Remix by Non Pratt - Review

Where did I get it? I bought it, back in March. 

What's it about? Kaz and Ruby are best friends. They've just finished their GCSEs and are spending the weekend at the Remix festival along with lots of friends and Ruby's brother, Lee. Kaz has just broken up with Tom, but still loves him, and Ruby has just broken up with Stu, who cheated on her. The girls are very excited to see their favourite band, Gold'ntone, but they also meet new people, see new bands, and more.

I read Trouble by Non Pratt earlier in the year and the problem I had with it was the same here - I just didn't feel like the story was complex enough. Or that they characters were, either. I felt like the storyline in Remix was thin, and I felt like there was too much telling and not enough showing. It's a shame because I really want to like this author, but I just don't love her stuff. Of course, others may feel really differently.

I found that the setting of a music festival here was an interesting one. I write about music myself, and I understand the difficulties in translating music on to the page. I felt like Non Pratt did well in parts, like when Kaz is playing the guitar, but not in others. I really liked seeing how another author handled this, though. 

What age range is it for? Given that Kaz and Ruby are both sixteen, I would normally expect to say that this was for fifteen year olds and older. However, due to the simplicity of the novel, I would say that anyone 14+ could enjoy it, and maybe even some thirteen year olds. 

Are any main characters LGBTQ+? Yes, Ruby's brother Lee has a boyfriend, I actually really liked their side plot. 

Are any main characters people of colour? Kaz is supposed to be, although it's not explicitly said. 

Are any main characters disabled either mentally or physically? No

Is there any sex stuff? Yes, it's not very graphic, and there's plenty of mention of using condoms, which made me happy.

Are drugs mentioned or used? Yes, a couple of times. 

Is there any talk of death? No

Are there swear words? Yes, quite a few. It's quite well representative of British teens in that way!

Would I recommend the book? Not overly, but of course your opinion may differ and that's fine. 

How many stars? Four out of then

Where is the book going now? I'm not sure. I might give it away to someone.