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sueperlibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to NetGalley for this advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Loosely based on the rise and fall of a couple of famous folk/rock singers of the 70s, we meet Jesse, a rising star and his muse Jane. Jane is trying to break into the music industry with her band The Breakers, and gets a lucky break when Jesse cancels his appearance at a folk fest. What unfolds is passion, addiction, secrets, and lots of lyrics. If you grew up in this time, you’ll recognize a lot as this was when the lyrics of songs were so meaningful and carefully written.
I quite enjoyed this book. I know patrons are looking for a break fromWWII historical fiction and this might fit the bill. There’s some language and graphic sex scenes which might appeal more to romance readers than historical fiction readers, but it’s a nice change of pace. Schizophrenia, drug addiction, bullying and manipulation are so potential triggers.
4 solid stars.
Loosely based on the rise and fall of a couple of famous folk/rock singers of the 70s, we meet Jesse, a rising star and his muse Jane. Jane is trying to break into the music industry with her band The Breakers, and gets a lucky break when Jesse cancels his appearance at a folk fest. What unfolds is passion, addiction, secrets, and lots of lyrics. If you grew up in this time, you’ll recognize a lot as this was when the lyrics of songs were so meaningful and carefully written.
I quite enjoyed this book. I know patrons are looking for a break fromWWII historical fiction and this might fit the bill. There’s some language and graphic sex scenes which might appeal more to romance readers than historical fiction readers, but it’s a nice change of pace. Schizophrenia, drug addiction, bullying and manipulation are so potential triggers.
4 solid stars.
torrieborelli's review against another edition
4.0
New England small town, hot and troubled lead singer, the 70s, the drugs, sexual tension, wholesome ending, yes babe this is what I’m talking about
bermudaonion's review against another edition
4.0
3.75 stars
When music star Jesse Reid cancels out of the local music festival, Bayleen natives Jane Quinn and her band, The Breakers, step in and receive rave reviews. Jesse hears about Jane’s performance and is anxious to meet her. There’s a spark when they do meet and Jane has to decide what comes first - music, family, or love.
I enjoyed this book but can’t say that I loved it. I thought some things were just a little too convenient and at times Jane seemed too good to be true. The story is set in 1969 and there were a few things that didn’t ring true for the time for me, like the use of naloxone. Still, SONGS IN URSA MAJOR is a good book and would be a fun beach read.
When music star Jesse Reid cancels out of the local music festival, Bayleen natives Jane Quinn and her band, The Breakers, step in and receive rave reviews. Jesse hears about Jane’s performance and is anxious to meet her. There’s a spark when they do meet and Jane has to decide what comes first - music, family, or love.
I enjoyed this book but can’t say that I loved it. I thought some things were just a little too convenient and at times Jane seemed too good to be true. The story is set in 1969 and there were a few things that didn’t ring true for the time for me, like the use of naloxone. Still, SONGS IN URSA MAJOR is a good book and would be a fun beach read.
corireadsbooks's review against another edition
2.0
The first half of this book felt like popping candy on the tongue, driving with the top off the jeep singing along to the ultimate summer song with your best friend. Then came the second half… I don’t understand where it all went wrong.
kimberly_th's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars rounded up. This new release about an up-and-coming folk/pop singer set in the early 1970s was a little A Star is Born (without the doomed ending) and part what I imagine the author imagined Taylor Swift’s rise could have been like if she had been around four decades earlier. It would make a solid vacation read choice, because it’s entertaining. But it’s not without its faults. The main characters, Jane and Jesse, at times were overwritten. A few plot points felt forced (plus it dragged in places). And, it often felt like I was reading a book set today, but because it was supposed to be 1970, the author resorted to inserting cigarettes to dangle from her characters’ fingers.
suzyreadsalot's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
evaribaker's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars: I liked the premise and story of the book, but there were so many characters that were only peripherally important, yet were mentioned repeatedly and who I had no idea who they were, not to mention that the language just felt a bit flat at times .
luckyonesoph's review
Just a long sequence of events following characters who have no inner lives. Inconsistencies in the plot - very obviously under-reasearched. Just go read Daisy Jones & The Six instead.