Book Thoughts: Guitar Notes

“Maybe it explains the reason why one person likes another. It's because their souls 

both thrum at the same frequency.”

Summary:

On odd days, loner Tripp Broody uses a practice room to let loose on the guitar he’s borrowed from the school after his mom took his own away. One even days, Lyla Marks uses the same practice room. To Tripp, she’s trying to become even more perfect–she’s already a straight-A student and an award-winning cellist. But when Lyla begins leaving notes for him in between the strings of his guitar, his life intersects with hers in a way he never expected. Challenging each other to write songs, they begin to connect, even though circumstances threaten to tear them apart.

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An unlikely friendship between two people from opposite of the spectrum who found each other through music. Tripp, the outcast guitar player, and Lyla, the straight-A student cellist. Two teenagers with issues of their own. Sound familiar? Definitely—it echoes many YA stories. But somehow, this one is the same yet different. Have you ever had that feeling that something is special, but you just can’t quite put it into words? This is one of those books. It simply is special.

This book is light and easy to read. The story feels real and relatable. It’s hard not to want to finish once you start. And once you're done? You’ll likely find yourself wanting more.

 
I especially loved Tripp’s passion for music, for his guitar. (I wish I could have had more of that in me. I am a frustrated musician who tried learning the piano and the guitar but never got that good at it.) Tripp is a bit of an oddball—in a good kind of way—which makes his nickname “odd” feel fitting.
 
Lyla, on the other hand, is one sweet girl you just want to hug and say, "Be brave and have courage." There was so much pressure around her that it begins to affect her passion for music. Then there’s her best friend, who at times acts as the author of Lyla’s life—which can get frustrating. (Oh, Annie… could you please just stop for a second?)
 
I loved the story.

What I loved was the way the story incorporated the notes between Tripp and Lyla. It made everything feel more real. I wanted more of this. I really enjoyed Tripp and Lyla’s interaction through notes. Those were probably my favorite part (aside from the music, of course). I adored their friendship. I felt every emotion they went through—I was completely moved. I cried, dear me, I couldn’t help it.

 
This book reminded me of how my love and I found common ground through music. On how we shared each other’s knowledge and echoed our enthusiasm. My love for music was reignited reading this book.
 
Thank you, Ms. Amato, for awakening the love and passion for music of each and every music lover who has read this. Go check Thrum Society, fellow readers.
 
Are you a music lover too? Are there any books that include music you want to recommend? Comment down below.

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My Guitar Notes Playlist: