Maybe it was being an 80s kid and a 90s teenager, maybe it was growing up in the PNW, but I loved this book. Jane is an engrossing FMC, and I thought the author did a really good job alternating between the historical timeline and the "current day" timeline to unfurl the story of Jane and Elijah. If you like Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, and Daisy Jones and the Six, you will probably like this one.

I am typically not a huge historical fiction fan, but I was intrigued enough with the blurb to give this one a fair shot and I am glad I did. I really enjoyed the audiobook edition as the narrator did a fantastic job bringing each character to life.

When Elijah and Jane met through an online chat as teenagers, neither knew at the time that they were destined to become the phenomenal 1990’s duo, The Lightening Bottles. Fame came fast and furious and neither handled it well. Jane soon was titled the ice queen and not given any credit for her song writing, while Elijah was placed on a pedestal. Succumbing to his previous addictions, Elijah went out one night never to return and is presumed dead. Jane had her own issues with alcohol, and years later she’s still trying to figure out what happened not only to her bandmate, but her beloved husband. When she moves to a remote home in Germany for some peace and quiet, she has no idea that her teenaged next door neighbor thinks Elijah is alive and well and is sending cryptic messages through graffiti. When the two team up, they go on an adventure neither saw coming and one that would finally make each of them whole. Thank you to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

This was a stunning book. Stapley’s characters come to life on the page. Her writing is exquisite and this story will keep you intrigued until the last page. Highly recommend!

Ever since watching Eddie and the Cruisers back in the day, I have always been drawn to stories of famous people, especially musicians, just disappearing from the headlines, and from the world, on purpose.. So when I hear about a book with that sort of plot, I have to read it. The Lightning Bottles did not disappoint. I liked Jane Pyre, even though everybody blamed her for everything that went wrong. I felt the book captured the whole 90's music scene and how the music industry works.

The one issue I have with the book is how and where Jane meets the person who helps her solve the mystery once and for all. What are the odds? I found that just a little far-fetched. That being said, I loved the book. It puts you through the whole gamut of emotions and builds suspense quite nicely. I wanted Jane to have a happy ending, finally and just couldn't stop reading until the last page.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the chance to read and review a digital copy of this book. All opinions are mine and freely given.

The first note I made after I started reading, and it remained true AF throughout, was “my god this is a nostalgia dump for alt millennials and I am loving every second.” I was so emotionally IN for this entire reading experience. I was hooked; it got me. There’s romance and mystery and music and a yearning that is so intense and on point that honestly it’s like that’s what Stapley captured in the titular bottles, instead of lighting.

Let’s talk about what I loved. Each character was so humanly flawed, many of them difficult and prickly in their own ways. Really impressive, gritty writing on the ugly/dramatic sides of music and fame, and its effects on/interpretations by the characters, but never to a point that felt gratuitous. They were so real that I sometimes felt like, if I googled them, the exploits would pop up in real articles/blogs. Of course, there were many not at all subtle nods to IRL musicians and the stories/tabloids about them. It could easily have felt like it was too easy. BUT, that’s what was promised and why it was written (in the note from Stapley herself): to tell the side of these familiar stories that we don’t see (or don’t want to see).

To that end, this reclaiming of female punk artists’ personas was especially impactful. This is something that has long (always?) been defined by the male musicians around them and/or the harshness of public opinion (that is, of course, more powerfully assuming/condescending/ignoring of and towards women). To see some of the characters in this book, Jane in particular, deal with that, and work towards a reclamation for themselves, on their own terms – rising out of the tragedies/anguish that defined their reputations and legacies – it’s something I’d truly wish for them all, in real life. I know why, and see what, Stapley wanted to write with this book. And hats off to her for it.

In looking at Jane and Elijah together, their romance is one that touched my heart. It started out of such a sweet and pure connection, and grew gorgeously in that. It was so hard to read how fame and life in the judgmental public eye broke a relationship that had so much promise. And of course, the seeds of “unhealthy” were definitely there already (in such a realistic way – really well written development of that), but fame as a catalyst for its disintegration was clear. Then, while the steps taken to this end were dramatic, there was also so much internal investment in the success of the relationship in the long run, that each did what they felt they must to reach a healthier future.

Re: the press. This was just a really phenomenal look at how media makes a person a character, not real in the eyes of an audience, and even when confronted with direct evidence to the contrary, people believe what they want, to the detriment (often) of the “character” they believe it about. Like, even when Elijah tried so hard to make people see him and Jane more equally, to tell the truth about their music/artistry, that only made things worse. The public had already judged and would not be dissuaded. Heartbreaking. Similarly heartbreaking: how we had to watch the unfolding juxtaposition of people getting into this (rock ‘n’ roll) life for the love of music/art (and, sure, in some cases, an interest in fame) with the price of fame, as it overtakes everything until that original love of music is no longer what is used to be, and definitely not what you dreamed/wanted it to be.

