What do you think?
Rate this book
The Vinyl Underground
Dig it.
During the tumultuous year of 1968, four teens are drawn together: Ronnie Bingham, who is grieving his brother’s death in Vietnam; Milo, Ronnie’s bookish best friend; “Ramrod,” a star athlete who is secretly avoiding the draft; and Hana, the new girl, a half-Japanese badass rock-n-roller whose presence doesn’t sit well with their segregated high school.
The four outcasts find sanctuary in “The Vinyl Underground,” a record club where they spin music, joke, debate, and escape the stifling norms of their small southern town. But Ronnie’s eighteenth birthday is looming. Together, they hatch a plan to keep Ronnie from being drafted. But when a horrific act of racial-charged violence rocks the gang to their core, they decide it’s time for an epic act of rebellion.
During the tumultuous year of 1968, four teens are drawn together: Ronnie Bingham, who is grieving his brother’s death in Vietnam; Milo, Ronnie’s bookish best friend; “Ramrod,” a star athlete who is secretly avoiding the draft; and Hana, the new girl, a half-Japanese badass rock-n-roller whose presence doesn’t sit well with their segregated high school.
The four outcasts find sanctuary in “The Vinyl Underground,” a record club where they spin music, joke, debate, and escape the stifling norms of their small southern town. But Ronnie’s eighteenth birthday is looming. Together, they hatch a plan to keep Ronnie from being drafted. But when a horrific act of racial-charged violence rocks the gang to their core, they decide it’s time for an epic act of rebellion.
328 pages, Paperback
First published March 10, 2020
9 people are currently reading
1942 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
April 19, 2020
The era, the music, the story and the characters were all fantastic pieces I enjoyed getting lost in.
"It ain't easy being the only rose in an asshole parade."
It felt like too many things were left unsaid/did when the book ended.
I'm not sure if an epilogue would have destroyed the mystic or settled my questions?
Much thanks goes to NetGalley & North Star Editions for my DRC.
"It ain't easy being the only rose in an asshole parade."
It felt like too many things were left unsaid/did when the book ended.
I'm not sure if an epilogue would have destroyed the mystic or settled my questions?
Much thanks goes to NetGalley & North Star Editions for my DRC.
May 15, 2024
Rated 3.5 really.
Excerpt from my review - originally published at Offbeat YA.
Pros: Vivid portrait of an era. Teen protagonists who feel real. Focus on friendship and coming of age (though there's some romance involved). Music fuels the story.
Cons: Messy parent-child dynamics and conveniently clueless adults. Some inconsiderate choices.
WARNING! Verbal and physical abuse (racially charged, for the most part). Unchallenged drug use. Underage drinking.
Will appeal to: Those who appreciate a story walking the line between teen adventure and social/historical commentary.
First off...DISCLAIMER: I requested this title on NetGalley. Thanks to North Star Editions/Flux for providing a temporary ecopy. This didn't influence my review in any way. Also, please note that this is an uncorrected proof - I was able to spot some (genuine) typos that are most likely not to find their way into the final version 🙂.
Fun fact: to match the book, all the headers for this review are US song titles from the '60s.
THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN'
1968 was a pivotal year in most of the Western countries, but there's no doubt that the US - with the Vietnam war draft, the still very much current segregation and Martin Luther King's assassination - were one of the hottest spots at the time. And probably more than anywhere else, music - rock music - embodied the spirit of protest of the young generation, or at least their restlessness. Now, I'm in no position to know firsthand, but it seems to me that TVU captures the feeling perfectly - that of a nation losing its (mostly fake, apparent at best) innocence, and being forced to come of age. Against the backdrop of the draft scare and of his uncertainty about the future, Ronnie - along with his friends - finally sees the bigger picture, and realises that not taking a stand against injustice is just as bad as being part of it. Music itself, for him and the whole Vinyl Underground, become less of a hiding place or a cure for heartbreak, and more of a rebellion flag and a way to make a statement. But it also plays a key role in the story...a role that, of course, I'm not going to spoil 😉. [...]
Whole review here.
Excerpt from my review - originally published at Offbeat YA.
Pros: Vivid portrait of an era. Teen protagonists who feel real. Focus on friendship and coming of age (though there's some romance involved). Music fuels the story.
Cons: Messy parent-child dynamics and conveniently clueless adults. Some inconsiderate choices.
WARNING! Verbal and physical abuse (racially charged, for the most part). Unchallenged drug use. Underage drinking.
Will appeal to: Those who appreciate a story walking the line between teen adventure and social/historical commentary.
First off...DISCLAIMER: I requested this title on NetGalley. Thanks to North Star Editions/Flux for providing a temporary ecopy. This didn't influence my review in any way. Also, please note that this is an uncorrected proof - I was able to spot some (genuine) typos that are most likely not to find their way into the final version 🙂.
Fun fact: to match the book, all the headers for this review are US song titles from the '60s.
THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN'
1968 was a pivotal year in most of the Western countries, but there's no doubt that the US - with the Vietnam war draft, the still very much current segregation and Martin Luther King's assassination - were one of the hottest spots at the time. And probably more than anywhere else, music - rock music - embodied the spirit of protest of the young generation, or at least their restlessness. Now, I'm in no position to know firsthand, but it seems to me that TVU captures the feeling perfectly - that of a nation losing its (mostly fake, apparent at best) innocence, and being forced to come of age. Against the backdrop of the draft scare and of his uncertainty about the future, Ronnie - along with his friends - finally sees the bigger picture, and realises that not taking a stand against injustice is just as bad as being part of it. Music itself, for him and the whole Vinyl Underground, become less of a hiding place or a cure for heartbreak, and more of a rebellion flag and a way to make a statement. But it also plays a key role in the story...a role that, of course, I'm not going to spoil 😉. [...]
Whole review here.
February 10, 2020
***ARC provided by Netgalley and North Star Editions in exchange for an honest review***
3*
I have to first admit that I completely forgot this book was approuved to read and so it took me a while. And then I wasn't in the right mindset and it took me multiple tries to read it. I'm not that familiar with the Vietnam war and I'm not a historical fiction buff either but I'm glad i gave this a go.
It's 1968. Ronnie's brother bruce died during the Vietnam war and he fears that when he turns 18, he's going to be drafted. Hana is a half Japanese girl completely anti-war and her parents make her move to Florida, away from all that protesting she's been doing. Bruce's best friend Ramrod, purposely fails at school so he won't be drafted. All together with Milo, they form this club called The Vinyl Underground and the purpose was to mainly listen to music but then it becomes more than that. They plot a scheme that will help Ronnie get disqualified from the draft.
The Vinyl Underground has a strong setting and the world building for this story is obviously well done since it is based on a real event.
As for the characters, i thought they were built up nicely but I had a few issues with Hana. The Asian representation was definitely a nice touch but I had a hard time getting her/understanding her at times.Maybe it's the character development, maybe it's something else. I'm not too sure. Characters like Lewis could have benefited in to more development. Also, I'm not sure if it's the time period or the restrictions of school or what exactly but I have a hard time believing that teens would be able to skip school as many times as these kids did without consequences?!
Like I said, I'm not a history buff so i did have a hard time connecting to the idea of war and drafting but I did like that this book touched on racial discrimination, preferential treatment and other subject. Pretty sure that I would have liked this better had I been more knowledgeable with events like this, however.
3*
I have to first admit that I completely forgot this book was approuved to read and so it took me a while. And then I wasn't in the right mindset and it took me multiple tries to read it. I'm not that familiar with the Vietnam war and I'm not a historical fiction buff either but I'm glad i gave this a go.
