cover image Do Angels Sing the Blues?

Do Angels Sing the Blues?

A. C. LeMieux. HarperCollins Publishers, $14 (233pp) ISBN 978-0-688-13725-0

Surpassing Lemieux's first novel, The T.V. Guidance Counselor, in its power and sensitivity, this new drama focuses on relationships among a trio of teenagers-Boog, an accomplished guitarist; Carey, a talented but disturbed girl struggling with her father's alcoholism; and self-assured, charismatic Theo. Boog and Theo have been best friends since childhood, even before they discovered blues music and formed a band of their own. Their strong bond begins to unravel when, during their senior year at Yardley High, Carey Harrigan enters the scene, dressed like a ``walking tag sale,'' and sweeps Theo off his feet. Theo's attempts to help Carey put together the pieces of her shattered self-image lead to a series of ugly confrontations and a chilling climax readers will not soon forget. This absorbing exploration of adolescent hopes, dreams and vulnerability contains undertones as resonant and melancholy as a blues melody. Ages 11-up. (July)