Synopsis
Jessica Williams wishes
she were anywhere other than her small town in Oregon. All the kids
there are the same except for the few skateboarders her father cannot
stand. Life is pretty dull for Jessica until Cam Easton moves into her
neighborhood. But when Cam teaches Jessica how to skate, and her father
runs for mayor of Preston, her involvement with the skaters poses a
threat to her father's campaign. Can the skateboarders prove themselves
worthy of the community's support? And most of all, can Jessica and Cam
resolve their differences and discover the true meaning of love?
My Rating
3.5
My Review
Skateboard Blues is a sweet, light read that is sure to hit
the hearts of readers. It's a story that proves it is the quality, not
the quantity, of pages that really count.
Voeller uses an authentic teenage voice that is more
realistic than poetic, which I really enjoyed. Although the writing is
still lovely, it's refreshing to read from a more accurate point of view
in that crazy age range.
The plot and themes of Skateboard Blues can be connected to
Footloose (which I like because it was the first play that I saw live).
It deeply touches the issue of discrimination against groups of people
or certain hobbies without actual knowledge about the subject. Whether
it be dancers or skaters, this idea of loving something that many others
don't approve of can be relayed with just about any generation.
Despite the fact that we all can enjoy the steamy love
scenes of some upper YA, it's nice to have a young romance that is
completely sweet. In Skateboard Blues, the sediment of being in a
relationship with someone who could also be a friend is in tact, and
it's heartwarming.
Some parts could have been expanded a bit on, but - all in
all - Skateboard Blues is a great light read to spend the afternoon
with. It shows the power of bringing a community together to really
bring change, and what can be done when one doesn't give up.
Justine, thanks for the review. I'm glad you enjoyed the story!
ReplyDeleteSounds like another great read from Sydell. I've put it on my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mona.
DeleteI've read other books by Sydell Voeller and enjoyed them. Will read this one. Though I'm well past my YA years, I've found that a number of books directed toward that audience are a pleasure to read. A good book is a good book.
ReplyDeleteHi Sandy,
DeleteI hope you do indeed enjoy the story!
Very interesting review--I like the comparison to Footloose!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ann. This is the second reviewer that has compared this story to Footloose. That makes me want to dig the movie out of the archives and see it again!
ReplyDelete