Debbie Harry Sings in French

Customer Reviews

• Tough and Beautiful  May 30, 2008 (5 of 5 found this helpful)

  This is a beautiful, one of a kind book-- it is funny and tender and it also rocks! Johnny's voice is so warm, so believable across all his hardships and inner struggles, and Maria is heartbreakingly genuine. The story is fresh, life-affirming, without turning away from sorrow.
  
  The book really captures what it feels like to be in love: not just young love, but deep connection at any age. I read this book on a plane and was both laughing (out loud) and at other times literally wiping tears from my eyes.
  
  The story also celebrates the healing power of music and the way our heroes, however unlikely, can help our true, best self emerge. The writing itself is sensational: easy-going and true.
  
  This is not just another young adult book. It is a wholly moving, terrifically entertaining story about first love, emerging sexuality, and of course Blondie. A+.
  

• Fan Mail  Jul 1, 2008 (3 of 3 found this helpful)

  There's something in everyone that makes us feel distanced from our peers at one time or another. During the teenage years, that distance can be felt most keenly, and mocked fiercely. This novel deals with the feelings of some of those children who pass through the gauntlet of being "different".
  Some kids achieve a comfort zone with their individuality; some, unfortunately do not, and end up drugged out, or compromise their principles to fit in, or, in extreme cases, choose to end it all.
  This story explores the lives of two such teens, and how they deal with their respective pains and attempt to find a place for themselves in the world is the premise of this sure-handed first novel.
  Geared for the teen audience, the book does not dumb down the language, nor preach homilies; instead, it speaks clearly to all teens who question those things that make them who they are, especially if those things fall outside the "norm" of what society tolerates.
  A very promising start from an author I hope we hear much more from.

• HIghly recommended  Jun 18, 2008 (3 of 3 found this helpful)

  An engaging, touching, endearing, funny, and beautiful story about the struggle to know oneself. An easy, enjoyable read that makes you laugh out loud and touches you at the same time. I'm terrible at writing reviews, but I just finished this book and felt the need to tell others. Buy it, read it, you won't be disappointed.

• It's okay to be different  Sep 28, 2008 (1 of 1 found this helpful)

  'Debbie Harry Sings in French' is a unique YA novel, in that it doesn't involve a gay teen, but rather a completely heterosexual young man exploring his glamorous side. He's into music, his girlfriend, and sometimes enjoys dressing like his idol, Blondie singer Debbie Harry. This fast paced, somewhat romaticized novel would be a good read for teens whose lifestyles don't fit in with the norm. It's a quick read.

• The Story Siren Reviews:  May 28, 2008 (2 of 3 found this helpful)

  Johnny turns to drinking after his dad dies in a car accident. His mother is overcome by grief and isn't much of a mother at all. Johnny takes over the responsibilities of the grocery shopping, paying the bills and caring for his mother the way she should be caring for him. Drinking seems to be the only thing that can relieve the stress. His drinking habits also influence his choice of friends and his appearance. He's used to being called names in his black clothes, black hair, black nails and eyeliner. When Johnny wakes in the hospital from a possible drug overdose, his mom sends him to live with his father's brother, Uncle Sam, in South Carolina.
  
  The one thing, well the one person that keeps Johnny on the straight and narrow is Debbie Harry the singer from Blondie. Once Johnny heard her singing in his stay in rehab, he has a slight obsession. He wishes he could be more like her, strong, tough, cool and beautiful. At his new school Johnny meets Maria who also shares in his love of music. He knows he is falling in love with Maria, so why does he want to be Debbie Harry and wear her clothes?
  
  Have you heard of Debbie Harry Sings in French? Well, I hadn't and I wasn't sure what to expect. But this novel ended up leaving a strong impression. Johnny's story is very interesting to say the least. This books main theme is a teen trying to find his identity, he doesn't think he is gay, but he likes to feel beautiful and he even wears a dress in one part of the story. Brother's also incorporates a very real and compelling look into homosexuality and transvetism. I couldn't help but feel empathetic. He ends up learning more about his father toward the end of the story and Johnny's musical and artistic style makes more sense. Debbie Harry Sings in French is Meagan Brother's debut novel. I would recommend it to readers who like music and are looking for something fresh and enlightening.