Nicole > Books: fiction‎ (317)

I know there are already thousands of reviews about this book but I'm sharing mine anyway, noting that I listened to the audiobook. So here are my two bits about it.

(my)background story (with the book):
I believe before I proceed, it's worth mentioning my prejudgment concerning this book. I have been seeing this book everywhere since its release yet after reading the reviews, I realised I might not be into that. I am a huge rock fan. Especially that of the pre-2000s. While I no longer actively listen to these songs (except on rare occasions like when writing this review), I am still fond of this genre. But I also know how about the lives of the rock stars. I want to stick to the pretty things, aka the songs themselves, without the people behind them. I would've loved to watch one of my favourite rock bands perform in the 80s & 90s but I know their personality (goes without saying, not all) might not have been the best. In sum, I avoided reading this book because I didn't want to read about a glorifying addiction to substances and alcohol. Luckily, it didn't end up like that.

I was very hesitant when I started listening to the audio, but I gradually became invested in the story, the band, and what was going on in the book. This isn't my first book by Reid but it's certainly my favorite. It's obvious she's got talent from her other novels but here she created something unique, in my opinion. She created highly flawed characters and glued you to the page anyway.

I listened to the audiobook and since this book is written as a series of interviews with the band, managers, friends, and other persons, there is little narration going on. Each character was played by a different person. The narrators weren't just reading. They were voice actors. They were bringing their characters to life as if we were interviewing the real band. That honestly made it much more interesting to me than simply reading the book in the same tonality. I believe I appreciate the book more because I listened to the audio format and it's now definitely one of the best audiobooks I have listened to. I mean, we had actors playing some characters and of course, the queen of audiobook narration, Julia Whelan, was part of it.
Summary: the audiobook is great. Highly recommended.

Now for the characters, I didn't have a favourite. In fact, I doubt we were supposed to love any. I believe the point was to reflect the inner struggle of different persons. Their flaws. How they perceive themselves and their actions and how other see them. I'm usually a very character-driven reader but in this case, I didn't mind. (Now maybe if I loved one of the leads, I would've given the book 5 stars.) I just saw these raw unapologetic characters. I sure rooted for them. I was supporting Billy for example with all my heart not to pick up that glass. I was sincerely hoping for Daisy to get help. I was rooting for Graham to find the partner he wants. I supported Karen and her life choices.
I had some issues with Daisy. She was truly a brat and just used to everything happening easily for her. I sure liked her better towards the end but since supposed to be the main lead, I expected at least to feel some compassion towards her and I mostly didn't. I only wished she'd go to rehab. I know her character is supposed to be more complex than her actions in the book and while I acknowledge that it is, it doesn't mean I liked her. Meanwhile, Camilla was definitely one of the characters I liked best. She was so "solid" was it by her presence, faith in her husband, or actions. She's confident and knows what she wants. She's also ready to suffer a lot and work for it. I was disappointed by how she was portrayed in the movie. I didn't watch it yet but I saw the trailer before starting the book and I expected Camilla to be this weak needy wife. I couldn't have been so wrong. The trailer also makes it all about Daisy and Billy and for me, the book was so much more than their relationship.

Another aspect I appreciated about this book, that many might not, was the song-making process. Writing the lyrics. The story behind the verses. Practicing. Recording. Finalizing an album. Singing live. I would've loved to be with the crowd that night in Chicago or with the SNL audience that episode.

I understand now why this book is famous. And it deserves its popularity. I don't think I can give it 5 stars (although once I finished I wanted to) because I had some minor issues that affected my overall enjoyment. The end part was interesting and I wanted it longer but after all, the book is the band's story. I am also unsure how I feel about a certain part that was a bit convenient. Or at least, works for the story. Overall, I will say again that I loved the audiobook. Not at first. Not even in the middle. I only loved it when I reached the last 15% (or so). I'm glad I went with the audiobook since it brought the characters to life. And while characters don't need to have a personality to be a character, these ones surely did! If you are still hesitant about reading this book, I'd recommend to give it a shot. You might like it. You might hate it. At least, you've decided for yourself. We always have these prejudices around popular books and in this case, you should read it to form your opinion. There aren't many similar books out there.

Now I'm past my bedtime so excuse my typos, will be rereading tomorrow but if I didn't write now, I probably never will finish the review.