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The Frontman
Ron Bahar is an insecure, self-deprecating, seventeen-year-old Nebraskan striving to please his Israeli immigrant parents, Ophira and Ezekiel, while remaining true to his own dreams. During his senior year of high school, he begins to date longtime crush and non-Jewish girl Amy Andrews―a forbidden relationship he hides from his parents. But that’s not the only complicated part of Ron’s he’s also struggling to choose between his two passions, medicine and music. As time goes on, he becomes entangled in a compelling world of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Will he do the right thing?
A fictionalized memoir of the author’s life as a young man in Lincoln, Nebraska, The Frontman is a coming-of-age tale of love and fidelity.
A fictionalized memoir of the author’s life as a young man in Lincoln, Nebraska, The Frontman is a coming-of-age tale of love and fidelity.
270 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
7 people are currently reading
787 people want to read
About the author
Ron Bahar
1 book17 followersRon Bahar is the child of Israeli Immigrants. He was born in 1965 in Boulder, Colorado, and was raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in zoology with honors/Phi Beta Kappa before attending medical school at the University of Nebraska and graduating with honors. He completed all of his post-graduate training at UCLA, where he went on to serve as a full-time Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics from 1997 to 2000, after which time he started his own private practice in the Los Angeles suburb of Encino. Bahar has two children, Ethan and Matthew, and two energetic Goldendoodles, Olivia and Diego. He and his wife, Laurie, like to travel and exercise, and spend many weekends at their family mountain retreat in Lake Arrowhead, CA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
March 28, 2018
3.5 stars.
If John Hughes made a movie about a slightly nerdy, Jewish high school student torn between pleasing his parents and pursuing the career (and the girl) of his dreams, it would be a lot like Ron Bahar's The Frontman . This is a fictionalized account of the author's life in the 1980s, growing up in Lincoln, Nebraska, the son of Israeli immigrants.
For as long as he can remember, Ron has known his parents have expected him to be a stellar student so he can go to medical school. He's willing to work as hard as he can, and he's actually interested in medicine, so following this path isn't too hard for him. But he has other ambitions, too, and he's getting tired of hiding those from his parents or pretending they don't matter.
Ron loves to sing, and he knows the words to nearly every 80s song there is. He's most comfortable lip syncing or singing karaoke, but every now and again he dreams of the glory that could come from being a band's lead singer. When his friends start to give him the opportunity to sing a song or two during their band's performances, he starts to love the adrenaline rush that performing gives him, not to mention the attention he gets from the girls in the audience!
Everyone tells him how talented he is as a singer, and even someone in the music business tells him he shouldn't let his voice go to waste. But his parents don't like the idea of him using his voice for anything other than religious purposes, so how would they react if he abandoned his (and their) dreams of medical school for a career in music?
And that's not his only dilemma. He has had a crush on Amy Andrews, the daughter of close friends of his parents, for quite some time. Amy is beautiful, smart, friendly, and crazy enough, she likes insecure, geeky Ron as much as he likes her. Wounded by her parents' divorce, Amy wants someone to be true to her and protect her, and she wants to believe Ron is that person. Ron wants to be that person, and more than that, he wants Amy. There's just one problem.
"Even at the tender age of twelve, however, I understood that, to my parents, Amy represented the ultimate forbidden fruit: the non-Jewish girl to the Jewish boy. With regard to my feelings, I knew they knew, they knew I knew they knew."
The more success he has in singing, the more jealous and distant Amy becomes, plus he has to hide how much he's enjoying it from his parents. He doesn't want to disappoint them, but whose dreams should he pursue—his or his parents'? Is there a happy medium? Can he get his parents to accept Amy as the one he loves?
This is a goofy, endearing book, full of 80s references (each chapter is prefaced with a snippet of lyrics from a song that hit the charts in the 80s), and quirky humor. Since Bahar lived this life (or at least a version of it), he obviously has a great deal of affection for his characters, even as they do misguided or inappropriate things. And who hasn't struggled between doing what you want and what your parents want?
The Frontman is a quick, fun read, one that brought back lots of memories.
NetGalley and SparkPress provided me an advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making this available!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com, or check out my list of the best books I read in 2017 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2017.html.
If John Hughes made a movie about a slightly nerdy, Jewish high school student torn between pleasing his parents and pursuing the career (and the girl) of his dreams, it would be a lot like Ron Bahar's The Frontman . This is a fictionalized account of the author's life in the 1980s, growing up in Lincoln, Nebraska, the son of Israeli immigrants.
For as long as he can remember, Ron has known his parents have expected him to be a stellar student so he can go to medical school. He's willing to work as hard as he can, and he's actually interested in medicine, so following this path isn't too hard for him. But he has other ambitions, too, and he's getting tired of hiding those from his parents or pretending they don't matter.
