The Scar Boys

Harry is ugly, shy, and covered with hideous burn scars. Befriended by the charismatic Johnny, he finds his way back to life through participation in a band. Narrating this story about the power of music and friendship to heal, Lincoln Hoppe strikes just the right note with the character of Harry--offbeat, a touch sarcastic, a little wistful--as Harry describes the teen friendships and tensions that arise around the band, The Scar Boys. Hoppe's perfect pacing moves the story along while allowing Vlahos's details to unfold in the listener's mind. Saturated with musical references, this audiobook has chapter titles that are song titles. The author even plays the guitar music that introduces the production and provides the accompaniment when Hoppe sings one of Vlahos's original songs. J.C.G. (c) AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine

November 4, 2013
Publishing exec Vlahos debuts with a coming-of-age/rock-and-roll novel mashup written in the form of a college admissions essay (one that blows past the 250-word limit). Left physically and psychologically scarred by a childhood accident involving bullies and lightning, Harbinger “Harry” Jones is ignored or considered a “freak” at school. In middle school, he’s befriended by a kid named Johnny, and in high school they start a band. When they take the show on the road, life becomes immeasurably more entertaining, especially with crushworthy Cheyenne on board as the Scar Boys’ bassist. Injuries aside, Harry’s trajectory loosely mirrors Vlahos’s time as the guitarist for a touring punk/pop band, so details like how to cut a record, land a gig at the now-defunct club CBGB (the novel is set in the 1970s and ’80s), or rework a tour when the van breaks down strongly resonate. This, along with the author’s clear passion for music, balances out a few clunky structural elements, such as flashbacks within the already retrospective narration, as Harry learns to open up to himself and others. Ages 14–up. Agent: Sandra Bond, Bond Literary Agency.