A review by bookishalice
Mix Tape by Jane Sanderson

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

After a couple of tough reads this month I absolutely, 1000% needed this read. 

It struck the perfect balance between romance and reality. Soppy enough to lose myself in, but enough gritty realness to keep me engaged and make it believable.

What made this book stand out to me? The inclusion of music as a fundamental part of the story. I’ve always been one to connect music with books and this one had a ready made playlist. Daniel and Alison reconnect through shared songs. Their love language is music. That’s certainly something I can relate to. 

I listened to the playlist, listed at the front of the book, while I read and it brought the story to another sense. Somewhere between the page and the screen. 

The characters were realistic and multidimensional. As the chapters alternate between 1979 and 2012 we learn about the past and present lives of Alison and Daniel. This exploration provides insight into their behaviours and their inner-conflict. The result: characters you are absolutely rooting for. 

An easy to read writing style that brought the plot to life. A story of first love, of what could have been and about it never being too late to make yourself happy.
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