Rated 3.5 really.

First off...DISCLAIMER: I requested this title on Netgalley. Thanks to North Star Editions/Flux for providing a temporary ecopy. This didn't influence my review in any way. Also, please note that this is an uncorrected proof - I was able to spot some (genuine) typos that are most likely not to find their way into the final version 🙂.
Fun fact: to match the book, all the headers for this review are US song titles from the '60s.

THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN'

1968 was a pivotal year in most of the Western countries, but there's no doubt that the US - with the Vietnam war draft, the still very much current segregation and Martin Luther King's assassination - were one of the hottest spots at the time. And probably more than anywhere else, music - rock music - embodied the spirit of protest of the young generation, or at least their restlessness. Now, I'm in no position to know firsthand, but it seems to me that TVU captures the feeling perfectly - that of a nation losing its (mostly fake, apparent at best) innocence, and being forced to come of age. Against the backdrop of the draft scare and of his uncertainty about the future, Ronnie - along with his friends - finally sees the bigger picture, and realises that not taking a stand against injustice is just as bad as being part of it. Music itself, for him and the whole Vinyl Underground, become less of a hiding place or a cure for heartbreak, and more of a rebellion flag and a way to make a statement. But it also plays a key role in the story...a role that, of course, I'm not going to spoil 😉.

BE YOUNG, BE FOOLISH, BE HAPPY

The four members of the Vinyl Underground feel undeniably real, though maybe Hana comes across a smidge too mature and knowledgeable for a 17 y.o. (even one who wants to be a journalist). They do brave things and foolish things, as they're expected to (sometimes those overlap), without realising their actions could end up in casualties. In a way, I admire that about them - which is the point of the book, I guess - and I applaud the author for creating teen characters who unapologetically embrace their age and all its quirks. On the other hand, as an adult and a former quiet chickenhearted teen with a penchant for overthinking (though I had the heart of a rebel), I can't help seeing the fault in their grand plan and feeling, you know, a TAD disconnected from them. (And don't get me started on the drug use - though of course it comes with the territory, because in a way, drugs had a sort of innocence about them back then - they didn't seem to pose more of a threat than your average smoke). The main problem, though, probably amounts to my liking these four kids, but not seeing myself - my teen self - reflected in any of them (and I'm not talking about the obvious - three of them being male). As I said, though, they feel real, which is what we're always swearing we want from book teens, so I guess that's a good thing. Let a jury of their pairs pronounce on that 🙂.

THE WAY IT USED TO BE

Now, the adults in this book - or some of them at least - are a different thing entirely. Of course they have to counteract the kids, to embody the status quo - but I find it difficult to believe that they can be so misguided, and frankly, one of the parents comes across as a dumb, self-centered asshole...until he pretty much does a 180. Physical abuse is NEVER OK, no matter how distraught you are. Then again, I suppose it's historically accurate to depict a parent like that, since (to the best of my knowledge) corporal punishments were still considered an educational method at the time - and probably not long ago, too...So we come full circle, back to the genuine feel this story has - despite some reservations on my part. All in all, I'm glad I got the chance to read it, and I would definitely recommend TVU to both teens and teens at heart, even if - in the first case - with a bit of supervision and/or historical context. It's an inspirational story, despite being set in the past, because no matter the era, there's always a battle to be fought - and especially nowadays, young people (and older ones too) can use the reminder.

I absolutely loved the first part of this book, I thought it would be a five-star read.
Reading about the Vietnam war when most people were still in favor of it and particularly about the draft and the unfairness of it and how young men were affected by the politics of that time was an absolutely amazing read.

The book touches in several heavy themes such as racism, toxic masculinity, segregation, the draft,... in the first part of the book and I really enjoyed it but then the way that author went at the second part of this story completely invalidated everything I had liked about this book before and I had to really make an effort to finish it.

I’m not one for historical fiction centered around a war but this one took an anti-Vietnam stance so I was super intrigued when that sentiment became the forefront of the book. I really enjoyed that it not only took that stand but it did so without shaming the soldiers who were forced to go over there and serve, which if you know anything about the Vietnam War, was a huge thing that happened back in the day. Soldiers who came back traumatized were further traumatized by anti-war protesters despite some not even wanting to go in the first place.