Ron loves to sing, and he knows the words to nearly every 80s song there is. He's most comfortable lip syncing or singing karaoke, but every now and again he dreams of the glory that could come from being a band's lead singer. When his friends start to give him the opportunity to sing a song or two during their band's performances, he starts to love the adrenaline rush that performing gives him, not to mention the attention he gets from the girls in the audience!
Everyone tells him how talented he is as a singer, and even someone in the music business tells him he shouldn't let his voice go to waste. But his parents don't like the idea of him using his voice for anything other than religious purposes, so how would they react if he abandoned his (and their) dreams of medical school for a career in music?
And that's not his only dilemma. He has had a crush on Amy Andrews, the daughter of close friends of his parents, for quite some time. Amy is beautiful, smart, friendly, and crazy enough, she likes insecure, geeky Ron as much as he likes her. Wounded by her parents' divorce, Amy wants someone to be true to her and protect her, and she wants to believe Ron is that person. Ron wants to be that person, and more than that, he wants Amy. There's just one problem.
"Even at the tender age of twelve, however, I understood that, to my parents, Amy represented the ultimate forbidden fruit: the non-Jewish girl to the Jewish boy. With regard to my feelings, I knew they knew, they knew I knew they knew."
The more success he has in singing, the more jealous and distant Amy becomes, plus he has to hide how much he's enjoying it from his parents. He doesn't want to disappoint them, but whose dreams should he pursue—his or his parents'? Is there a happy medium? Can he get his parents to accept Amy as the one he loves?
This is a goofy, endearing book, full of 80s references (each chapter is prefaced with a snippet of lyrics from a song that hit the charts in the 80s), and quirky humor. Since Bahar lived this life (or at least a version of it), he obviously has a great deal of affection for his characters, even as they do misguided or inappropriate things. And who hasn't struggled between doing what you want and what your parents want?
The Frontman is a quick, fun read, one that brought back lots of memories.
NetGalley and SparkPress provided me an advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making this available!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com, or check out my list of the best books I read in 2017 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2017.html.
December 6, 2017
C'mon, did you think I was going to give my own book a lousy rating? :)
April 13, 2018
It is 1983 and Ron is about to graduate high school in Nebraska. He loves singing, and medicine, and his girlfriend, but feels torn between them. His girlfriend has to remain secret as his parents don't approve of him having a non Jewish girlfriend, his medical dream is really more of an expectation, and he is a great singer with potentially an opportunity to try his luck with a musical career.
He is also a teenage boy with raging hormones who makes stupid decisions.
This was a quick, fun, read - a "coming of age" story with lots of musical references, a fair bit of swearing, and ultimately is a story of first love.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
He is also a teenage boy with raging hormones who makes stupid decisions.
This was a quick, fun, read - a "coming of age" story with lots of musical references, a fair bit of swearing, and ultimately is a story of first love.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2018
Disclosure: my dad is the frontman
I've gotta be honest. . . I was a little scared when he presented me with what was then just an idea for a book. And as the chapter's were finished one by one, I became even more mortified than I already had been. This might now come as a surprise, but I wasn't really down to read about my dad's high school sexual escapades. So four-ish chapter's in I stopped and took a two year break from "The Frontman."
That said, after now having read the novel through, my appreciation for it far exceeds what it was two years ago. Simply said, it's relatable. Possibly a little more for me given the accounts of my convoluted family history and slight glimpse into understanding life growing up as a minority in a town of majorities. That said, everyone has a little bit of Ron, the confused high schooler who feels alone in his truthfully universal struggle of feeling as if they don't belong, in them.
I strongly recommend "The Frontman" to all readers, especially those who need reassurance in knowing that they are not alone in feeling that they are an outsider.
I've gotta be honest. . . I was a little scared when he presented me with what was then just an idea for a book. And as the chapter's were finished one by one, I became even more mortified than I already had been. This might now come as a surprise, but I wasn't really down to read about my dad's high school sexual escapades. So four-ish chapter's in I stopped and took a two year break from "The Frontman."
That said, after now having read the novel through, my appreciation for it far exceeds what it was two years ago. Simply said, it's relatable. Possibly a little more for me given the accounts of my convoluted family history and slight glimpse into understanding life growing up as a minority in a town of majorities. That said, everyone has a little bit of Ron, the confused high schooler who feels alone in his truthfully universal struggle of feeling as if they don't belong, in them.
I strongly recommend "The Frontman" to all readers, especially those who need reassurance in knowing that they are not alone in feeling that they are an outsider.
