Struts and Frets by Jon Skovron

Struts and Frets by Jon Skovron
Release Date: November 2009
Publisher: Amulet Books
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 304

Summary: Told in a voice that’s honest, urgent, and hilarious, Struts & Frets will resonate not only with teenage musicians but with anyone who ever sat up all night listening to a favorite album, wondering if they’d ever find their place in the world.

Music is in Sammy’s blood. His grandfather was a jazz musician, and Sammy’s indie rock band could be huge one day—if they don’t self-destruct first. Winning the upcoming Battle of the Bands would justify all the band’s compromises and reassure Sammy that his life’s dream could become a reality. But practices are hard to schedule when Sammy’s grandfather is sick and getting worse, his mother is too busy to help either of them, and his best friend may want to be his girlfriend.

When everything in Sammy’s life seems to be headed for major catastrophe, will his music be enough to keep him together?


My Thoughts: Sometimes, I really enjoy reading novels from guy’s points of views, sometimes I do not. Struts and Frets was one that I did enjoy.

We are introduced to Sammy who loves music. He has a band that he loves jamming out with. They want to go in the big time. But, Sammy isn’t sure this is going to happen, they have a lot to overcome.

When he sees an ad for Battle Of The Bands, he decides it’s worth a shot.

Sammy and his band enter the contest!

Sammy also has a best friend who is a girl and their relationship sure does change, but is it for the better? I thought so.

I loved Sammy’s voice. I loved how he could make me laugh and make me feel things. I also liked all the side characters especially his grandpa. Man, that was so sad but I could see exactly how Sammy felt.

I thought Struts and Frets was really funny. I try to read novels about music, but it just doesn’t seem like there are that many out there that I really love.

I did have a hard time really getting into this one, but once I got into it, I finished it pretty quickly.

I liked this novel, but didn’t love it. I can’t wait to read more novels by this author though. Maybe another one will catch my eye and I’ll enjoy it more.

Overall: I liked it, but probably won’t read it again. It’s more of a one time read for me. It was funny and interesting and I liked Sammy’s voice and the way he looked at things.

Cover: Like it.  Like how he’s holding the guitar.

What I'd Give It: