Neil has been the guitar player in his family's 7 player Celtic band from a young age. Unfortunately, he's not too keen on Celtic music and is a bit reluctant, and his dad is always harping on him to give more of himself. His best friend Bert decides to enter the two of them in a talent show. Neil begins to work harder on his playing as he and Bert write a song and begin to create music he actually enjoys. At one of his family's gigs, he meets Sandy who asks if he'd be interested in jamming. The two hit it off and Neil even asks if she would be the lead singer and rhythm guitar in the new band. Unfortunately, a scheduling snafu puts the family's most important gig of the year on the same day as the talent show. Where will Neil choose to play? Will his dad learn to appreciate his talents?
I enjoyed Neil's journey to explore who he really is, and to find his place in his family, while at the same time striking out on his own. It's a great option for high-interest, low-reading level, but was not the cookie-cutter story these titles so often are. I enjoyed Neil's relationships with his siblings, feisty grandmother, Burt, and Sandy. Kudos to the author for putting so much life and depth into a short novel. ( )

I was the winner of the TOTALLY UNRELATED giveaway on Library Things, a couple month ago, and this review is months late but let us get to it!

Five out of five stars, Tom Ryan bring readers this novella that will warm hearts and inspire individuality. I fell in love with the McClintock family. The plot centers on the family and their problem, rocky relationships, and what each member had to give up in order maintain peace within. I would say this is the perfect read for the Christmas holiday; very inspiring and family oriented.

Neil, is the guitar player within the McClintock musical clan. His family are a talented bunch whose sole passion is to play Celtic music. That sounds like the perfect picture, doesn't it? Family is family, but there is always bound to be one member that finds all this family norm a bit tiring … Neil would rather play his own music, but is not sure breaking from the family's tradition – whose fame stems from playing Celtic music is such a great idea.
Neil's friend, Bert, thinks otherwise. That Neil should do whatever he wants, and signs them up for a talent show, where they recruited another member--who makes the decision (in what music to pursue) all the more difficult.

This book was about 120 pages in paperback, very short yet, captivating. The characters were lively and spirited (yes, I got all that in those 120 pages!). I enjoyed the family's transition and how by the end of the novella you will be able to get somethings out of it; a lesson in life, that everyone of ALL ages could relate to and understand.

Oh, for you romantic-lovers, there is a bit of romance in here (that reminds you of your middle school/high school crushes) for 'ya! YAY!

A short and sweet novel, give it a try.
Happy reading. ( )

Most teens have had a dream of rocking out with friends. Neil is a guitar player in his family band, but rocking is not what they do. He is part of family band which plays Celtic music. Though Neil loves his family he feels somewhat disconnected from them because he doesn't look like the rest and he just can't seem to get into the whole family band thing.

Then one day his friend makes a suggestion they should try out for the town talent show and actually "rock the house". Neil is definately game for this and find out the date should be clear for any of his family shows so he eagerly agrees. Then a scheduling conflict comes up and Neil must choose between his family and his friends.

This is one of those High-Low books that I really enjoyed and I can see it really appealing to many readers. Teens want to have that one time where they can stand in the spotlight. Neil give them that moment when he describes his emotions about being on stage yet still being a regular kid. I would really like to look at more books from this Orca Limelights collection. If they are as good as this one, I would really like to add them to my collection! ( )

A good, solid book—and with better writing than most Orcas. I'm happy to add this book to my classroom shelf for students who struggle with reading. Musical kids will definitely enjoy this read. ( )

A quick, enjoyable read, perfect for reluctant readers who like a "feel good" story. Neil McClintock feels like the black sheep in his family's Celtic band. Not only does he not look like his red-headed parents and siblings, his guitar-playing talent seems to take backstage to the flair of bagpipes and step-dancing. Set in Nova Scotia, Canada, this book deals with subjects such as relationships, families, commitments, conflict and perserverance - a refreshing change from stories dealing with troubled youth and broken homes. My only complaint is that it was too short. I definitely recommend it. ( )