The Best Hardcore Band in PA is the coming of age story of Cyrus, Jeff, and Mindy as misfit teens in a place where they’ll never be considered “normal”—Cyrus for being gay and losing his mother at age twelve; Jeff for playing hardcore music featuring the “devil’s lyrics” and questioning his sexuality in this town filled with churches; and Mindy for being Korean in a place where anyone non-white doesn’t always fit in. The boys navigate their complicated feelings with each other, their parents, and the town, while forming the best ever hardcore band in PA, their only hope of escaping this place
THE FACTS
📕 true friendship with all the ups and down
📘 great supporting character
📙 real issues
📗 very emotional
THE GOOD BITS
I had a feeling I was going to like this as I loved “I Will Be Okay”… but you never know, right? Well, I loved it. This book was a joy to read because it is a real story with real characters with very real issues.
Cyrus is out to his family and some friends, including his best friend and bandmate, Jeff. They spend a lot of time together and for Cyrus that has meant he’s developed deeper feelings for Jeff. But Cyrus has never dated anyone. He’s never even kissed anyone and the way he sees it, approaching Jeff about his feeling would drive a wedge between them.
Then one night, Jeff kisses Cyrus. Naturally, things change. Change comes for many reasons in this novel. Jeff has a pretty horrendous home life and there are some really difficult topics covered by the author. I really liked the way that the author chose to reveal what was happening to Jeff slowly… it was a really organic plot. I felt as though I was moving through time with Cyrus, trying to figure out what was happening and what he should do to help his friend. When people are young they can certainly have the passion and commitment to help their friends but often they may not have the resources or the knowledge they need to do it. Cyrus is all heart and he’s so lost as he tries to figure out the best path for himself and for his friend.
Mindy is a terrific supporting character. Her support for her friend never wavers even though she’s dealing with her own issues as a young woman of colour. She’s forthright and outspoken and just the kind of person I would want for a friend.
This book is very moving, I found myself tearing up a few times. The decision felt real to me and that made them a little painful. Not everything we do is rational, easy to figure out, or clear to us… and this book really hit home.
THE LINKS
🖊 Author
THE DISCLAIMERS
Things You May Want To Know: Please be aware, I’m by no means an expert on what may or may not have the potential to disturb people. I simply list things that I think a reader might want to be aware of. In this book: (SPOILERS) religious bigotry, homophobia, domestic abuse, child abuse, religious conversion, violence, toxic masculinity, drug use, drinking, racism.
I received an ARC of The Best Hardcore Band in PA by Bill Elenbark from the author in exchange for an unbiased review.
Kinzie Things 