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Struts & Frets
Told in a voice that's honest, urgent, and hilarious, Struts & Frets will resonate not only with teenage musicians but with anyone who ever sat up all night listening to a favorite album, wondering if they'd ever find their place in the world.
Music is in Sammy's blood. His grandfather was a jazz musician, and Sammy's indie rock band could be huge one day—if they don't self-destruct first. Winning the upcoming Battle of the Bands would justify all the band's compromises and reassure Sammy that his life's dream could become a reality. But 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?
Music is in Sammy's blood. His grandfather was a jazz musician, and Sammy's indie rock band could be huge one day—if they don't self-destruct first. Winning the upcoming Battle of the Bands would justify all the band's compromises and reassure Sammy that his life's dream could become a reality. But 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?
289 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
December 10, 2009
STRUTS & FRETS has one of the hottest covers- and titles -around.
And what's inside is even better.
Honest, sweet, authentic boy voice.
Fully fleshed female characters.
Three dimensional grown-ups.
Surprises, drama and most importantly MUSIC!
I kept thinking while reading, "I can't wait to give this to my son when he's a teenager."
And my daughter.
One of the my favorite reads of 2009.
Enjoy the beat.
And what's inside is even better.
Honest, sweet, authentic boy voice.
Fully fleshed female characters.
Three dimensional grown-ups.
Surprises, drama and most importantly MUSIC!
I kept thinking while reading, "I can't wait to give this to my son when he's a teenager."
And my daughter.
One of the my favorite reads of 2009.
Enjoy the beat.
February 3, 2010
It seems quite fitting to for my first review of 2010 to be of the last YA book I read in 2009. To put it lightly, I friggin loved this book, I even named by brand spanking new laptop "Macbook Sammy". I've only ever read one YA music book, which was so funny and unique, I went into reading this book quite guarded, I never expected to like it nearly as much as I did. Jon Skovron has this way with words that seems so real and raw, the openness of the writing style is heart breakingly beautiful, yet very humorous at the same time.
Sammy Bojar is going to be a musician, he has everything he needs to make his dream come true; he can write songs, play the guitar and a band. But Sammy is still struggling to find his place in this so called band as well as in life. Throughout the story, he struggles with uncooperative band mates, his friends and worst of all his family, all while trying to get ready for Battle of the Bands, where his future as a musician may be determined. Music is at the heart of the story and man, Sammy has some cracking taste in music. I may have a crush on him or his music preferences, I haven’t quite decided yet, the jury's still out.
Skovron shows in this beautiful story how much your passion for something can influence your life. Through Sammy he shows that even if you choose not to take the easiest path in life, as long as your doing something you love, you will be happy. I loved following Sammy's journey through learning that maybe being a musician is something his family may not want for him, or watching him struggle with his feelings towards Jen5, his best friend.
The main story was the music, peppered with little song lyrics and song references by Sammy, I felt immediately drawn to him as a character, because he just felt too real. Plus it helps that the guy was so funny, I laughed until my sides hurt. He acted like any boy would, but it felt more lifelike because a male had written the character, not a female, and it really benefit’s a story when you know what your character will be feeling and how they would be acting, because you know, you’ve been there in one way or another.
I loved how his grandfather was wound into the storyline, because it didn’t distract from the story, more like helped carry it to the end. I loved how Sammy got his passion and musical abilities from his musician grandfather. This was pivotal to the story, because it draws you in, holding you in an emotional vice. Plus, it helped that the story was such an easy one to follow, nothing too far fetched happened, it as just a true representation of a teenage boy struggling to find his way in the world. And, yes, this book so rocked the male protagonist. I can't wait to see what Skovron has up his sleeve for his next book. Loved it.
Sammy Bojar is going to be a musician, he has everything he needs to make his dream come true; he can write songs, play the guitar and a band. But Sammy is still struggling to find his place in this so called band as well as in life. Throughout the story, he struggles with uncooperative band mates, his friends and worst of all his family, all while trying to get ready for Battle of the Bands, where his future as a musician may be determined. Music is at the heart of the story and man, Sammy has some cracking taste in music. I may have a crush on him or his music preferences, I haven’t quite decided yet, the jury's still out.
Skovron shows in this beautiful story how much your passion for something can influence your life. Through Sammy he shows that even if you choose not to take the easiest path in life, as long as your doing something you love, you will be happy. I loved following Sammy's journey through learning that maybe being a musician is something his family may not want for him, or watching him struggle with his feelings towards Jen5, his best friend.
The main story was the music, peppered with little song lyrics and song references by Sammy, I felt immediately drawn to him as a character, because he just felt too real. Plus it helps that the guy was so funny, I laughed until my sides hurt. He acted like any boy would, but it felt more lifelike because a male had written the character, not a female, and it really benefit’s a story when you know what your character will be feeling and how they would be acting, because you know, you’ve been there in one way or another.
I loved how his grandfather was wound into the storyline, because it didn’t distract from the story, more like helped carry it to the end. I loved how Sammy got his passion and musical abilities from his musician grandfather. This was pivotal to the story, because it draws you in, holding you in an emotional vice. Plus, it helped that the story was such an easy one to follow, nothing too far fetched happened, it as just a true representation of a teenage boy struggling to find his way in the world. And, yes, this book so rocked the male protagonist. I can't wait to see what Skovron has up his sleeve for his next book. Loved it.
September 16, 2009
I hope this will be a hit with guy readers. I found it to be funny, touching, and honest. A strong male character who loves a strong female character and has great friends and goals and a great mom. Plus a cool soundtrack of alternative music. What more could you ask for? The title is genius too.
January 9, 2010
Imagine picking a book up with no expectations and suddenly realizing it's set in your own past. That's the feeling I got from reading this Young adult debut by Jon Skovron. Set in my hometown of Columbus, OH, it namedrops places (Blue Danube/a re-named Bernie's) and real life bands and songs (Monster Zero, Charles Cicirella's WHITE JEEP, which I spent HOURS AND HOURS trying to find online last night, even though I know I at one point in time had some kind of recording of it.) Now, imagine that even with all that, you have a good story, well told, humorous, real, sad and fulfilling. Hooray for this book, and everyone in Columbus should totally read it.
June 27, 2010
If you love music this book would be great to read. I thought it was really cute.
I thought it was funny, because of the timing of reading it now- Jen5 so reminds me of Crystal Bowersocks from this seasons American Idol. It must be the dreadlocks.
I also thought back to the rock band my high school had. I could only imagine the drama swirling around their lives I didn't know about. I wonder what happened to them or how many high school bands make it big...hummmm.
I thought it was funny, because of the timing of reading it now- Jen5 so reminds me of Crystal Bowersocks from this seasons American Idol. It must be the dreadlocks.
I also thought back to the rock band my high school had. I could only imagine the drama swirling around their lives I didn't know about. I wonder what happened to them or how many high school bands make it big...hummmm.
July 2, 2010
I've had this book on my TBR for a bit and I should have read it sooner. Terrific. Fabulous. A wonderful and complete story with an authentic sounding voice.
Sam wants to be a musician. No, more than that, he has to be one, he can't imagine his life without music. I liked the chapter titles that were song titles or lyrics. They tied in well with the story and made sense as Sam is always thinking music, either listening, hearing it in his head or writing it.
The other characters are also well drawn. Jen5 is different than the usual most popular perfect cheerleader and I liked her a lot. Her toughness and vulnerability were a nice balance.
Sam's friends added a lot to the story and Skovron creates wonderful people without any stereotypes. Not easily done.
The writing made me laugh out loud at times, get teary-eyed at times, wince sometimes(in a good way, not because the writing was wince-worthy - example: Sam's mother is trying to talk to him about sex, not explain the birds and the bees, but actual how to), and say awww a time or two.
I should add that it does have teenagers talking the way teenagers talk, swearing when they feel the need, etc. It adds to the realistic tone of the voices, but if you are offended by swearing, well, you were warned.
I'm not going to describe the story at all because you'll want to experience it for yourself with no spoilers.
Excellently done. There isn't anything about this story I'd have changed. A keeper.
Sam wants to be a musician. No, more than that, he has to be one, he can't imagine his life without music. I liked the chapter titles that were song titles or lyrics. They tied in well with the story and made sense as Sam is always thinking music, either listening, hearing it in his head or writing it.
The other characters are also well drawn. Jen5 is different than the usual most popular perfect cheerleader and I liked her a lot. Her toughness and vulnerability were a nice balance.
Sam's friends added a lot to the story and Skovron creates wonderful people without any stereotypes. Not easily done.
The writing made me laugh out loud at times, get teary-eyed at times, wince sometimes(in a good way, not because the writing was wince-worthy - example: Sam's mother is trying to talk to him about sex, not explain the birds and the bees, but actual how to), and say awww a time or two.
I should add that it does have teenagers talking the way teenagers talk, swearing when they feel the need, etc. It adds to the realistic tone of the voices, but if you are offended by swearing, well, you were warned.
I'm not going to describe the story at all because you'll want to experience it for yourself with no spoilers.
Excellently done. There isn't anything about this story I'd have changed. A keeper.
January 19, 2011
Oh, this was fun! The authorial voice was completely authentic- so much so that I found myself saying stern motherly things to the protagonist. Out loud.
Sammy lives for music, but he's also a regular teenage kid with insecurities, blind spots, family issues and in short, a normal life. I love reading about kids with normal lives, kids who are not Representing A Disorder. Samuel is hilarious to read about from an adult perspective, too- this book works on more than one level, and hits on all cylinders.
This is a lovely coming-of-age book with a satisfyingly complex cast of characters, believable dialogue, and a solid plot.
My favorite part is the dialogue about sex between Sammy and his loving but occasionally clueless mom. I can't resist sharing a bit of it:
"But the stuff she said didn't exactly make me feel any more ready, especially conversations that went something like this:
MOM: You know, Sam, when you do decide to start having sex, which shouldn't be anytime soon because you're much too young--
ME: Oh, God, Mom. Can't we just watch the movie?
MOM: No, I just want to clarify that the scene you have just witnessed has very little to do with a realistic and healthy sexual union.
ME: I get it. It's just a movie. I don't plan on hunting down killer cyborgs, either. Now, can we--"
And it goes on, and just gets funnier, from there.
