Drummond takes a unique approach to the subject of music, personal identity, and being a kid in the world. Young readers who find their place of acceptance through music will love this. What a fun story! It was compelling and tender all at once and will resonate with a lot of readers."

We finally have a story that speaks to the formative experiences our many young adults have in school band! If you have a child in band, particularly if they are a percussionist, then they will certainly connect with this smartly-written tale. Drummond explores the shared experience of music education and marching band that our best and brightest students have and continue to love and cherish, regardless of time and place.”

This was such a brilliantly written and captivating YA Genre Fiction read! The author expertly crafted a relatable and genuine narrative that felt alive on the page, and the imagery and tone the author captured ranged from the desolate to the passionate depending on the protagonist’s environment and mood. The character growth was the heart and passion of the story in this book. Rating 10/10″

Blakley’s novel is charming, humorous, and an authentic look into a relatable past for all readers of any age. Drummond is an incredibly well-written coming-of-age story that hits so close to home.”

Patrick R. F. Blakley’s novel, Drummond, is a compassionate look at the power of music to strengthen an unsettled soul. I love how the author weaves in the magic of music.”

Drummond: Learning to Find Himself in the Music is a solid coming-of-age story. Blakley’s extensive knowledge of music and his own experiences in his youth bring the tale to life. Drummond is an engaging and entertaining protagonist who many young readers will identify with.”

Drummond is a book I wish ‌I had read during my impressionable marching band years. A little neurotic and a lot funny, Blakley reminds musicians of the intricate nuances of drumming and a fun range of different marching instruments as Drummond shuffles through sections of the band before resettling on his true love, percussion.”

Blakley’s attention to relationship-building, group efforts, and individual growth create a winning first-person story in which Drummond learns about marching bands, music, and himself. Ideally, it will also be part of a classroom assignment, discussed for its psychological revelations as Drummond learns about his strengths and employs them in a group effort to make music.”

Blakley beautifully visualizes Drummond’s journey of self-discovery by using articulate jargon commonly found in the music world. This allows for further characterization and easy understanding of the effortless coming-of-age story.”

Drummond: Learning to Find Himself in the Music is a beautifully written coming-of-age novel for teens and young adults. Teens looking for inspiration or anyone with a love or nostalgia for the marching band will find this book a welcome addition to their collection.”