It's 1968. Ronnie's brother bruce died during the Vietnam war and he fears that when he turns 18, he's going to be drafted. Hana is a half Japanese girl completely anti-war and her parents make her move to Florida, away from all that protesting she's been doing. Bruce's best friend Ramrod, purposely fails at school so he won't be drafted. All together with Milo, they form this club called The Vinyl Underground and the purpose was to mainly listen to music but then it becomes more than that. They plot a scheme that will help Ronnie get disqualified from the draft.
The Vinyl Underground has a strong setting and the world building for this story is obviously well done since it is based on a real event.
As for the characters, i thought they were built up nicely but I had a few issues with Hana. The Asian representation was definitely a nice touch but I had a hard time getting her/understanding her at times.Maybe it's the character development, maybe it's something else. I'm not too sure. Characters like Lewis could have benefited in to more development. Also, I'm not sure if it's the time period or the restrictions of school or what exactly but I have a hard time believing that teens would be able to skip school as many times as these kids did without consequences?!
Like I said, I'm not a history buff so i did have a hard time connecting to the idea of war and drafting but I did like that this book touched on racial discrimination, preferential treatment and other subject. Pretty sure that I would have liked this better had I been more knowledgeable with events like this, however.
December 11, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley and Flux for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Who knew such an unassuming cover could hide such a cracker of a book? Rufus makes writing look like a Sunday stroll. Seriously, if I could sum up this book in three words it’d be ‘bloody good writing.’ I don’t just want to buy this book, I want to give it to everyone I know and then commission a press release to talk about how good it is. Unfortunately, I only know about four people and none of them like YA, which is a crying shame because this is the best YA book I’ve read since The Book Thief. I’m not trying to imply that writing a YA book is somehow easier than writing one for adults, by the way. Reading one, however, is an exercise fraught with love triangles and swooning Mary Sues these days. What a relief to read a YA (or indeed, any) novel where finding one’s true love isn’t either the answer to some kind of life-threatening illness or just something someone does because the Powers that Be have decreed it and singleness is anathema.
The Vinyl Underground hooked me from the first line, “Free love is bullshit.” Bang: 60s vibe. Short, snappy, crisp. There was no posturing, no purple prose, no minefields of metaphor or overdescription. Just straight into the story.
The dialogue sounded real, right down to idioms such as “Give your momma some sugar” and the sentences were short and clear. I can’t emphasise enough how seamless the narration and the plot were and how authentic the characters’ voices sounded. That’s one of my dealbreakers: if I’m meant to be reading a thirty-year-old man and he sounds sixty, then I put the book down. Too many adults write YA books that don’t reflect the way teenagers actually talk.
The constant references to segregation and real-life events, such as the Jacksonville riots of 1964, situated the story firmly in the 60s. And, of course, the war letters from Ronnie’s brother, who’s a casualty of the war, and the technology, and all the music.
The storyline, too, was topical: four teenagers use a little Thursday-night record-swapping and a lot of weed to build a sanctuary and a campaign, in their own small way, against the Vietnam War and the government that sanctioned it. Or, as the characters themselves put it, against “the man”. The four main characters’ dislike of it never feels artificial- they all have compelling reasons, like Ronnie, not to want to go to war. Or, rather, their hatred of war shines out of the pages. From the beginning, there are high personal stakes because they’re all the right age to be drafted into the war, complete with early incentives (I had no idea high school students were drafted into the Vietnam War). Then we have Ronnie, freshly plunged into grief for his older brother, who has just died in Vietnam, and under pressure from his wrestling-coach, ex-US-Army father to do the manly thing and enlist early, before his upcoming birthday. Against this background, then, there are clear risks for Ronnie in joining a pacifist group, even one engaged in such a small act of rebellion as listening to records. And these pan out, but not in ways that the audience - or even the characters - expect.
From our second encounter with Hana, the new girl in town, it’s clear that she is ambitious, intelligent, courageous, passionately and vocally anti-war and anti-US, and mad about records, just from the description of her room. All the generalised racism in the background of the book, including the mentions of segregation, takes on a personal dimension when it’s focused in on this one character. It’s hard to describe what I liked about her, because she could come off as a bit of a Mary Sue. She holds her own in a fight, but the real drawcard for me was her ambition. She isn’t just driven, she’s articulate, strident about her opinions (justifiably so) and she doesn’t hesitate to stand up and protest against injustice. She’s an admirable, well-rounded character and a deserving heroine.
The other two characters were equally distinctive.
If this review sounds like damning with faint praise, believe me, it isn’t. I’m just having a hard time articulating exactly what I loved about this story.
Who knew such an unassuming cover could hide such a cracker of a book? Rufus makes writing look like a Sunday stroll. Seriously, if I could sum up this book in three words it’d be ‘bloody good writing.’ I don’t just want to buy this book, I want to give it to everyone I know and then commission a press release to talk about how good it is. Unfortunately, I only know about four people and none of them like YA, which is a crying shame because this is the best YA book I’ve read since The Book Thief. I’m not trying to imply that writing a YA book is somehow easier than writing one for adults, by the way. Reading one, however, is an exercise fraught with love triangles and swooning Mary Sues these days. What a relief to read a YA (or indeed, any) novel where finding one’s true love isn’t either the answer to some kind of life-threatening illness or just something someone does because the Powers that Be have decreed it and singleness is anathema.
The Vinyl Underground hooked me from the first line, “Free love is bullshit.” Bang: 60s vibe. Short, snappy, crisp. There was no posturing, no purple prose, no minefields of metaphor or overdescription. Just straight into the story.
The dialogue sounded real, right down to idioms such as “Give your momma some sugar” and the sentences were short and clear. I can’t emphasise enough how seamless the narration and the plot were and how authentic the characters’ voices sounded. That’s one of my dealbreakers: if I’m meant to be reading a thirty-year-old man and he sounds sixty, then I put the book down. Too many adults write YA books that don’t reflect the way teenagers actually talk.
The constant references to segregation and real-life events, such as the Jacksonville riots of 1964, situated the story firmly in the 60s. And, of course, the war letters from Ronnie’s brother, who’s a casualty of the war, and the technology, and all the music.
The storyline, too, was topical: four teenagers use a little Thursday-night record-swapping and a lot of weed to build a sanctuary and a campaign, in their own small way, against the Vietnam War and the government that sanctioned it. Or, as the characters themselves put it, against “the man”. The four main characters’ dislike of it never feels artificial- they all have compelling reasons, like Ronnie, not to want to go to war. Or, rather, their hatred of war shines out of the pages. From the beginning, there are high personal stakes because they’re all the right age to be drafted into the war, complete with early incentives (I had no idea high school students were drafted into the Vietnam War). Then we have Ronnie, freshly plunged into grief for his older brother, who has just died in Vietnam, and under pressure from his wrestling-coach, ex-US-Army father to do the manly thing and enlist early, before his upcoming birthday. Against this background, then, there are clear risks for Ronnie in joining a pacifist group, even one engaged in such a small act of rebellion as listening to records. And these pan out, but not in ways that the audience - or even the characters - expect.
From our second encounter with Hana, the new girl in town, it’s clear that she is ambitious, intelligent, courageous, passionately and vocally anti-war and anti-US, and mad about records, just from the description of her room. All the generalised racism in the background of the book, including the mentions of segregation, takes on a personal dimension when it’s focused in on this one character. It’s hard to describe what I liked about her, because she could come off as a bit of a Mary Sue. She holds her own in a fight, but the real drawcard for me was her ambition. She isn’t just driven, she’s articulate, strident about her opinions (justifiably so) and she doesn’t hesitate to stand up and protest against injustice. She’s an admirable, well-rounded character and a deserving heroine.
