Common Sense Media Review
By Kate Pavao
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
College kids steam things up in mature, romantic read.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Since Riley's parents split up, her mom's been depressed, so the teen has taken over a lot of the household duties, including caring for her younger sister. She earned a college scholarship for her skills as a marching band drummer but gave it up to stay home and help. She does do one thing for herself: She tries out for a popular rock band at her local college and, against the wishes of arrogant, sexist (and very handsome) lead guitarist Romeo, gets the job. Sparks fly between Riley and Romeo, but she begins to realize there's more to him than his attitude; he has intense personal issues of his own. Is she in love with the boy she thought she hated? Can she keep their emerging romance a secret from the other band members?
Is It Any Good?
IN THE BAND has the elements of a good book: Riley's drumming makes her a distinctive character, and the band premise is fun. College-age readers in particular might relate to Riley as a stressed-out character trying to balance her work with overwhelming family and school responsibilities. Plus -- let's just get to it -- those steamy scenes between Riley and Romeo will make romance fans swoon. Romeo himself is pretty swoon-worthy; he's a handsome, talented musician who wants to be in love before getting physical, and he's always there for Riley and even nice to her little sister.
On the other hand, some of the writing can be over the top: "Yet when we're together, we exist on an island for two where sincerity and benevolence are intertwined in the warm breeze." Also, the family-related story lines, such as the one about Riley's mother's mental illness or her father's planned remarriage to a young woman, never seem real or compelling. Although there's a good lesson here ("Taking care of my family shouldn't eradicate my chance at happiness. I can't be there for my family if I lose myself and melt away"), let's just get back to the romance already, shall we?
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about new adult books, which often have characters in college and include more sexuality. Do you think this genre will last?
The protagonists here hate each other -- before they fall in love. Can you think of other stories that follow the same formula? Do you think it's realistic?
What's the best way to help someone you love who's struggling with mental health issues? Should you ever keep it a secret? Why, or why not?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Skyscape
- Publication date : October 22, 2013
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Kindle
- Last updated : June 22, 2019
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate