crsharks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
miles_jones's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
np24's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A solid book! Honestly, this reminded me a lot of Daisy Jones but I liked it more because it’s not told in the interview style that Daisy Jones is. The characters are sweet and likeable, the story is entertaining enough, and I loved getting to read the song lyrics and see how an artist might relate their music to the events of their life. I also thought the mental health representation was an important addition. Overall, this is a vibey book that makes me feel like putting on a flowy skirt and going out dancing.
kari_f's review against another edition
4.0
I love books about musical artists and the behind-the-scenes looks we get at their inspirations, lyrics, and fame. When the time period is the 60s and 70s, it’s just that much better!
Songs in Ursa Major is one such novel, telling the story of a young woman’s right-place-at-the-right-time rise to fame and all the consequences (positive and negative) that come with it. I’ve heard the book is loosely based on the rocky relationship between Joni Mitchell and James Taylor, which I can definitely see being a possibility. This made me love the book even more!
Though it takes on topics like the dark side of fame, double standards in the music industry, and the sheer difficulty of getting one’s name and music out to the public, this is a quick and easy read that was a lot of fun to devour!
renel's review against another edition
4.0
up until the Charlie revelation (first 60ish percent of the book) this was a 3 star read, okay, average, but after this the book really picked up pace and I enjoyed the turn of events (also HELLO TAYLOR SWIFT with the whole not-owning-your-catalog situation)
hannahibalecter's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jmatkinson1's review against another edition
5.0
When nascent star Jesse Reid has a motorbike accident minutes before his set at a folk festival, local band The Breakers are rushed onstage to perform. They catch the eye of a talent scout from a major label and the band, including singer Jane Quinn, are set for stardom. Riding on the coat-tails of Jesse's success and his romance with Jane is great until suddenly it isn't and Jesse and Jane both have secrets that destroy their relationship. Maybe Jane's response to their break-up, an album called Songs in Ursa Major, can heal.
There have been a slew of books about fictional female rock stars of the late sixties over the past few years and this is up with the best of them. Jane is a feminist figurehead but the story is not stridently political, it is a coherent and sensitively written narrative in which drug addiction and mental health are drivers. I enjoyed the story and listened to the message.
There have been a slew of books about fictional female rock stars of the late sixties over the past few years and this is up with the best of them. Jane is a feminist figurehead but the story is not stridently political, it is a coherent and sensitively written narrative in which drug addiction and mental health are drivers. I enjoyed the story and listened to the message.
whatruthread's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
mikaela_lauren's review against another edition
4.0
An extra star for the ending I didn't want, but was the best option for the characters