Under the Neon Lights

De: Arriel Vinson

Narrado por: Angel Pean

In this sparkling and heartfelt debut YA novel in verse by a Reese's Book Club LitUp fellow, a young Black girl discovers first love, self-worth, and the power of a good skate. Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Joya Goffney.

Sixteen-year-old Jaelyn Coleman lives for Saturdays at WestSide Roll, the iconic neighborhood roller rink. On these magical nights, Jae can lose herself in the music of DJ Sunny, the smell of nachos from the concession, and the crowd of some of her favorite people—old heads, dance crews, and other regulars like herself. Here, Jae and other Black teens can fully be themselves.

One Saturday, as Jae skates away her worries, she crashes into the cutest boy she’s ever seen. Trey’s dimples, rich brown skin, and warm smile make it impossible for her to be mad at him though. Best of all, he can’t stop finding excuses to be around her. A nice change for once, in contrast with her best friend’s cold distance of late or her estranged father creeping back into her life.

Just as Jae thinks her summer might change for the better, devastating news hits: Westside Roll is shutting down. The gentrification rapidly taking over her predominantly Black Indianapolis neighborhood, filling it with luxury apartments and fancy boutiques, has come for her safe-haven. And this is just one trouble Jae can’t skate away from.

Debut author Arriel Vinson’s lyrical and contemplative story of young Black love and coming of age in Indianapolis ushers in an exciting new voice in YA literature.

Under the Neon Lights, Ties of Love

What stood out most was Jae’s strong sense of community. She consistently cares for those around her, showing how important connection and support are in her life. Skating helped her stay connected and helped grounded her emotions. This made her character both relatable and inspiring.

Amazing! Worth a listen.

This is my first novel in verse and it WOW—lyrical, poetic and hard hitting as it faces the violence of gentrification. I started with the ebook but after a sample listen to the narrator, I knew I had to get the audio to experience the full beauty of this story because the narrator does an incredible job.

Under the Neon Lights- Cute novel

Una novela juvenil escrita en verso que destila ternura. La historia fue tan adorable que me dieron ganas de ponerme los patines 🛼 y dejarme llevar. Las referencias a la cultura pop son muchas, y los capítulos finales… fueron lo mejor, cargados de emoción y cierre.

Más allá del romance, esta historia toca fibras profundas sobre la relación con los padres y el poder de sanar. Sin embargo, me quedó la sensación de que tenía un potencial mayor, como si no se atreviera a brillar del todo. Aun así, es una lectura linda, rápida y reconfortante. Ideal para quienes buscan algo ligero pero con corazón.

Y para ser la novela debut de la autora, estuvo muy bien.