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The Scar Boys #2
Scar Girl
When The Scar Boys ended, the band has fallen apart. Harry and Johnny are barely speaking, and Cheyenne is feeling desperate about Johnny, who has retreated into silence. It's only through their music that the group is able to rebuild their relationships, and they slowly begin to reach musical success and fame. In Scar Girl, Cheyenne, Harry, and Richie tell their own stories as they discover the ups and downs of being rock musicians—including meltdowns on stage, too much drinking, keeping secrets that should be shared, and having fights that test the limits of their friendship. The band's reputation grows and grows, but will the kids themselves survive?
Len Vlahos delivers a powerful sequel to his bestselling YA sensation, The Scar Boys, with a story of love, music, and heartbreak.
Len Vlahos delivers a powerful sequel to his bestselling YA sensation, The Scar Boys, with a story of love, music, and heartbreak.
266 pages, Unknown Binding
First published March 1, 2016
2 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
About the author
Len Vlahos
10 books176 followersI dropped out of NYU film school in the mid 80s to play guitar and write songs for Woofing Cookies. We were a punk-pop four piece -- think R.E.M. meets the Ramones -- that toured up and down the East Coast, and had two singles and one full-length LP on Midnight Records.
The band broke up in 1987 and I followed my other passion, books. I've worked in the book industry ever since.
And, of course, I write. And I write, And I write, write, write.
For fun, I still play guitar and piano, and now I play ice hockey, too (though not very well).
I live in Colorado with my super awesome wife Kristen, our two sons, and our very energetic dog.
The band broke up in 1987 and I followed my other passion, books. I've worked in the book industry ever since.
And, of course, I write. And I write, And I write, write, write.
For fun, I still play guitar and piano, and now I play ice hockey, too (though not very well).
I live in Colorado with my super awesome wife Kristen, our two sons, and our very energetic dog.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 25, 2016
Having not read Scar Boys, which was the first book, I wasn’t too sure if I would be able to get everything out of Scar Girl as I should so I had this book for a bit before I was ready to read it. I have to say that I was very pleasantly surprised. I really liked it…a lot as a matter of fact. I had read some reviews and some were saying it was because of the interview format of the book that they didn’t like it. I have to say again, that I thought that the author did a great job. It was refreshing to read a book where the “rock stars” weren’t all the “hot looking” people that I normally read about. It made these kids seem more real. They each had their own issues to deal with. I thought the author had guts dealing with issues that are just as prevalent today as they were in the 80’s; bullying, suicide, drinking and pregnancy.
For me, I felt that the interview format gave you a chance to see each of the band members as to how everything that was going on had affected them. To help lighten it some I really liked Richie, he gave the lighter side sometimes when issues with Johnny, Harry and Cheyenne were getting pretty dark. Each of these individuals had their own battles to conquer; Harry was bullying and dealing with a deformity that was brought on by the bullying, Johnny was dealing with the issues of losing a leg due to a drunk driver, Richer had lost his mom at an early age, and Cheyenne was not only dealing with an unexpected pregnancy but with a miscarriage as well and because of this Cheyenne had developed a drinking problem.
I am really glad that I read this book and I have to say that I am going to go back and read Scar Boys because I thought the author did such a good job with this book and made me want to learn even more about these four individuals.
This book was provided as an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
For me, I felt that the interview format gave you a chance to see each of the band members as to how everything that was going on had affected them. To help lighten it some I really liked Richie, he gave the lighter side sometimes when issues with Johnny, Harry and Cheyenne were getting pretty dark. Each of these individuals had their own battles to conquer; Harry was bullying and dealing with a deformity that was brought on by the bullying, Johnny was dealing with the issues of losing a leg due to a drunk driver, Richer had lost his mom at an early age, and Cheyenne was not only dealing with an unexpected pregnancy but with a miscarriage as well and because of this Cheyenne had developed a drinking problem.
