My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As someone whose eternal life partner is a huge music snob, who I met at 23, had a glorious year with, and then panicked and ran away, only to be dragged back five years later into his arms; this book is scary in its depth, ambience, and overarching love story that I connected with on a level unprecedented. At points it felt like I was at my own clumsy virgin moment as Percy experiences hers, but also then reminiscing about my own first experiences with betrayal, heartbreak, and the curse of being young and stupid. Only to then be brought back around and reminded that we all must hurt to grow, and we cannot truly appreciate what we have until we have lost it for a time… and all the while the music plays.
Holly Brickley has infused herself into this book. She’s shown extreme snobbery in music (I know as we’re of the same generation, and even my snobby music obsessed husband didn’t know every reference to every obscure NYC band!!); and put it on the page in such a way that it bleeds hipster hype infused with indie irreverence. All things that are seemingly unable to exist at once, and yet do both in the story and in real life.
I didn’t love this at a couple key moments, which is why even with its strong ending I feel compelled (for now) to keep it at four stars. I know some of the moments that I felt slogged were intentional; as our leading gal, Percy, is also feeling that way. Thankfully it doesn’t last too long and I was easily brought about and delving back into the lyrics on the page.
If you love The Star is Born (original with Heston or remake with the stunning Lady Gaga) then you are likely to love this. I’m not usually one for the romantic contemporary story but occasionally one gets me and Deep Cuts won the battle to bring my cold black heart out for a time. Music is an amazing, moving, gloriously unique art medium and somehow Brickley manages to have you hearing the songs by just reading the words on the page. A truly amazing feat.
Thanks to Brickley for being born in a small town in Canada so this read helps me meet my Canadian author quota for the year, and to a number of challenges that brought this book to the top of my TBR. I might have avoided for a lot longer without these two factors. I’m pleased to read a love story that isn’t about perfect people or moments; but is instead messy; filled with anguish, desire, and yearning, just like real life.
Thankfully today I’m past the age of these characters and settled into my amazing life with my husband. Deep Cuts is a brilliant reminder of where we all have came from and to remember to appreciate every shining moment of our love and lives. I’m so rarely overly sentimental or introspective about my own life; but Brickley strung a chord that I can’t ignore. Do not miss this musical journey.
Follow me on Goodreads
As someone whose eternal life partner is a huge music snob, who I met at 23, had a glorious year with, and then panicked and ran away, only to be dragged back five years later into his arms; this book is scary in its depth, ambience, and overarching love story that I connected with on a level unprecedented. At points it felt like I was at my own clumsy virgin moment as Percy experiences hers, but also then reminiscing about my own first experiences with betrayal, heartbreak, and the curse of being young and stupid. Only to then be brought back around and reminded that we all must hurt to grow, and we cannot truly appreciate what we have until we have lost it for a time… and all the while the music plays.
Holly Brickley has infused herself into this book. She’s shown extreme snobbery in music (I know as we’re of the same generation, and even my snobby music obsessed husband didn’t know every reference to every obscure NYC band!!); and put it on the page in such a way that it bleeds hipster hype infused with indie irreverence. All things that are seemingly unable to exist at once, and yet do both in the story and in real life.
I didn’t love this at a couple key moments, which is why even with its strong ending I feel compelled (for now) to keep it at four stars. I know some of the moments that I felt slogged were intentional; as our leading gal, Percy, is also feeling that way. Thankfully it doesn’t last too long and I was easily brought about and delving back into the lyrics on the page.
If you love The Star is Born (original with Heston or remake with the stunning Lady Gaga) then you are likely to love this. I’m not usually one for the romantic contemporary story but occasionally one gets me and Deep Cuts won the battle to bring my cold black heart out for a time. Music is an amazing, moving, gloriously unique art medium and somehow Brickley manages to have you hearing the songs by just reading the words on the page. A truly amazing feat.
Thanks to Brickley for being born in a small town in Canada so this read helps me meet my Canadian author quota for the year, and to a number of challenges that brought this book to the top of my TBR. I might have avoided for a lot longer without these two factors. I’m pleased to read a love story that isn’t about perfect people or moments; but is instead messy; filled with anguish, desire, and yearning, just like real life.
Thankfully today I’m past the age of these characters and settled into my amazing life with my husband. Deep Cuts is a brilliant reminder of where we all have came from and to remember to appreciate every shining moment of our love and lives. I’m so rarely overly sentimental or introspective about my own life; but Brickley strung a chord that I can’t ignore. Do not miss this musical journey.
Follow me on Goodreads