The characters themselves were super fun to read about. Each one had their own distinct personality, voice, and taste in music. Here lately I’ve been reading a lot of books where the MC is well fleshed out but the side characters really aren’t and that isn’t the case with this novel at all. We get a bit of each characters backstory as well as plans for the future once the book starts coming to the end. I really loved that aspect of the book and though Rob did an excellent job with it.

I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

I wish this book existed when I was a teen! I found the characters relatable and fun

Thank you NetGalley and North Star Editions for this digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Description
Dig it.

During the tumultuous year of 1968, four teens are drawn together: Ronnie Bingham, who is grieving his brother’s death in Vietnam; Milo, Ronnie’s bookish best friend; “Ramrod,” a star athlete who is secretly avoiding the draft; and Hana, the new girl, a half-Japanese badass rock-n-roller whose presence doesn’t sit well with their segregated high school.

The four outcasts find sanctuary in “The Vinyl Underground,” a record club where they spin music, joke, debate, and escape the stifling norms of their small southern town. But Ronnie’s eighteenth birthday is looming. Together, they hatch a plan to keep Ronnie from being drafted. But when a horrific act of racial-charged violence rocks the gang to their core, they decide it’s time for an epic act of rebellion.

I went into this read thinking that it would be music that drew them all together. I was hooked. Getting elbows deep, I found it seemed anti-war and filled with words I cringed reading. I wish we were never part of the Vietnam war, but we were.

A stunning historical fiction about four teens who are misfits during 1968, during the midst of the Vietnam War, who try to begin an anti-war movement within their school.

The story takes place in current day 1968, with a few flashbacks (in the form of letters) to Bruce, Ronnie's older brother who died whilst in service. It is honest, and definitely can resonate to current-day teens in the ways of showing how segregation and racial prejudice can impact lives.

I like how the main characters in the book all come together based on their connections to music, and I feel like music symbolises hope in this book.

I couldn't put this book down and I felt like this book is something that a lot of people will resonate with in this current age!

Rating: 4/5

(This review will go live on my blog on Februray 25!)

I really loved this novel. You just want to read it while listening to the songs mentioned.
It's about youth and how you struggle to picture your future whilst you can go to war any time.
It's about rebellion against a system that is unfair.
It could be written today, when our world seems to crumble.

This book was received as an ARC from North Star Editions - Flux in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I enjoyed this book because it was three unlikely teens coming together and forming a bond that will literally be their fate of one of their friends. Ronnie, Milo, Ramrod, and Hana are all different people with different heritages, different problems and different personalities that no one would ever see coming together. All goes well until it's Ronnie's 18th birthday and he is forced to be drafted into the military and thanks to this hangout The Vinyl Underground, they can escape from reality, be themselves and grow stronger as a group despite the racism and hate crimes sweeping their nation and hatching a plan to avoid Ronnie from being drafted.

We will consider adding this title to our YA collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received an eARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

New Year’s Eve 1967. Ronnie’s brother is dead, killed in the Vietnam War. Ronnie’s dad is eager for Ronnie to register to serve as soon as he turns 18, even though Ronnie wants to do anything but follow in his brother’s footsteps.

He rereads his brother Bruce’s letters, tucked away in his brother’s record collection. Before Bruce got sent to Vietnam, they had plans to start a radio show together. Now, Ronnie doesn’t know what to do, but he finds comfort in music.

As 1968 starts, that tumultuous historical year, Ronnie is filled with dread. But then he meets Hana, a half-Japanese girl, and his life begins to change. Hana vehemently opposes the war in Vietnam, so much so that her parents temporarily moved her to Florida to get her away from the active violent protesting that she had been doing. With Hana, Bruce’s best friend Ramrod who’s been avoiding the draft by purposely failing at high school, and Ronnie’s best friend Milo, they form a Vinyl Underground club whose purpose at first is just listening to music.

But when they unleash a plot to make sure that Ronnie is disqualified for the draft, their plans may begin to go too far. And when Hana is a victim of a hate crime that police don’t care about, they decide to fight back with everything that they have.

The Vinyl Underground is a solid historical YA that solidly world builds for the time period, and the characters come to life. It’s easy to believe that this all really happened among the historical backdrop of 1968.

The Vinyl Underground releases on March 3, 2020.

*Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free ARC in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed are my own.*

MINOR SPOILERS BELOW

Of all the historical fiction books I've read, The Vinyl Underground was one that stood out to me. There were many things to like about it: the vibe of the prose, the relatability of the main character (Ronnie), and the beautiful writing -- which links back to how Ronnie is one of those people with naturally poetic thoughts. I loved Milo and how he stood up for Hana multiple times, and that Hana wasn't invincible.

Yet the book also came with its flaws. This is probably a minor thing, but I didn't understand how these kids could get away with ditching school multiple times without getting in trouble. I also didn't understand Hana. I loved the Asian representation and that she was mostly able to stand up for herself, but I left the book still not quite understanding her. Aside from Hana, I felt other side characters like Lewis weren't as developed as they could have been.

To quickly wrap up, I feel the overall pros of the story evens out with its flaws and I did actually enjoy this book. Side note: I do actually like this time period and have studied it, so it was nice to see how Rufus weaved in major events into the book. Would recommend for those who enjoy 20th century history in America and those who like vinyl records.

Rating: 4.0 stars

Strong sense of time period without seeming antiquated, and a lot of strong character work - I especially enjoyed Milo, Ronnie's best friend. I think Vietnam-era YA is valuable, considering the themes of that time are coming around again or haven't really left and will likely resonate with readers of today. I did feel that Hana had a bit of Manic Pixie DNA to her that nagged at me for nearly the whole book, but I did appreciate having a non-stereotypical character of Asian descent. I do wonder at the message that US soldiers were just innocent kids who were being misused by the government and the problem mainly being The Man - considering accounts of the behavior of US military personnel during Vietnam, including toward civilians, up to the point of war crimes, this seems a very post-war analysis- but the portrayal of both subtle and more active racism in American society did round out the portrayal.

I received this book because of a Netgalley request for an honest review.

"Be whatever you have to be to get to the edge of the cliff. It doesn't matter how you get there, what matters is you jump." The Vinyl Underground by Rob Rufus is a story about brave choices and doing the right thing. It is a story about four friends who form a music club and face the worries of the world such as school, college applications, and the drafting for Vietnam War with their love for rock n' roll. I loved The Vinyl Underground for its cool plot and the genre development.

The plot was cool in terms of the issues that it addressed such a military drafting and racial discrimination. In the few books I have read about war, the protagonists are ready to fight for their country no matter how young they are. Many war fiction writers like to portray their protagonists as patriots, but Rufus does the opposite. This different perspective towards drafting for a war is what makes the book very interesting to read. In regards to racial discrimination, Rufus highlights how people of Asian origin were discriminated because of the Vietnam War and he gets to do it in-depth because one of his protagonists is half-Japanese. These two main themes of the plot make the book an insightful read because it provides the reader with a different perspective on the Vietnam War.

The Vinyl Underground comes under the historical fiction and the young adult genres and for me, it was a unique combination. In the historical fiction books I have read so far, the plots have highlighted how young adults during wars are forced to grow up. They are forced to think like adults and be like adults and that is just not in the battle field, rather it is like that in every possible aspect of life. However in this book, Rufus has not forced his protagonists to quickly grow up and get ready for the Vietnam War. His characters fight off this kind of growing up in every way possible such as coming up with ways to avoid the draft. I felt that providing us with this perspective on the Vietnam War was important because it emphasizes on the need to end wars and work towards bringing social justice. For these reasons, I liked the genre combination and genre development of this book, which enhanced Rufus' different perspective on the Vietnam War.

For me, The Vinyl Underground by Rob Rufus is about making different and brave choices. The story has been insightful in terms of highlighting the effects of the Vietnam War back in America. Rufus' story has also taught me a lot about doing what is right and not bothering with what others think of you. It is a moral lesson that I have come across numerous times, but Rufus' story makes it echo deep within me. The Vinyl Underground is a story that I would recommend to all historical fiction lovers and to those who like seeing things from all the different angles.

I thought this was an interesting read. The combination of the characters and 1960s themes/culture made for a good story. It does start a little slow, but I quickly got lost in the narrative. Its the type of YA that an adult will not be ashamed to read.

