Rise to the Sun

Two teenagers, Toni and Olivia, meet at the Farmland Music Festival in Indiana. Toni seeks escape from recent grief and family expectations, while Olivia hopes the festival will help her figure out her future after high school graduation. The story alternates between their perspectives over three days at the music festival. They form an unexpected connection while navigating the festival grounds, watching performances, and participating in various activities. Both young women confront their fears and past experiences as their relationship develops amid the charged atmosphere of live music and summer heat. Through their interactions with each other and the festival community, they grapple with questions of identity, purpose, and healing. The novel explores themes of first love, self-discovery, and the transformative power of music. Johnson's narrative speaks to how chance encounters and shared artistic experiences can spark personal growth and new beginnings.

Readers call this YA romance an emotional journey that handles grief, anxiety, and identity. Multiple reviewers note the authentic teen voices and complex relationships between the main characters. Readers appreciated: - The music festival setting and incorporation of songs - Representation of Black queer love - Depiction of friendship and healing - Strong character development for both protagonists - Discussion of mental health Common criticisms: - Pacing felt slow in the middle sections - Some found the dual perspectives confusing initially - A few readers wanted more resolution in the ending Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (4,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (300+ ratings) BookTok: Frequently recommended with positive reviews "The character voices feel so real and raw," notes one Goodreads reviewer. "Johnson captures what it's like to be young and figuring things out." Some readers mention crying multiple times, particularly during scenes about loss and family relationships.

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🌟 This young adult novel takes place at the Farmland Music Festival in Indiana, which was inspired by real music festivals like Bonnaroo and Coachella. 🎵 Author Leah Johnson wrote much of the book while listening to a carefully curated playlist featuring artists like Janelle Monáe and SZA. 💫 The book explores grief through music, as protagonist Olivia is coping with the loss of her father, who shared her deep love of music and festivals. 🌈 Rise to the Sun is Johnson's second novel featuring LGBTQ+ Black teen protagonists, following her successful debut You Should See Me in a Crown. 🎪 The story unfolds over just four days at the festival, but contains multiple timelines through flashbacks that reveal the characters' backstories.