Sammy lives for music, but he's also a regular teenage kid with insecurities, blind spots, family issues and in short, a normal life. I love reading about kids with normal lives, kids who are not Representing A Disorder. Samuel is hilarious to read about from an adult perspective, too- this book works on more than one level, and hits on all cylinders.
This is a lovely coming-of-age book with a satisfyingly complex cast of characters, believable dialogue, and a solid plot.
My favorite part is the dialogue about sex between Sammy and his loving but occasionally clueless mom. I can't resist sharing a bit of it:
"But the stuff she said didn't exactly make me feel any more ready, especially conversations that went something like this:
MOM: You know, Sam, when you do decide to start having sex, which shouldn't be anytime soon because you're much too young--
ME: Oh, God, Mom. Can't we just watch the movie?
MOM: No, I just want to clarify that the scene you have just witnessed has very little to do with a realistic and healthy sexual union.
ME: I get it. It's just a movie. I don't plan on hunting down killer cyborgs, either. Now, can we--"
And it goes on, and just gets funnier, from there.
April 16, 2021
I read this after “Nick and Norah’s infinite playlist” because I was still feeling in the mood for a music themed young adult/love story and Struts & Frets provided. There’s always a feeling of reality in books like this for me, because the characters sounds like I would’ve sounded at that age or like my high school friends.
Not giving five stars because some things (like Zeke) feels a little rushed.
Not giving five stars because some things (like Zeke) feels a little rushed.
September 14, 2018
3.5 stars
I thought this was a Middle Grade book because after seeing that cover, how could I not? But it’s YA.
I love books with music wound into it, it gets me into so many new genres and this was no exception.
A simple, honest book on young bands. Thoroughly readable. Only the fact that I kept waiting for the type of MG crackpot schemes lessened my enjoyment.
I thought this was a Middle Grade book because after seeing that cover, how could I not? But it’s YA.
I love books with music wound into it, it gets me into so many new genres and this was no exception.
A simple, honest book on young bands. Thoroughly readable. Only the fact that I kept waiting for the type of MG crackpot schemes lessened my enjoyment.
February 23, 2014
3.5 stars.
Lot of wonderful things in this sad, funny and happy book, but I didn't feel whole-heartedly crazy about it. Sammy was a great character, and his intermittent real immaturity combined with his strengths and kindness were quite winning. Maybe it was the way sometimes things were played for laughs, and got them, but in the process lost some of the subtlety of characterization that bounced me out. The main example of this, which I have other concerns about too, was when Sammy and his very newly-become gf (no real spoiler, but I'll avoid the name anyway) "decided" to have sex for the first time (both of their first times, as well as together). There was the requisite funny scene of Sammy having to face the wall of condom options in the drug-store, but all it did was make me even more convinced that he was too immature and unready for this than I had been before. And the before version was pretty convinced of it anyway.
There was a slight feeling I got of ticky-boxness about this relationship too - almost as if the author was so determined to make the gf be the one who initiates things every time and it's cool that everything felt too rushed.
Final concern was the way Sammy's mother, who's a therapist maybe in need of more therapy herself, given her utterly crappy childhood, handled her father, who was suffering from dementia. I do not have to be told that it's harder to be rational and decisive about making hard calls when it's your own family, believe me. Still, it just didn't feel right.
I liked Jen5, as we were supposed to, but her mother was so unspeakably awful, and her father so apparently incapable of doing anything to make up for the mother, that it seemed a bit unlikely she'd have been quite as emotionally together as she was. Sammy's other friends were great most of the time, but unevenly so. If as good a kid as Sammy seriously has close male friends who keep telling him how his mother is so hot, a MILF, and did I say hot? -- I think I despair just a little bit.
Lot of wonderful things in this sad, funny and happy book, but I didn't feel whole-heartedly crazy about it. Sammy was a great character, and his intermittent real immaturity combined with his strengths and kindness were quite winning. Maybe it was the way sometimes things were played for laughs, and got them, but in the process lost some of the subtlety of characterization that bounced me out. The main example of this, which I have other concerns about too, was when Sammy and his very newly-become gf (no real spoiler, but I'll avoid the name anyway) "decided" to have sex for the first time (both of their first times, as well as together). There was the requisite funny scene of Sammy having to face the wall of condom options in the drug-store, but all it did was make me even more convinced that he was too immature and unready for this than I had been before. And the before version was pretty convinced of it anyway.
There was a slight feeling I got of ticky-boxness about this relationship too - almost as if the author was so determined to make the gf be the one who initiates things every time and it's cool that everything felt too rushed.
Final concern was the way Sammy's mother, who's a therapist maybe in need of more therapy herself, given her utterly crappy childhood, handled her father, who was suffering from dementia. I do not have to be told that it's harder to be rational and decisive about making hard calls when it's your own family, believe me. Still, it just didn't feel right.
I liked Jen5, as we were supposed to, but her mother was so unspeakably awful, and her father so apparently incapable of doing anything to make up for the mother, that it seemed a bit unlikely she'd have been quite as emotionally together as she was. Sammy's other friends were great most of the time, but unevenly so. If as good a kid as Sammy seriously has close male friends who keep telling him how his mother is so hot, a MILF, and did I say hot? -- I think I despair just a little bit.
