BOOK REVIEW: A Little Bit Country by Brian D. Kennedy

Does anyone else remember the gay country star storyline from the belated (and beloved) "Nashville"? As a native, closeted Southerner, this storyline stuck out to me in ways the teenage version of myself wasn't quite ready to face. A Little Bit Country was a reminder of that, with the added benefit of a Dollywood-esque theme park setting. Brian D. Kennedy's YA debut will likely prove nostalgic for anyone familiar with the headiness of first love.

A Little Bit Country follows Emmett - a 16-year-old aspiring gay country singer from Illinois - and Luke, a closeted local from Jackson Hollow, Tennessee. Emmett and Luke have a classic meet-cute at Wanda World, the country-themed amusement park where both boys have taken summer jobs. Their connection is immediate and a relationship thrives, despite Luke's fear of being discovered. His sexuality isn't the only secret Luke is keeping - Luke's grandmother was the nemesis of the famous singer Wanda Jean Stubbs and Luke's mom has no idea he's working at Wanda World. Emmett, too, faces obstacles. He's out and proud and wants to write love songs with male pronouns. Will a label sign him for who he is? Or will his dreams come at the cost of going back in the closet?

This sweet love story is just that - a nice, fairly simple romance with some light twists and turns. I loved the theme park setting and descriptions of Jackson Hollow, though I would've enjoyed seeing more town interactions outside the scope of the park. Luke's family struggles - especially his mom's illness and Luke's financial responsibilities - were compelling and offered a nice juxtaposition to Emmett's aunt's easy acceptance.

Though I certainly enjoyed the story, it hasn't stuck with me in ways other romances have. I would have loved to see a dual narrative that fleshed out the relationship between Wanda Jean (the park's namesake) and Luke's grandmother. The contrasting story between two young, rising female country stars in the 1950s (60s?) and a modern love story set in the halls of Wanda's success would be fascinating! I would love to see it. Nonetheless, A Little Bit Country is a lovely novel if you're looking for something light, but with some heart.

Book or Audio?

As per usual, I listened! Great readers.

Overall:

Gay: quite

Trauma scale from Schitt's Creek (1) to A Little Life (10): 5

My rating: 6.5/10