The other two characters were equally distinctive.
If this review sounds like damning with faint praise, believe me, it isn’t. I’m just having a hard time articulating exactly what I loved about this story.
November 16, 2019
Ya girl has issues with requesting arcs and TOTALLY forgetting the premise of them by the time approval sets in cause I remember this was centered around music but not Vietnam 😂😂 I started to read this and was instantly turned off, DESPITE REQUESTING, and almost put it down because I’m not one for historical fiction centered around a war. Instead, I pushed on and I am so glad that I did because this book was absolutely phenomenal!
Like I said, I’m not one for historical fiction centered around a war but this one took an anti-Vietnam stance so I was super intrigued when that sentiment became the forefront of the book. I really enjoyed that it not only took that stand but it did so without shaming the soldiers who were forced to go over there and serve, which if you know anything about the Vietnam War, was a huge thing that happened back in the day. Soldiers who came back traumatized were further traumatized by anti-war protesters despite some not even wanting to go in the first place.
The characters themselves were super fun to read about. Each one had their own distinct personality, voice, and taste in music. Here lately I’ve been reading a lot of books where the MC is well fleshed out but the side characters really aren’t and that isn’t the case with this novel at all. We get a bit of each characters backstory as well as plans for the future once the book starts coming to the end. I really loved that aspect of the book and though Rob did an excellent job with it.
There is a lot of racism discussion and honestly, I was very apprehensive about this considering it is a book set in the ‘60s and those times were not at all friendly to anyone not white or American or, quite frankly, male. Again, Rob did a good job handling it! The MC was called out on his shitty behavior when it happened, he learned, he grew. A lot of 2019 woke-ness makes appearances in the book but it’s done in such a way that I really enjoyed. I mean, obviously not every white person in the ‘60′s was bigoted and racist so it’s plausible that some actually stood up and fought back, but I had never encountered that in a novel so I was extremely happy to see that aspect in a ‘60′s based story.
As a matter of fact, besides the anti-Vietnam War theme, racism and bigotry is talked about a lot. The only female, Hana, in the group is half-Japanese, a badass, and has NO QUALMS with calling her friends out on their shitty behavior. Not only that but she isn’t hypersexualized as a lot of novels tend to do for Asian women. Hana’s this super smart, aspiring journalist with excellent taste in fashion and music. She isn’t just there to teach them not to be bigots. She’s got her own distinct point in the book.This is what I’m saying when I say the side characters are well fleshed out!
There was once instance that was extremely hard to read so trigger warning for that because it involves racist induced violence and it really turned my stomach to read on the page. I’m not saying anything else because of spoilers but be mindful it’s there.
There is also a teeny tiny hint of romance to the novel. It’s really more of a blink and you miss it kind of thing. Honestly, I could’ve done without it. The book stood up very well on it’s own without having to add it in at the end. All in all, I really enjoyed the book and will be purchasing my own copy when it comes out.
Like I said, I’m not one for historical fiction centered around a war but this one took an anti-Vietnam stance so I was super intrigued when that sentiment became the forefront of the book. I really enjoyed that it not only took that stand but it did so without shaming the soldiers who were forced to go over there and serve, which if you know anything about the Vietnam War, was a huge thing that happened back in the day. Soldiers who came back traumatized were further traumatized by anti-war protesters despite some not even wanting to go in the first place.
The characters themselves were super fun to read about. Each one had their own distinct personality, voice, and taste in music. Here lately I’ve been reading a lot of books where the MC is well fleshed out but the side characters really aren’t and that isn’t the case with this novel at all. We get a bit of each characters backstory as well as plans for the future once the book starts coming to the end. I really loved that aspect of the book and though Rob did an excellent job with it.
There is a lot of racism discussion and honestly, I was very apprehensive about this considering it is a book set in the ‘60s and those times were not at all friendly to anyone not white or American or, quite frankly, male. Again, Rob did a good job handling it! The MC was called out on his shitty behavior when it happened, he learned, he grew. A lot of 2019 woke-ness makes appearances in the book but it’s done in such a way that I really enjoyed. I mean, obviously not every white person in the ‘60′s was bigoted and racist so it’s plausible that some actually stood up and fought back, but I had never encountered that in a novel so I was extremely happy to see that aspect in a ‘60′s based story.
As a matter of fact, besides the anti-Vietnam War theme, racism and bigotry is talked about a lot. The only female, Hana, in the group is half-Japanese, a badass, and has NO QUALMS with calling her friends out on their shitty behavior. Not only that but she isn’t hypersexualized as a lot of novels tend to do for Asian women. Hana’s this super smart, aspiring journalist with excellent taste in fashion and music. She isn’t just there to teach them not to be bigots. She’s got her own distinct point in the book.This is what I’m saying when I say the side characters are well fleshed out!
There was once instance that was extremely hard to read so trigger warning for that because it involves racist induced violence and it really turned my stomach to read on the page. I’m not saying anything else because of spoilers but be mindful it’s there.
There is also a teeny tiny hint of romance to the novel. It’s really more of a blink and you miss it kind of thing. Honestly, I could’ve done without it. The book stood up very well on it’s own without having to add it in at the end. All in all, I really enjoyed the book and will be purchasing my own copy when it comes out.
June 9, 2020
I know Rob Rufus was bummed that the official release of this book was out shined by the COVID shutdown and honestly, I am too, because although it is set in 1968, there are many issues highlighted that have continued to stir in cultural and political society since.
For me, it has a lot of relatable content for a girl who was a senior in high school when 9/11 happened. I vividly remember the military officers camping out in the cafeteria of a high school segregated by the "Have" and "Have Nots", getting seniors and juniors to pledge their duty upon graduation, promising college tuition and scholarships, specifically to the poor kids. I remember the heightened hatred towards Muslims or anyone who appeared to be Middle Eastern at all. I remember the magnetic yellow ribbons on cars and many saying, "Never Forget!" with racism disguised as patriotism.
And here we are, 52 years of civil unrest and protests later, at the height of the Black Lives Matter movement, still seeing needless racism, classism, bigotry, and false patriotism.
While this book untangles a lot of strings attached to heavy topics of war and racism, there is also a compelling story of the kind of friendship that forces you to look inward and ask yourself how you can be better, not just to your friends, but to society as a whole; the kind of friendship that makes you want to see change and be a part of it (and have a killer rock n roll record club to set the tone!).
I don't want to spoil details but where some might disagree, the ideas highlighted in this book are just as important now as they would have been then.
I highly suggest picking it up and make sure you check out the playlist on Spotify that the author has thoughtfully put together in sync with the Vinyl Underground Club meetings!
Excellent touch to make this book stand out.
For me, it has a lot of relatable content for a girl who was a senior in high school when 9/11 happened. I vividly remember the military officers camping out in the cafeteria of a high school segregated by the "Have" and "Have Nots", getting seniors and juniors to pledge their duty upon graduation, promising college tuition and scholarships, specifically to the poor kids. I remember the heightened hatred towards Muslims or anyone who appeared to be Middle Eastern at all. I remember the magnetic yellow ribbons on cars and many saying, "Never Forget!" with racism disguised as patriotism.
And here we are, 52 years of civil unrest and protests later, at the height of the Black Lives Matter movement, still seeing needless racism, classism, bigotry, and false patriotism.