May 14, 2010
I don't know about you but I love it when books are inspiring in a way that makes you have the impulse to chase after your own dreams as soon as possible. If you haven't guess already, Struts & Frets was exactly that- and more!
If I were asked to quickly sum up Struts & Frets in a few words, a lot would come to mind. One being inspirational, obviously, along with moving and poignant. Since in all honesty that's just how Sammy's coming of age tale was.
Sammy is a character who has a lot on his plate. For one, his band, the one thing that means the most to him, is on the verge of splitting because of one pompous lead singer; his grandad is going literally crazy; and he may or may not have feelings for his long-time best friend Jen5, another struggling artist in her own right.
Sammy is boy that not only is unique but whose struggle to be who he wants often hit a chord in me that related to his desire and need to be someone who not only he liked but who others could appreciate as well. I also enjoyed seeing his relationships with other main characters be a big part of the novel. My favorite out of the bunch would be the one with his grandfather. Since it was so perfectly done and often made me think of that one adult among many in my life who always will support me and offer advice in the way that Sammy's grandad did with him. Becaus of this all, it was often heartbreaking to see Sammy dealing with the fact that this one major influence in his life was simply slipping away from him. Lastly, I liked how his relationship Jen5 showed how special yet frustrating young love can be.
While the plot of this was exciting and always tried to keep the novel moving, it often did not prove to be un-put-a-down-able, a fact that has overall brought my enjoyment of this novel down. Though I did enjoy the parts with the band and Sammy and his friends. I just feel that it could have been simply fantastic if upped up just a bit. Also, while I can see promise in Jon Skovron, one that may include in maybe, just maybe, becoming the next John Green, I felt that the writing was sometimes bland and his plot turns were, at times, predictable.
Though, in all, the fact of how inspiring this novel was, as well as the main characters, redeemed Struts & Frets, and leaves me to suggest this to all teen boys out there, as well as all you dreamers out there dreaming of something bigger and brighter; since this is the book for you!
Grade: B
If I were asked to quickly sum up Struts & Frets in a few words, a lot would come to mind. One being inspirational, obviously, along with moving and poignant. Since in all honesty that's just how Sammy's coming of age tale was.
Sammy is a character who has a lot on his plate. For one, his band, the one thing that means the most to him, is on the verge of splitting because of one pompous lead singer; his grandad is going literally crazy; and he may or may not have feelings for his long-time best friend Jen5, another struggling artist in her own right.
Sammy is boy that not only is unique but whose struggle to be who he wants often hit a chord in me that related to his desire and need to be someone who not only he liked but who others could appreciate as well. I also enjoyed seeing his relationships with other main characters be a big part of the novel. My favorite out of the bunch would be the one with his grandfather. Since it was so perfectly done and often made me think of that one adult among many in my life who always will support me and offer advice in the way that Sammy's grandad did with him. Becaus of this all, it was often heartbreaking to see Sammy dealing with the fact that this one major influence in his life was simply slipping away from him. Lastly, I liked how his relationship Jen5 showed how special yet frustrating young love can be.
While the plot of this was exciting and always tried to keep the novel moving, it often did not prove to be un-put-a-down-able, a fact that has overall brought my enjoyment of this novel down. Though I did enjoy the parts with the band and Sammy and his friends. I just feel that it could have been simply fantastic if upped up just a bit. Also, while I can see promise in Jon Skovron, one that may include in maybe, just maybe, becoming the next John Green, I felt that the writing was sometimes bland and his plot turns were, at times, predictable.
Though, in all, the fact of how inspiring this novel was, as well as the main characters, redeemed Struts & Frets, and leaves me to suggest this to all teen boys out there, as well as all you dreamers out there dreaming of something bigger and brighter; since this is the book for you!
Grade: B
November 30, 2009
Can't Stop This Music
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/emo 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 and 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.
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/emo 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 and 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.
August 15, 2011
"He would talk about how important all music was. How it took us--not just the people who played it but the people who heard it--to a place above the normal boring world."
What I've realized with the world is that you cannot talk about music, good music, without being pretentious which 1) I don't really care. I love music so much that I just don't let it bother me anymore. And 2) There is something wrong about that because you should be able to talk about your opinions on everything from the punk movement to how The Kinks affected heavy metal without being viciously and verbally attacked.
But music (bear with me) is a soul, a pulse, a heartbeat. And I will always love it for being that way. Music is expression and life.
Sammy is this really cool, really musical, slightly emo teenager and you absolutely cannot read this book with falling in love with him for that fact. Watching him struggle with his feelings for his longtime best friend Jen5 (who is a really cool, really artistic girl with a tough attitude that I also adore) is just...exactly what I love in a romance-y contemporary novel. Sweet and authentic.
The band was quite funny as all bands should be. I loved reading their interactions with one another because they're the kind of geeky that I love. When Sammy said that his friend Alexander was "like a walking They Might Be Giants song" I fell in love all over again, with this entire story and it's vivid characters.
The writing was powerful and charming and genuine and raw--all at the same time. Jon Skovron has a true talent with words, the story flowed along so smoothly that it almost went by too fast, leaving me both nostalgic and satisfied at the same time when the book ended.