Rob Rufus brings you back to an era of Woodstock and the Vietnam war. This is an easy read. Very entertaining for one of those laid back days when you don’t want to put too much effort and enjoy a sunny read.

I thought the book was very evocative and powerfully written. It is a little too dark and mature for my brand though, so I am not going to publicly review it. I really appreciate the opportunity to read it and to get its unique perspective of a not so distant time.

I enjoyed this book and its themes! I also enjoyed getting to experience a story in a time period that I'm less familiar with. While I'm glad the main characters came out on top, I'm not a fan of their methods. I'm with Ronnie when he was feeling conflicted at the end—what they did was honestly pretty cruel (my squeamish self was pretty disturbed by the idea of literally blowing people's hearing out), but I also understand that feeling of powerlessness, when you want so badly for something big to change but know that writing letters to your congress rep is probably useless. I did enjoy the book overall though and definitely felt personally for Ronnie as he grieved his brother's death.

Thanks to Netgalley and Flux for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Who knew such an unassuming cover could hide such a cracker of a book? Rufus makes writing look like a Sunday stroll. Seriously, if I could sum up this book in three words it’d be ‘bloody good writing.’ I don’t just want to buy this book, I want to give it to everyone I know and then commission a press release to talk about how good it is. Unfortunately, the last time I read a newspaper was in 2007. Besides, I only know about four people and none of them like YA, which is a crying shame because this is the best YA book I’ve read since The Book Thief. I’m not trying to imply that writing a YA book is somehow easier than writing one for adults, by the way. Reading one, however, is an exercise fraught with love triangles and swooning Mary Sues these days. What a relief to read a YA (or indeed, any) novel where finding one’s true love isn’t either the answer to some kind of life-threatening illness or just something someone does because the Powers that Be have decreed it and singleness is anathema.

The Vinyl Underground hooked me from the first line, “Free love is bullshit.” Bang: 60s vibe. Short, snappy, crisp. There was no posturing, no purple prose, no minefields of metaphor or overdescription. Just straight into the story.

The dialogue sounded real, right down to idioms such as “Give your momma some sugar” and the sentences were short and clear. I can’t emphasise enough how seamless the narration and the plot were and how authentic the characters’ voices sounded. That’s one of my dealbreakers: if I’m meant to be reading a thirty-year-old man and he sounds sixty, then I put the book down. Too many adults write YA books that don’t reflect the way teenagers actually talk.

The constant references to segregation and real-life events, such as the Jacksonville riots of 1964, situated the story firmly in the 60s. And, of course, the war letters from Ronnie’s brother, who’s a casualty of the war, and the technology, and all the music.

The storyline, too, was topical: four teenagers use a little Thursday-night record-swapping and a lot of weed to build a sanctuary and a campaign, in their own small way, against the Vietnam War and the government that sanctioned it. Or, as the characters themselves put it, against “the man”. The four main characters’ dislike of it never feels artificial- they all have compelling reasons, like Ronnie, not to want to go to war. Or, rather, their hatred of war shines out of the pages. From the beginning, there are high personal stakes because they’re all the right age to be drafted into the war, complete with early incentives (I had no idea high school students were drafted into the Vietnam War). Then we have Ronnie, freshly plunged into grief for his older brother, who has just died in Vietnam, and under pressure from his wrestling-coach, ex-US-Army father to do the manly thing and enlist early, before his upcoming birthday. Against this background, then, there are clear risks for Ronnie in joining a pacifist group, even one engaged in such a small act of rebellion as listening to records. And these pan out, but not in ways that the audience - or even the characters - expect.

From our second encounter with Hana, the new girl in town, it’s clear that she is ambitious, intelligent, courageous, passionately and vocally anti-war and anti-US, and mad about records, just from the description of her room. All the generalised racism in the background of the book, including the mentions of segregation, takes on a personal dimension when it’s focused in on this one character. It’s hard to describe what I liked about her, because she could come off as a bit of a Mary Sue. She holds her own in a fight, but the real drawcard for me was her ambition. She isn’t just driven, she’s articulate, strident about her opinions (justifiably so) and she doesn’t hesitate to stand up and protest against injustice. She’s an admirable, well-rounded character and a deserving heroine.

The other two characters were equally distinctive.

If this review sounds like damning with faint praise, believe me, it isn’t. I’m just having a hard time articulating exactly what I loved about this story.