I am really glad that I read this book and I have to say that I am going to go back and read Scar Boys because I thought the author did such a good job with this book and made me want to learn even more about these four individuals.
This book was provided as an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
April 19, 2015
I read The Scar Boys because a friend of mine, the drama teacher for Mt. Tabor High School in Winston-Salem, NC was working with his Advance Theatre class on adapting the book for the stage. Len saw the show and provided the cast and crew with advanced copies of Scar Girl. I liked both the book and the show and asked if I could borrow an advanced copy.
First off, the title is misleading. It's not Cheyenne's story, it's all their stories. It's more a sequel of the first book. Cheyenne's arc, which I predicted at the end of The Scar Boys, angered me. I'd have loved for Len to pen a more realistic "resolution" than taking the lazy way out.
The interview concept and format just didn't work. There are interview questions at the beginning of each "part" (i.e. Who do you admire?) then a picture of headphones. The text after the headphones is the contiuing saga of Harry, Richie, Cheyenne and Johnny as told in each point of view, save one. To make sure you know which character is talking, their names preceed their paragraphs. Helpful, yes, but it definitely interrupts the flow of the book.
None of the characters are likeable. Wait. I take that back. Richie is the only likeable character, but he's more of a fringe/comic relief character. We are never really introduced to his story, only how he reacts to Harry's, Cheyenne's and Johnny's arcs.
It doesn't take long to figure out where the story is heading and honestly, I wanted to give up on the book multiple times. I wanted to like this book. Len is such a great guy and The Scar Boys was a good book. But, for me, this book was one big cop-out.
First off, the title is misleading. It's not Cheyenne's story, it's all their stories. It's more a sequel of the first book. Cheyenne's arc, which I predicted at the end of The Scar Boys, angered me. I'd have loved for Len to pen a more realistic "resolution" than taking the lazy way out.
The interview concept and format just didn't work. There are interview questions at the beginning of each "part" (i.e. Who do you admire?) then a picture of headphones. The text after the headphones is the contiuing saga of Harry, Richie, Cheyenne and Johnny as told in each point of view, save one. To make sure you know which character is talking, their names preceed their paragraphs. Helpful, yes, but it definitely interrupts the flow of the book.
None of the characters are likeable. Wait. I take that back. Richie is the only likeable character, but he's more of a fringe/comic relief character. We are never really introduced to his story, only how he reacts to Harry's, Cheyenne's and Johnny's arcs.
It doesn't take long to figure out where the story is heading and honestly, I wanted to give up on the book multiple times. I wanted to like this book. Len is such a great guy and The Scar Boys was a good book. But, for me, this book was one big cop-out.
March 11, 2015
With the title Scar Girl, one would think this book would be Cheyenne's story as Scar Boys was primarily Harry's story. But Scar Girl is so very much more and it is all the better for it. Scar Girl is set as a series of interviews between an unnamed interviewer, Cheyenne, Richie, and Harry as they look back on the beginnings of their career. While the story is told via the interviews, it is not a back and forth question and answer interview but more of a question and then chapter answer interview. This style gives the three band members all the space they need to fully tell the story of that year after they were on the road (the year described in Scar Boys). It's a great read and even though it is set in the late 1980's, one can see members of any modern band going through the same struggles today. And you will ask, why doesn't Johnny narrate the interviews as well? You'll just have to read the book to find out.
January 3, 2016
Thank you to NetGalley and Lerner Publishing Group and Carolrhoda Lab for the ARC, Scar Girl by Len Vlahos. If you loved Scar Boys, you will love the band’s success while you will be tremendously saddened by the band’s secrets and those effects on each member. Vlahos does another stellar job of crafting a band story that is so much more than that- the energy created from their music vibrates and reaches deep into our souls as Johnny, Harry, and Chey struggle with problems they choose not to share with one another. All the while they are attaining monumental success as a band. What will happen to the Scar Boys? What will happen to each member of the band? This sequel crushed me to my core and I vote for another book, Scar Boys Rule! Highly recommended!