While this book untangles a lot of strings attached to heavy topics of war and racism, there is also a compelling story of the kind of friendship that forces you to look inward and ask yourself how you can be better, not just to your friends, but to society as a whole; the kind of friendship that makes you want to see change and be a part of it (and have a killer rock n roll record club to set the tone!).
I don't want to spoil details but where some might disagree, the ideas highlighted in this book are just as important now as they would have been then.
I highly suggest picking it up and make sure you check out the playlist on Spotify that the author has thoughtfully put together in sync with the Vinyl Underground Club meetings!
Excellent touch to make this book stand out.
April 10, 2020
I fell in love with Rob Rufus’ writing when he published his teen memoir, Die Young with Me, so to say I was excited for The Vinyl Underground is an understatement. I had the opportunity to meet Rob when his band, The Bad Signs, toured to SF a few years ago and he introduced me to the story that would become The Vinyl Underground.
Set against a background of resistance and punk rock music, The Vinyl Underground is a story set during a historic time period that wasn’t well taught in my high school history classes. It’s 1968 and the draft is a real fear for graduating male seniors. For Ronnie, it’s especially worrisome, having lost his brother to the war. In the story, we also meet Hana, a girl who faces racism and charges back with an anti-war rebellion, and Milo, bookish and bff of Ronnie. Rounding out the bunch is Ramrod, who tries to fail school to avoid the draft. Each character brings a unique perspective to the story, so much that they practically jump off the page.
Together, our main characters from The Vinyl Underground, focused on draft-dodging and punk rock music. What could go wrong…or what could go right? It’s easy to see Rob’s personal music experience bleed through the pages. That’s what I loved most about Die Young with Me - I too love rock n roll, with its rebellious roots and zinger lyrics (which are used as part of the storytelling here). This book does not shy away from the outright racism at the time but does confront it head on.
The youth in this book are definitely doing things that adults might side eye, which I appreciated the realness. To balance, the adults are definitely doing the adult things you’d expect, driving the rebellion even further. I won’t spoil the end but I definitely fist pumped (sorry, shitty adults).
Vividly told through setting, character, and story, The Vinyl Underground is a story many years in the making that I am glad has finally arrived!
Set against a background of resistance and punk rock music, The Vinyl Underground is a story set during a historic time period that wasn’t well taught in my high school history classes. It’s 1968 and the draft is a real fear for graduating male seniors. For Ronnie, it’s especially worrisome, having lost his brother to the war. In the story, we also meet Hana, a girl who faces racism and charges back with an anti-war rebellion, and Milo, bookish and bff of Ronnie. Rounding out the bunch is Ramrod, who tries to fail school to avoid the draft. Each character brings a unique perspective to the story, so much that they practically jump off the page.
Together, our main characters from The Vinyl Underground, focused on draft-dodging and punk rock music. What could go wrong…or what could go right? It’s easy to see Rob’s personal music experience bleed through the pages. That’s what I loved most about Die Young with Me - I too love rock n roll, with its rebellious roots and zinger lyrics (which are used as part of the storytelling here). This book does not shy away from the outright racism at the time but does confront it head on.
The youth in this book are definitely doing things that adults might side eye, which I appreciated the realness. To balance, the adults are definitely doing the adult things you’d expect, driving the rebellion even further. I won’t spoil the end but I definitely fist pumped (sorry, shitty adults).
Vividly told through setting, character, and story, The Vinyl Underground is a story many years in the making that I am glad has finally arrived!
October 31, 2019
Set in 1960-era America, The Vinyl Underground follows four outcast teens and the companionship they share through their record club called The Vinyl Underground.
Ronnie's older brother, Bruce has been killed in the Vietnam War, leaving Ronnie to cope with his loss and with high school graduation approaching, his father is determined to send his other son to fight overseas. Meanwhile, Hana, a Japanese girl with radically progressive ideas, moves next door to Ronnie and is often subject to racial slurs in school. Together, with Ronnie's best friend, Milo and Bruce's best friend, Lewis, they form The Vinyl Underground, bonded by their love of music.
The setting is vivid- Rufus does an excellent job weaving in pop culture and music references into this novel and discussing prejudice, racism, and grief/healing. Courage plays a huge role in this book and it was interesting to see what courage meant to each of the characters. An interesting historical fiction YA novel with themes that remain relevant today.
*Thank you to NetGalley and North Star Editions publishers for providing a free ARC
Ronnie's older brother, Bruce has been killed in the Vietnam War, leaving Ronnie to cope with his loss and with high school graduation approaching, his father is determined to send his other son to fight overseas. Meanwhile, Hana, a Japanese girl with radically progressive ideas, moves next door to Ronnie and is often subject to racial slurs in school. Together, with Ronnie's best friend, Milo and Bruce's best friend, Lewis, they form The Vinyl Underground, bonded by their love of music.
The setting is vivid- Rufus does an excellent job weaving in pop culture and music references into this novel and discussing prejudice, racism, and grief/healing. Courage plays a huge role in this book and it was interesting to see what courage meant to each of the characters. An interesting historical fiction YA novel with themes that remain relevant today.
*Thank you to NetGalley and North Star Editions publishers for providing a free ARC
June 9, 2020
I originally picked this up because I love music from this time period. What I found was a book that moved me, rocked me and made me really think!
With the Vietnam War as the background, this story centers around 4 high school kids: Ronnie, who is grieving his brother's death in the war; Milo, his film buff of a best friend; Lewis or "Ramrod", who was Ronnie's brother's best friend; and Hana, a half-Japanese new girl, who's a bad ass and new in their small-minded little town. These four come together and form The Vinyl Underground, a weekly record club where they play records and read Ronnie's brother, Bruce's letters. It's during these meeting that they come up with a plan to try and get Ronnie out of the draft. And then, as if that's not bad enough, racism rears its ugly head! And in their small, still segregated town, Hana is considered no better then the Vietnamese...I couldn't believe what happened! And yet when you think about the war, you think and hear ugly things...some people even here, if they are sick enough, can be impressionable. The group takes it upon themselves for the ultimate rebellion.
I had so many emotions during this book. First of all, Ronnie, and I'm sure a lot of boys his age didn't plan his future past 18 because of the war . Ronnie couldn't think past the draft! Why bother. After his brother was killed, it was harder for Ronnie to see a different future for himself. It really made me wonder about boys in real life at that time. I can't even imagine! I loved this friendship that the kid's had! They were honest and real! You couldn't have better friends then them!
As for what they did to try to save Ronnie from the draft, I won't ruin anything for anyone. All I will say is that....Wow! To be willing to put yourself through that! But I can see that! I think I would go through just about anything to avoid going to war! But it just goes to show you how desperate someone would have to be. I wonder, once again, how many boys in real life considered doing something? Attempted something? Anything? Would some have considered it being weak? Maybe.
I had purchased the audiobook from Libro.fm, but I loved the book so much I just had to get the paperback because I know it's going to be a re-read! And it needs to be on my shelf! I highly recommend this! Well done! And the music.....the original reason I got it.....it's there.....and I could almost hear it in the background. And the way the author talks about it, I felt like we were part of The Vinyl Underground talking music ourselves!
Until next week...