The Columbus, Ohio indie underground scene was just plain awesome. No other words for that.
When Sammy said how the Pixies were his favorite band...
Ok. I'm finished. I will just end up gushing the rest of this review.
Please go read this if you haven't yet :)
What I've realized with the world is that you cannot talk about music, good music, without being pretentious which 1) I don't really care. I love music so much that I just don't let it bother me anymore. And 2) There is something wrong about that because you should be able to talk about your opinions on everything from the punk movement to how The Kinks affected heavy metal without being viciously and verbally attacked.
But music (bear with me) is a soul, a pulse, a heartbeat. And I will always love it for being that way. Music is expression and life.
Sammy is this really cool, really musical, slightly emo teenager and you absolutely cannot read this book with falling in love with him for that fact. Watching him struggle with his feelings for his longtime best friend Jen5 (who is a really cool, really artistic girl with a tough attitude that I also adore) is just...exactly what I love in a romance-y contemporary novel. Sweet and authentic.
The band was quite funny as all bands should be. I loved reading their interactions with one another because they're the kind of geeky that I love. When Sammy said that his friend Alexander was "like a walking They Might Be Giants song" I fell in love all over again, with this entire story and it's vivid characters.
The writing was powerful and charming and genuine and raw--all at the same time. Jon Skovron has a true talent with words, the story flowed along so smoothly that it almost went by too fast, leaving me both nostalgic and satisfied at the same time when the book ended.
The Columbus, Ohio indie underground scene was just plain awesome. No other words for that.
When Sammy said how the Pixies were his favorite band...
Ok. I'm finished. I will just end up gushing the rest of this review.
Please go read this if you haven't yet :)
October 18, 2010
Sometimes when I start a book, I can see the plot and outcome right away and end up going through the motions of reading. To feel all-knowing, maybe? While this book wasn’t a wild twist from what I’d foretold in the beginning, it did have personality I wasn’t expecting and told a story with heart that wasn’t totally transparent.
Sammy is a guitarist in a band. He writes all the music and lyrics, but wants no part of being a front man. Instead he damns his band mates to Joe. Dude is scary. Sam’s longtime friends Rick and TJ are the rhythm section and the three of them can usually be found hanging out with easygoing Alexander and artsy Jen5, a nice mix of personalities without stereotypes. There’s a Battle of the Bands coming up and Sammy sees it making Big Things happen for them, if he could just will it into fruition.
Hallelujah for a recognizable music scene. Instead of just being the something-they-do filler, it was fleshed out with all too familiar venues and vibe, crowds, and music buff references. Skovron included a playlist of all the songs mentioned (and these weren’t mentioned in passing, Sam had a little to say about each). I have no idea how relevant these songs are today but I was diggin’ it.
Also praiseworthy is Sammy’s family. His mom is realistically present; her sex talks are frank and mortifying, her nightly interest in his homework is annoying, and Sammy asks permission—all without the trite ‘my mom is sooo unreasonable’ angsting. Plus, he hangs out with his Gramps. I love grampses. Along with an honest voice, it all made Sammy pretty loveable.
I was pleasantly surprised. A quick, fun read.
Sammy is a guitarist in a band. He writes all the music and lyrics, but wants no part of being a front man. Instead he damns his band mates to Joe. Dude is scary. Sam’s longtime friends Rick and TJ are the rhythm section and the three of them can usually be found hanging out with easygoing Alexander and artsy Jen5, a nice mix of personalities without stereotypes. There’s a Battle of the Bands coming up and Sammy sees it making Big Things happen for them, if he could just will it into fruition.
Hallelujah for a recognizable music scene. Instead of just being the something-they-do filler, it was fleshed out with all too familiar venues and vibe, crowds, and music buff references. Skovron included a playlist of all the songs mentioned (and these weren’t mentioned in passing, Sam had a little to say about each). I have no idea how relevant these songs are today but I was diggin’ it.
Also praiseworthy is Sammy’s family. His mom is realistically present; her sex talks are frank and mortifying, her nightly interest in his homework is annoying, and Sammy asks permission—all without the trite ‘my mom is sooo unreasonable’ angsting. Plus, he hangs out with his Gramps. I love grampses. Along with an honest voice, it all made Sammy pretty loveable.
I was pleasantly surprised. A quick, fun read.
March 5, 2010
Exactly the right book for me right now, and I read it quickly. Emotional, but not too much. A very likeable main character (plus great secondary characters--the grandfather, the mom, the girlfriend, friends), and lots of pondering about music and sex. This has the best description of sex, for a teenager who's also a musician, that I've ever heard, and this book is one that's inspired me to add quotes in to goodreads, which I haven't done in awhile. There's not much of a plot, but that's not the focus and it doesn't matter. My main quibble was that I didn't believe that the main character was in high school for the first quarter or so of the book, but as I kept going, Skovron convinced me that he's just a very thoughtful young man. Another recent example where a gay character is a friend of the main character, and it's not really an issue at all. Well done first novel, for boys, musicians, and (as the book jacket says) anyone who's "ever sat up all night listening to a favorite album, wondering if you'd ever find your place in the world". I haven't heard about this anywhere else but at Cap Choices meetings, so I'm thrilled that we got this on to the Capitol Choices list in January! I'll definitely be watching for Skovron's next book, and I love that he's a local author. More like 4 1/2 stars.
