it mean to work to be famous, and what will it cost?
This book was such an interesting look at rock and roll, fame, and family. Told through present day, 1989, and some other years of Suzanne at different ages, was fascinating. I thought the book was well written and while I don’t know much about life on tour it felt like that is what happens. The author did a good job of creating a tense but fun and interesting dynamic between the band members, especially as it is told from the view of a child. What Suzanne does as an adult is an interesting dynamic. I wasn’t sure if I would like it but I did! Suzanne is a complex character who as an adult is finally starting to feel like herself again. And I think that is beautiful. I also loved that the way the chapters were done was either A Side or B Side which was a fun choice. Since this is an ARC I am just assuming that at the start of each part (there are 5) there is a photo and the photos on mine didn’t have anything so I am wondering if on the final print they will have something there. I think that was a fun choice because Suzanne is a photographer and got her love for it by doing Polaroids. I think I wanted a bit more of Suzanne's life and how her relationship was with her mom after age 16 Overall I think this book was gritty, intense, fascinating, and a fun read! Definitely put this book on your TBR for September.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for my free copy of this book.
Present Day: Suzanne was never expecting to get her dad’s car and some junk when he dies. But she has, and now she is on a journey to remember what happened that summer of 1989 and come to terms with what it all means. 1989: 11 year old Suzanne is getting to spend the summer on tour with her dad and his band Gil and the Kills. What does it mean to work to be famous, and what will it cost?
This book was such an interesting look at rock and roll, fame, and family. Told through present day, 1989, and some other years of Suzanne at different ages, was fascinating. I thought the book was well written and while I don’t know much about life on tour it felt like that is what happens. The author did a good job of creating a tense but fun and interesting dynamic between the band members, especially as it is told from the view of a child. What Suzanne does as an adult is an interesting dynamic. I wasn’t sure if I would like it but I did! Suzanne is a complex character who as an adult is finally starting to feel like herself again. And I think that is beautiful. I also loved that the way the chapters were done was either A Side or B Side which was a fun choice. Since this is an ARC I am just assuming that at the start of each part (there are 5) there is a photo and the photos on mine didn’t have anything so I am wondering if on the final print they will have something there. I think that was a fun choice because Suzanne is a photographer and got her love for it by doing Polaroids. I think I wanted a bit more of Suzanne's life and how her relationship was with her mom after age 16 Overall I think this book was gritty, intense, fascinating, and a fun read! Definitely put this book on your TBR for September.