The Love Song of Jonny Valentine
Teddy Wayne
Free Press
Buy
Already a successful writer with his work appearing in publications such as The New Yorker and the author of the critically acclaimed Y2K-centric novel Kapitoil, Teddy Wayne continues his theme of highlighting modern cultural upheavals into his new novel, this time centred on the cutthroat paradise that is showbiz.
Jonny Valentine, formerly known as Jonathan Valentine, is the sum of a meteoric rise to fame via YouTube, an obnoxious fan base comprised of hysterical girls, and a trademark swept-fringe hairdo, all achieved before the tender age of 12.
When taking into consideration his staged romance with a popular teen Latina actress-slash-singer and his mother's tightly-reined micro-management of his career, it doesn't take long for Jonny to realise that his life is just another stage show.
Also, a plea from his estranged father has him questioning if the whole spectacle is really worth the fakery.
Laid out in a surprisingly poignant mix of cynicism and innocence, Wayne intertwines both Jonny and Jonathan's voices into a sublime plot, making it an unconventional coming-of-age story that digs beneath the glossy veneer of mainstream pop.
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Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Test
Director: S Sashikanth
Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan
Star rating: 2/5
Profile of Tamatem
Date started: March 2013
Founder: Hussam Hammo
Based: Amman, Jordan
Employees: 55
Funding: $6m
Funders: Wamda Capital, Modern Electronics (part of Al Falaisah Group) and North Base Media
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
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- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
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