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If you’re interested in romances that also tackle tough topics, then Heartbreak Symphony, the new book by Laekan Zea Kemp, author of Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet, should go on your TBR ASAP.
There are certain things in books that are like catnip to me-if I see them mentioned in a book’s summary, I’ll barely even glance at the rest of the synopsis before declaring those books must reads. Such has been the case with BOTH of author Laekan Zea Kemp’s books. Her first book, Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet, which is about a talented baker whose family owned a restaurant, features my favorite topic of food, while her newest book, which I’ll tell you more about below, features my favorite topic of music. So I’m extra excited to be able to tell you even more about how great this new book is as part of the blog tour for Heartbreak Symphony, hosted by TBR and Beyond tours!
TITLE: Heartbreak Symphony
AUTHOR: Laekan Zea Kemp
RELEASE DATE: April 5th, 2022
MORE INFO: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indigo | Indiebound
Synopsis
Clap When You Land meets On the Come Up in this heart-gripping story about navigating first love and overcoming grief through the power of music.
Aarón Medrano has been haunted by the onstage persona of his favorite musician ever since his mother passed away. He seems to know all of Aarón’s deepest fears, like that his brain doesn’t work the way it should and that’s why his brother and father seems to be pushing him away. He thinks his ticket out is a scholarship to the prestigious Acadia School of Music. That is, if he can avoid blowing his audition.
Mia Villanueva has a haunting of her own and it’s the only family heirloom her parents left her: doubt. It’s the reason she can’t overcome her stage fright or believe that her music is worth making. Even though her trumpet teacher tells her she has a gift, she’s not sure if she’ll ever figure out how to use it or if she’s even deserving of it in the first place.
When Aarón and Mia cross paths, Aarón sees a chance to get close to the girl he’s had a crush on for years and to finally feel connected to someone since losing his mother. Mia sees a chance to hold herself accountable by making them both face their fears, and hopefully make their dreams come true. But soon they’ll realize there’s something much scarier than getting up on stage—falling in love with a broken heart.
My Thoughts
Note: I received an e-arc of this book from the publisher; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I honestly don’t know where to begin, because a) there is a lot going on in this book, and b) I loved it SO DAMN MUCH.
Okay let’s start with the fact that this book has two narrators; Heartbreak Symphony is told by Aarón and Mia, both of whom are incredibly talented musicians who want to pursue that passion, and both of whom have circumstances in their lives, centered around grief and trauma, that are proving to be a hindrance to them in that goal.
Next, this is a love story. However, I hesitate to call it a romance because I don’t think Aarón and Mia’s love story is really the sole focus of the book. I’m not saying it isn’t important, or that their discovery of their feelings for one another isn’t fun to read about, but both characters are dealing with a variety of other complex issues that draw focus away from the romance (as is the case in real life, of course).
And honestly, I’m good with that-it’s one of the reasons I loved Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet, and was so eager to pick up Heartbreak Symphony as well. Laekan Zea Kemp uses this story of two musicians who fall in love to talk about mental health issues, toxic masculinity, gentrification, generational trauma, grief, abandonment, issues surrounding lack of documentation, sanctuary cities, and ICE, and SO much more.
I cannot tell you how much I cried throughout this book-because I am glad that teenagers who need to see topics like this will have a book like Heartbreak Symphony to turn to, but I am also so freaking angry that a book like this is necessary. Now, we can’t control some of these things, like mental health and unexpected tragedies, but NO ONE should have to live in fear of being removed from their home, or have to witness loved ones and community members swept away or assaulted simply because of the color of their skin or their country of origin.
ANYWAY. If you love music in any form, if you love street art, if you love gutsy teen activists, if you love explorations of what it means to be a family, and if you love a good love story, I highly suggest getting a copy of Heartbreak Symphony into your hands immediately.
I gave this book 5 stars on Goodreads, but in my heart I gave it INFINITY stars, and I cannot wait to see what Laekan Zea Kemp writes next.
About the Author
Laekan Zea Kempis a writer living in Austin, Texas. Her debut novel, Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet, was a 2021 Pura Belpré Honor Recipient. In addition to writing she’s also the creator and host of the Author Pep Talks podcast, as well as a contributor to the Las Musas podcast. She has three objectives when it comes to storytelling: to make people laugh, cry, and crave Mexican food. Her work celebrates Chicane grit, resilience, creativity, and joy while exploring themes of identity and mental health.
While I hope my review persuaded you to get a copy of Heartbreak Symphony right away, if you need more convincing, feel free to check out all of the other stops on the TBR and Beyond Tour!
Looking for more? Check these out:
- Book Tour: Journey to the Heart of the Abyss by London Shah
- Book Tour: Top 5 Reasons to Read Forward March by Skye Quinlan
- Book Tour: Castles in Their Bones by Laura Sebastian
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