jbmorgan86's review against another edition
2.0
I love Kwame Alexander. His books The Crossover and Booked have been two of the only books of poetry that my middle school students voluntarily read. That being said, Solo didn't live up to Alexander's previous works.
Like The Crossover and Booked, Solo is a novel written completely in verse. Like the previous two books, it's about a boy with an exceptional talent who has some family drama.
However, unlike the previous two books, Solo just felt corny and unbelievable. The story is absurd and the characters feel like caricatures. Blade is the son of a famous rock star drug addict. He is also a guitarist. He wrestles with his dad's drug problems and his family's lavish lifestyle.
It seems like Alexander googled "famous rock songs" and then tried to cram in every reference he possibly could (especially when Blade casually mentions when they saw Giraffe Tongue Orchestra live). Blade keeps list going of great rock songs throughout the book:
Lenny Kravitz - "Thinking if You"
Black Keys - "When the Lights Go Out"
Robert Johnson - "Crossroad Blues"
Bob Dylan - "I was Young When I Left Home"
Guns N Roses - "Welcome to the Jungle"
Metallica - "Enter Sandman"
Fela Kuti - "Zombie"
Don McLean - "American Pie"
Jimi Hendrix - "The Star-Spangled Banner" (Live)
U2 - "With or Without You"
Van Halen - "Right Now"
Aretha Franklin - "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman"
Come on. What high school kid is going to listen to that wide range of music?
One last critique from a middle school teacher's perspective: I liked the previous two books because they were so good to use in the classroom. Solo is a bit more mature. Within the first few pages there are numerous drug, alcohol, and sexual references. If I let my students read this, I would probably get complaints from parents because of the content!
Like The Crossover and Booked, Solo is a novel written completely in verse. Like the previous two books, it's about a boy with an exceptional talent who has some family drama.
However, unlike the previous two books, Solo just felt corny and unbelievable. The story is absurd and the characters feel like caricatures. Blade is the son of a famous rock star drug addict. He is also a guitarist. He wrestles with his dad's drug problems and his family's lavish lifestyle.
It seems like Alexander googled "famous rock songs" and then tried to cram in every reference he possibly could (especially when Blade casually mentions when they saw Giraffe Tongue Orchestra live). Blade keeps list going of great rock songs throughout the book:
Lenny Kravitz - "Thinking if You"
Black Keys - "When the Lights Go Out"
Robert Johnson - "Crossroad Blues"
Bob Dylan - "I was Young When I Left Home"
Guns N Roses - "Welcome to the Jungle"
Metallica - "Enter Sandman"
Fela Kuti - "Zombie"
Don McLean - "American Pie"
Jimi Hendrix - "The Star-Spangled Banner" (Live)
U2 - "With or Without You"
Van Halen - "Right Now"
Aretha Franklin - "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman"
Come on. What high school kid is going to listen to that wide range of music?
One last critique from a middle school teacher's perspective: I liked the previous two books because they were so good to use in the classroom. Solo is a bit more mature. Within the first few pages there are numerous drug, alcohol, and sexual references. If I let my students read this, I would probably get complaints from parents because of the content!
jazzyjan94's review against another edition
4.0
t's not secret that I am a huge fan of novels told in verse - in fact I think there should be more of them. I don't know why I love them so much, I think it has to do with just the format, as well as the fact that authors who do tell their stories in verse are really good at doing so. They are able to convey a story that is compelling while leaving out the baggage of description that often plagues regular prose.
Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess do a great job of conveying a story in verse about Blade Rutherford, who has just graduated high school, and who's dad is a washed up rockstar trying to make his big comeback. Blade also has a girlfriend that he adores, even though her parents don't like him because of who his father is. However, very soon his world comes crashing down when his dad ruins graduation and checks into rehab (again), his girlfriend is cheating on him with her ex-boyfriend, and he discovers that his parents have lied to him his whole life about who he really is. In an effort to discover who he is and to get some sort of closure, Blade travels to Ghana to try and meet a woman who might have the answers he is searching for, but before he meets her, he will learn that there is a whole other way of living that the plush lifestyle he is used to.
Blade is an interesting character, because there are times when he seems like a spoiled brat, but then over the course of the novel he grows as a character and chooses to be selfless, and even see that his life is pretty comfortable compared to others around the world. In some ways, Blade is forced to check his privilege when he gets to Ghana because it is a very different place from anything else he has experienced, but it ends up being the best thing that happens to him. Not only do we see Blade trying to figure out who he is, but we also see him in some ways start to forge a bond with his father again, even though it is trepidatious since Blade believes it is all for show and that his father just cares about his big comeback.
Alexander and Hess do a great job of depicting what the search for one's identity is, especially when they discover that everything that they thought to be true comes crashing down around them. Blade is a believable character, although he gets to go on a journey of self-discovery that many people get the opportunity to do so.
Another aspect of the novel that I liked is that it is also about music, and learning to make music again and discovering it's magic again, even after life has dealt out several blows. One of the ways that music is weaved into the novel is that we get the lyrics for some of the songs that Blade has written. Another way is that some of the titles of the passages are popular song titles and then the poem is something in the plot that is connected to that song in some way. It also cannot be denied that a lot of the verses throughout the novel have almost a lyrical quality to them, as if the novel could be a musical of some sort, except without all the flashiness of the music.
Readers will enjoy the journey from Los Angeles to Ghana, and the beauty of the African backdrop, while also realizing that they are very blessed and fortunate. Throughout the novel, we are taught a little about the culture and the hardship that those living in Ghana experience. It even gives some commentary bout how those who go on humanitarian trips to third-world countries think they might be doing a lot of good, but sometimes they don't do enough. For example in the novel there is a scene where a character mentions a well that was built by some missionaries, however they never taught the people on how to fix the well when it breaks, and as a result they have to go back to traveling several miles just to get water to go about their daily lives. The same character also makes a comment that these volunteers always give them what they think they want/need, but never bother to ask the people what is that they truly need - and it was definitely interesting to read about, and also not wrong!
I highly recommend Solo for anyone who is a fan of novels in verse, as well as reading a story about the search for one's identity. I hope to read more from Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess in the future. 4/5 Stars.
Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess do a great job of conveying a story in verse about Blade Rutherford, who has just graduated high school, and who's dad is a washed up rockstar trying to make his big comeback. Blade also has a girlfriend that he adores, even though her parents don't like him because of who his father is. However, very soon his world comes crashing down when his dad ruins graduation and checks into rehab (again), his girlfriend is cheating on him with her ex-boyfriend, and he discovers that his parents have lied to him his whole life about who he really is. In an effort to discover who he is and to get some sort of closure, Blade travels to Ghana to try and meet a woman who might have the answers he is searching for, but before he meets her, he will learn that there is a whole other way of living that the plush lifestyle he is used to.
Blade is an interesting character, because there are times when he seems like a spoiled brat, but then over the course of the novel he grows as a character and chooses to be selfless, and even see that his life is pretty comfortable compared to others around the world. In some ways, Blade is forced to check his privilege when he gets to Ghana because it is a very different place from anything else he has experienced, but it ends up being the best thing that happens to him. Not only do we see Blade trying to figure out who he is, but we also see him in some ways start to forge a bond with his father again, even though it is trepidatious since Blade believes it is all for show and that his father just cares about his big comeback.
Alexander and Hess do a great job of depicting what the search for one's identity is, especially when they discover that everything that they thought to be true comes crashing down around them. Blade is a believable character, although he gets to go on a journey of self-discovery that many people get the opportunity to do so.
Another aspect of the novel that I liked is that it is also about music, and learning to make music again and discovering it's magic again, even after life has dealt out several blows. One of the ways that music is weaved into the novel is that we get the lyrics for some of the songs that Blade has written. Another way is that some of the titles of the passages are popular song titles and then the poem is something in the plot that is connected to that song in some way. It also cannot be denied that a lot of the verses throughout the novel have almost a lyrical quality to them, as if the novel could be a musical of some sort, except without all the flashiness of the music.
Readers will enjoy the journey from Los Angeles to Ghana, and the beauty of the African backdrop, while also realizing that they are very blessed and fortunate. Throughout the novel, we are taught a little about the culture and the hardship that those living in Ghana experience. It even gives some commentary bout how those who go on humanitarian trips to third-world countries think they might be doing a lot of good, but sometimes they don't do enough. For example in the novel there is a scene where a character mentions a well that was built by some missionaries, however they never taught the people on how to fix the well when it breaks, and as a result they have to go back to traveling several miles just to get water to go about their daily lives. The same character also makes a comment that these volunteers always give them what they think they want/need, but never bother to ask the people what is that they truly need - and it was definitely interesting to read about, and also not wrong!