The “road trip” piece of this story, the slightly weird but uniquely healing, relationship that formed between Jane and Hen was prickly and tender in a totally different way. Sort of unorthodox, but more compelling for it. What they did for each other’s growth was unexpected and so soft, for all its hard edges, as they each learned some vulnerability and opening. They were the highlight of the variety of coming of ages that happened throughout the novel. The plot was straightforward, but I did think that the scavenger hunt was a fun twist to frame the story with. And it allowed for a gorgeous way to promise and hope for and provide a happy ending in the way one always wants, but in stories like this (IRL), doesn’t usually get.

This novel may not have been perfect. And maybe there was a bit of generational, scene-based, fan service. But that’s why I picked it up. And Stapley delivered. And the promise in the ending, while maybe not totally realistic, is full of the hope I want to have. So. I’m not at all mad about it. Color this (unexpectedly, and niche though it may be), a dark horse, low key favorite of mine for the year.

4.5 stars

A very 90’s west coast music scene book. I didn’t really predict I would get so caught up in the love story. Adam and the Rib stuff was perfection. It definitely doesn’t shy away from some of the harder aspect of fame and the music scene. I think there are a little pacing issues with the Hen timeline/story; but ultimately I think a lot of kids who were teens in the 90’s are going to love this book.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for an advanced copy to form opinions from.

The Lightning Bottles is another fun rock ‘n’ roll story this time revolving around a duo from the 90s. Jane and Elijah formed the band, The Lightning Bottles, and took the grunge scene by storm! They loved hard until Elijah disappeared without a trace and left Jane to pick up the pieces and deal with all the hatred thrown her way. Was she to blame for the breakup of the band and his disappearance? Jane disappears herself after years of dealing with the hate spewed at her to a remote town in Germany and finds herself living next door to a teenage superfan who thinks she knows what happened to Elijah. Off they go on an adventure to find him by using clues planted. Planted by whom? You have to read the story to find out!

This was a deep dive into the life of a music celebrity, from the very beginning to the very top. Teen soulmates meet online and create a life together. I enjoyed the storyline and the blurb at the end helped me to understand the type of music, but it was still a little vague. I lived in the time of grunge bands and the great Seattle awakening. While the middle of the book got a little slow, the last quarter really flew with great descriptions as the two characters wander through a clever puzzle.

You don’t have to be a fan of 90s grunge music or know who Sinead O’Connor or Kurt Cobain were to enjoy this flashback in time. The Lightning Bottles was the perfect escape I needed right now and came through with precisely what the cover said it would be-a love letter to rock ‘n roll and star-crossed love.

As someone who grew up with Seattle stamping its name on the musical industry map 30 years with its flannel shirted bands and alternative rock singers, I could not stop listening to the voices of my college days while devouring this story.

Elijah and Jane fall in love as teenagers and their mutual desire to create music and seek fame drives their lives toward an unforgiving industry that changes their paths and sends them spiraling into drug and alcohol addition. With his rise in popularity comes an equal surge of hatred and anger towards the misperceived Jane, mirroring famous singers at that time. When he disappears one day without a trace and is presumed drowned, Jane must pick up the pieces of her life with nobody else to support her. This journey takes her to Germany and begins the unraveling of all she knew and believed to be true as she meets a young fan next door who will change her life forever.

I really enjoyed Stapley's book Lucky so I had high hopes for this one, and it didn't disappoint!

Mix in some Lucky, Daisy & The Six, and an artist's flare, and you've got the Lightning Bottles.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest reivew.

4.5 stars

Jane Pyre was one half of The Lightning Bottles, a rock duo that burst out of the Seattle grunge scene and took over the world. But after her bandmate — and soulmate — Elijah disappeared, everything fell apart. Already one of the most vilified figures in music, dismissed as a talentless hanger-on and blamed for Elijah’s wild behavior, Jane faced even more hatred after his disappearance. The world refused to believe she wrote the songs that made The Lightning Bottles legendary and pinned his vanishing squarely on her. Seeking refuge from the noise, she retreats to a remote German village, but peace proves elusive. Her new neighbor, Hen — a moody teenager and hardcore Lightning Bottles fan — claims to have a clue about Elijah’s fate. Their unlikely connection sparks a road trip filled with music, heartbreak, and hard truths about the cost of fame and the people it leaves behind.

Stapley captures the raw, electric charge of the early '90s perfectly. The era was toothy and somber yet full of possibilities, and Stapley nails that energy. With themes spanning gender politics in music (particularly the treatment of women by fans and the media) substance addiction, grief, artistic inspiration, relationships, and fame, there’s a risk of the plot and characters being overwhelmed. But Stapley balances it all with precision, tapping into the chaotic, beautiful energy of the music scene that birthed alternative rock and its synonymous offshoot: grunge.

