Blowin' My Mind Like a Summer Breeze by Benjamin Roesch

Description from BookSirens:

Fifteen-year-old Rainey Cobb never thought meeting someone could actually change her life. But, then again, she’s never met anyone like Juliet.

It’s 1995 and The Cobb Family Band, led by Rainey’s rock star parents, has arrived for a week-long gig at the Midwestern resort owned by Juliet’s family. Dazzled by Juliet’s carpe diem attitude, DIY tattoos, and passion for grunge, Rainey falls hard. And when Juliet gives Rainey a mixtape that unlocks her heart’s secret yearnings, Rainey starts seeing herself—and her vagabond, show-biz life—through new eyes.

If Rainey quits the band, her parents’ fading career might never recover. But if she doesn’t leap now, she might be stuck forever in a life she didn’t choose… and always wonder who she could have been.

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My Review:

I received this book from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.

I had to take some time to write this review as I wasn't fully sure how I felt after reading this book. First, as a coming of age story, I think the author does an amazing job of figuring how not only what your voice is, but having the courage to say it. Rainey had a lot of courage to stand up to her mother about her wishes. Honestly, it's something I still struggle with even as an adult.

I really liked Rainey. I felt like I connected with her a lot. I am not musically challenged by any means but I understand feeling stuck and wanting to try new things, feeling guilty for going against your parents, and especially questioning your sexuality. I also liked that she was taking risks and doing new things but she wasn't spiraling. I honestly was really worried for her when she first met Juliet as I thought this would be the start of a dramatic whirlwind of bad decisions. Instead, she really was just finding herself. On that note, I wasn't a huge fan of Juliet. Not that she was written badly or anything but her personality rubbed me the wrong way. I couldn't bring myself to really like her. I just ended up focusing my attention on Rainey. I also want to note that Rainey's relationship with Evan rubbed me the wrong way. I honestly think they shouldn't have been friends again based on what was said between them. I wish I could say more but I don't want to spoil anything.

The plot wasn't bad, I do like how the book takes a turn to be more than just the romance between Rainey and Juliet. I did find myself at times wondering where this book was headed as there were so many new things that Rainey was experiencing. I think the book ended in a really nice way though. Almost hopeful.

Overall, this was a really pleasant read. Definitely a good read for summer. However, for some reason, I just couldn't get fully into it. I think there are a lot of great lessons here and again Rainey is a wonderful main character, but this didn't absorb me as much as I hoped it would. I do highly recommend it if you're looking for a good coming-of-age story.