July 17, 2018
One of the many things I adore about my library is happening upon little gems of books I wouldn’t otherwise find. Such is the case with The Frontman, published by a boutique press without a massive publicity machine behind it.
While author Ron Bahar is adamant to call this “a novel” and it’s a work of fiction, it is very obviously his story about growing up lonely and Jewish is early 1980s Nebraska. It’s populated with the real names of his friends and family so has the feel of a funny, poignant memoir.
It also has a gimmick, which sometimes enhanced the storytelling and sometimes just distracted the flow. Each short chapter begins with a song lyric and additional info on the artist, album and the song’s success. Bahar has even gone so far as to make a Spotify playlist of every referenced song.
Since these are all songs released from 1980-83, they were familiar to me and provided a fun background soundtrack, but in some ways they kept a filter between me and the characters.
Still, a fast-paced, funny and sweet coming-of-age.
While author Ron Bahar is adamant to call this “a novel” and it’s a work of fiction, it is very obviously his story about growing up lonely and Jewish is early 1980s Nebraska. It’s populated with the real names of his friends and family so has the feel of a funny, poignant memoir.
It also has a gimmick, which sometimes enhanced the storytelling and sometimes just distracted the flow. Each short chapter begins with a song lyric and additional info on the artist, album and the song’s success. Bahar has even gone so far as to make a Spotify playlist of every referenced song.
Since these are all songs released from 1980-83, they were familiar to me and provided a fun background soundtrack, but in some ways they kept a filter between me and the characters.
Still, a fast-paced, funny and sweet coming-of-age.
March 16, 2018
So I take a trip back in time with my buddy, successful LA pediatric gastroenterologist now author Ron Bahar. I found myself peering thru the wormhole into the crowded indoor locker-lined hallways of Southeast High School in Lincoln, Nebraska bumping into old friends - Mark , Benjie, Mark, Sundar, Anne, Jim, Jill - all these familiar teen faces of '81-'83 ("eighty three, eighty three, eighty eighty eighty three!"). Brilliant use of the lyrics of the bands that helped shape our confusing angst and hormone infused teenage world as preamble to each chapter - U2, Pretenders, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Elvis Costello. This "me generation" sound was still wriggled out of the NY and Brit punk, ska, mod, synth pop, disco, 70's rock from whence it came. Bahar effectively uses these hooks as an introduction to each chapter, the magnets that kept us glued to our cassette players in our bedrooms and in the school hallways between classes. Bahar courageously writes himself into a wholly fictitious character exploring choices not made, with a character not him, but sharing the same Midwest backdrop, the same pressures as the only son of Jewish immigrant parents, the same friends and conversations that defined our coming of age years. But for the main character (sharing the same name as the author) and his girlfriend Amy, Bahar marches bravely off exploring life "as it might have been" if lived by an alter ego (hey, who didn't want to be the lead singer of a rock band, and explore the forbidden depths of teen love and sex with the hottest girl in school?). Brave? absolutely. Effective? yes! Fun? For anyone looking for a nostalgic romp thru their early eighties high school, and explore the gritty, real, coming of age themes, you are in very good hands. Then again, I am, ahem, the "politest person on the planet." But what if I wasn't? Hmmm...
November 10, 2017
[Please note: I am personally acquainted with the author, and was provided with an advanced reader’s copy of this novel.]
The Frontman is a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age novel which manages to combine several common themes into a realistic and thoughtful story. The threads which make up the main character’s personality are easily identifiable: the first-generation outsider with immigrant parents; the Jewish kid in a sea of Midwestern Christianity; the aspiring rock star who thrives on the adulation of the crowd; the high school senior who is just trying to figure out what he may want to do with his life; the 17-year-old boy who can’t stop thinking with his sex drive. But Bahar finds a way to weave them all together so you don’t feel like Ron is a collection of cliches, but rather a kid doing his best to marshal all the competing forces acting upon him.
The author finds a graceful middle ground of adolescence where he doesn’t hate and actively fight against his parents, but neither does he understand their reasoning or their motives. He tries to be obedient but can’t reconcile all the conflicting urges to live his own life that goes against them. “I never begrudged my parents. I simply and genuinely didn’t understand them,” he says. Teenage characters often feel compelled to be either dutiful or rebellious, without finding the space where we are often both simultaneously, so I appreciate that Bahar manages it.
The narrative timeline jumps around a bit in the beginning, but it gives us a glimpse into the character’s earlier adolescence, so we get a sense of his history. Bahar writes well and some of his phrases are constructed with beautiful language. And then some are just funny, like a self-deprecating description of his looks as “neither incredible nor Hulky”. There is also a really lovely “I love you” scene, which is quick and simple but deeply touching. It’s nice that the author doesn’t feel forced to be flowery and go on and on. I found myself rolling my eyes at how often the character’s better angels are shouted down by his biological urges -- but that plight seems universal to 17-year-old boys.
