Road Rash by Mark Huntley Parsons (review)

When high school junior and drummer Zach is dumped by his current band, he’s soon picked up by a group of older guys who are booked for a tour of the Rockies for the summer. Each stop on the tour opens Zach’s eyes to what it means to be in a real band, as the venues range from pretty sweet to rank dive, and the interpersonal relationships among the musicians ebb and flow. His enthusiasm for developing and playing the original music of the most talented member of the group, Glenn, fractures the ego of their front man and eventually gets Zach kicked out of a second band in a matter of months, but once again, what looks like tragedy turns out to be a prelude to better things. Zach is a thoroughly likable guy’s guy; kind and ethical in relationships, committed to what he feels are the best interests of the band, and diplomatic in his attempts to promote Glenn’s talent and smooth over the rifts he created while doing so. His anger is justified by intolerable circumstances, and he’s helped by a wise dad, who understands his son’s hot temper even while he chastises Zach and advises him on how to remain politic in difficult situations. The musical terminology gets thick on occasion, amping up the authenticity for readers in the know, but the play of relationships and the plot arc of dreams realized broadens the appeal beyond those with Guitar Hero dreams.