THE LOVE SONG OF JONNY VALENTINE: A NOVEL

The Love Song of Jonny Valentine: A Novel

by Teddy Wayne

It's easy to dismiss child stars as bubble gum, trite, wannabes who haven't the chops to be respected.  But in order to become the mega-stars that they are, they have to learn more discipline and political swagger than most of us require in a lifetime.   While on vacation in Miami, I read "The Love Song of Johnny Valentine" by Teddy Wayne, which gave me so much sympathy for those youngsters who have so much pressure riding on their shoulders.  Closely based on the Justin Bieber story, Jonny Valentine is an 11-year-old heartthrob whose fame and fortune goes hand in hand with family turbulence and severe isolation.  For those of us interested in pop culture, children and artistry- this is a must read!

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF:

1.  Compare and contrast the child stars of today (Justin Bieber, Lindsay Lohan) to the ones of yesteryear (Michael Jackson, Donny Osmond).  What new pressures and complications are there in this day in age?

2. How has youtube and social media changed the fame game?

3. At what age or circumstances would finding overnight fame be less challenging?  

4. If your child or loved one got the chance to "make it big", how would you go about protecting them from the problems that go along with it?

5. “The top person is never simply the most talented, or the smartest, or the best-looking. They sacrifice anything in their lives that might hold them back.” (p 37)  Do you think this is true?

6. How would being in a famous pop group be different than being a pop star?

LINKS TO DIVE DEEPER:

* Read a review of the book in the NY Times.

* Watch The Musical Youth perform on Saturday Night Live for how young performers can be extremely cool.

* If you read the book, check out the official Reading Group Guide for a Q & A with the author.

EXTENSIONS:

1. Compare this book to a musician's autobiography.  How does Jonny Valentine's story compare?

2. Watch Justin Bieber: Never Say Never on Netflix.  In this documentary (which I haven't seen yet, but am planning on watching this weekend), Justin Bieber returns to his hometown.  His story, from being an average teen to an overnight sensation, is encapsulated.  

3. Make a music playlist of your favorite teen sensations of all times and rock out with your kids.  Here's a list to get you started.

Jackson 5- I'll Be There

Donny Osmond- Go Away Little Girl

New Edition- Candy Girl

N' Sync- I Want You Back

Menudo- Hold Me

Kris Kross- Jump

Partridge Family- I Think I Love You

Leif Garret- I Was Made For Dancing