I highly recommend Solo for anyone who is a fan of novels in verse, as well as reading a story about the search for one's identity. I hope to read more from Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess in the future. 4/5 Stars.
the_mickstape's review against another edition
4.0
I went into this book not knowing what it would be about and I’m so glad I did. This made me fall back in love with novels in verse. I find them incredibly difficult to write but so easy to read and understand. The emotions in this book were palpable and the music theme made it so much easier to feel with the characters as they dealt with grief and loss. I’d recommend this book to anyone trying to get into novels and verse and anyone who loves music.
mrspenningalovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
This novel in verse is so creative in structure, not only because its poetry, but it also includes a track list of songs throughout the plot that are connected to the story, but it also takes place in two contrasted settings: Hollywood and Ghana. It brings up topics of heart-ache, loss, fame, substance abuse, first love, and how music is the universal love language. I adored the characters throughout the story. I would have loved a little more closure in the end, but I loved the message that Americans are always assuming we can “fix” other countries and Joy’s character teaches the wealthy family to ask what they need instead of assuming what the school needs.
“An orphan is like a soul bulb, waiting to be planted in just the right place. When you’re an orphan, you no longer belong, but a child is a child of everyone, they belong to the community, to a greater garden.”
“Love is complicated all around— twisted humanness, flaws and scars so deep, it would take an excavator to dig out the meaning of it all.”
“We are the sum of moving parts and adjustable hearts.”
“An orphan is like a soul bulb, waiting to be planted in just the right place. When you’re an orphan, you no longer belong, but a child is a child of everyone, they belong to the community, to a greater garden.”
“Love is complicated all around— twisted humanness, flaws and scars so deep, it would take an excavator to dig out the meaning of it all.”
“We are the sum of moving parts and adjustable hearts.”
missoliviareadsbooks's review
5.0
I initially thought this was just an anthology of Poetry. BOY! How wrong was I? The story of a rockstar's son - Blade Morrison - is told superbly through song lyrics, text messages, conversations and his own thoughts. This is such a unique book which drew me in and held my attention throughout - A MUST READ!!!
alyssa2012's review against another edition
5.0
[b:Solo|33004289|Solo|Kwame Alexander|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1479444350s/33004289.jpg|53648782] is a heartfelt story of a young man looking to to find himself after graduation. He has had a hard life living in the spotlight of his rockstar dad and the death of his mother at a young age. After arguing with his sister he learns of a family secret that turned his life upside down. He begins a physical and mental trek to find out who he is. The very thing he was running from follows him. Isn't this all of us after graduation? Isn't this all of us at some point in our life? We don't know who we are and go looking for it. Looking for what makes us happy only to find out that the things that we took for granted for in life were really the things that make us us and make us happiest. We all have crazy families and that one family member that we sometimes wish wasn't family. But once that person is gone, we notice things aren't the same and that person was a vital part of our lives even if they seem like a nuisance. When we least expect it and need it most, that family will be the person fighting the hardest to protect us. Blade learns that when the world begins to crumble he can always count on his family even if he thought they were the last people he could count on. This book was a good needed read for me. One that I didn't even know I needed. Blade is definitely the 18 year old me and the person I am today. Because no matter how old you are, you will always try to find out who you are.
sagelikesscats's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
zana_reads_arcs's review against another edition
5.0
I finally decided to read a Kwame Alexander book because he'll be in town this month and wow! No regrets here!
The audiobook is well done. This is one of those author narrated audiobooks that actually works.
I love contemporary YA lyric/poetry novels and this one hits the spot. This is basically a young black man's journey of growth and self-discovery after finding out that he was adopted.
And the fact that his father is a famous rock star adds an interesting twist to the story. (I just pictured Lenny Kravitz the whole time lol)
Also, it's always great to read about an American POC going back to the motherland and finding out their roots (in a way). It's an experience that I can personally relate to.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The audiobook is well done. This is one of those author narrated audiobooks that actually works.
I love contemporary YA lyric/poetry novels and this one hits the spot. This is basically a young black man's journey of growth and self-discovery after finding out that he was adopted.
And the fact that his father is a famous rock star adds an interesting twist to the story. (I just pictured Lenny Kravitz the whole time lol)
Also, it's always great to read about an American POC going back to the motherland and finding out their roots (in a way). It's an experience that I can personally relate to.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
tiffanyturnedtotext's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
elyreads23's review against another edition
3.0
Fun
I don’t think it will stick with me but it was enjoyable.
I don’t think it will stick with me but it was enjoyable.