Patty, 21, is the mother of 2-year-old Willie and the lead singer in a band of musicians who resent her ignorance of jazz and the fact that her face rather than their music is what attracts the customers. The group's antagonism is the least of Patty's troubles, however. She has barely survived an abusive childhood, and when the story opens she is being stalked by the father of her child, a drug dealer recently out of jail who still has an emotional hold on the love-starved young woman. How Patty copes with the disrespect of her fellow musicians, their dishonest manager, caring for her son, her mother's alcoholism, and the frightening rage and rape by Willie's father makes a suspenseful story that will have readers holding their breath. Tucker depicts all the ugliness of the music business–drugs, sleazy managers, endless nights on the road, and poor accommodations–as well as the fierce dedication and hard work of talented, committed performers. In a satisfying and exciting conclusion, Patty finally escapes from her past and earns the friendship and respect of her fellow musicians

RELEASE NOTES:

Sent today to YourOtherLeft for the Chapter 12 book group. (March) Enjoy!! :)

This came in the mail on Friday (with two other books from my wish list!)! So much fun! Thanks a bunch, AM! =D

I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read, but it never seemed shallow to me, which I was worried about at first. Patty is an engaging narrator, a person who has done her part to create an image of herself that she can't escape from, but also a person who has other parts of that image thrust upon her by the people in her life. Tucker's descriptions of life on the road for a "small-time" band trying to get big are great and ring true. The story of Patty's escape from her past and into a new future and a new view of herself is suspenseful at times and ultimately triumphant. Excellent read, couldn't put it down.

Thanks for sending this one to me, AM! I'll be passing it on in the next few days...

Thank you! This book looks really good.