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Solo
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When the heart gets lost, let the music find you.
Blade never asked for a life of the rich and famous. In fact, he’d give anything not to be the son of Rutherford Morrison, a washed-up rock star and drug addict with delusions of a comeback. Or to no longer be part of a family known most for lost potential, failure, and tragedy. The one true light is his girlfriend, Chapel, ...more
Blade never asked for a life of the rich and famous. In fact, he’d give anything not to be the son of Rutherford Morrison, a washed-up rock star and drug addict with delusions of a comeback. Or to no longer be part of a family known most for lost potential, failure, and tragedy. The one true light is his girlfriend, Chapel, ...more
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Edwina Bruisa
I didnt think so. The author discribes her as amber-sun skinned and blue eyed.
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I kind of have mixed feelings on this one. I loved the writing style and the tone of the story, but I wasn't a fan of the plot or the characters. Both elements fell flat for me. I did enjoy seeing how this story wrapped up, though it did end on a rather devastating note.
...more
TW substance abuse, loss of a loved one.
This one was definitely an interesting read that went in a direction I was not expecting. I'm not sure I enjoyed how the second half of this book went. I felt like there was so much unfinished and I'm left wanting so many answers. We were leading towards a moment that was super important for Blade, but it had such a big build up and such little time spent on it when it actually happened. And we're supposed to believe Blade found closure and that's exactly ...more
This one was definitely an interesting read that went in a direction I was not expecting. I'm not sure I enjoyed how the second half of this book went. I felt like there was so much unfinished and I'm left wanting so many answers. We were leading towards a moment that was super important for Blade, but it had such a big build up and such little time spent on it when it actually happened. And we're supposed to believe Blade found closure and that's exactly ...more
Nicely written, but. Blade is every bit as self-absorbed as his parents, and never quite seems to realize that, even though it sucks that his mother is dead and his father is an addict, he's also privileged in that he has enough money to have virtually unlimited options in life and, more importantly, a family who is as loving and supportive as they are damaged. There's also a bit of a believability problem when it comes to his family secret: his family is so damn rich and famous that it strains
...more
Thank you to the #kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own.
SOLO is a rip-through-the-pages, can't-put-it-down poetic YA masterpiece. Told in text messages, song lyrics and conversations in verse, it tells the story of an alcoholic and addict rock star's son. Blade has been burned by his father time after time and is still actively mourning the death of his mother years before, when he receives life-changing news that sends him on a quest across the world ...more
SOLO is a rip-through-the-pages, can't-put-it-down poetic YA masterpiece. Told in text messages, song lyrics and conversations in verse, it tells the story of an alcoholic and addict rock star's son. Blade has been burned by his father time after time and is still actively mourning the death of his mother years before, when he receives life-changing news that sends him on a quest across the world ...more
This review is late HAHA. I definitely finished this two days ago.
TW: substance abuse, some parent neglect
I am so ashamed to say that this is the first time that I've ever read Kwame Alexander. I see his works a lot at my job and he's come highly recommended, but I've never read his books. Let me tell you right now. This book was really good. I had a hard time relating to Blade at times, but I think the story's focus on family, love, grief, and forgiveness was great. Blade spends a long time tr ...more
TW: substance abuse, some parent neglect
I am so ashamed to say that this is the first time that I've ever read Kwame Alexander. I see his works a lot at my job and he's come highly recommended, but I've never read his books. Let me tell you right now. This book was really good. I had a hard time relating to Blade at times, but I think the story's focus on family, love, grief, and forgiveness was great. Blade spends a long time tr ...more
This was so unexpected. I still maintain my stand against novels written in verse that mainly, I am not a fan. But like this recent novel I’ve read, One by Sarah Crossan, Solo worked quite well. In fact it probably worked better for the entire theme of the story to be written in verse especially since Blade’s life story is a good narrative poetry with a good dose of tragedy and sprinkles of comedy and a little romance all combined.
Being the son of the famous rockstar-gone-wild, Rutherford, Blad ...more
Being the son of the famous rockstar-gone-wild, Rutherford, Blad ...more
I absolutely loved this book. It was so beautiful and moving, and I'm really happy I listened to the audio. Not only is Kwame an excellent writer, he's an amazing reader as well.
I really fell into this story. There was so much passion and emotion behind the words: the way music heals, the force of family, and the magic of finding oneself. I can't wait to recommend this book to everyone. ...more
I really fell into this story. There was so much passion and emotion behind the words: the way music heals, the force of family, and the magic of finding oneself. I can't wait to recommend this book to everyone. ...more
I think what gets me in Kwame Alexander's books is how relatable the characters are, even if their lives and interests are completely different from mine. This book, however, had characters who were so outlandish I found it hard to even want to care about them. I understand that the book is about Blade's self-discovery, but does he really need to travel halfway across the world to realize he's got a good thing at home? His sister calls him out on "first world problems" almost immediately, and th
...more
#mystrangereading has made it's annual switch for the summer season. I will be posting reviews here but also back on my Bookstagram ❤️📚🤗
#strangesummerreading No. 1 is Solo by Kwame Alexander ☀️☀️☀️This book--as all of Alexander's--is written completely in verse. I have come to really enjoy his writing style and very much enjoyed this book.
Blade is the son of a rockstar/drug addict who just wants to play his own music and find his own path. When a shocking family secret is revealed, Blade sets o ...more
#strangesummerreading No. 1 is Solo by Kwame Alexander ☀️☀️☀️This book--as all of Alexander's--is written completely in verse. I have come to really enjoy his writing style and very much enjoyed this book.
Blade is the son of a rockstar/drug addict who just wants to play his own music and find his own path. When a shocking family secret is revealed, Blade sets o ...more
I read this book for part of a YA reading challenge for the month of September. I had heard good things about Kwame Alexander and how he makes poetry accessible to younger readers, and writes appealing male characters. For me, the book was a bit too convenient between the privilege of the main character to the over the top badness of his father and the strange events that unfold, that really can unfold because of the considerable wealth. The songs at the end, well... I didn't think they were ver
...more
Kwame Alexander has a thing, poem (or in this case lyric) packed books with particular appeal to teenage boys. That is such a wonderful thing! The boys at my school lap up his books, he writes sport so beautifully and he has such great things to say to his audience, thing like, you can be great even if you are not the greatest at this one thing, it is ok to show weakness, you don't have to be That Guy all the time - you can be you and it will be fine.
This particular book is the story of a young ...more
This particular book is the story of a young ...more
This was my first contemporary novel in verse. And YA, no less. So, how did it go?
For me, Solo was this big on poetry:
and this big on drama:
WHAT I LIKED:
- The novel-in-verse format was unusual and intriguing in its own way. It had an interesting influence on the narrative.
- Music plays a big role in the book. I'm a music lover and a rock lover. Also, discovered some great songs that were mentioned in the book.
- It was light and easy to read. An enjoyable book, really.
- It made me curious about G ...more
This book was all over the place, just like my feelings towards it.
I loved The Crossover, but this book seemed to be overly dramatic with the plot. I didn't connect with these characters much at all because they felt much more like caricatures instead of genuine people.
Positives & Negatives -
+ I love the way real songs are scattered throughout the book. I pulled them up and listened to them while reading and it made for a really interesting experience.
+ The idea that this is a music family fi ...more
I loved The Crossover, but this book seemed to be overly dramatic with the plot. I didn't connect with these characters much at all because they felt much more like caricatures instead of genuine people.
Positives & Negatives -
+ I love the way real songs are scattered throughout the book. I pulled them up and listened to them while reading and it made for a really interesting experience.
+ The idea that this is a music family fi ...more
4.5 stars. This was fantastic. I highly recommend the audio (available on hoopla) read/sung by the author.
Dec 29, 2017
Lata
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
x2017-read,
bipoc-author
Enjoyed this story of a young man dealing with his father’s addictions and other pressures, as well as lingering grief over his mother’s death years earlier. Blade’s family is famous and wealthy, thanks to his father’s music career, so Blade has a level of comfort and privilege in his life, giving him time and the means to travel to Ghana when a long held family secret comes to light. Blade is grieving and confused and angry when he arrives in a small town in Ghana, looking for answers. There, h
...more
Phew. What a ride. I listened to the audiobook and, man, it's SO good. Highly recommended.
...more
4.5/5
A brilliant novel told in verse. Blade has a complicated relationship with his rockstar father, Morrison Rutherford. But he refuses to let that come in between his other relationships. Things with his girlfriend, Chapel, seem to be going better than ever even though her parents disapprove of him and has forbidden their relationship.
A secret about Blade's parentage comes to light and leaves him questioning everything about his life. It has him scrambling for where he belongs and in a desper ...more
A brilliant novel told in verse. Blade has a complicated relationship with his rockstar father, Morrison Rutherford. But he refuses to let that come in between his other relationships. Things with his girlfriend, Chapel, seem to be going better than ever even though her parents disapprove of him and has forbidden their relationship.
A secret about Blade's parentage comes to light and leaves him questioning everything about his life. It has him scrambling for where he belongs and in a desper ...more
I listened to the audiobook version. I liked the story but didn't care for the author being the narrator. I felt like his voice was pleasant, but often I felt like his voice all blended together while he was narrating. So he would say a chapter title and go right into the story, but I wouldn't have known it was the title without looking. I was like, 'why is he saying a random word', then I realized he was saying the title. It just all mashed together.
That's the thing with audiobooks, and also wh ...more
That's the thing with audiobooks, and also wh ...more
Loved it. Prose. Poetic. Beautiful. A son. A father. Rock and Roll. Addiction. Africa. Finding home and family...
3.75/5 stars
Solo tells the story of seventeen-year-old Blade Morrison, the son of rock superstar Rutherford Morrison. He's kind of have a lot going on his hands, like trying to juggle sneaking with his girlfriend (her parents hate him) and keeping up life with his father and his many addictions. Paparazzi bombard his life one embarrassing news of his father after another, making their family a tabloid laughingstock. Blade can barely keep up, what with the turmoils of young love and family pr ...more
Solo tells the story of seventeen-year-old Blade Morrison, the son of rock superstar Rutherford Morrison. He's kind of have a lot going on his hands, like trying to juggle sneaking with his girlfriend (her parents hate him) and keeping up life with his father and his many addictions. Paparazzi bombard his life one embarrassing news of his father after another, making their family a tabloid laughingstock. Blade can barely keep up, what with the turmoils of young love and family pr ...more
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Blade Morrison has reached a pivotal point in his life. He's graduating from high school, about to turn eighteen and has his whole life in front of him But with a famous father who is always in the media and a girlfriend whose parents can't stand you, it's hard to find your place. When Blade discovers something about his past, it will change his future forever. Set on two continents, inspired by rock and roll, and written in poetic verse Solo is one of the best books I have read this year.
Thank ...more
Thank ...more
What a wonderful book! I’m going to send this to my nephew for sure!!! I thoroughly enjoyed the story and how love once lost can be found. I also loved that the young lad took a trip and it was one that he will always remember; travel is essential if you were to ask my opinion for all to experience, if even only once. This book is a great addition to any library and a ray of hope to all those who are lost in the world.
Best Quote: “why go on a journey when there is no destination.” My soul felt ...more
Best Quote: “why go on a journey when there is no destination.” My soul felt ...more
Feelings in a few thoughts: YA book in poetic verse ¤ the writing in parts of this book were absolutely stunning, but not as much in others - made the flow of the book feel messy ¤ I feel like this book would be appealing to teenage boys - which isn't always easy to do ¤ I enjoyed the second half of the book much more than the first - especially when Blade arrives in Ghana ¤ really enjoyed how rock music is such a big part of the book ¤ audiobook well done - made it feel more authentic
...more
If you're looking to learn how to effectively narrate through verse, Kwame Alexander is your man. His writing style is like no other and you can hear his voice through the words on the page.
This wasn't my favorite story line, and I found myself getting frustrated with Blade's dramatic character quite often throughout the book. Kwame's writing is what pushed the story along, though. ...more
This wasn't my favorite story line, and I found myself getting frustrated with Blade's dramatic character quite often throughout the book. Kwame's writing is what pushed the story along, though. ...more
Kwame Alexander sure does have a way with words. This book was much different then what I thought it would be, and I am SO glad that I read it.
Blade is not exactly the average teenager but his experiences definitely have a familiar tone. As he matures in age and mind he discovers that not everything revolves around him and his small world.
Blade is not exactly the average teenager but his experiences definitely have a familiar tone. As he matures in age and mind he discovers that not everything revolves around him and his small world.
4.5 Stars
Kwame Alexander can write a novel in verse better than anyone. He has those gut-punching moments interspersed with comedy and his characters are incredibly relatable.
Kwame Alexander can write a novel in verse better than anyone. He has those gut-punching moments interspersed with comedy and his characters are incredibly relatable.
Mar 24, 2021
ReadingTilTheBreakOfDawn
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
audio,
young-adult
My daughter had to read this book for her honor's ELA class, so I thought I'd dive in and join her. Kwame Alexander is always an author that pushes the boundaries and delivers messages in unexpected ways. For Solo, he tells the story by texts, music, and beautifully written prose. The whole story sings! I am glad I listened to the audio because we also get to hear the music that Blade sings throughout and it's powerful and makes his character more relatable.
Blade is a teenager who seems to have ...more
Blade is a teenager who seems to have ...more
I couldn't give this book less than 4 stars . It was beautiful. Although it isn't my type of books but the writing style was so good. I had to keep reading.
I liked Blade and storm. I liked the feeling of family here. All the problems here was real for many people.I liked how the author represented each of them smoothly.
Robert was a wonderful character. I liked him a lot . All the wisdom in this book was so good.Joy's character was unique.I think I need to read about persons like her.
Blade descri ...more
I liked Blade and storm. I liked the feeling of family here. All the problems here was real for many people.I liked how the author represented each of them smoothly.
Robert was a wonderful character. I liked him a lot . All the wisdom in this book was so good.Joy's character was unique.I think I need to read about persons like her.
Blade descri ...more
Honestly, in the end, I got really confused!
The book is unquestionably is written nicely.
"Blade" the main character, his emotions and his thoughts were portrayed too real, that anyone will get from where he is coming, yet the book doesn't really have a lot of stressful points. There were some turning points here and there, except I was curious if the last pages will have a more stressful event, but that was not the case!
In the end, there were tears and sad emotions, however, that's not what I r ...more
The book is unquestionably is written nicely.
"Blade" the main character, his emotions and his thoughts were portrayed too real, that anyone will get from where he is coming, yet the book doesn't really have a lot of stressful points. There were some turning points here and there, except I was curious if the last pages will have a more stressful event, but that was not the case!
In the end, there were tears and sad emotions, however, that's not what I r ...more
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Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, and New York Times Bestselling author of 21 books, including The Crossover, which received the 2015 John Newbery Medal for the Most Distinguished Contribution to American literature for Children, the Coretta Scott King Author Award Honor, The NCTE Charlotte Huck Honor, the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, and the Passaic Poetry Prize. Kwame writes for children
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