Struts & Frets

I freaking loved this book. Any book that can make Jane's Addiction and Shakespeare come together to create a beautiful story has my full support. And it didn't hurt that the writing style has a rawness and openness about it that nearly broke my heart and kept me laughing all at once. Sammy Bojar is going to be the next big thing--or will be after the current next big thing gets out of his way. All he has to do is figure out how to keep his indie/punk/metal band together, turn his best friend into his girlfriend and watch his grandfather slip into dementia. Luckily band front-man Joe seems to be keeping it together, Jen5 knows just how to deal with a new emo-rocker boyfriend and Gramps still has plenty of musical lessons to teach. Sammy's candle might just have a chance to burn long and bright before it is put out. And that's just scratching the surface. This book proves that fame and music and life isn't always pretty nor as satisfying as Hollywood would have you believe. It's messy and complicated and heartbreaking, yet it's also full of tomorrows and potential. Skovron doesn't belittle adolescent feelings of love and fear and compassion, nor does he skirt over issues like sex or make a big deal out of things like homosexuality and drinking. The story focuses on the music and stays true to character development. The teens in this novel are down to earth and struggle with the same issues of insecurity and hope that all real-life teens deal with every day. While the story arc is a little rough and the adult characters are a little cliche, this is an amazing debut novel. I am honored to have it stand next to my other YA music books like Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist, Heavy Metal And You and Notes From The Midnight Driver. I look forward to seeing what other stories Skovron has in store for us.

Struts and Frets tells the coming of age story of Sammy Bojar. He is a high school rock and roll garage band. Music is in his blood, and his grandfather was a jazz musician. So, maybe his band could be huge one of these days, if the fighting stops and does not self-destruct first. The upcoming Battle of the Bands would justify all the band;s compromises and it would also reassure Sammy that his dream could become a reality. Practices are hard to schedule when Sammy's grandfather is sick and getting worse, his mother is too busy to help either of them, and his best friend may want to be his girlfriend. When everything in Sammy's life seems to be headed for major catastrophe, will his music be enough to keep him together? Sammy was an interesting character and I really like him. Jen5 was also amazing, too. She was such a kick ass girl. Sammy and Jen5 were so cute with another, but I felt that their relationship was a bit rushed. The plot was interesting and entertaining. It was a really original book. I loved the fact that there were many layers to this book. Skovron was an amazing writer and I could tell that he loved music. I recommend that you check out this book, if you love music.

Struts & Frets is about Sammy- a teen boy who wants nothing more than to make music. This dream is unfortunately complicated by the members of his band, and his grandfather's descent into dementia. Sammy is so real and wonderfully drawn; I could feel his hesitation about singing publicly, and watching him avoid and avoid unpleasant things until he had to deal with them just rang so true. I love how, despite the very strong emotions and dark moments in this book, it's never angsty or wallowy- it's just really honest from beginning to end. I loved so much seeing a male protagonist fall in love with a smart, competent girl that... he continues to love when she continues to be smart and competent. I thought the way their relationship unfolded was so real and such an oasis in the middle of so much turmoil. I loved that he figured out forgiveness- that some people could be, and other people couldn't be. And every word works. Unlike dense, packed-page novels where the words are stacked nine-deep and you might figure out what they mean if you diagram (although the stacking itself is gloriously lush), the words in Struts & Frets work. It means something when the characters hurl insults. It means something when these characters make promises. It means something with the main character has revelations- small and great. I love this book, and I look forward to sharing it again and again.

Great coming of age story that is entertaining for all ages. Would highly recommend this book - good character development which make a story believeable. You like the characters and find yourself easily relating to them. The main character deals with parents, grandparents, friends and not-so friends while starting the dream of most of us -to have a rock band. Good read!

I loved this book! Didn't want it to end. The characters are great.Thanks for a great read.