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egkohler 's review for:
The Love Song of Jonny Valentine
by Teddy Wayne
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Written from the perspective of Jonny himself, it really puts you in the shoes of a child made famous too young. His personal struggles and facade are consistently used as cannon fodder in the media, all the while his momager tries to shield him. Jonny (like any curious child) finds a way to sort out what really happens, through magazines and sneaking onto the internet. It’s honestly a bit sad to see how fast he’s forced to grow up in light of all of what happens in the book, but none of the scenarios are truly outrageous for a tween star to encounter and it makes you (at least, it did for me) grapple with how toxic the concept of fame and entertainment is as you read this.
While it’s at times a bit cringeworthy, it holds authentic to an 11-year-old boy’s perspective and watch him sort between what he’s spoon fed and developing his own beliefs/intentions in life. You really get a sense of hope for Jonny; though I had wished his last decision would’ve gone the opposite way with how much of a clusterfuck things had become in his career, you’re still left rooting for him.
PS: Walter is so solid as a character, even as a side bit.
While it’s at times a bit cringeworthy, it holds authentic to an 11-year-old boy’s perspective and watch him sort between what he’s spoon fed and developing his own beliefs/intentions in life. You really get a sense of hope for Jonny; though I had wished his last decision would’ve gone the opposite way with how much of a clusterfuck things had become in his career, you’re still left rooting for him.
PS: Walter is so solid as a character, even as a side bit.