RADIO FREE TEXAS

A 17-year-old discovers first love, unexpected friendship, and the power of music in 1980s Texas.

Bowie (pronounced like the knife) Jones is about to start senior year at Crockett High School, but he has no idea what the future holds. He’s hopelessly in love with Holly “Comet” Jensen, an outspoken, guitar-playing, former Chicagoan who doesn’t seem to know he exists. When Bowie willingly takes the fall for a prank Comet commits on the first day of school, he wins her attention but must complete 100 hours of community service. Bowie opts to work off his punishment at KYEW-FM 101, a local radio station owned by Marlon Mardell, a hard-drinking Vietnam veteran with a record of FCC fines and unpaid taxes. The bright side? Bowie’s internship provides a way to get closer to Comet, who starts listening to the station and then takes a job there. As he spends more time at KYEW and his feelings for Comet deepen, Bowie realizes he’s been sleepwalking through life: Now is the time to claim his voice. Bray’s well-paced novel embodies the singular magic of a life-changing song. Bowie is a realistically drawn, insightful, empathetic character. Rich conversations about music capture the wonder of uncovering lyrics that hit straight to the heart, and the chapters are named after song titles, which will pique readers’ interest. The leads are cued white, and the supporting cast is racially diverse.

A powerhouse coming-of-age novel poignantly depicting the thrills, hopes, and uncertainties of growing up.