With the Vietnam War as the background, this story centers around 4 high school kids: Ronnie, who is grieving his brother's death in the war; Milo, his film buff of a best friend; Lewis or "Ramrod", who was Ronnie's brother's best friend; and Hana, a half-Japanese new girl, who's a bad ass and new in their small-minded little town. These four come together and form The Vinyl Underground, a weekly record club where they play records and read Ronnie's brother, Bruce's letters. It's during these meeting that they come up with a plan to try and get Ronnie out of the draft. And then, as if that's not bad enough, racism rears its ugly head! And in their small, still segregated town, Hana is considered no better then the Vietnamese...I couldn't believe what happened! And yet when you think about the war, you think and hear ugly things...some people even here, if they are sick enough, can be impressionable. The group takes it upon themselves for the ultimate rebellion.
I had so many emotions during this book. First of all, Ronnie, and I'm sure a lot of boys his age didn't plan his future past 18 because of the war . Ronnie couldn't think past the draft! Why bother. After his brother was killed, it was harder for Ronnie to see a different future for himself. It really made me wonder about boys in real life at that time. I can't even imagine! I loved this friendship that the kid's had! They were honest and real! You couldn't have better friends then them!
As for what they did to try to save Ronnie from the draft, I won't ruin anything for anyone. All I will say is that....Wow! To be willing to put yourself through that! But I can see that! I think I would go through just about anything to avoid going to war! But it just goes to show you how desperate someone would have to be. I wonder, once again, how many boys in real life considered doing something? Attempted something? Anything? Would some have considered it being weak? Maybe.
I had purchased the audiobook from Libro.fm, but I loved the book so much I just had to get the paperback because I know it's going to be a re-read! And it needs to be on my shelf! I highly recommend this! Well done! And the music.....the original reason I got it.....it's there.....and I could almost hear it in the background. And the way the author talks about it, I felt like we were part of The Vinyl Underground talking music ourselves!
Until next week...
March 11, 2020
I was immediately drawn to this book because of what I imagined would be a killer look at music and records in the 1960s, but I was sucked in even further when I saw that this was a book whose main plot centers around the Vietnam War. I have read a lot of historical fiction, but tend to pick up books about WWI or WWII, and don't really delve into other eras (to my own disappointment in myself).
I'm glad I picked this up, and I'm so glad I read it. The way Rob Rufus writes about music and what it meant to these teenagers is just as poignant as when he is discussing the war in Vietnam and what the prospect of being drafted into military services feels like for these teenagers. He was able to bring that time - the fears, the worries, the concerns, the anger, the sadness - to the forefront of this story and give them a tangible feel and believability.
I think so much of this book is so important, but I especially loved the way that racism was discussed, and how the three young men in the story were held accountable for both their action and their inaction. Hana was a very strong character, even in parts of the story she did not have an active role in, and the other three men were all well created and relatable. The stories about the draft and how different people viewed it were also great, and I loved that at the end of the book you're left to make your own opinion about the "act of rebellion" that the group took part in. (Also, most all of the ways of draft dodging that were referenced were totally true and terrifying.)
Thank you to NetGalley& North Star Editions for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own.
I'm glad I picked this up, and I'm so glad I read it. The way Rob Rufus writes about music and what it meant to these teenagers is just as poignant as when he is discussing the war in Vietnam and what the prospect of being drafted into military services feels like for these teenagers. He was able to bring that time - the fears, the worries, the concerns, the anger, the sadness - to the forefront of this story and give them a tangible feel and believability.
I think so much of this book is so important, but I especially loved the way that racism was discussed, and how the three young men in the story were held accountable for both their action and their inaction. Hana was a very strong character, even in parts of the story she did not have an active role in, and the other three men were all well created and relatable. The stories about the draft and how different people viewed it were also great, and I loved that at the end of the book you're left to make your own opinion about the "act of rebellion" that the group took part in. (Also, most all of the ways of draft dodging that were referenced were totally true and terrifying.)
Thank you to NetGalley& North Star Editions for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own.
November 26, 2019
Thank you Netgally and the publisher for giving me a digital Arc to read and review.
The Vinyl Underground is set in 1968, during the peak of the Vietnam war. Ronnie's brother Bruce died during the war and he really doesn't want to sign up for the draft.
This book is the first book I've ever read that has a anti-Vietnam stance. That really interested me as I personally think that the whole draft was wrong and the Vietnam war should have been over way sooner.
The writing style of this book really got me. I started it out of boredom, but I finished the book in one sitting. I will be buying this book when it comes out.
The book also deals with racism and hate crimes. It is sad to read about, but it was the reality in that time. The way it slips into the story is just so well written. There is also a hint of romance, but it is not the main focus of the book.
The thing I liked most in this book was the way that records were the main point of the stories. Bruce send letters that should be read while listening to a song. I might go back to the book and read the letters while listening to the music.
I give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars!
The Vinyl Underground is set in 1968, during the peak of the Vietnam war. Ronnie's brother Bruce died during the war and he really doesn't want to sign up for the draft.
This book is the first book I've ever read that has a anti-Vietnam stance. That really interested me as I personally think that the whole draft was wrong and the Vietnam war should have been over way sooner.
The writing style of this book really got me. I started it out of boredom, but I finished the book in one sitting. I will be buying this book when it comes out.
The book also deals with racism and hate crimes. It is sad to read about, but it was the reality in that time. The way it slips into the story is just so well written. There is also a hint of romance, but it is not the main focus of the book.
The thing I liked most in this book was the way that records were the main point of the stories. Bruce send letters that should be read while listening to a song. I might go back to the book and read the letters while listening to the music.
I give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars!
January 23, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and North Star Editions for this digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Description
Dig it.
During the tumultuous year of 1968, four teens are drawn together: Ronnie Bingham, who is grieving his brother’s death in Vietnam; Milo, Ronnie’s bookish best friend; “Ramrod,” a star athlete who is secretly avoiding the draft; and Hana, the new girl, a half-Japanese badass rock-n-roller whose presence doesn’t sit well with their segregated high school.
The four outcasts find sanctuary in “The Vinyl Underground,” a record club where they spin music, joke, debate, and escape the stifling norms of their small southern town. But Ronnie’s eighteenth birthday is looming. Together, they hatch a plan to keep Ronnie from being drafted. But when a horrific act of racial-charged violence rocks the gang to their core, they decide it’s time for an epic act of rebellion.
I went into this read thinking that it would be music that drew them all together. I was hooked. Getting elbows deep, I found it seemed anti-war and filled with words I cringed reading. I wish we were never part of the Vietnam war, but we were.
Description
Dig it.
During the tumultuous year of 1968, four teens are drawn together: Ronnie Bingham, who is grieving his brother’s death in Vietnam; Milo, Ronnie’s bookish best friend; “Ramrod,” a star athlete who is secretly avoiding the draft; and Hana, the new girl, a half-Japanese badass rock-n-roller whose presence doesn’t sit well with their segregated high school.
The four outcasts find sanctuary in “The Vinyl Underground,” a record club where they spin music, joke, debate, and escape the stifling norms of their small southern town. But Ronnie’s eighteenth birthday is looming. Together, they hatch a plan to keep Ronnie from being drafted. But when a horrific act of racial-charged violence rocks the gang to their core, they decide it’s time for an epic act of rebellion.
I went into this read thinking that it would be music that drew them all together. I was hooked. Getting elbows deep, I found it seemed anti-war and filled with words I cringed reading. I wish we were never part of the Vietnam war, but we were.
August 4, 2020
Good, simple YA rebellions set in one of the most famous counter-culture periods of American history. The only thing that bugged me about this book was some obvious inconsistencies. In the first couple of chapters, they talk about how Ronnie's brother was a Marine, but they refer to him as a soldier several other times throughout the novel. Marines also did not draft people during the Vietnam War, so his being drafted, which is a central tenet of this novel, is off. Later on, one of the characters gets into the University of Florida, they describe the alligator logo on the acceptance letter and everything, but then for the rest of the novel he mentions getting into Florida State, a completely different school with a totally different mascot. The lazy missing of easy details is why I gave the book 4 stars, because it was otherwise a very entertaining story.
December 14, 2019
This book is a beautiful description of growing up in the late 60's when everyone was reeling from the devastating affects of the Vietnam war as well as the assassination of MLK Jr. When the grass roots movements were formed and the people wanted to try to make a change in the world.
This book follows 4 boys who each have their own demons to wrestle, but connect through their love of music. The vinyl underground drew me in from the first page and I couldn't put it down.
The author (rufus) has a way of weaving in an incredible story with pop culture references and music to make it relatable to teens growing up 50 years later.
**Thank you to netgalley for the free arc in exchange for an honest review.
This book follows 4 boys who each have their own demons to wrestle, but connect through their love of music. The vinyl underground drew me in from the first page and I couldn't put it down.
The author (rufus) has a way of weaving in an incredible story with pop culture references and music to make it relatable to teens growing up 50 years later.
**Thank you to netgalley for the free arc in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2019
I enjoyed this book and its themes! I also enjoyed getting to experience a story in a time period that I'm less familiar with. While I'm glad the main characters came out on top, I'm not a fan of their methods. I'm with Ronnie when he was feeling conflicted at the end—what they did was honestly pretty cruel (my squeamish self was pretty disturbed by it), but I also understand that feeling of powerlessness, when you want so badly for something big to change but know that writing letters to your congress rep is probably useless. I did enjoy the book overall though and definitely felt personally for Ronnie as he grieved his brother's death. (Not a spoiler, btw ;))
August 18, 2020
As a music and history enthusiast, I really enjoyed this title. I listened to the whole audiobook in one day. I did not feel that there was a lull in the story at all and I felt that the writing was intuitive and descriptive for YA. I should say that my interest in this title was initially due to my personal interest in learning more about the time period especially about the social resistance of the time period. I felt that the social and political themes in this book are still relevant today - especially today!
This is something that I definitely want to pass around to select friends who I know will enjoy it and would really appreciate the theme of "courage."
This is something that I definitely want to pass around to select friends who I know will enjoy it and would really appreciate the theme of "courage."
October 2, 2019
A righteous book that combines the art of music with the cruelty, violence, and pain of the Vietnam war, and the discrimination in the 60’s. With the use of flamboyant language and and a slew of 60’s slang; I knew exactly when and where I was.
April 5, 2020
Really, really good. I loved the backdrop of the Vietnam War mixed with the ideas of what it means to be courageous. A wonderful story, a dynamic protagonist and a story that draws you along beautifully to its hopeful conclusion.
July 26, 2020
So fucking good.
May 30, 2021
In the turbulent year of 1968, four teens band together amidst the chaos: Ronnie, who recently lost his brother to Vietnam, his best friend Milo, who dreams of making films, Lewis/"Ramrod", a high school athlete who's secretly draft-dodging, and Hana, the new half-Japanese girl who knows how to rock, but faces discrimination at their segregated school.
Together, they create "The Vinyl Underground", a weekly get-together where they enjoy the music of the times, their own small form of protest against the world. But at the approach of Ronnie's birthday, they form a plan to get him away from the draft.
But when a terrible act of racist violence threatens to destroy their group, they decide to fight back, finally rebellious against their unfair, war-torn world.
A riveting piece of teen historical fiction, "The Vinyl Underground" is a vivid picture of the world of 1968, and how teens of the time were living. In this authentic narrative, the reader is forced to consider questions such as: What is courage? Is it different for everyone? What morals do each need to hold themselves to? When and how is the right time to stand up to injustice?
Something great about this story is that it does not just show one side of the coin. It tackles the issues discussed from all sides, and the characters fall into revelations that things aren't just black and white; more often than not, there's a bigger picture, and more than one way to see things.
With writing that doesn't avoid what needs to be said, "The Vinyl Underground" is an anthem to the younger generation of the Vietnam War Era, and everything they were faced with during that time of controversy and hardship. It is a beautiful, gritty snapshot of 1968, delving the reader into a world of great music, rebellion, and courage that every generation has the potential to take ownership of.
Together, they create "The Vinyl Underground", a weekly get-together where they enjoy the music of the times, their own small form of protest against the world. But at the approach of Ronnie's birthday, they form a plan to get him away from the draft.
But when a terrible act of racist violence threatens to destroy their group, they decide to fight back, finally rebellious against their unfair, war-torn world.
A riveting piece of teen historical fiction, "The Vinyl Underground" is a vivid picture of the world of 1968, and how teens of the time were living. In this authentic narrative, the reader is forced to consider questions such as: What is courage? Is it different for everyone? What morals do each need to hold themselves to? When and how is the right time to stand up to injustice?
Something great about this story is that it does not just show one side of the coin. It tackles the issues discussed from all sides, and the characters fall into revelations that things aren't just black and white; more often than not, there's a bigger picture, and more than one way to see things.
With writing that doesn't avoid what needs to be said, "The Vinyl Underground" is an anthem to the younger generation of the Vietnam War Era, and everything they were faced with during that time of controversy and hardship. It is a beautiful, gritty snapshot of 1968, delving the reader into a world of great music, rebellion, and courage that every generation has the potential to take ownership of.
March 17, 2023
There was something that seemed to lure me to this book, even though I am no a fan of historical fiction. But it still felt "light" in terms of being historical.
This is a well written book about tough as hell things. For me it's not a book you read and later you blabber about how you love it, it's a book that you have a meaningful debate and that leaves you with some more moral dilemma than you'd expect.
I am super glad I read (listened to) it.
This is a well written book about tough as hell things. For me it's not a book you read and later you blabber about how you love it, it's a book that you have a meaningful debate and that leaves you with some more moral dilemma than you'd expect.
I am super glad I read (listened to) it.
December 31, 2020
IT'S THE FIRST TIME I'VE READ
It's the first time i've read something like this; a trio group of best friends watching how the U.S is completely changed. War, political propaganda sets in cold war avoiding mentioning the second-generation Japanese American citizens incarcerations in ww2 doing to expand the racial discrimination.
Using the same music like a weapon against this themes in the western towns (once again in the U.S history).
However this isn't last trouble to Ronnie, Milo and Hana.
i liked the author's way telling this plot inside the YA (historical) fiction improve the reality!
It's the first time i've read something like this; a trio group of best friends watching how the U.S is completely changed. War, political propaganda sets in cold war avoiding mentioning the second-generation Japanese American citizens incarcerations in ww2 doing to expand the racial discrimination.
Using the same music like a weapon against this themes in the western towns (once again in the U.S history).
However this isn't last trouble to Ronnie, Milo and Hana.
i liked the author's way telling this plot inside the YA (historical) fiction improve the reality!
January 6, 2021
Heartbreakingly beautiful.
Read
March 23, 2020The year is 1968, and the US military is in Vietnam. Ronnie and his older brother, Bruce, had plans to go west and become famous radio DJs, but their plans are derailed when Bruce ships out to war and is killed. Now, grieving and lost, Ronnie is terrified of being drafted, although his father expects Ronnie to join upon his rapidly approaching 18th birthday.
