125Pages

When Nevermind released in 1991 I was in 8th grade. I remember seeing the cover of the cassette tape with the swimming baby and being intrigued. The album opened my 13-year-old mind to new ideas and sounds. I remember the “cool” P.E. teacher letting us play the tape on Friday Free Days. Nirvana and by association, Kurt Cobain, helped shape my musical taste for years to come. So when I saw the title of this book, Save Me, Kurt Cobain, I knew I had to read it. Nico has been motherless since she was 4-years-old, when her mother walked out one day and never came back. Now, at 15, Nico is trying to understand why, and who her mother really was. She finds a box that leads her on a path. A path to a slight man with blue eyes, who may just be the key to everything.

Jenny Manzer has an interesting writing style. Less focused on outside details and more centered on emotions, this was just my type of book. As you know I hate to be bogged down in details, and Save Me, Kurt Cobain had enough to keep it moving but not too many to drag it down. The feelings jumped off of the page and helped bolster the characters who, at times, were self-centered and short sighted. The pacing kept a nice clip and I loved how the last part unfolded so seamlessly. And the world Manzer created was just perfect. I could remember how I felt listening to that music for the first time, and she tapped into that and crafted a very real experience.

I am unsure exactly why this is listed under Thrillers & Suspense, as this was a coming of age story full of feels, not a tense read. But aside from that small quibble, I really enjoyed Save Me, Kurt Cobain. It brought back memories of a time of intense growth in my life. I know this is marketed to teens, but I believe a large contingent of 90’s kids will enjoy reading this. Save Me, Kurt Cobain is a quirky read with a lot of heart and Manzer has a great deal of talent. I highly recommend this read and will be sure to read Jenny Manzer’s next book.

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.