Arthur A. Levine Books, 2019
Hardcover: 320 pages
Trigger Warnings: Sexual Assault, Strong Language
Bill Konigsberg started his career as a sports writer and is an accomplished author and activist. He has recently had an award named after him, which goes to those fighting for marginalized communities in YA literature. Bill Konigsberg is known for such works as The Porcupine of Truth, Openly Straight, and Honestly Ben.
You can find more of Bill Konigsberg at:
billkonigsberg.com
Twitter: @billkonigsberg
“I don’t know. I mean, it’s not all beautifully harmonic, this world we find ourselves in…But the synchronicity of a perfectly created chorus? And the fact that you never know when one is coming? And that amazing feeling, the first time you hear a song and now it’s going to be with you forever? I have to think that’s worth everything.”
The book tells the story of Max and Jordan. Max is hoping to find a job over the summer and Jordan is struggling to support his mother and pay off her mortgage from his food truck. Jordan hires Max for the summer and the two decide they’re going to turn this food truck into a thriving business. While Jordan and Max are so different, they’re both hurting and just trying to take life one step at a time.
The Music of What Happens is another success for Bill Konigsberg. The book is both fun and gut-wrenching. It’s thoughtful and honest. Konigsberg delves into real issues and gives space to explore them in a critical and respectful way.
The characters face so much in the book, which may make it a tough read for some people. But the beauty is seeing the characters find the strength to keep standing. Readers see characters learn when they need to be vulnerable, to be strong, to laugh, to draw a line, and to embrace the chaos that is life.
PRR Writer: Christopher Lee
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