November 23, 2009
I received this book as an ARC from the publisher.
Sammy loves music. He loves it so much he's willing to be in a band with Joe, who scares the crap out of him. He loves it so much he can't see that his best friend, Jen5 (all the other Jennifer nicknames were taken), is in love with him. Music is his bond with his grandfather, who seems to be going a little crazy. Now Sammy's got a girlfriend, and his band, Tragedy of Wisdom, is going to enter a Battle of the Bands contest.
I fell in love with Sammy a little bit while reading this book. He's one of those kids who wears his heart on his sleeve and feels everything a little too much. He reminded me of Charlie from The Perks of Being a Wallflower (who I also love). All the other characters felt like real people I might have met some time or another in my life, maybe back in high school in one of my art classes.
And, bonus, the book has a soundtrack! (a list, not an actual CD of music, but Perks also had a kind of soundtrack which I downloaded and love so hopefully this will be the same).
Sammy loves music. He loves it so much he's willing to be in a band with Joe, who scares the crap out of him. He loves it so much he can't see that his best friend, Jen5 (all the other Jennifer nicknames were taken), is in love with him. Music is his bond with his grandfather, who seems to be going a little crazy. Now Sammy's got a girlfriend, and his band, Tragedy of Wisdom, is going to enter a Battle of the Bands contest.
I fell in love with Sammy a little bit while reading this book. He's one of those kids who wears his heart on his sleeve and feels everything a little too much. He reminded me of Charlie from The Perks of Being a Wallflower (who I also love). All the other characters felt like real people I might have met some time or another in my life, maybe back in high school in one of my art classes.
And, bonus, the book has a soundtrack! (a list, not an actual CD of music, but Perks also had a kind of soundtrack which I downloaded and love so hopefully this will be the same).
May 10, 2010
A good book that has ambitions for more than adolescent humor. Musicians will really like it, as it takes creativity, performance, and passion for music seriously. There are some good one-liners, a solid love interest, and the relationship between the protagonist and his best friend is enjoyable. The grandfather isn't handled as well.
A highlight for me is the lack of melodrama (with one glaring exception). Whom to date is an issue, but not crushing. Mom is a single parent, AND completely reasonable. A bully is agro, but not impossible. Loss of virginity is directly addressed with respect and honesty. This sort of realism has been rare in lots of YA, and Skovron deserves accolades for writing an interesting story that doesn't rely on exaggerated, Hollywood-style devices (again, with one exception).
A highlight for me is the lack of melodrama (with one glaring exception). Whom to date is an issue, but not crushing. Mom is a single parent, AND completely reasonable. A bully is agro, but not impossible. Loss of virginity is directly addressed with respect and honesty. This sort of realism has been rare in lots of YA, and Skovron deserves accolades for writing an interesting story that doesn't rely on exaggerated, Hollywood-style devices (again, with one exception).
January 2, 2014
3.5 stars
This is my cousin's son's favorite book (that's my cousin-once-removed for those of you following along). It reminded me of him so much that I had to keep reminding myself that this was Sammy, not Jake, and the story took place in Ohio, not Arizona. Great authentic voice, one that reads very much like a teenager as opposed to the overly intelligent teenagers in much of YA . A great read for music lovers out there, especially those deeply artistic ones who feel a bit on the fringe. I loved that the title came from a line in Macbeth that inspired another piece of literature:
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.
This is my cousin's son's favorite book (that's my cousin-once-removed for those of you following along). It reminded me of him so much that I had to keep reminding myself that this was Sammy, not Jake, and the story took place in Ohio, not Arizona. Great authentic voice, one that reads very much like a teenager as opposed to the overly intelligent teenagers in much of YA . A great read for music lovers out there, especially those deeply artistic ones who feel a bit on the fringe. I loved that the title came from a line in Macbeth that inspired another piece of literature:
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.
January 11, 2010
The high school Susann would have had a major crush on Sammy Bojar. He can talk Pixies *and* Miles Davis? Oh yeah. Skovron packs a lot in here: the music stuff, girl stuff, bully issues, gay issues, senile grandfather issues, mothers who sometimes unload way too much stuff on you issues. And it all works. Sammy's growth was believable and just plain fun to watch. The chapter titles and playlist are also a treat, and I loved that I always knew what Jen5 was wearing.
August 4, 2016
I loved this book. Sammy's voice was very relatable and honest, but also was pretty deep at some times and said some things that as a fellow musician will stick with me (like the quote on the back of the book). Ugh Joe was so annoying, but I liked Jen5 a lot. She was a really good friend to Sammy.
October 5, 2009
this book is great. perfect for high school students specially students who like music. I remembered my time in high school. and the music selection that is used through out the story is great. I highly recommend this book.
February 25, 2010
Struts & Frets was new and fresh debut from Jon Skavron! I loved the character of our main character, Sammy Bojar. His passion for his love of music just screamed out from each page I read. This was a strong debut for sure and I'm excited to see what else Mr. Skavron has to offer!
