Review by Frank Plowright

Crush precedes Sara Quin and Tegan Quin’s High School TV show, although it’s heading ever closer in that direction. It continues from Junior High, in which Tegan and Sara, in the company of artist Tillie Walden, presented a fictionalised version of their younger years. Much of it happened, although narrative licence was taken with names, people and places, in reordering events to present a smoother read, and in introducing subjects and opportunities speaking to today’s teens that just weren’t around in the 1990s. Texting for a start.

We pick up with the girls having formed their first band, written their first songs, and on the verge of playing their first gig, an audition no less. Hear their final number here. Music plays a far larger part than in Junior High, where it was almost incidental for most of the book, but it’s otherwise the same format of multiple short and easily digested chapters, and page after page of fulsome charming art from Walden. As before, it’s largely purple illustrations, but that splits into blue and red respectively when either Tegan or Sara’s viewpoint is emphasised. The object is to have readers understand their individual feelings and make them sympathetic, so Walden captures all their moods, uncertainties included. It’s important they’re seen, what with Tegan and Sara being role models, and what transmits is they may have doubts, but at fourteen both are confident enough in their own instincts to know the path that’s right for them.

Also important is that reality is shown. It’s only natural for young people to dream of stardom, but while Crush shows it’s possible, it’s also stressed a lot of hard work is involved. Tegan and Sara attracted a manager quicker than most bands, and are lucky that she’s really hands-on, but that’s only a step along the way.

The title really is all encompassing. Not only is it also a song title, but it has meaning, and events around it occupy a fair portion of the book, from inspiration to creation to performance. Connected with it are new people in Tegan and Sara’s life from the manager that Sara feels is too pushy at times, to the established singer who’s supportive and understanding.

Crush sells itself to anyone who loved Junior High, but it can be read separately, so don’t let that put you off. It’s a treat.