The conclusion avoids the pitfall of going on too long and wrapping things up too neatly. It is just vague enough to please those who know by experience that young love doesn’t often last, and just hopeful enough to elicit a smile from those of us whose inner 12-year-old incurable romantics never grew up. I’m curious what happens to the fictional Ron, and I hope he finds a way to integrate all those different influences and desires to create a fulfilling life.
[Personal note to the author: EVERYONE can eat an entire box of Kraft Mac & Cheese. Ron is not special in this regard.]
The Frontman is a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age novel which manages to combine several common themes into a realistic and thoughtful story. The threads which make up the main character’s personality are easily identifiable: the first-generation outsider with immigrant parents; the Jewish kid in a sea of Midwestern Christianity; the aspiring rock star who thrives on the adulation of the crowd; the high school senior who is just trying to figure out what he may want to do with his life; the 17-year-old boy who can’t stop thinking with his sex drive. But Bahar finds a way to weave them all together so you don’t feel like Ron is a collection of cliches, but rather a kid doing his best to marshal all the competing forces acting upon him.
The author finds a graceful middle ground of adolescence where he doesn’t hate and actively fight against his parents, but neither does he understand their reasoning or their motives. He tries to be obedient but can’t reconcile all the conflicting urges to live his own life that goes against them. “I never begrudged my parents. I simply and genuinely didn’t understand them,” he says. Teenage characters often feel compelled to be either dutiful or rebellious, without finding the space where we are often both simultaneously, so I appreciate that Bahar manages it.
The narrative timeline jumps around a bit in the beginning, but it gives us a glimpse into the character’s earlier adolescence, so we get a sense of his history. Bahar writes well and some of his phrases are constructed with beautiful language. And then some are just funny, like a self-deprecating description of his looks as “neither incredible nor Hulky”. There is also a really lovely “I love you” scene, which is quick and simple but deeply touching. It’s nice that the author doesn’t feel forced to be flowery and go on and on. I found myself rolling my eyes at how often the character’s better angels are shouted down by his biological urges -- but that plight seems universal to 17-year-old boys.
The conclusion avoids the pitfall of going on too long and wrapping things up too neatly. It is just vague enough to please those who know by experience that young love doesn’t often last, and just hopeful enough to elicit a smile from those of us whose inner 12-year-old incurable romantics never grew up. I’m curious what happens to the fictional Ron, and I hope he finds a way to integrate all those different influences and desires to create a fulfilling life.
[Personal note to the author: EVERYONE can eat an entire box of Kraft Mac & Cheese. Ron is not special in this regard.]
March 29, 2018
What a fantastic visit to Lincoln, Nebraska in the early '80s. The music, the people, the places...
The Frontman is a wonderful coming-of-age story all of us can identify with, no matter when or where you grew up. The pressure to fit in, to be like everyone else (or perhaps just a little better) is always so strong. The feeling of being on top of the world one moment, followed immediately with feeling completely unsure of your place in the world. Striving to please everyone while trying to find happiness for yourself. And perhaps realizing years later that everyone else was experiencing the same struggles while hiding it from the outside world.
The author has found the perfect way to combine heart baring honesty, gut busting laughter and, at times, cringeworthy immaturity as he struggles to find a way to pursue both of his passions, music and medicine. Adding in teenage angst, friendship, family, jealousy and the one experience we all can relate to- fist love, The Frontman hits a high note all around.
Read it once, then read it again!
The Frontman is a wonderful coming-of-age story all of us can identify with, no matter when or where you grew up. The pressure to fit in, to be like everyone else (or perhaps just a little better) is always so strong. The feeling of being on top of the world one moment, followed immediately with feeling completely unsure of your place in the world. Striving to please everyone while trying to find happiness for yourself. And perhaps realizing years later that everyone else was experiencing the same struggles while hiding it from the outside world.
The author has found the perfect way to combine heart baring honesty, gut busting laughter and, at times, cringeworthy immaturity as he struggles to find a way to pursue both of his passions, music and medicine. Adding in teenage angst, friendship, family, jealousy and the one experience we all can relate to- fist love, The Frontman hits a high note all around.
Read it once, then read it again!
March 28, 2018
If you enjoy humorous stories, semi nonfiction memoirs, or were a child of the seventies/eighties then, you have to check out The Frontman by Ron Bahar. A fun and enjoyable book that you won't want to miss!
Ron is the perfect character for this story. Not just because he happens to be the author but also because of his likable persona. Plus, I could relate to him. The awkwardness of being a teenager trying to just find themselves...almost an adult but still a child.
