Are You Experienced?
Author(s): Jordan Sonnenblick
Rich is fifteen and plays guitar. When his girlfriend asks him to perform at protest rally, he jumps at the chance. Unfortunately, the police show up, and so does Rich's dad. He's in big trouble. Again. To make matters worse, this happens near the anniversary of his uncle's death from a drug overdose years ago. Rich's dad always gets depressed this time of year, but whenever Rich asks questions about his late uncle, his dad shuts down.
Frustrated by his dad's silence, Rich sneaks into his office and breaks into a locked cabinet that holds his dad's prized possession: an electric guitar signed by Jimi Hendrix. Before he knows it, Rich is transported to the side of a road in Upstate New York with a beautiful girl bending over him. It will take him a while to realize it's 1969, he's at Woodstock, and the girl's band of friends includes his fifteen-year-old dad and his uncle, who's still alive. In Are You Experienced? by Jordan Sonnenblick, what Rich learns, who he meets, and what he does could change his life forever.
Review(s):
“Readers will enjoy seeing the 1960s through Rich's eyes.” —Publishers Weekly
“Sonnenblick's depiction of Woodstock is genuine, infectious, and groovy (he shares a joint with Jerry Garcia!), and Rich's future knowledge wrings aching melancholy from what, in 1969, seemed like a utopia. Unique, occasionally profound, and appropriately psychedelic. Turn it up, man!” —Booklist
“This provocative, personal peek at legendary Woodstock rocks.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Captures the mood and magic of the famous weekend from a distinctly contemporary perspective.” —BCCB
“Teens who revere Woodstock will love this detailed and highly entertaining look at the famous festival. Any teen who has dealt with a difficult relationship with a parent will surely identify with Sonnenblick's sensitive and moving portrayal of a father and son discovering what makes each other tick.” —VOYA
“Humorous . . . well researched.” —School Library Journal
Long-listed Georgia Peach Book Award Master List (2015)
ISBN: 9781250063045