Jason Reynold's SOUNDTRACK

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Audio for the ALC of Jason Reynolds's Soundtrack. This audio-only novel was just the book I needed at the perfect moment.

Reynolds's story, read by an amazing full cast, centers on Stuy who has always lived alone with his mom, who raised him to love music—especially the drums—as much as she does. She and his dad were founding members of The Bed-Stuy Magic Dusters, but when he found out she was pregnant with Stuy, he left for California. Stuy has never met his dad . . . but he also hasn't missed him much. His mom is nurturing and encourages Stuy to follow his passion for music.

All of that changes when she starts dating (for the first time in Stuy's life) and the guy, eventually, moves in. Things become unbearable, so Stuy moves in with his uncle and meets Dunks, who is just as passionate about music as Stuy is.

Dunks and Stuy go on the hunt for other members to fill out their band, and they find Alexis (bass), Keith (trumpet), and Frankie (TBD). As the group works to find their identity, together and separately, a gorgeous soundtrack helps to tell their story.

Reynolds, as always, has such a gift for teenage voices, and I came to love these characters so much. The novel has twists and turns that I enjoyed, but the music is always at the center. This would be a perfect addition to anyone's summer TBR!

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