Start with the Backbeat: A Musical Novel
by Garine B. Isassi
No club is reading this yet — be the first to start one
1 reader has this book on their Readfeed shelves
Finalist: Next Generation Indie Book Awards
Finalist: USA Best Book Awards
Plot Summary: It is the spring of 1989 in New York City when Jill Dodge, a post-punk rocker from Texas, finally gets her big promotion at Mega Big Records. She is thrust into a race to find a gritty, urban rapper before the Gangsta trend passes their label by. As Jill and her mostly middle-class coworkers search for the next big rap star, they fluctuate between alliances and rivalries, tripping over the stereotypes of race, class, and musical genre. They work to promote their current roster of acts as well as the new rap artist they sign to a contract. It turns out, he may not be what they expected. Full of original lyrics and wit, Start With the Backbeat is a compelling examination of the nuances of class, race, and culture in America which are sometimes ridiculously serious.
Discuss Start with the Backbeat: A Musical Novel with other readers
Join or start a book club for Start with the Backbeat: A Musical Novel on Readfeed. Live chat, shared reading progress, and AI discussion questions — free to get started.
Frequently asked questions
How do I join a book club for Start with the Backbeat: A Musical Novel?
Sign up free on Readfeed, then browse public clubs or start your own club with Start with the Backbeat: A Musical Novel as the current read. Invite friends with a share link and discuss together with live chat and AI discussion questions.
Can I discuss Start with the Backbeat: A Musical Novel with other readers online?
Yes. Readfeed book clubs let you chat live, share progress, and join discussions about Start with the Backbeat: A Musical Novel with readers worldwide — whether your club is virtual, in-person, or hybrid.
Is Readfeed free?
Yes. Creating an account and joining book clubs is free. Sign up to find readers who love the same books and start discussing today.