February 27, 2025
1.5 Stars
I think would have liked this book better if it was a stand alone book with a few things changed to make it make sense. The style of writing was weird- like interview and then just weird paragraphs of storytelling. It was hard to remember who was even talking so I’d have to flip back a few pages to see who it was. The first book was empowering but this was just depressing. Everything that got built in the first book was just thrown out and ruined creating more complex problems. The ending was just kinda brushed over with how they solved their problems. This book really didn’t need to be written. The first book as a stand alone would have been much better.
I think would have liked this book better if it was a stand alone book with a few things changed to make it make sense. The style of writing was weird- like interview and then just weird paragraphs of storytelling. It was hard to remember who was even talking so I’d have to flip back a few pages to see who it was. The first book was empowering but this was just depressing. Everything that got built in the first book was just thrown out and ruined creating more complex problems. The ending was just kinda brushed over with how they solved their problems. This book really didn’t need to be written. The first book as a stand alone would have been much better.
January 24, 2026
Yeah no if only my best friend didn’t remind me that scar boys had a second book the ending of the first book left me empty yes but this one left me completely destroyed I have no words these characters made me feel so much and I fear they’ll be in my heart for the rest of my life they really did alter my brain chemistry and I love love love love love love Richie he’s such a silly lil baby ☹️ I feel so maternal towards him like he’s just so happy to be there I need me a friend like him he’s the cutest ugh
January 30, 2019
i think this is a well writen book. well done
February 25, 2023
Goddamnit, I’m crying real hard on this book. I love you all 😭🫶
July 29, 2015
Everyone has a story and everyone wants to be a part of something. When I read Scar Girl, I felt this was the purpose of the whole novel. The whole band felt so alive when they were together in The Scar Boys: they just melted together, their instruments and their lives coming together and they felt whole. But now in this sequel, things are changing and changing quickly. Ever since Johnny accident and he lost his leg, he is missing more than just his leg, a bigger part of him is gone and he is struggling to get it back. Even with Cheyenne back beside him, the connection is not all there either, you can feel it. Each of the band members comes to the table with ideas to make the band successful and some arrive with baggage, some so laden it hurts to carry it around. The room is electrified as they let themselves go just for those for few moments when nothing else matters but the sounds of their instruments coming together but when the lights go down and they disperse, reality is what they have to deal with. This band of disfigured, disabled kids is falling apart yet they are trying to convince themselves and the world that they are back. Where is this family of musicians that were once so united?
I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley and EgmontUSA in exchange for an honest opinion.
I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley and EgmontUSA in exchange for an honest opinion.
March 11, 2015
Scar Girl picks up right where Len left us at the end of The Scar Boys, dealing with the aftermath of everything: things aren't perfect, relationships aren't the same, limbs (okay, just one) are missing, and the teenage angst of never really saying what you mean or should say is pasted on every page :) Now, I don't want to give away anything specific since it's not going to be out for a while but here are my generalized thoughts :)
In many ways Scar Girl, which focuses around Cheyenne, tells the story of the band members being stuck in that void that we all can remember, or will live to remember, of "oh crap, what am I supposed to do with my life now?" In focusing on Cheyenne, her issues, and how the other band members view what's going on, we have a deeper understanding of the connections between the group. Much of The Scar Boys told a story in a reactionary way but I think Scar Girl gives a lot of time for us to understand the important roles these characters play in the lives of each other.
Len does a great job explaining through Harry, Johnny, Richie, and Cheyenne that while we all have to make decisions on our own, we are ultimately affected by the friends and family we surround ourselves with.
In many ways Scar Girl, which focuses around Cheyenne, tells the story of the band members being stuck in that void that we all can remember, or will live to remember, of "oh crap, what am I supposed to do with my life now?" In focusing on Cheyenne, her issues, and how the other band members view what's going on, we have a deeper understanding of the connections between the group. Much of The Scar Boys told a story in a reactionary way but I think Scar Girl gives a lot of time for us to understand the important roles these characters play in the lives of each other.