The Vinyl Underground began as a record club to listen to music with Ronnie's friends, Milo, Ramrod (his brother's best friend who intentionally flunked to avoid the draft), and the new girl, Hana, who is biracial (half Japanese). Together, they hatch a plan to keep Ronnie from being drafted. Hana actively protests the war, which incenses several of her classmates who demonize her, ending with a terrible act of violence. The friends devise an act of rebellion and revenge on their classmates.
There was much to like about the story. The writing contains authentic language and descriptors of life as well as realistic dialogue. I enjoyed the interplay of music into the novel and the dynamics between the friends. Themes of war, protest, racial divides, coming-of-age all explored. Events current to the time were included with the interior monologues of how this informed Ronnie.
The story is well-paced but sometimes comes off fragmented. The characterization of Ronnie's father came off like the dad in "That 70's Show." The mother was almost non-existent. The antagonist seemed to be in the book for shock value and this seemed off.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Vinyl Underground began as a record club to listen to music with Ronnie's friends, Milo, Ramrod (his brother's best friend who intentionally flunked to avoid the draft), and the new girl, Hana, who is biracial (half Japanese). Together, they hatch a plan to keep Ronnie from being drafted. Hana actively protests the war, which incenses several of her classmates who demonize her, ending with a terrible act of violence. The friends devise an act of rebellion and revenge on their classmates.
There was much to like about the story. The writing contains authentic language and descriptors of life as well as realistic dialogue. I enjoyed the interplay of music into the novel and the dynamics between the friends. Themes of war, protest, racial divides, coming-of-age all explored. Events current to the time were included with the interior monologues of how this informed Ronnie.
The story is well-paced but sometimes comes off fragmented. The characterization of Ronnie's father came off like the dad in "That 70's Show." The mother was almost non-existent. The antagonist seemed to be in the book for shock value and this seemed off.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 21, 2019
I received this book because of a Netgalley request for an honest review.
"Be whatever you have to be to get to the edge of the cliff. It doesn't matter how you get there, what matters is you jump." The Vinyl Underground by Rob Rufus is a story about brave choices and doing the right thing. It is a story about four friends who form a music club and face the worries of the world such as school, college applications, and the drafting for Vietnam War with their love for rock n' roll. I loved The Vinyl Underground for its cool plot and the genre development.
The plot was cool in terms of the issues that it addressed such a military drafting and racial discrimination. In the few books I have read about war, the protagonists are ready to fight for their country no matter how young they are. Many war fiction writers like to portray their protagonists as patriots, but Rufus does the opposite. This different perspective towards drafting for a war is what makes the book very interesting to read. In regards to racial discrimination, Rufus highlights how people of Asian origin were discriminated because of the Vietnam War and he gets to do it in-depth because one of his protagonists is half-Japanese. These two main themes of the plot make the book an insightful read because it provides the reader with a different perspective on the Vietnam War.
The Vinyl Underground comes under the historical fiction and the young adult genres and for me, it was a unique combination. In the historical fiction books I have read so far, the plots have highlighted how young adults during wars are forced to grow up. They are forced to think like adults and be like adults and that is just not in the battle field, rather it is like that in every possible aspect of life. However in this book, Rufus has not forced his protagonists to quickly grow up and get ready for the Vietnam War. His characters fight off this kind of growing up in every way possible such as coming up with ways to avoid the draft. I felt that providing us with this perspective on the Vietnam War was important because it emphasizes on the need to end wars and work towards bringing social justice. For these reasons, I liked the genre combination and genre development of this book, which enhanced Rufus' different perspective on the Vietnam War.
For me, The Vinyl Underground by Rob Rufus is about making different and brave choices. The story has been insightful in terms of highlighting the effects of the Vietnam War back in America. Rufus' story has also taught me a lot about doing what is right and not bothering with what others think of you. It is a moral lesson that I have come across numerous times, but Rufus' story makes it echo deep within me. The Vinyl Underground is a story that I would recommend to all historical fiction lovers and to those who like seeing things from all the different angles.
"Be whatever you have to be to get to the edge of the cliff. It doesn't matter how you get there, what matters is you jump." The Vinyl Underground by Rob Rufus is a story about brave choices and doing the right thing. It is a story about four friends who form a music club and face the worries of the world such as school, college applications, and the drafting for Vietnam War with their love for rock n' roll. I loved The Vinyl Underground for its cool plot and the genre development.
The plot was cool in terms of the issues that it addressed such a military drafting and racial discrimination. In the few books I have read about war, the protagonists are ready to fight for their country no matter how young they are. Many war fiction writers like to portray their protagonists as patriots, but Rufus does the opposite. This different perspective towards drafting for a war is what makes the book very interesting to read. In regards to racial discrimination, Rufus highlights how people of Asian origin were discriminated because of the Vietnam War and he gets to do it in-depth because one of his protagonists is half-Japanese. These two main themes of the plot make the book an insightful read because it provides the reader with a different perspective on the Vietnam War.
The Vinyl Underground comes under the historical fiction and the young adult genres and for me, it was a unique combination. In the historical fiction books I have read so far, the plots have highlighted how young adults during wars are forced to grow up. They are forced to think like adults and be like adults and that is just not in the battle field, rather it is like that in every possible aspect of life. However in this book, Rufus has not forced his protagonists to quickly grow up and get ready for the Vietnam War. His characters fight off this kind of growing up in every way possible such as coming up with ways to avoid the draft. I felt that providing us with this perspective on the Vietnam War was important because it emphasizes on the need to end wars and work towards bringing social justice. For these reasons, I liked the genre combination and genre development of this book, which enhanced Rufus' different perspective on the Vietnam War.
For me, The Vinyl Underground by Rob Rufus is about making different and brave choices. The story has been insightful in terms of highlighting the effects of the Vietnam War back in America. Rufus' story has also taught me a lot about doing what is right and not bothering with what others think of you. It is a moral lesson that I have come across numerous times, but Rufus' story makes it echo deep within me. The Vinyl Underground is a story that I would recommend to all historical fiction lovers and to those who like seeing things from all the different angles.
June 27, 2021
A fantastic YA set during turbulent 1968, but timely for many of the cultural issues we still struggle with today. Racial justice and questions about why we can’t all get along, and how individual choice battles the greater good feature heavily in this surprising book. I thought I would be getting a primer on Vietnam protest from young baby boomers, but instead found a much more complex book that tackled many more issues with an adept hand, all the while serving up rebellious music references and nostalgia. Teenage escapades and relationships anchor the book nicely for its genre, but truly, The Vinyl Underground is one for anyone Gen Z to Boomer who knows what it’s like to feel too big for the small minds around you.
April 29, 2020
I can’t even begin to explain how much I LOVED this book to pieces! The protagonist, Ronnie is still reeling from the death of his older, charismatic brother Bruce, who passed away while fighting in Vietnam. Not only is he dealing with that tremendous loss, he’s also having to deal with the very real possibility that he too will be drafted for the same war. Truth is, Ronnie doesn’t believe in this war and wants nothing more than to be able to finish senior year and figure himself out. Because ever since his brother passed away, Ronnie doesn’t have a clear idea of what he should do with his life. Before he envisioned himself in California with Bruce who dreamed about becoming a radio DJ and Ronnie would be the sidekick. But how much is a dream worth without the original dreamer? Ronnie tries to answer that question throughout the whole novel. He wants to honor his brother’s memory, although he also is trying to figure out what he wants from life and his future.
In the midst of all this, he begins a club with three of his friends called The Vinyl Underground, where they share music. For Ronnie, it’s a way to also share parts of Bruce with his friends since all the vinyls he owns used to belong to his late brother.
