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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
If a book mentions a song, I have to play it. This book actually has a playlist on Spotify (The Music Shop Playlist). I didn't discover this until the end of the book sadly, but I did YouTube a lot of the songs mentioned.
Right out of the shoot I found 'Oh No Not My Baby’ by Aretha Franklin. You can never go wrong with Aretha and this song truly was amazing and perfect for the characters woes.
I enjoyed this book more when I listened to music along with it. I usually read in silence but this book NEEDS music. Without the music I probably wouldn't have enjoyed this book at all. I felt like it was trying too hard at times. That it was just missing something. Maybe that it moved too slow, but when I had music playing it moved just right. So it's possible it really just needed music.
The writing was well done. I haven't read anything else by this author though I have heard good things about other books she's written. I liked the characters, they were quirky and real. I think it was the writing for me, the passive dialogue and mostly description that I didn't like. I also felt like it wasn't moving forward and the mystery of who Ilse was was overdramatic. Almost this magical realism quality about their relationship that I didn't like personally. I also found the ending in the mall a cool climax but also cheesy and underwhelming. It was wrapped up too nicely for my tastes.
Overall this was an ok book. I appreciate the music and Frank's love of music. That's really what made this book for me.
Right out of the shoot I found 'Oh No Not My Baby’ by Aretha Franklin. You can never go wrong with Aretha and this song truly was amazing and perfect for the characters woes.
I enjoyed this book more when I listened to music along with it. I usually read in silence but this book NEEDS music. Without the music I probably wouldn't have enjoyed this book at all. I felt like it was trying too hard at times. That it was just missing something. Maybe that it moved too slow, but when I had music playing it moved just right. So it's possible it really just needed music.
The writing was well done. I haven't read anything else by this author though I have heard good things about other books she's written. I liked the characters, they were quirky and real. I think it was the writing for me, the passive dialogue and mostly description that I didn't like. I also felt like it wasn't moving forward and the mystery of who Ilse was was overdramatic. Almost this magical realism quality about their relationship that I didn't like personally. I also found the ending in the mall a cool climax but also cheesy and underwhelming. It was wrapped up too nicely for my tastes.
Overall this was an ok book. I appreciate the music and Frank's love of music. That's really what made this book for me.
Ran out of library time will try again later
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
3.5. I wasn't really on board til the last quarter of the book. Rudeness & miscommunication made it a no-go in the romance department for me. Enjoyed trying out some of the music mentioned (there's a playlist mentioned at the back of the book, or several other less-official ones).
Spoiler
The last big scene was wonderful, though, and took it from a wish-I-hadn't read to a glad-I-did.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I really enjoyed this book! The story has some slapstick elements that make it funny, but what I think makes it really worth reading are the lovable characters that together form a wonderful quirky community. The observations about a great variety of pieces of music are an invitation to listen to them with new ears.
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
Utterly delightful, but then I’m a sucker for any novel with a quirky cast of characters. If you decide to give it a go, take the time to read with your iPod and pause and find the music Frank prescribes...it will make the experience all the richer.
International best selling author Rachel Joyce (The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry), takes a small run down street filled with broken dreams, graffiti, and old timers and shines a spotlight in on the magic occurring in a small music shop. The owner, Frank, has the uncanny ability to know exactly what his customers need to hear when they walk in the door; whether it be Aretha Franklin, The Sex Pistols, or jazz. One day a women walks into his shop and Frank is stunned, not only by her beauty and charming accent, but by her stillness. He can't read her or figure out what music she needs. For someone so musically inclined he keeps trying to tune out his feelings about this mystery woman. Together these two charming odd ducks navigate friendship, demons in their past, and music in the late 1980's. Steven Hartley's rich resonant voice is instantly captivating and elevates the story to a new level with his wonderful narration. Deeply funny, moving, and inspiring; this story illustrates the power of music and community. Filled with unforgettable characters and amazing music recommendations, this superbly narrated audio book is a great addition to any collection!