Jimi & Me

*SPOILER* Keith James and his mother are leaving Brooklyn after his father is killed during a robbery at the corner grocery store. They're moving in with Aunt Benny who lives in a small Ohio town. Keith hangs tight to the memories of his father who was a music producer and clings especially to their shared love of Jimi Hendrix's music. Hendrix's lyrics form the soundtrack of Keith's struggle to cope with his father's murder and his new life in a small town, especially as a racially mixed teen. But it appears there was more to his father's life than Keith and his mother knew. The life insurance money and much of the savings went to another woman and their son, Jimi, who is three years older than Keith. Keith is angry that Jimi stole so show more much away from him and his mother and he is determined to track Jimi down and take revenge. show less

This book made me wonder the whole way through what my future children would look back on in delight after I have passed. Keith reminds me of one of my closest friends who also lost his dad - its a true tear jerker. Its a little overbearing and lightly related to Jimi Hendrix himself at all - but in my opinion still a great read.

After his music producer father is murdered in Brooklyn, Keith and his mother move to Ohio. His fathers death leaves behind many secrets, and a lot of financial debt. Keith doesn’t really fit in this small town but finds solace in playing his guitar, and listening to Jimi Hendrix.
I thought it was written very interestingly.. It’s kind of like song lyrics. I think this award winning book (YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers: 2006) is definitely a good read. Even though I picked this up because I’m a big Jimi Hendrix fan, I can see how young readers can relate to the main character.

13-year-old Keith, biracial, finds solice in the music of Jimi Hendrix after his father's tragic death. By immersing himself in 60s attire, Keith becomes an outsider in his new town and must cope not only with feelings of anger and betrayal at his father, but also at this new community that rejects him. A powerful look at family issues and the need to belong.

The poetry format is easy to read and accessible for teen boys. I'm always looking for good "boy books" and this is one that many boys will like. My son picked it up because of the Jimi Hendrix connection, and hey, if it works, I'm all for it!