This is definitely one of the best books that I have read this year. Filled with music, nostalgia, and angst, Deep Cuts delivered a story that I just did not want to put down.

I want to gush and shout from the rooftop about my love for this novel. This book took me back in time, to college days, to “finding” ourselves, connecting with people and, of course, the music. This book had me right from page one, and I just knew that it was going to be a favorite.

Percy Marks was a music lover extraordinaire. She was not a musician. She loved everything about songs: the lyrics, the music, the bridge, and the hooks. While she often felt awkward and out of place (not known for being a social flower), she always had her music. When she meets Joe Morrow, it’s like he was meant for her. He was her musical soulmate. He was an aspiring musician, while she was happiest dissecting, discussing, and critiquing songs. Joe was also in a relationship with someone else.

Percy and Joe. Whew! Where to begin with them. They were the best of friends. With their shared knowledge and love of music, they seemed like the perfect duo. They put my poor heart through the wringer, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Needless to say, their relationship was filled with collaboration, friendship, attraction, and plenty of highs and lows. I could feel the emotions and the angst right through the pages.

There was so much to love about Deep Cuts. It was a journey of discovery, believing in yourself, striving for what you want in life, making mistakes, and attempting to figure it all out. It was a literary time capsule that made me not only reminisce about years gone by, but it also made me want to pull out all of my old CDs and listen to them again, just to see if I could get a different perspective.

I could go on and on about my love for this novel, but what I really want is for other people to read it and fall in love with it, too. Deep Cuts is the debut novel by Holly Brickley, and what a debut it is! I will certainly be anxiously awaiting her next novel.

*5 Stars