BookView Review

Blotner’s debut is an energetic, emotionally sincere coming-of-age story that blends college comedy, music culture, and personal reinvention with surprising depth. When Dexter Byrd begins college at Richard J. Haggerty University, he enters a world where emo music never died. Surrounded by eccentric teammates, chaotic parties, and underground concerts, the shy freshman finds himself falling for Callie, a magnetic scene girl connected to the iconic band Rise In Girl. As Dexter dives deeper into the campus music scene, he begins a messy, emotional journey toward confidence, connection, and self-discovery.

Filled with chaotic humor, reckless partying, and nonstop pop-punk nostalgia, the story balances its louder moments with an honest portrayal of insecurity and emotional isolation. Dexter’s social anxiety and awkwardness lend the narrative a vulnerability that keeps the comedy grounded. Blotner approaches emo culture with genuine admiration, presenting music as a source of comfort, identity, and emotional refuge. Rise In Girl channels the energy of bands like Fall Out Boy and My Chemical Romance, while characters such as Callie and Dazzy bring charm, unpredictability, and emotional depth to the ensemble. While the pacing occasionally favors style over structure, the story’s emotional honesty consistently carries it forward. Beneath the comedy and nostalgia lies a heartfelt exploration of identity, friendship, and the search for belonging through shared passions. 

A loud, messy love letter to an era and the people who lived through it.

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