What kept this from being a full five stars were some minor bumps. There was a slight imbalance between the flashbacks and the present-day timeline, though this evened out as the story progressed. And, if I can be picky (I can—it’s my review), I’m not sure why Hen’s perspective opens the novel only to largely disappear. But those are small quibbles. Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend this one.

I'm a total 90s kid so this book was a perfect read for me. I thought it was a good story, it was executed pretty well. Some of the angst was a bit much for me but overall, I enjoyed the book.

What happens when you are part of a duo in rock n roll, and your partner disappears? That's what Jane will find out with the help of her next door neighbor, teenager Hen.

This is a great story - fellow GenXers will really appreciate the nostalgia of this read that centers around rock music in the grunge era. The Lightning Bottles reads like a memoir (the story of Jane Pyre and the rise and fall of The Lightning Bottles) mixed with a mystery (what really happened to bandmate Elijah Hart)?

Ms. Stapley uses a dual timeline to tell the story - as Jane begins to investigate Elijah's disappearance in the present, the story unfolds in the past. Flipping between the two narratives keeps the story moving at a good pace as we follow Jane's journey from a misunderstood teenager to a rock sensation.

I think this read will appeal to a broad range - those who liked Daisy Jones and the Six, readers who enjoy a good mystery, and people who grew up listening to this genre of music.

I adored the story of Jane Pyre and her missing love and bandmate Elijah. Following Jane from her coming of age years and flashing between present day and the love story of Jane and Elijah, we also get the traditional storyline of the formation and inevitable implosion of a successful music group. I could not put it down and just couldn’t wait to unravel the mystery of Elijah’s disappearance. Fantastic story!!

This book reminded me a bit of Daisy Jones and the Six, so if you liked that book, then you should give this one a try! This story is about a famous 90s rock duo called The Lightening Bottles and all the trials and tribulations that come with sudden fame. I enjoyed the dual timelines and especially liked reading about Elijah and Jane's back story. The present timeline dragged a bit at times for me, but it was important to the plot, so it didn't bother me too much. I have some mixed feelings about the end, but overall, I enjoyed this one!
3.5 stars

I loved this book. Well written and beautifully paced it is a travelogue through a generation of music, sexual and pharmaceutical experimentation.

A not to be missed story.

I received arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

The Lighting Bottles is everything I wanted it to be. Music is a big part of my life and the premise drew me in.
I adored this book, even through all the teenage angst. I’m an 80’s baby and was a teenager in the 90’s - I LIVED this era of music. The author did a fantastic job of getting this history right, even down to the excessive amount of drug use turned addiction.

The two main characters met on AOL and started chatting as complete strangers just like we did! Their love for music and eventually each other led to forming a band in the Seattle grunge scene, an era of music counterculture that can’t be matched. The descriptive writing really transported me back into time, giving that heavy dose of nostalgia every 90s’ grunge kid wants.
I related and felt for Jane(t) the most. It is slightly reminiscent of the hatred for Courtney Love after Kurt Cobain committed suicide. Just like Jane, the entire music scene blamed his downfall and death on Courtney. This was not a simple time for musicians and that shined through this story.
Throughout reading, all I wanted to do was find Elijah, get the real story of his disappearance, since sadly we will never know the truth about so many real tortured musicians that spawned from Seattle. The book is told in duel timelines; past and current being the search for Elijah. The secret messages!! I’ll tell you what, I was not expecting the ending!
The Lighting Bottles is a fantastic piece of work about the era of good music, teenage angst; a tumultuous love story, the premature rise and fall of an infamous band and its members, gritty drug use and addiction, and the misfit fans who loved it all. To the misfits who bonded through music like this and finally felt like they were a part of something!

Thank you to Simon and Schuster!

4 stars*

I really liked this book! It is the story of teenagers Elijah and Janet, who meet in an AOL chatroom in 1991 and begin sharing music, lyrics, and friendship.

Janet is from a very conservative, religious community in Canada and when her mother discovers the communication she puts up every block she can. To no avail. Ultimately, Janet runs away and shows up on Seattle-based Elijah's porch and becomes a part of his life.

Janet drops the "t" en route to Seattle and newly minted Jane & Elijah's origin story is the basis of the beginning of this Grunge Era Star-Crossed lovers tale.

90s drug scene, legan battles over lyric rights, world travel, addiction, co-dependence, and fun 90s nostalgia are the backdrop to what ends up being a mystery.

Did Elijah really die when he went out in the rowboat in Iceland when they were hiding out?

All around a winner. I'll look for more by Marissa Shipley.

*with thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for this honest review