I liked that Ron explored both paths...music and medicine. Whenever Ron talked about music he lit up with joy. Unlike when Ron had to write an essay on why he wanted to go to college to study medicine.
Ahh; first crushes. We have all had them and experienced them. Some times they turn out good and other times they end up shaping up for new relationships. The latter is what happened with Ron and Amy.
This book is a good coming of age read. Mr. Bahar establishes himself in the writing world. I can't wait to see what Mr. Bahar has in store for his next book.
Ron is the perfect character for this story. Not just because he happens to be the author but also because of his likable persona. Plus, I could relate to him. The awkwardness of being a teenager trying to just find themselves...almost an adult but still a child.
I liked that Ron explored both paths...music and medicine. Whenever Ron talked about music he lit up with joy. Unlike when Ron had to write an essay on why he wanted to go to college to study medicine.
Ahh; first crushes. We have all had them and experienced them. Some times they turn out good and other times they end up shaping up for new relationships. The latter is what happened with Ron and Amy.
This book is a good coming of age read. Mr. Bahar establishes himself in the writing world. I can't wait to see what Mr. Bahar has in store for his next book.
April 20, 2018
This was such a fun and nostalgic read for me. I love the 80s, and I was enamored with this story of first love and identity too.
•Pro: Ron was a total delight. He made some HUGE mistakes over the course of this book, and spent the last half of the book trying to atone for his mistakes, but I loved him. He was complicated, but intriguing, and he made me laugh. I am not like him, but I could relate to a lot his struggles.
•Pro: The family history bits were really interesting, and I have to give Bahar credit for being able to concisely package that much information.
•Pro: The style was pleasing to me, and really worked for this story. I often felt like Bahar was speaking directly to me, and this is a style I associate with memoires, which I guess this book sort of was, and therefore, the format was wholly appropriate.
•Pro: This story had a wonderful, nostalgic feel. I could hear the voice over in my head, which made me think of A Christmas Story, and the musical references just pushed it over the top for me.
•Pro: The book was set in Nebraska! I am always shouting about how most books are set on the coasts, and it was exciting to read a book set in The Middle. I also loved taking the trip with Ron to Israel.
•Pro: Ron's family was delightful. Granted, his parents put a lot of pressure on him, and though I did not agree with them, I sort of understood them, and I loved that he had his two older sisters there for some guidance.
•Pro: Between the quirky characters, teen hijinks, and self-depreciating humor, I found myself laughing quite often.
•Pro: I loved the theme of fidelity that permeated the book. Fidelity to your family, to your girlfriend, to you friends, to your dreams, and to yourself. It may be packaged with a ton of humor, but there was plenty of food for thought in this book.
Overall: A hilarious and heartwarming coming-of-age tale,which addressed family relationships, friendships, first love, identity, and finding one's voice quite well. I laughed, smiled, and felt the feels.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
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•Pro: Ron was a total delight. He made some HUGE mistakes over the course of this book, and spent the last half of the book trying to atone for his mistakes, but I loved him. He was complicated, but intriguing, and he made me laugh. I am not like him, but I could relate to a lot his struggles.
•Pro: The family history bits were really interesting, and I have to give Bahar credit for being able to concisely package that much information.
•Pro: The style was pleasing to me, and really worked for this story. I often felt like Bahar was speaking directly to me, and this is a style I associate with memoires, which I guess this book sort of was, and therefore, the format was wholly appropriate.
•Pro: This story had a wonderful, nostalgic feel. I could hear the voice over in my head, which made me think of A Christmas Story, and the musical references just pushed it over the top for me.
•Pro: The book was set in Nebraska! I am always shouting about how most books are set on the coasts, and it was exciting to read a book set in The Middle. I also loved taking the trip with Ron to Israel.
•Pro: Ron's family was delightful. Granted, his parents put a lot of pressure on him, and though I did not agree with them, I sort of understood them, and I loved that he had his two older sisters there for some guidance.
•Pro: Between the quirky characters, teen hijinks, and self-depreciating humor, I found myself laughing quite often.
•Pro: I loved the theme of fidelity that permeated the book. Fidelity to your family, to your girlfriend, to you friends, to your dreams, and to yourself. It may be packaged with a ton of humor, but there was plenty of food for thought in this book.
I had become an expert at delayed gratification. Conversely, I had no idea what it meant to live in the present.
Overall: A hilarious and heartwarming coming-of-age tale,which addressed family relationships, friendships, first love, identity, and finding one's voice quite well. I laughed, smiled, and felt the feels.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
March 30, 2018
Bahar perfectly captures that cosmically primal, high-school trinity of sex, drugs, and rock n roll. Well, not so much of the drugs. And while the sex doesn’t really happen, the lust and tension are right on. But to be the Frontman of a successful band - that dream is hardwired into my brain as well, and it was a delight to experience this American story, placing myself in protagonist’s midwestern son-of-immigrants shoes all the way.
