02 August, 2012

#BookReview :: Red Dirt Rocker by Jody French


This is a young boy’s story written by his mother and is based on real events. [Some names have been changed and made up for the sake of the book] Forrest French is a teen MTV Musician who dreams of making it in the world of music and this is his story – his journey. Narrated in first person, the story portrays Forrest as a young boy from a small southern town. He is like any other boy of his age. He goes to school, is an athlete, harassed by a bully and mystified about romantic relationship. Sounds like an average teenager, right? Well, Forrest is different because of his dreams, his guts to chase those dreams at such a young age and because of his faith in his dreams, his family and in God. Follow his journey through this novel. Live through the ups-and-downs of his life. Feel his emotions and revel at his decisions.

This book deals with a lot of things. Whether it is about a small town life or bullying or teenage romance or the hurdles that an aspiring musician has to face, there’s a lot a reader can take away from this book. Then there’s this whole angle about how big a role family can play in an individual’s life. Forrest’s family – mother, father and sister has been a great influence on his life. I felt that Forrest’s decisions were a reflection on exactly that. Plus, it’s hard to really overlook the fact that they have supported him throughout, each in their own way, resulting in how this journey has turned out to be. Also, there is this ‘hope’ in the book that people need not necessarily get involved in drugs to lead the stressful and glamorous life that those in this industry lead. Drug scandal dogs almost everyone in this industry and we have come to accept it as a way of that lifestyle – but this book brings hope that it doesn’t have to be that way. But the biggest message that this book delivers is that having dreams and chasing them is the best thing that a person can do. Those dreams may come true – or may not. But either way, it sort of shapes up our life and strengthens us. It is better to dream and chase a dream than never to dream at all.

As a mother and as the author, Jody French definitely deserves a lot of credit. Her influence and her actions have a great impact on Forrest and for her to tell her son’s story to the world – it’s just amazing. The story has great potential to touch a lot of lives in a positive way. Though this book is categorized as ‘contemporary and inspirational American dream-come-true story geared toward a Young Adult audience’ – I recommend it to people of all ages. If you are a teenager / YA, read this book and you will be able to relate to it even if you are not a musician – dream and aspire! If you think you are too old to be considered as YA, then let this book take you back to those golden moments of your life. It’s never too late to dream a new dream either!


Hailing from the small farming and ranching community of Coweta, Oklahoma, author and substitute teacher Jody French began her life traveling the United States with her mother, who was in the race horse training industry. As an adult, Jody had the privilege to continue her travels in the U.S. and Canada as she chaperoned and tutored her son, teen musician and MTV artist Forrest French. Jody’s love for working with and relating to teens as well as her passion for her son’s music inspired her to write her first novel for young adults.

In addition to writing and traveling, Jody loves to spend time with her husband, three children, and three grandchildren. Rumor has it that some of her writing has even been accomplished with a grandbaby on her lap. Her most cherished destination is a cozy cabin with majestic views in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, where she enjoys hiking, white water rafting, and natural hot springs hot tub hopping with her adventure seeking family.

3 comments:

  1. 1st: MY NAME IS ABBY NOT HP4EVER13!!!
    2nd: This is for Section 132 by Helga Zeiner
    3rd: THIS BOOK SOUNDS SOOO GOOD!
    the reviewer person did reaaally good with the review!! :):):):):):)

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  2. This book sounds amazing!

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