Indigo Blues

Gr 11 Up—Wouldn't every girl love to be the subject of a #1 song? After the release of Indigo Blues by her ex-boyfriend, Indigo Jackson answers that question with a resounding "No!" The chart-topping song wreaks havoc on her home and social life, and all the while Adam is missing her, wanting her back, and adjusting to stardom with his band, Blank Stare. Alternating chapters tell the two sides of the story. Indigo felt smothered and never even considered their three-month relationship all that serious. Adam, however, fell hard and decided to write about his heartbreak in a song. Throughout the book, readers see both characters learn about themselves and others as a result of their sudden notoriety. While the characters are not particularly well developed, teens will relate to them. Joseph even does a good job of portraying Indigo's family in a realistic light—they are supportive, kind, and normal—unlike the intrusive or absent parents that inhabit so many YA books. However, the story does include underage drinking that is neither questioned nor deemed problematic. Fans of John Green's Paper Towns (Dutton, 2008) will likely enjoy this quirky novel that shares similar elements of exploring why some relationships just don't have a happy ending.—Gina Bowling, South Gibson County High School, Medina, TN