Len does a great job explaining through Harry, Johnny, Richie, and Cheyenne that while we all have to make decisions on our own, we are ultimately affected by the friends and family we surround ourselves with.
August 28, 2015
Scar Girl was good. I enjoyed it. I loved the way that the story was told as an interview. It was a unique and an interesting way to tell the second part of the punk rock band’s story.
I just don’t think it was actually necessary to tell it. I really loved the way the first book ended. You, as the reader, knew that things were still bumpy. They weren’t over the rough stuff, but it ended in a good place. I was hopeful that things were going to get better.
Normally I’m a fan of sequels. I hate saying goodbye to characters or a story that I love, and I’m usually totally down for reading more. Sometimes it’s better to leave us with a little less.
All in all, I think the series is good, but the first book is most definitely worth reading.
Thank you to Egmont USA and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If you liked this review, stop by and check us out at Badass Book Reviews!
I just don’t think it was actually necessary to tell it. I really loved the way the first book ended. You, as the reader, knew that things were still bumpy. They weren’t over the rough stuff, but it ended in a good place. I was hopeful that things were going to get better.
Normally I’m a fan of sequels. I hate saying goodbye to characters or a story that I love, and I’m usually totally down for reading more. Sometimes it’s better to leave us with a little less.
All in all, I think the series is good, but the first book is most definitely worth reading.
Thank you to Egmont USA and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If you liked this review, stop by and check us out at Badass Book Reviews!
October 16, 2016
I liked this book. It is more mature than the first one in my opinion. The characters are all still wonderful and they are in such dire, adult situations that I completely understand why it is more mature. I feel so bad for all of them, okay except Richie. Life has not been kind to them and they each handle it in their own way. The book was done very realistically and I don't think it could have ended any differently and been true to life. I recommend this and The Scar Boys to my students.
***Possibly spoiler coming up ****
However, I think what didn't work quite so well for me was the interview format of the book. I'm not sure the kids would have given so much away and been quite so frank in an interview about the band to a stranger. Seeing only 3 of them interviewed sort of gave away the ending to me but I don't know if students would see it. But it doesn't detract overall from the book and I will recommend it to my students!
I was very generously given a free book by the author, THANK YOU!
***Possibly spoiler coming up ****
However, I think what didn't work quite so well for me was the interview format of the book. I'm not sure the kids would have given so much away and been quite so frank in an interview about the band to a stranger. Seeing only 3 of them interviewed sort of gave away the ending to me but I don't know if students would see it. But it doesn't detract overall from the book and I will recommend it to my students!
I was very generously given a free book by the author, THANK YOU!
April 16, 2016
Followup to Scar Boys. Cheyenne, Harry, Johnny, Richie are in a band. Johnny gets Cheyenne pregnant, but she never tells him as he is involved in a car accident & loses a leg & she doesn't want to stress him about the baby. She loses the baby & with help from her sisters (one of whom who had a miscarriage also) her parents never find out (how clueless can you be?). An agent hears them at a gig & they hire him. Cheyenne starts drinking (runs in the family) heavily & screws up a show. The relationships between them all are strained & no one wants to talk about the problems. Before a practice one day, Johnny commits suicide. He was changed since the accident and depressed. They band continued & they were worldwide stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2016
I enjoyed this as much for knowing the author, thanks to his visits to our school, both after the publication of The Scar Boys, and recently again to promote Scar Girl! I love that my students relate to the stories, especially boys, especially if they are musicians. In each book, Vlahos uses creative conventions to tell the story. The first is a long college admissions letter (which the main character discusses writing in the second book). The second is an interview, ala Rolling Stone, of the band members. If you have teenagers old enough to handle a little sex, booze and rock and roll, they would love these books!
January 24, 2016
Having not read Scar Boys (yet!), I wondered how accessible this title would be. But it was great - I never felt lost and I'm now totally interested in going back and reading the first story as well. Loved the characters, loved the late 80's punk scene setting (authentic, thank goodness), loved the interview framework. And then was actually surprised to finish and realize the author is a dude. He got the girl voice just right. Loved it and can't wait to recommend it to music-loving teens at the library.
June 10, 2016
Same great cast of characters picks up where "Scar Boys" ended. Vlahos did a good job of letting them all grow up a little bit. If you liked his first effort, definitely catch up with Johnny, Cheyenne, Harry, and Richie. Johnny is coping with life as an amputee, Cheyenne is sorting out everything about Johnny and looking for herself, Harry is just doing the best he can to be the good guy to/for everyone, and Richie just wants to make music. Powerful written and solidly heart wrenching. It's all about the music--kinda.
September 20, 2016
Omg I know it took forever to read this book but it was only because of school... But anyways it was really good! The sequel was just as satisfying as the first book. I love the different personalities throughout the book! I was gasping at what was happening because it left me shocked. I thought I was going to cry at the ending because when I started reaching toward the end, it started becoming really sad.. But the author knows how to wrap up a story nicely! And I love this book! People should totally read the sequel! You guys won't regret it!!
August 20, 2015
I really liked the way this book was laid out. At first it can be quite annoying, but soon the layout of interview questions and responses help mobilize the story. I'm not sure why this is called Scar Girl, other than the story really focuses on Chey and Johnny's stories respectively. Some moments really had me sniffling while other moments left me content, most especially the ending in regards to the band but mostly in regards to Harry's life.
3 stars. Thanks NetGalley.
3 stars. Thanks NetGalley.
February 3, 2016
Set in the late 1980's and picking up where The Scar Boys (2014), this follows the Scar Boys band through to recording their first record, with the focus more on Cheyenne, the bassist, instead of burn victim Harry. While not quite as fresh as the original novel, fans of The Scar Boys will not be disappointed with this sequel. See my full review here.
August 16, 2016
Picking up where "Scar Boys" left off, it is told as if it is an interview of the band years later bring up the days when the band had its hardships and really took off. Cheyenne is dealing with several things including Johnny cutting her off, a pregnancy and the loss of the baby which starts a drinking problem and a run of bad decisions. Everyone is telling the story as it happened back then and getting to the core of the Scar Boys and their music.
Thank you Edelweiss for the ARC
Thank you Edelweiss for the ARC
April 8, 2016
I liked this a lot more than I thought I would.
This book was so deep. It went into a ton of scary and crazy detail. Things happened that is scary and I learned a lot from this book. This was a solid end to a duology.
This was a dark and crazy ride of a story and I found myself having to put it down because it was so deep.
xoxo,
Bebe
This book was so deep. It went into a ton of scary and crazy detail. Things happened that is scary and I learned a lot from this book. This was a solid end to a duology.
This was a dark and crazy ride of a story and I found myself having to put it down because it was so deep.
xoxo,
Bebe
January 1, 2016
If you thought the end of The Scar Boys was the end of the band, Scar Boys, well... here's an oral history of the band later, post-success and post-album release. Fans of the first book will enjoy it, but I wouldn't recommend starting here.
ARC provided by publisher.
ARC provided by publisher.
July 14, 2015
I was so looking forward to this sequel. But I started reading and couldn't finish the book. The two perspectives just weren't clear enough and it was just confusing. If you were really into the first book, you might like this, but it just didn't hold my attention.
July 2, 2016
I don't like series! I avoid them at all costs. But ScarGirl (sequel to Scarboys) was wonderful. Same characters, same format and the same fast paced, emotional, read. I would say fine for most mature 12 year olds- drinking, sex and discussions of abortion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2016
Takes the ideas from the first book deeper...loved all of the references.
July 29, 2016
What a heartbreakingly beautiful book. I'm not going to lie to you, many tears were shed. Scar Girl was a perfect following to Scar Boy.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews