This HaBO request is from Mia, who is trying to track down an older young adult series:
I’ve been trying to remember the author or name of a series of YA books I read in the mid to late 90s.
I remember the series being set in the Pacific Northwest, but I could totally be making that up. There was a character who had a crush, I think on a friend’s older brother, who might have been named Jesse, had long (black) hair, and was in a band.
There were tons of references to 90s alternative music. I specifically remember references to Luna off Smashing Pumpkins’ 1993 album Siamese Dream and possibly Temple of the Dog.
Man, I loved the Smashing Pumpkins, but this doesn’t ring a bell for me. Anyone else?
Could it be “Girl” by Blake Nelson?
Thank you for the suggestion Heather. The description looked promising so I read a sample of Girl on Amazon. It wasn’t at all familiar so I don’t think that’s it.
Was it Boyfriends and Girlfriends by Katherine Applegate? Also known as “Making Out.” Set and written during the 90s. They lives on a PNW Island and I remember Zoey, Aisha, Jake, Lucas. I loved loved the earlier books in that series!
Darn. It was Maine, not PNW. So maybe not that. Still loved it though!
Ooh, I don’t have any guesses but this sounds like something I would enjoy!
Lucia I loved that series! Especially the first 8 books, so good.
Was it Wild Hearts by Cherie Bennett?
https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-671-86513-9
Thanks Elizabeth, I read Wild Hearts too but that’s not it. I’m going to drag my son to the used bookstore next week to see what I come up with.
I don’t have any suggestions, but this is absolutely something I would read based on the 90’s alternative setting. I would love more recommendations with a specific music scene. Smart Bitches can this be a reader Recommendations post? Other ideas could include ’60’s Liverpool, or I think I saw one with a Rockabilly theme.
@Stefanie – I agree! That would make a fun reader rec post. A lot of “rock star” books end up not being my cup of tea because the music scene isn’t one that works for me (for example, I tend not to go for small-town country music heroes, but would love to see more older rockers, or ones past their 20’s, such as those in Karina Bliss books).
@Demi:
And from reading the blurbs, it can be hard to guess which ones I would like.