Supergirl Mixtapes by Meagan Brothers

Supergirl Mixtapes by Meagan Brothers


Release Date: April 24, 2012
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Rated: YA 14+
Format: eGalley
Source: NetGalley
Buy: Amazon ❘ The Book Depository
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After years of boredom in her rural South Carolina town, Maria is thrilled when her father finally allows her to visit her estranged artist mother in New York City. She’s ready for adventure, and she soon finds herself immersed in a world of rock music and busy streets, where new people and ideas lie around every concrete corner. This is the freedom she’s always longed for—and she pushes for as much as she can get, skipping school to roam the streets, visit fancy museums, and flirt with the cute clerk at a downtown record store.

But just like her beloved New York City, Maria’s life has a darker side. Behind her mother’s carefree existence are shadowy secrets, and Maria must decide just where—and with whom—her loyalty lies.

Supergirl Mixtapes was a fabulous read, super short, and was quite fast-paced. It had TONS, and I mean TONS, of music, most of which I'd never heard of. What I loved about this novel was that it sheds a light on punk rock New York, the streets and less glamourous side. And isn't the cover absolutely gorgeous? So original and immediately caught my eye.

Maria is our protagonist in this story. I liked her, she was a really great character. However, I felt that she could have been more stronger, to stand up for herself, and not give up. But of course, it's her faults that make her a great character!
Why is it in YA fiction that the mom's are the absolute worst? It seems that in books I've been reading recently, the mom's have just been the downfall to the novel. Maria's mom is no exception. I hated her from the start and knew she was gonna be a disappointment. 'Nuff said.
I liked Travis surprisingly, more at the beginning than at the end, yes, but overall I found him to be the nice and supportive character. He's funny, and sometimes can be really sweet,  and he really does look out for Maria. I liked Gram as well, but I couldn't really connect with him. Nonetheless, he's still a great character.
And we finally come to Nina. I sort of wish my grandma was like her. She's smart, edgy, and totally knows how to take care of someone, I'll tell you that. I found that I connected with her character easily, and she was probably my favorite throughout the novel.

What I found interesting was the flashbacks to Maria's past. We get a glimpse of her life in South Carolina, and what made her move to New York. It's wonderful seeing it all piece together in the end, to form a whole picture. This mystery side to the story really made me engage with the story and want more :)
What I also enjoyed was seeing Maria adjust to her life in New York. I felt so sorry for her! She was bullied for her background in a snotty, private school and it sure made me glad (but sad for her of course) that I wasn't in her place.

Overall, I found Supergirl Mixtapes an entertaining novel– there's certainly never a dry spot. With music and secrets, the book truly comes alive. With characters you'll love, or characters you'll love to hate, Meagan Brothers has written a fantastic coming of age novel which pre-teens to adults will enjoy. 

If you like this, try...

• Being Friends with Boys by Terra Elan McVoy ◆ Goodreads
• Just Listen by Sarah Dessen ◆ Goodreads