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Ormsbee, Kathryn

Candidly Cline

320 pp. | HarperCollins/Harper | November, 2021 | Trade ISBN 978-0-06-305999-3 $16.99 | Ebook ISBN 978-0-06-306001-2 $8.99
(2) 4-6 From her small-town home in Paris, Kentucky, thirteen-year-old Cline (named after Patsy) dreams of a future as a singer-songwriter. Her mother, who must work long shifts at the local diner to support the family, wants her to focus on a more practical pursuit. Her best friend, who is heavily involved with her Christian youth group (and a boy in it), discounts Cline's pursuits entirely. Still, she finds strength and support through the encouragement of her musical grandmother, the memory of her late father, and the lyrics of the songs on her favorite playlist. When her mother forbids her to apply for a Young Singer-Songwriter Workshop at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, she conspires to do so anyway. Her determination and passion see her through many challenges along the way, bringing her closer to an understanding of herself and others (including well-developed secondary characters). Cline's first-person narration is an engaging mix of naive earnestness and mature self-assurance. Her secret weekly trips to Lexington and increased awareness of her attraction to workshop partner Sylvie help her grow as a musician and person. Comparing and contrasting her own feelings with what she notices around her, the protagonist explores her understanding of family, friendship, illness, sexual identity, religion, music, and more. Her story offers readers an inspiring combination of self-awareness, bravery, and passion.
Reviewer: Julie Roach | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2022

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