The Love Song of Jonny Valentine

by Teddy Wayne Narrated by Kirby Heyborne

Overview

For fans of A Visit from the Goon Squad and Joyce Carol Oates' Blonde, here is a scathing and enthralling new novel about America's monstrous obsession with fame from the winner of a 2011 Whiting Writers' Award.

Megastar Jonny Valentine, eleven-year-old icon of bubblegum pop, knows that the fans don't love him for who he is. His image, his voice, and even his hairdo have been packaged-by his LA label and by his hard-partying manager-mother-into bite-size pieces for easy digestion, sliding down the gullet of mass culture, the biggest appeal to the widest demographic. But somewhere inside the relentless marketing machine is still a little boy, devoted to his mother and determined to find his absent father among the countless, faceless fans-isn't there?

A twisted, brilliant, and viciously funny coming-of-age story set inside corporate arenas and luxury hotel suites, Teddy Wayne's The Love Song of Jonny Valentine explores with devastating clarity the underbelly of fame in twenty-first-century America's celebrity culture, told through the eyes of one of the most unforgettable child narrators since Holden Caulfield. This novel is a literary masterpiece from the award-winning and critically acclaimed author of Kapitoil-one of the standout writers of his generation.

Editorial Reviews

Library Journal - Audio

Veteran reader Kirby Heyborne captures beautifully the voice of the titular 11-year-old pop star. Jonny Valentine is managed by his mother, who loves him but treats him like a product. He's hugely talented and hardworking but lonely, with no friends his own age. With Jonny's sophisticated knowledge of the music business one can forget how young he is, but since the story is told from Jonny's point of view, listeners are frequently reminded of the preoccupations and conflicts of an average tween. But Jonny is also trying to find his missing father, understand his mother's complicated problems, and be aware of child predators and others who would use him. Tentatively, slowly, he begins taking some control over his own career and life. VERDICT A fine coming-of-age story, heartbreaking in many ways but authentic. Recommended. ["This is ultimately a satire with a heart, capturing the sadness, longing, and confusion beneath the celebrity veneer…. A top-of-the-charts tale," read the starred review of the Free Pr: S. & S. hc, LJ 2/15/13.—Ed.]—Judy Murray, Monroe Cty. P. L., MI

MARCH 2013 - AudioFile

This first-person account of Jonny Valentine, a young pop star reminiscent of Justin Bieber, is warm, smart, charming, and, best of all, believable. Narrator Kirby Heyborne handles the story’s many characters with distinction. His portrayal of Jonny makes listeners feel like they're at his side throughout the concert tour. Jonny is wise beyond his 11 years and honest when he messes up or observes his mom looking "old and tired." Heyborne's voice softens when Jonny reads from his mother's computer as she sleeps and expresses exuberance when he plays a childhood tickle game. He also strikes the right tone when Jonny shares industry information or reads concert reviews. Audio is the perfect vehicle for this story. Listeners of all ages will enjoy this glimpse into a life most of us can only imagine. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169910179
Publisher:	Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Publication date:	02/05/2013
Edition description:	Unabridged

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