What I LOVED about this book were the strong bonds of friendship and how loyal the group was to one another. And although the book did use the trope started by Stephen King in Carrie (where something MAJOR happens during prom or school dance), I really, really loved how devoted the characters were to their cause. And yes, a lot of their actions would make several parents flip out, but I think the novel beautifully depicted teenagers and their will to rebel against injustice.
It takes a lot for a book or movie to move me to tears, and this book did the trick! So if you’re someone who easily tears up, keep tissues on hand! There’s much to love in this book, from the era, the music, the friendships, and one kick-ass female protagonist that will make you wish that someone would turn this book into a movie stat!
READ THIS BOOK IF YOU’RE A FAN OF COMING OF AGE, STRONG FRIENDSHIPS, AND ROCK MUSIC.
*Thank you so much to NetGalley and North Star Editions for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
In the midst of all this, he begins a club with three of his friends called The Vinyl Underground, where they share music. For Ronnie, it’s a way to also share parts of Bruce with his friends since all the vinyls he owns used to belong to his late brother.
What I LOVED about this book were the strong bonds of friendship and how loyal the group was to one another. And although the book did use the trope started by Stephen King in Carrie (where something MAJOR happens during prom or school dance), I really, really loved how devoted the characters were to their cause. And yes, a lot of their actions would make several parents flip out, but I think the novel beautifully depicted teenagers and their will to rebel against injustice.
It takes a lot for a book or movie to move me to tears, and this book did the trick! So if you’re someone who easily tears up, keep tissues on hand! There’s much to love in this book, from the era, the music, the friendships, and one kick-ass female protagonist that will make you wish that someone would turn this book into a movie stat!
READ THIS BOOK IF YOU’RE A FAN OF COMING OF AGE, STRONG FRIENDSHIPS, AND ROCK MUSIC.
*Thank you so much to NetGalley and North Star Editions for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
December 6, 2019
For twenty-four chapters, it’s written at a good pace with rising tension, conflict and resolution visible. Rufus does a good job constructing a novel with such controversial themes that’s still applicable in today’s society. Taking place in the USA (1968) yet revolving around the Vietnam war and how our protagonist, Ronnie, deals with the death of his older brother, Bruce after being drafted and killed in the war. I loved how Rufus covered all the grief and problems that the characters go through, with pop culture. Hence, The Vinyl Underground. Music brought them together, it’s what still made them teenagers through the difficult times.
Hana, the Japanese girl is the key to the story. She brings out the racist slurs portrayed on Asians that time being assumed bad as the Vietnamese. Yet Hana is the character we need to shut up people like that! Any chance she got, she stood up and spoke her truth. Nothing got in her way. She was a bad bitch, the kind that you wanted to be like. In her leather jacket and cigarettes galore, nothing stopped her from speaking her mind.
It was hard for me to picture Ronnie; it described him to have a gruff voice… other than that; I enjoyed the story from his eyes. The stages of grief, not only him but his father went through. It was important to see the father’s development as back then, fathers were very persistent to their sons doing the ‘manly’ thing for the pride and family. I loved that subplot of Ronnie not wanting to end up like his brother.
Milo and Lewis were the greatest friends! Ronnie’s dad was the coach, so he wasn’t exactly an outsider, he climbed the ladder of hierarchy thanks to his dad and Lewis being the captain. The friend group and connection between the three of them, including Hana, was original. They each fought for what they believed in but still came together to help each other.
It’s an inspirational story with strong themes and emotional characters. I hope I can purchase a copy and recommend it to everyone I know!
Hana, the Japanese girl is the key to the story. She brings out the racist slurs portrayed on Asians that time being assumed bad as the Vietnamese. Yet Hana is the character we need to shut up people like that! Any chance she got, she stood up and spoke her truth. Nothing got in her way. She was a bad bitch, the kind that you wanted to be like. In her leather jacket and cigarettes galore, nothing stopped her from speaking her mind.
It was hard for me to picture Ronnie; it described him to have a gruff voice… other than that; I enjoyed the story from his eyes. The stages of grief, not only him but his father went through. It was important to see the father’s development as back then, fathers were very persistent to their sons doing the ‘manly’ thing for the pride and family. I loved that subplot of Ronnie not wanting to end up like his brother.
Milo and Lewis were the greatest friends! Ronnie’s dad was the coach, so he wasn’t exactly an outsider, he climbed the ladder of hierarchy thanks to his dad and Lewis being the captain. The friend group and connection between the three of them, including Hana, was original. They each fought for what they believed in but still came together to help each other.
It’s an inspirational story with strong themes and emotional characters. I hope I can purchase a copy and recommend it to everyone I know!
March 4, 2020
I think this might be one of my favorite books I've read this year!
This book is one of those that, when you read it, you can truly feel the music. It's the story of a small revolution, and, considering the state of the United States right now, it's timely despite the over 50 year gap.
Ronnie's life is just go to school, wrestle, work with his best friend Milo at the theatre, come home, get high, and listen to his dead brother Bruce's albums. Bruce was shipped off to Vietnam, throwing a wrench in his and Ronnie's plans to head to Los Angeles to be radio djs. All Ronnie has left are his letterman jacket, his car, and his killer collection of vinyl.
Enter Hana: a truly radical girl from Chicago, biding her time before she can run off and be a journalist. Hana is punk before punk knew what it was. She's into MC5, she's attended more protests than you can shake a stick at.
Milo and Ronnie are immediately drawn to her. Why wouldn't they be? She's snarky, she's into music. Oh, and she's half-Japanese. Ronnie stops some of his racist ass team members from roughing her up, only to get punched in the nose. Thus, the Vinyl Underground is born!
There's so much to love about every one of our four leads (Ramrod, though he didn't get as much page time, is wonderful), but their sheer drive is what makes me want to protect all of these babies.
Their plan for getting Ronnie out of the draft? GENIUS, but also, as a sound engineer, HOLY SHIT DO NOT DO WHAT THEY DID, THAT'S A BAD MOVE. But it still makes so much sense!
A timely story despite the history, The Vinyl Underground is a story that carries hope and revolution in the forefront. I give it 5 out of 5 45 adapters.
This book is one of those that, when you read it, you can truly feel the music. It's the story of a small revolution, and, considering the state of the United States right now, it's timely despite the over 50 year gap.
Ronnie's life is just go to school, wrestle, work with his best friend Milo at the theatre, come home, get high, and listen to his dead brother Bruce's albums. Bruce was shipped off to Vietnam, throwing a wrench in his and Ronnie's plans to head to Los Angeles to be radio djs. All Ronnie has left are his letterman jacket, his car, and his killer collection of vinyl.
Enter Hana: a truly radical girl from Chicago, biding her time before she can run off and be a journalist. Hana is punk before punk knew what it was. She's into MC5, she's attended more protests than you can shake a stick at.
Milo and Ronnie are immediately drawn to her. Why wouldn't they be? She's snarky, she's into music. Oh, and she's half-Japanese. Ronnie stops some of his racist ass team members from roughing her up, only to get punched in the nose. Thus, the Vinyl Underground is born!
There's so much to love about every one of our four leads (Ramrod, though he didn't get as much page time, is wonderful), but their sheer drive is what makes me want to protect all of these babies.
Their plan for getting Ronnie out of the draft? GENIUS, but also, as a sound engineer, HOLY SHIT DO NOT DO WHAT THEY DID, THAT'S A BAD MOVE. But it still makes so much sense!
A timely story despite the history, The Vinyl Underground is a story that carries hope and revolution in the forefront. I give it 5 out of 5 45 adapters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews