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dannafs 's review for:
The Love Song of Jonny Valentine
by Teddy Wayne
The Song of Jonny Valentine is a book that I really wanted to like, so much so that I read over 200 of the 290 or so pages before giving up. I thought this story of a tween idol would be fun, enjoyable reading... Sadly, no.
Jonny is an 11-year-old pop star with an overbearing, over-drinking, and over-the-top mother as his manager. Other characters include Walter, Jonny's quietly comforting bodyguard; Nadine, his strict yet sweet tutor; Rog, his past-his-prime voice coach; and various other celebrities including rock stars, pop stars, and more. Jonny's relationships are complicated, as expected for an 11-year-old prodigy.
Jonny grew up in St. Louis. His exceptional voice was discovered in second grade, and he blew up via YouTube shortly thereafter. His path to fame was a nonstop rocket and he's been flying ever since. His mother Jane is a shrewd businesswoman, constantly looking for the next deal and protecting Jonny from the tabloids and paparazzi. Dad is out of the picture and Jane refuses to talk about him.
I think the reason I had such a tough time with this book is because I couldn't stand Jonny Valentine. He is self-absorbed and conceited, which I guess is to be expected, but as a narrator it's annoying. Some of the language felt too forced, like the author wanted to be cool and hip, but doesn't actually know how the aught Tweens communicate. Jonny's constant reference to pervy child predators seemed excessive. And lastly, his forays into adolescent rebellion were lame and seemed unrealistic.
Jonny is an 11-year-old pop star with an overbearing, over-drinking, and over-the-top mother as his manager. Other characters include Walter, Jonny's quietly comforting bodyguard; Nadine, his strict yet sweet tutor; Rog, his past-his-prime voice coach; and various other celebrities including rock stars, pop stars, and more. Jonny's relationships are complicated, as expected for an 11-year-old prodigy.
Jonny grew up in St. Louis. His exceptional voice was discovered in second grade, and he blew up via YouTube shortly thereafter. His path to fame was a nonstop rocket and he's been flying ever since. His mother Jane is a shrewd businesswoman, constantly looking for the next deal and protecting Jonny from the tabloids and paparazzi. Dad is out of the picture and Jane refuses to talk about him.
I think the reason I had such a tough time with this book is because I couldn't stand Jonny Valentine. He is self-absorbed and conceited, which I guess is to be expected, but as a narrator it's annoying. Some of the language felt too forced, like the author wanted to be cool and hip, but doesn't actually know how the aught Tweens communicate. Jonny's constant reference to pervy child predators seemed excessive. And lastly, his forays into adolescent rebellion were lame and seemed unrealistic.