The release date for THE MUSIC OF WHAT HAPPENS is less than two weeks away!
That’s right: my fifth novel will be introduced to the world on Tuesday, Feb. 26, and I’m so, so excited. I’m dying to talk to readers about Max and Jordan and their relationship, and about Jordan’s poems, and what happened to Max the night before the book, and about cloud eggs, and organic, locally sourced frozen lemonade. and what it feels like to be in a hot food truck on a 120-degree day in Mesa, Arizona.
For now, I want to share a couple things with you. The first are the reviews! So far, THE MUSIC OF WHAT HAPPENS has received two starred reviews, from Booklist and School Library Journal. And some of my absolute favorite authors have sounded off on the book, too!
Advance Praise for The Music of What Happens:
* “Konigsberg demonstrates once again why he is one of the major voices in LGBTQ literature.” — Booklist, starred review
* “Give to fans of Benjamin Alire Saenz’s Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe and Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak. A first purchase for public and high school libraries.” — School Library Journal, starred review
“The result is a story with imperfect characters who are, refreshingly, called out on problematic behaviors and aim to do better. A fresh addition to the menu of queer teenage love stories.” — Kirkus
“Readers seeking an unusually thoughtful gay-positive romance will find this moving.” — BCCB
“This book offers an interesting perspective on growing up and coming-of-age by crafting two main characters who offer unique points of view for an often underserved audience. This is a much-needed book in every high school library.” — School Library Connection
“Bill Konigsberg has a way of creating characters that could be your next door neighbor, your best friend, or that cute boy who once helped you change a flat tire. Max and Jordan will find their way into your heart, and after the last page, you’ll regret that they aren’t real. Once you start reading The Music of What Happens, you won’t be able to stop.” — Brigid Kemmerer, author of Letters to the Lost
“With The Music of What Happens, Bill Konigsberg serves up a profound examination of masculinity, consent, and relationships through the eyes of two of the most endearing narrators I’ve ever read. Jordan and Max are vulnerable, sweet, funny, and flawed. Teens, whether they identify as LGBTQIA+ or not, are lucky to have this book in their lives.” — Shaun David Hutchinson, author of We Are the Ants
“The Music of What Happens is a compelling, laugh-out-loud story, as swoon-worthy as it is deeply affecting. Max and Jordan grabbed hold of my heart from the moment I met them and I don’t see them letting go any time soon. Konigsberg has a way of making me see the world–and food trucks!–a little differently.” — David Arnold, New York Times bestselling author of Mosquitoland and The Strange Fascinations of Noah Hypnotik.
The second is the first chapter of the book, which you can now read online for free!
You can pre-order the book online now from your local indie bookstore, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble, or, if you’re in the Phoenix area, come to the launch party the night before the book’s release! It’s at Changing Hands in Tempe at 7pm on Monday, Feb. 25.