June 23, 2013
Read the review on my blog:
http://thaliasbooks.tumblr.com/post/5...
http://thaliasbooks.tumblr.com/post/5...
November 4, 2017
actual rating: 3.8 stars!
This was actually a really cool read! And I didn't realize all the chapter titles were songs until the last part. Like I said, coooool!
This was actually a really cool read! And I didn't realize all the chapter titles were songs until the last part. Like I said, coooool!
November 18, 2016
Struts and Frets Book Review
By Jon Skovron
“I have to say that this kid has had a rough life.” says Joe. “I mean his mom is so hot that even with twenty staples in her head she gave me a boner. Who knows?” “Now that I’m single and she’s single, hell, maybe I could be Sammy’s new daddy!”
That was the moment that I stopped playing and threw my guitar at him..
Sammy is a ordinary teenager, But he doesn’t feel like that. His father got his mother pregnant with him in college, then bounced when he found out. His mother is an overworked therapist with a drinking problem. And his grandfather is slowly losing his mind, and yet with all this stuff going on in his family he still has to deal with his jerk bandleader that entered the band in the upcoming battle of the bands.
Jon Skovron is an incredible writer with a lot of understanding about the teenage mind and feelings. In this book we see how Sammy reacts to different complications in the teenage mind. He first has to deal with the jerk bandleader that has entered them into the battle of the bands.
Joe has a huge anger issue, and seems to take it out on the band and his girlfriend, Laurie. He always yells at the band and they are sick and tired of it. Laurie is a beautiful goth goddess, according to Sammy, and Sammy is helplessly in love with her. But soon takes up a liking for his best friend Jen5.
Jen5 is a inspiring young artist. Jen5 got her name when they had over 3 Jennifer's in their class so they all picked a different names so she picked Jen5 since she was the fifth Jennifer. Sammy and her have been friends for a long time and have only just taken their relationship to a different level. Jen5 and Sammy learn how to deal with there relationship within the band.
On the other side TJ, a lanky, hipster boy. And Rick, a ‘wise dude’. Have been dealing with there own issues. TJ has been dealing with his affections for Laurie and finally dates her after she breaks up with Joe. Rick is dealing with his sexuality and has been teased for being gay. He finally finds Zeke because of Jen5, and starts to feel renowned by his group.
Sammys grandfather is a jazz musician and is in poor condition. He and Sammy have a connection that Sammy's mother never could of had with her dad, It may be because they are both musicians and are both inspired. Sammy goes to check on his grandfather and often gets advice about girls or music.
One day he goes over to his grandfather's house to check on him. His grandfather has destroyed everything. Sammy tries to call him down but can’t, he eventually goes home and tells his mom. The next day his mom goes over and tries to help him but ends up in the hospital with twenty staples in her head, and a new look at her father.
Struts and Frets is definitely a book you should read. From jerk band leaders to dating your best friend, this book is filled with many twists and turns that teach you how to deal with the teenage lifestyle.
By Jon Skovron
“I have to say that this kid has had a rough life.” says Joe. “I mean his mom is so hot that even with twenty staples in her head she gave me a boner. Who knows?” “Now that I’m single and she’s single, hell, maybe I could be Sammy’s new daddy!”
That was the moment that I stopped playing and threw my guitar at him..
Sammy is a ordinary teenager, But he doesn’t feel like that. His father got his mother pregnant with him in college, then bounced when he found out. His mother is an overworked therapist with a drinking problem. And his grandfather is slowly losing his mind, and yet with all this stuff going on in his family he still has to deal with his jerk bandleader that entered the band in the upcoming battle of the bands.
Jon Skovron is an incredible writer with a lot of understanding about the teenage mind and feelings. In this book we see how Sammy reacts to different complications in the teenage mind. He first has to deal with the jerk bandleader that has entered them into the battle of the bands.
Joe has a huge anger issue, and seems to take it out on the band and his girlfriend, Laurie. He always yells at the band and they are sick and tired of it. Laurie is a beautiful goth goddess, according to Sammy, and Sammy is helplessly in love with her. But soon takes up a liking for his best friend Jen5.
Jen5 is a inspiring young artist. Jen5 got her name when they had over 3 Jennifer's in their class so they all picked a different names so she picked Jen5 since she was the fifth Jennifer. Sammy and her have been friends for a long time and have only just taken their relationship to a different level. Jen5 and Sammy learn how to deal with there relationship within the band.
On the other side TJ, a lanky, hipster boy. And Rick, a ‘wise dude’. Have been dealing with there own issues. TJ has been dealing with his affections for Laurie and finally dates her after she breaks up with Joe. Rick is dealing with his sexuality and has been teased for being gay. He finally finds Zeke because of Jen5, and starts to feel renowned by his group.
Sammys grandfather is a jazz musician and is in poor condition. He and Sammy have a connection that Sammy's mother never could of had with her dad, It may be because they are both musicians and are both inspired. Sammy goes to check on his grandfather and often gets advice about girls or music.
One day he goes over to his grandfather's house to check on him. His grandfather has destroyed everything. Sammy tries to call him down but can’t, he eventually goes home and tells his mom. The next day his mom goes over and tries to help him but ends up in the hospital with twenty staples in her head, and a new look at her father.
Struts and Frets is definitely a book you should read. From jerk band leaders to dating your best friend, this book is filled with many twists and turns that teach you how to deal with the teenage lifestyle.
November 18, 2016
“Struts And Frets” is an marvelous book that all teenagers can relate to because the book goes through relationships, puberty, and teenagers figuring out what they are going to do with their life.
This book tells the story of a group of teenagers who are in a band, a very dysfunctional band. The main character, Sammy Bojar, has dreams of going on tour and making “Tragedy Of Wisdom” merchandise. He is the only thing keeping the band together. Unfortunately, his bandmates don’t feel the same way. Sammy has a yearning for music, his bandmates just see it as a hobby. As the story progresses he starts to doubt the band because the lead singer, Joe, can’t remember his lines and the drummer, Rick, can’t remember what song they are playing. This creates a fascinating storyline because it leaves the reader wondering if the band is going to succeed or fail. With the lead singer screaming “It has to sound cool! We have to be cool! And until I can get a real band who actually are cool, the three of you are just going to try really hard to seem cool.” the band doesn’t look like it’s going in the right direction.
All of the characters evolve throughout the course of the book. The character that I think went through the most changes is Jen 5. In the beginning of the book she is a vigorous girl who doesn’t care what anyone else thinks. As the story goes on her relationship with Sammy transforms and so does she. After Sammy and Jen 5 start dating, Jen 5 becomes more emotional and she starts letting her wall down. At the end of the book she is still a tenacious girl but she can also show her emotions and be more pure.
In conclusion, I really enjoyed the book. As a teenager I found this book very relatable. I also found it very funny and eye opening. I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
November 18, 2016
***WARNING CONTAINS SPOILERS***
A Very Satisfying Novel
By Maison
When I first read “Struts and Frets” I was immediately hooked. The book has a compelling story and characters that seem real. The book is about a guitarist named Sammy who is trying to make his band successful which is hard because a lot of other things happen in this book. For example his grandfather is going clinically insane due to his age and he ends up attacking his mom and this all happens the day before the battle of the bands which takes away their practice time.
The book starts off with Sammy, the main character, talking to his bandmates about a name. They were debating between two names and the one that everyone but Joe wants is chosen. However, Joe is the dictator of the band and everyone else is afraid of him. I theorise that Joe is having some issues at his house because deeper in the book sammy drops him off and he lives in the poorest part of his city and Joe never mentioned that to sammy.
The next critical character we meet is Jen5. She was one of the main character of the books she is Sammy’s friend and later girlfriend she helped shaped sammy so much. One of her main characteristics was that she was an artist and she was the one who helped Sammy face his fear of Singing in front of a crowd. She was one of the main characters of the book and one of the best at that.
This book is one of the best books I’ve ever read and I really enjoyed it. So in conclusion the storyline is one of the best and the characters are the best. You get really attached to this book and you won't want it to end.
A Very Satisfying Novel
By Maison
When I first read “Struts and Frets” I was immediately hooked. The book has a compelling story and characters that seem real. The book is about a guitarist named Sammy who is trying to make his band successful which is hard because a lot of other things happen in this book. For example his grandfather is going clinically insane due to his age and he ends up attacking his mom and this all happens the day before the battle of the bands which takes away their practice time.
The book starts off with Sammy, the main character, talking to his bandmates about a name. They were debating between two names and the one that everyone but Joe wants is chosen. However, Joe is the dictator of the band and everyone else is afraid of him. I theorise that Joe is having some issues at his house because deeper in the book sammy drops him off and he lives in the poorest part of his city and Joe never mentioned that to sammy.
The next critical character we meet is Jen5. She was one of the main character of the books she is Sammy’s friend and later girlfriend she helped shaped sammy so much. One of her main characteristics was that she was an artist and she was the one who helped Sammy face his fear of Singing in front of a crowd. She was one of the main characters of the book and one of the best at that.
This book is one of the best books I’ve ever read and I really enjoyed it. So in conclusion the storyline is one of the best and the characters are the best. You get really attached to this book and you won't want it to end.
March 19, 2019
This book does a great job of really relating to teenagers in high school. It doesn't just talk about what high school is supposed to be like, but what actually happens between friends and other people in school. The storytelling is fantastic and I couldn't put the book down for the longest time. This was one of my more favorite reads and I was really able to relate to it.
It follows the story of a high school musician named Sammy Bojar, a lover of rock and roll along with tons of other kinds of music. There are lots of character in the story and I felt like they were all connected in some way because of some way that you never would have expected. Overall the book was an incredibly satisfying read and I was entertained the whole time.
It follows the story of a high school musician named Sammy Bojar, a lover of rock and roll along with tons of other kinds of music. There are lots of character in the story and I felt like they were all connected in some way because of some way that you never would have expected. Overall the book was an incredibly satisfying read and I was entertained the whole time.
January 6, 2019
I wanted to start this year off with an easy read and just sort of picked this up off my shelf (I've had it for several years now). But I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it! As a middle grade book, it obviously was a quick and easy read but it had real depth to it, even with the Disney fairy tale type ending.
March 10, 2023
I read this book a long time ago, and it has stuck with me. I love how relatable it was to me. Honest, unique, and musically driven.
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