That ‘90s Mixtape by Danna Rose is a nostalgic love letter to the decade of grunge. That was a magical time, as it was the golden age of OPM. Pinoy rock emerged as a powerhouse which even radio jocks could not ignore. This novel captures the magic of this period, and it was a treat to read this book in its entirety.
The novel is filled with brands from the ‘90s- the mere mention of Benetton, Cattleya, Guess, Jingle Magazine, Filofax, and Giordano was enough to make me feel right at home. I grew up with these brands, and I am happy that some of them are enjoying a resurgence today. I still cannot get over the fact that they are known as vintage now, but the author was able to capture the magic of these brands in the novel. While places such as Mayrics no longer exist, the posh appeal of De La Salle University and Alabang still persists to this day. The author has definitely done her homework, making this book an informative journey back in time.
My only complaint about this book is that I wish it could go on and on as a series. Evie is a likable protagonist whose appeal lies in not knowing that she is a cool girl. She is appealing without trying at all. We need more self-propelled female lead characters to influence today’s youth. They do not need a love interest in order to create an impact, but if they do find someone who makes their hearts sing, then they should balance love with their own passions.
That ‘90s Mixtape by Danna Rose still tugs at the heartstrings of readers in the 21st century. Set in the grunge era and peppered with OPM rock tracks which make great reading companions, it is a timeless tribute to youthful chutzpah and the guts to be yourself. It is now available under Central Books!