A review by mrspenningalovesbooks
Solo by Kwame Alexander, Mary Rand Hess

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.”