January 30, 2018
This is the type of book that has you constantly peeking over at the next page to try and figure out what's next! I was fortunate enough to receive an early copy and finished it that same day.
This coming of age novel takes you on Ron's journey as he battles through the trials and tribulations that come with being a high school senior. As a child of immigrant parents, he constantly struggles to honor his parents' wishes but ends up rebelling just enough as to experience life for himself. Being a first gen. myself, that generational guilt the author talks about deeeeply resonated with me. This book has some serious throwback vibes and as you read it, you'll find yourself laughing out load followed by "oh yeahhh, I remember when I did that in highschool". Overall, great read and would highly recommend.
PS: Something unique is that there's a carefully curated playlist on Spotify that is meant to be simultaneously listened to while reading the book. Totally worth checking that out!
This coming of age novel takes you on Ron's journey as he battles through the trials and tribulations that come with being a high school senior. As a child of immigrant parents, he constantly struggles to honor his parents' wishes but ends up rebelling just enough as to experience life for himself. Being a first gen. myself, that generational guilt the author talks about deeeeply resonated with me. This book has some serious throwback vibes and as you read it, you'll find yourself laughing out load followed by "oh yeahhh, I remember when I did that in highschool". Overall, great read and would highly recommend.
PS: Something unique is that there's a carefully curated playlist on Spotify that is meant to be simultaneously listened to while reading the book. Totally worth checking that out!
August 26, 2018
Has The Frontman been optioned for a movie? Does anyone remember Cameron Crowe’s “Say Anything?" .
The Frontman is a page turner that is nearly perfect (4.5 Stars). Few books make me openly laugh, tear, and contemplate my life choices in the way this book has. I really, really enjoyed this one.
While the story is reportedly a fictionalized memoir, it feels very real. Personally, I have little patience for reading lines that lack authenticity. Indeed, nothing will make me put a book down faster. Rather, as a telling (fictionalized or not) of his teenage years, The Frontman doesn’t celebrate the stereotypical cynicism so often portrayed of adolescence today. Bahar doesn’t use teenage sexual happenings gratuitously, although they are appropriately used (he is writing about high school in rural America). But more so, in doing service to those traits that drove the author, a noted pediatric gastroenterologist, to pursue excellence in both education and character, he doesn’t feign teenage ignorance in respect to his teenage behaviors. Indeed, the fact that Bahar's main character (himself) appears to authentically own so much of this story makes me believe that he wrote this for more than just an expression of his creativity. Was it a lesson for his children? Maybe. An honoring of his parents? Possibly. A desire to be heard and understood? Probably. An apology to someone for the hurt he feels he may have caused along the way? Well, I'll leave that up to you. For me, this sense of authenticity and the fact that much of Bahar’s story seems to parallel my own is precisely what makes the story so engaging. But is this really coincidence - that is, are we really two people with similar high school stories, or was it the brilliance of this author to tap into a universal high school experience? While we certainly seem to share some commonalities, my guess is probably the latter - and as a result, I’ve already recommended it to anyone who will listen.
Brilliant authors, like brilliant actors leave you wanting more. I’m eagerly awaiting Ron Bahar’s next book. But what I’m really looking forward to is seeing “in development” next to this title on imdb.com
The Frontman is a page turner that is nearly perfect (4.5 Stars). Few books make me openly laugh, tear, and contemplate my life choices in the way this book has. I really, really enjoyed this one.
While the story is reportedly a fictionalized memoir, it feels very real. Personally, I have little patience for reading lines that lack authenticity. Indeed, nothing will make me put a book down faster. Rather, as a telling (fictionalized or not) of his teenage years, The Frontman doesn’t celebrate the stereotypical cynicism so often portrayed of adolescence today. Bahar doesn’t use teenage sexual happenings gratuitously, although they are appropriately used (he is writing about high school in rural America). But more so, in doing service to those traits that drove the author, a noted pediatric gastroenterologist, to pursue excellence in both education and character, he doesn’t feign teenage ignorance in respect to his teenage behaviors. Indeed, the fact that Bahar's main character (himself) appears to authentically own so much of this story makes me believe that he wrote this for more than just an expression of his creativity. Was it a lesson for his children? Maybe. An honoring of his parents? Possibly. A desire to be heard and understood? Probably. An apology to someone for the hurt he feels he may have caused along the way? Well, I'll leave that up to you. For me, this sense of authenticity and the fact that much of Bahar’s story seems to parallel my own is precisely what makes the story so engaging. But is this really coincidence - that is, are we really two people with similar high school stories, or was it the brilliance of this author to tap into a universal high school experience? While we certainly seem to share some commonalities, my guess is probably the latter - and as a result, I’ve already recommended it to anyone who will listen.