For twenty-four chapters, it’s written at a good pace with rising tension, conflict and resolution visible. Rufus does a good job constructing a novel with such controversial themes that’s still applicable in today’s society. Taking place in the USA (1968) yet revolving around the Vietnam war and how our protagonist, Ronnie, deals with the death of his older brother, Bruce after being drafted and killed in the war. I loved how Rufus covered all the grief and problems that the characters go through, with pop culture. Hence, The Vinyl Underground. Music brought them together, it’s what still made them teenagers through the difficult times.

Hana, the Japanese girl is the key to the story. She brings out the racist slurs portrayed on Asians that time being assumed bad as the Vietnamese. Yet Hana is the character we need to shut up people like that! Any chance she got, she stood up and spoke her truth. Nothing got in her way. She was a bad bitch, the kind that you wanted to be like. In her leather jacket and cigarettes galore, nothing stopped her from speaking her mind. 

It was hard for me to picture Ronnie; it described him to have a gruff voice… other than that; I enjoyed the story from his eyes. The stages of grief, not only him but his father went through. It was important to see the father’s development as back then, fathers were very persistent to their sons doing the ‘manly’ thing for the pride and family. I loved that subplot of Ronnie not wanting to end up like his brother. 

Milo and Lewis were the greatest friends! Ronnie’s dad was the coach, so he wasn’t exactly an outsider, he climbed the ladder of hierarchy thanks to his dad and Lewis being the captain. The friend group and connection between the three of them, including Hana, was original. They each fought for what they believed in but still came together to help each other. 

It’s an inspirational story with strong themes and emotional characters. I hope I can purchase a copy and recommend it to everyone I know!

Even though the whole story is set during the 60’s, I still qualify this book as a contemporary. Which makes me say it’s the first contemporary I truly enjoyed in over a year ! I read super slowly in the beggining but after reading 20% in 8 days, I ended up reading the remaining 80% in 2.5h. It was that captivating.

Ronnie, Milo, Lewis and Hana, 4 teens in Florida make up The Vinyl Underground, a club in which they can express themselves and gather around music. Together, they have to face the unfairness of the Vietnam war looming over them, and which has already taken Ronnie’s brother, fight against the racism that Hana receives every day, and generally find a way to steer in this life where so many things seem unjust.

It was the first time I read about teens in the 60’s, and their views on the Vietnam war. I thought it was a really well written book, that propels the reader back in time. The 4 main characters bond together through the music Ronnie’s brother left behind, as well as their dream of peace. To emphasize that, when the club meets, they listen to vinyls, and often Ronnie’s brother’s vinyls, that are paired with letter he sent from the war. That was something I really loved and found touching.

Hana, clearly the leader of the club is a fierce lady, and an activist for peace. She is the catalyst that makes Ronnie, Lewis and Milo really think about the war, and the probability that THEY could be drafted soon after school ends. She was definitely my favorite character of the book. Generally, the way the 4 characters are loyal to each other is heart-warming and I truly felt their friendship seeping though the pages. They’re adorable badass characters. Yes, that’s possible.

To prevent Ronnie from being drafted, and help Hana regarding the everyday racism she faces, to make the world they live in more just, the Vinyl Underground gathers, makes plans, dreams of a better world, and most of all, takes action. And that my friends, makes for an amazing book, filled with emotions and powerful messages. I truly hope you will all like this book ❤

Thank you Netgally and the publisher for giving me a digital Arc to read and review.

The Vinyl Underground is set in 1968, during the peak of the Vietnam war. Ronnie's brother Bruce died during the war and he really doesn't want to sign up for the draft.
This book is the first book I've ever read that has a anti-Vietnam stance. That really interested me as I personally think that the whole draft was wrong and the Vietnam war should have been over way sooner.

The writing style of this book really got me. I started it out of boredom, but I finished the book in one sitting. I will be buying this book when it comes out.

The book also deals with racism and hate crimes. It is sad to read about, but it was the reality in that time. The way it slips into the story is just so well written. There is also a hint of romance, but it is not the main focus of the book.

The thing I liked most in this book was the way that records were the main point of the stories. Bruce send letters that should be read while listening to a song. I might go back to the book and read the letters while listening to the music.

I give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars!