I don't know the page numbers...can someone post them? If not, I'll try and do that soon...but yeah, the book is broken in three sections and this is all about the first one...so discuss if you are that far!

Section 1: 1-112
Section 2: 113-228
Section 3: 229-end

So here's just a few comments about section one to get us started.

Rock God - So this book grabbed me right away and is easy to read. I wasn't expecting the sexual content so quickly, damn, just jump right into the good stuff. I was sad when she described her first time and how she really didn't enjoy sex. I'm wondering if she's a lesbian and when I read the title I think "well is this gonna be a duh denise it says JOEY ramone, who's a boy". Idk.

Skin – I can't say I like her mother. I can't imagine why her dad seems understanding or even forgiving about her taking off. Almost to the point where I thought maybe HE left her. But he seems to still love her a lot. I wasn't surprised that she was a stripper. I felt sad when that kid told Emily "we heard about you, you dothe band. Ouch slap in the face. But I'm glad because it straightened her out and she stopped. I liked how the author showed both mother and daughter separating their skin from their souls. It was nicely done.

The worse thing you could do – of course falling in love would be the worst thing. I like their friendship, it's nice that Emily has such a close friend, the whole family really. She needs her mom so much and at least they fill in those gaps a little. I hope it works out with Regan and Tom.

Songs my mother never taught me – well wouldn't that be ALL of them since she left when you were just an infant?? Oh their first show and stupid Tom gets too high to play. I wonder if it was really her mom in the audience.

Threat – I like Johnny. And the author did a good job convincing me how Johnny hooked her because at first I was like oh come on, you've already told me she’s not interested and she wants to stay focused so why would I believe she could be distracted by a boy. And yet, she was. I'm kinda glad because it makes sense. There's really no reason for her not to trust a man because her dad's been so wonderful. So she'd have to have some belief that a man could love her. I hope he doesn't let her down.

I like all the music references. and the author does a great job of describing the scene. both for her mother and for emily.

Okay, I wrote this as I finished the first part of the story. I started off not really liking the story, but the more you read it, I think the better it gets. I'm being overly negative, so I hope it doesn't come off offensive.


First off, I started this book absolutely appalled, but I tried to keep an open mind. Finished with the first part, I am not too sure where I stand with the story. I do admit that the story grew less annoying as the pages wore on, but at times they were still kind of brutal to get through. Maybe this is because I am such a deep music “enthralist” myself, but when it comes to something that I have a deep passion for, I become very critical.

For me, the story just seemed overly cliché. Teenager growing up in a town where the only thing that she really cares about isn’t accepted. Growing rebellion with a desire to prove herself. Honesty, that just seems played out. And if you are going to take on a story like this you have to throw in your curve ball. It just seemed as though the pitcher in this one was aiming straight. And personally, it’s going to have to pick up a hell of a lot for her to make up for the first part of the story.

I thought it was ridiculous that she lost her virginity at fourteen and that she only wanted to have sex with someone in a band. Partly this had to do with the cliché of losing your virginity before a monumental event in your life, as seen in “Speak Softly, She Can Hear”. And also, because this is immediately where I lost the ability to relate to the character, something that I feel is important in the story. Up until she turns eighteen she is the epitome of the annoying teenagers that I see every weekend outside of where I work, smoking the cigarettes that they can’t buy themselves.

In chapter two, I wasn’t too fond of the random point of view change to her mother. As of the end of part one, I still do not see how that adds anything to the story whatsoever. To me, it seemed as though there was something that she felt she needed to tell the audience, and she couldn’t find a better way of including it in the story. And that shows weakness.

Maybe we’ll find out more later, but I think the mother’s reason for leaving was pathetic. I understand how a new mother could be scared about raising a child, and not feeling prepared, but a dream? And she didn’t bother to try and confide in her best friend, if no one else, about it? And picking up and leaving was honestly the best way to go about her fear? Also, due to the conversation that Emily and Molly were having that one night, when she wasn’t prepared to find out why her mother really left, (she may have left looking for music, but that wasn’t the ultimate cause) I don’t understand how her father can’t be upset in some way or another. And I’m sure (at least hoping) that that situation is cleared up later. Hahah.. It does get cleared up, but I still think the dream was a weak way of her being haunted by feelings of inadequacy.

The story also seemed to be falling back on a lot of conveniences and coincidences. Marissa just happens to be in a band that draws in a lot of attention and eventually a record label. Without that, how else is Emily going to have a chance to prove herself, if she wasn’t opening for a “well-known” band with such close ties. I think it would have been more interesting to see her starting from complete scratch. And also, Tom, the guy that Regan just so happens to have a crush on, plays the bass, the one instrument they need to actually make a complete sounding band. How nice how that worked out. Just how it worked out that Marissa also played bass and subbed for them when they were by themselves.

I was disappointed that she had sex with Johnny on the first night of meeting him. Even Tom and Regan waited. It’s like, just when you think that you can give her credit for the first time in the story, she goes and fucks it up.

Quotes that I liked:

- “They would be my mother. They would let me know her voice, her thoughts…” Pg. 10
I liked how music is portrayed here and the power that Kuehnert recognizes it having. Because for those that are into music deeply enough, this statement can hold true.

-”..but at River’s Edge there was none of that wait-half-an-hour-for-the-band-to-come-on crap.” Pg. 88
Lol.. That’s true. It is typically thirty minutes, and no one likes to wait.

-”…like all those opening bands whose generic sound drones on and on while you pray ‘Please, god, let this be the last song before the main act’ because you’re so bored.”
That is also very true. Sometimes the best thing that an opening band can say is this is our last song.

Response:

Despite the fact that I was disappointed that she had sex, I do agree that Johnny did a good job in hooking her in. And she did seem strong and determine. It's not like she jumped on the first boy that wanted to have sex with her. although I am sure there is plenty at this point.

Alright, lets do this:

Denise: Just on a random note the title of the book is from a song by Sleater-Kinney...which I think some of the lyrics too show up later...yeah, I think, because Social Distortion comes in the beginning (love that song!).

A lot of people seem to think the first chapter starts out slow, so it's cool to see you liked it right from the start. It is really sad about her first time, but she's not really in the right mind of what it's supposed to be all about it.

Her mom is a really interesting character. I love that Emily has her first person chapters and Louisa gets the third person sections every now and then. So yes, you find out more about her mom as time goes on...it's kind of hard to not say too much when it comes to the book.

I agree about Regan's family being a really nice place for Emily to be a part of a bigger family, and I do love Regan and Tom. They are nice friends.

I like the scenes as well. It definitely makes you feel like you are there and a part of all that is happening and all the music references are awesome. Of course we would think that...look what we're on! A band's book club! LOL

Jennie: Like I told Denise, some people didn't like the beginning, but I think it's a great book, so I'm glad it's getting a bit better for you.

I get what you mean about being critical of things that you have a deep passion for, but it might help to know and just remember that Stephanie herself is really big on music, and I'm sure whatever she writes in this book is true to her.
It is something of a cliche (what you were saying) but it's definitely still true today, as it was yesterday, as it will be in the future...and true, you need a curve ball, which I think Stephanie has. Her book isn't quite what it seems starting out.

Emily is definitely not being her true self in a lot of ways at the beginning. At least I see it that way, but she does grow up a lot in the book...

I don't know how far you are now in the book...but yes, Emily's mother leaving is fully explained later and it's good to have her point of view (in third person), or so I believe....I suppose you have to keep reading and see how you feel it adds to the story.

OH GOD, I hate waiting thirty or more minutes in between band's sets. I mean, it makes sense, of course, but it still drives me nuts. Especially since the last band is the one i want to see the most.

I didn't want her to sleep with Johnny either, but he's kind of persuasive in a lot of ways, I suppose....

Yeah, Lauren it does get better.

I don't know, I'm letting up on her and her style, it's just her writing reminds me of so much stuff that I learned in Creative Writing Class last year that I feel like she's more of a peer than an author.

And I guess the reason why I am so critical, is because you can tell that she loves music, that she seems to be putting more of herself in the story than Emily. IDK. When I write, I try to stay away from some of those things. But the story is good. And it gets better every page, but I wish I had an overall feel as this is a good book, opposed to oh.. now it's a good book.

but I do like it.

i read everything but i just took a few minutes to watch TAI tv so now it's not the freshest in my mind. oops. btw i'm confused. i thought we were up to discussion number 2? or is that the sunday that's coming up?

i like it so far. i was kind of worried because you guys mentioned negative feedback but maybe i just haven't gotten there yet. i wasn't thrilled that she lost her virginity before high school but it does seem realistic. and i wish she didn't sleep with johnny on the day that she met him but i have a good feeling about him. idk because i haven't read past the first section yet but he seems like he could turn out alright.

denise: lol i wondered if she was a lesbian too because there was one part where it looked like it might go that way but i don't think so. i didn't like her mother at all at first and now i'm not sure how i feel but her story is interesting. i like that she keeps on her ring and the father is the cutest thing. i doubt it was her mother in the crowd. it didn't seem very likely to me. i'm wondering if she'll ever go back.

jennie: i can see what you mean about it being cliche but i feel like a lot of this is drawn from the author's experience. oh i get what you mean about her writing style though. it is crazy that she lost her virginity at 14 and the only thing that mattered was that he was in a band but that was pretty realistic too and very sad. do you think that the mother told molly why she left? i didn't think so at first but since she knew a little bit about the night i think she could know.

lauren: ooh what did you mean when you said that emily isn't being true to herself in a lot of ways at the beginning? was it about the sex? i really liked the father's little line about not looking for the music in other people and making it herself instead. like her mother, but i wasn't really sure what he meant by that so i'm hoping it'll be clearer later.

hmm so i didn't have many things quoted and denise covered one of them with the whole do the band thing. that was so horrible for her but the scene with molly afterwards was nice. damn and i just forgot what else i was going to say. i feel like i'm so behind in this.

edit: i was just helping my father in the yard and i remembered something so i had to sneak away. i love the whole tom/regan relationship. and when they were dressed like grease for halloween the 'he's my kenickie' thing cracked me up and made me think of denise. i love that part.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: stephanie,

Jennie: Well, I'm glad you are starting to enjoy it more. And I don't know where I read this...or who originally even said it, but I did read something where they basically said an author's first book is often the most autobiographical out of their work...and this is her first book, so that's something to think about it I suppose!

