A review by dowleyrachel
Every Time You Hear That Song by Jenna Voris

adventurous emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I really really enjoyed reading this book. The book features a bi main character which I really appreciated. She has crushes and none of them feel less valid or real, regardless of gender. I’m glad kids have this book to reference as they explore their own sexuality. 

I also loved the dialogue about home in this book. The author is from my hometown and we went to high school together in Indiana. I don’t think I’ve ever read a work that speaks so well to loving a place and knowing when you gotta leave. The book could’ve ended two chapters earlier, like most books do, but instead, she gives us a real ending that’s bittersweet and still open-ended.  

Lastly, I love the message about choices and chasing after what you want. Sometimes people make it seems like life boils down to a few key choices, the biggest being to choose money/fame or love/relationship. But truly, it comes down to the little choices, which this book shows. We don’t slip into a bad ending, we choose it willfully. I like how Decklee’s ending is not Darren’s, nor is Darren the pure antithesis of Decklee. Their stories weave together beautifully while each remaining distinct and complex. 

A great read for someone wanting a road trip and the 2.0 country music version of Evelyn Hugo.