Brilliant authors, like brilliant actors leave you wanting more. I’m eagerly awaiting Ron Bahar’s next book. But what I’m really looking forward to is seeing “in development” next to this title on imdb.com
February 7, 2018
"The Frontman: A Novel" is the debut book of Dr. Ron Bahar. I was lucky to be able to receive an advance copy of the book, and I must say - it is the epitome of a delightful, funny, coming of age book. The book is a semi-autobiographical novel about the senior year of high school of Ron Bahar, a Jewish boy raised in Lincoln, Nebraska in the 1980s. This senior year of high school is both crazy and confusing for Ron. He is stuck between pursuing his life-long goal of becoming a physician (also fulfilling his parents' dreams) and his new found love of singing with his best friend's band. Of course, there is also a girl involved to complicate his senior year even more. Amy is the girl of his dreams, but he royally screws up his chances with her at a party one night by committing one big mistake. The novel is an easy read and makes readers want to continue reading. The diction makes readers laugh and makes the story extremely relatable. We've all had crazy, memorable, senior year stories, and "The Frontman: A Novel" helps us relive these insane memories again. Overall, a great read, and I would definitely recommend it to my friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2018
I really didn’t want this book to end. The Frontman is a semi-autobiographical novel about a young man who is the son of Israeli immigrant parents growing up in Nebraska during the 1980s. Our hero faces many struggles of high school: first love, fitting in, raging hormones, fear of the future, pleasing parents and as all kids: trying to find balance in this crazy time of your life. Everyone reading this novel will find a little bit (or a lot) of themselves in Ron Bahar. I too went to high school with Ron in Lincoln during the 1980s and found myself looking back to a beautiful, fun and outrageous time. I love the way the book intertwined the music of the time with each chapter (definitely listen to the Spotify playlist while reading). It was beautiful to also delve into Ron’s roots and background which brought together the past and present. I laughed out loud, I cried, I reminisced and I smiled. Ron’s style of writing enables the reader to feel so many emotions. Thank you, Ron Bahar, for taking me back!
April 12, 2018
The Frontman is a fun, well-written coming-of-age story about a Jewish teenage boy living in Nebraska with his very strict, traditional, immigrant Israeli parents. The main character, Ron, is a humble, self-deprecating kid just trying to fit in, and is struggling to keep on track to becoming the doctor he and his parents have always expected and envisioned him to be, while at the same time wanting to be the cool kid in a rock n' roll band who gets the beautiful girl. I was hooked from the first time I picked up the book. We can all relate to certain aspects of the insecurities and uncertainties of our final days of high school, and Ron's witty and sarcastic sense of humor makes you root for him as he trips over himself time and time again. Another effective and unique touch the author uses that helps set the tone is how songs and lyrics from the 80's and presented at the beginning of each chapter, so you can listen while you read to really bring you back to the glory days of high school when the whole world was ahead of you. The Frontman is a must read!
April 28, 2018
They call it teen angst, but the truth is, the inner dialog of fear, anxiety, self-doubt, and shame are part of our human condition. This story of struggle and love and heartbreak and triumph although lovingly set in the 80's (brilliantly thru musical reference) is timeless. Ron courageously shines light in all the darkest corners of a teenage boy's complicated (and tangled) mind. Conflicts with authority, with peers, with parents, as well as conflicts within are all bravely confronted. I think everyone will find a little something they can relate to. It felt like I knew personally many of these characters. ;) "Pull your dress on and stay real close, Who might leave you where I left off? A perfect circle of acquaintances and friends, Drink another coin a phrase..." R.E.M. 1983 Murmur
March 1, 2018
The Frontman was such a pleasure to read. It is a semi-autobiographical coming of age story that takes you through a roller coaster of emotions, all too familiar to any teenager growing up in America and trying to fit in. It covers everything from friendships, sibling rivalry and first love to career choices and the constant yearning for parental approval. Even though my life bears little resemblance to Ron's, I connected to his character almost immediately, and with each passing chapter wanted more and more to see how his life would turn out. The book is well written, sincere and emotional. I enjoyed every minute of it and hope to read more from this talented author!
March 18, 2018
Did it have to end so soon? I found "The Frontman" to be engaging, honest and full of heart. This coming of age story is at once unique and universal. Yes, his family and background were exotic, and some might consider the expectations and limitations that he contended with excessive, but who among us hasn't been embarrassed, confused and full of doubts as a teenager? Although I was disappointed the story went by so quickly, the good news is that there is plenty of room for sequels....it will be interesting and entertaining to see how this highly intelligent, angst-filled, self-deprecating teenager evolves. In the meantime, I highly recommend this book to teenagers, their parents, and to anyone who has ever been a teenager! So charming, well-written and an important lesson in remaining true to ourselves.
March 29, 2018
I was lucky to get to read The Frontman as it developed, and was consistently amazed, as he sent me each chapter, by Ron's story-telling ability. The Frontman is fun, honest, cleverly told, and relevant. The book does not shy away from the thoughts that drive a teenage boy, but it puts these in the context of a complex individual with many competing pressures. There's nothing simple about Ron's situation, and that complexity, juxtaposed with 80's pop culture and a serious romance, makes for a great read. I highly recommend this book and think it will resonate with teens and young adults, both male and female, and will strike a sense of nostalgia for those of us who grew up in the 80's.
April 3, 2018
The Frontman is a unique blend of teenage angst, children of immigrants and 80's music. Ron feels hairy and Jewish compared to his Nebraska compadres, but the strong ties with his friends lead him to pursue his dreams--both romantically and musically, much to the chagrin of his parents. Tagging along with Ron's journey punctuated by a soundtrack recalling The Breakfast Club made me ache with nostalgia for a more innocent time. Coming of age stories are a dime a dozen, but Ron's story is poignant without being schmaltzy and fun without being silly. Definitely pick up a copy.
January 24, 2018
The Frontman is a sweet, funny, sincere coming of age semi-autobiographical novel about the son of strict Israeli parents living in a small midwestern town. The main character explores his love of music, drive for success, passion to become a doctor and falling in love for the first time. I literally laughed out loud and teared up with emotion multiple times while reading this novel. It was an easy read and I couldn't put it down! I look forward to reading more books by this author.
April 1, 2018
This book was entertaining from start to finish. I enjoyed everything about this novel: the humor, the intimate voice/narration, the reliability, and the honesty. This book was simply refreshing. The Frontman at its core is a coming of age story during the 70's and the early 80's. It's very easy to read. You find yourself immersed in this world from start to finish. I wish I could go back! This book ended much too soon. I look forward to reading more from this author.
March 19, 2018
The Frontman is a wonderful coming of age novel which is intimate, funny and totally authentic to those of us who also grew up in the 70's and early 80's. What makes this story even more compelling are the additional struggles of being a Jewish teen who is a first generation, youngest child growing up in the heart of Nebraska. It would make a great movie!
May 16, 2019
This book was fine. I guess. A little...not smoothly written? Also, it's supposedly a fictional story about a guy who wants to go to medical school but is also a great singer (like, so great, you see), but he just doesn't know WHAT he wants. And the main character's name is the same as the author's (Ron Bahar, MD).
Also, I realized partway through that I am reading another man's coming of age story. I'm tired of stories about men coming of age. I mean, fine for them. I just don't want to read them.
Also, I realized partway through that I am reading another man's coming of age story. I'm tired of stories about men coming of age. I mean, fine for them. I just don't want to read them.
March 19, 2018
A ton of fun reading this book. Took me back to my high school days. And I love how each chapter begins with a reference to a song from the 80's, which REALLY took me back down memory lane.
This book will make you wanna be 17 again!!
This book will make you wanna be 17 again!!
March 19, 2018
A look back has never been so much fun. I think there is something in this book for anyone growing up in the 70's or 80's to grab onto. I love the self effacing attitude and the honesty of the character. but mostly I loved the travel back in time element. Can't wait for you follow up.
March 19, 2018
Ron's book is an easy read of a coming of age story. Reading his struggles as a child of immigrant parents trying to fit in. Also a son that does not want to disappoint his parents. It is honest and relatable. It’s timely in our current political climate. I highly recommend.
March 26, 2018
What a fun read! My high school days were not nearly so eventful, so I really enjoyed living vicariously. On a more serious note, this window into a young man's struggle balancing his first generation status, midwestern life and teenage angst, not to mention competing talents and desires, touches on more serious issues that we should all be cognizant of. As the story unfolds the pages turn faster and faster...you won't want to put it down until the last moment. And then you'll be wishing for the sequel. Make sure to pair your read with listening to the music as it really makes the 80's, and Ron's story, come alive!
March 20, 2018
A blast from the past, Dr. Bahar's, The Frontman, is an enjoyable journey back to the 80's! His clever use of musical hits from that era along with witty writing and in-depth character development make this a fun read for all. Be prepared to revisit many of your own personal stories as Dr. Bahar reminds us all of the ups and downs of adolescence and the joys and struggles of developing independence. I expect that you will be highly entertained by The Frontman.
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