Stephanie: I just posted Part 2..sorry it's a couple days late...but this week now is Part Two!

I'm glad you are enjoying it so far! I sometimes worry when hearing negative feedback, but people will see things in a different way.

I love Emily's dad. He's really sweet, and I always felt bad that he didn't really know the secret parts of Emily's life...but like everyone was saying, the things she goes through and how young she is is awful, but it does happen...so it's not unrealistic.

When I said Emily wasn't being true to herself in the beginning? I think it's the sex and just a lot of the reasons behind why she does stuff in the beginning...it's not really how she is as a person and I think she realizes that as time goes on...she grows up and finds her true self. Does that make sense?

Oh, I remember that line! It was very nice.

Aww...I loved when they dressed up as Grease characters for Halloween, and Tom is adorable. He's like the guy i would totally want to be my best friend, you know?

The moment with Molly in the backyard was very sweet. I'm glad she has her to sort of be a motherly figure in her life.

This book gets more and more interesting as it goes on....I think. I hope I don't give anything away as well!

oh no, it's all good. i got to finish lord of the rings. i was just asking because i thought i had the weeks wrong.

yeah, it makes sense. i think it was her, kind of arrogant. i liked the line "'after all,' I thought. 'I'm giving them nothing more than skin and they will never forget me.'" even though it's so misguided it says a lot.

I'm here, I'm here!
This is really late, I know. But I really wanted to post up my stuff...it' chapter, by chapter:

1:

I really wouldn't have expected Regan and Emily to act the way that they do. I would think their parents would have put a stop to it earlier, or didn't allow them to start in the first place. Also, the way Marissa just allows her sister and Emily to act that way makes me cringe. I know I would want my family to stop me, even if they think it's right, I know she's more knowledgeable to the dangers of what they're doing. I mean, even if she did do the same things herself, she should at least look out for them.

The little club sounds so cute! I would really like a little place like that to go to. The 30 minute thing is so true I hate waiting, and I hate it even more if they throw on music over the speakers and all.

I definitely didn't expect Emily to go ahead and go through with Sam. And that Regan and Marissa kind of encouraged her to do it. It was weird to see Emily's take of not really enjoying it at all. They're also really young. I mean, I know people are like that, but it all seemed so fast.

2:

Maybe I'm the only one, I didn't expect Scarlet to be Louisa at all. If her dream of following the music didn't work out, then when will she go back? I would think that she would want to see her family, her daughter, her husband.

I really liked Michael's gift to Emily! It was so sweet, and just, you know, fit. It's really meaningful and cute. This part made me smile!

With her Eighth guy and all. I'm kind of glad that she realized what she was doing to herself and her reputation, but I totally disagree with the way that he did it. It was nice to see Emily stand up for herself and punch him for the way he disrespected her.

I like Molly, she seems so sweet and motherly. Her helping Emily in her time of need after everything happened was really sweet. I do really wonder what her letters said.

3:
I'm really glad they made their pact. Hopefully, it'll work out for them, and that they won't be subject to hurtful words because of what they've done in the past.

Tough Regan, basically broke the pact, I kind of do like Tom, and I hope that they stay together and all. I don't think the pact really applies to her and him. It's nice that he was able to play bass- I kind of had a feeling that he would be in the band when they said he was in band and all.

July Lies making it big and stuff- it's a nice example for Regan and Emily's band. It's cool to see that they're able to come out and make it big.

4:
The band working out is really a nice thing to see. Though, the first show was a disaster, many are like that...even if this one was preventable.

Having more and more people at the shows is really nice...I really do wonder if Louisa will hear of them and attend a show- I think it would be sweet.

5:
I don't know, I'm happy that she and Regan graduated- so many bands don't.

I'm glad Tom and Regan are happy with each other. They seem so cute.

I am glad Emily got her necklace back...it's really special. I also think it's cute that the picture inside is that of her father when he was a teen. It's cute.

Johnny seems pretty genuine and nice. I hope Emily sees this too.

I'll respond after I get all mine up...

Just a few things...

I agree with it starting really quickly- I really didn't expect it to happen so fast. Though I can see if happening, because I wouldn't be surprised if a good percent of the new kids this year did the same thing.

And I agree with the Johnny thing too.

Jennie: Oh, I see where you're coming from about the style and stuff. I really liked the quotes you picked out too! I so agree with the 30 minute thing- I hate waiting!

Lauren: I loved the Grease part too! It's a cute idea.

Yup, it definitely does get more interesting as time goes on, but overall, at this point, I was really digging it.