I had to sit with my thoughts for a while before reviewing this book because I was a bit conflicted right after I was done, but it’s been 2 weeks now, so let’s go.
This book is about 2 teens making music, initially. Ramona loves her long time friend Sam but he doesn’t know, he loves her and she doesn’t know (tale as old as time). Tom comes in as a third member, they form a new band. Now Ramona loves Tom too. He’s a little rebel, likes to protest about things he doesn’t like in a very weird way that gets him in some trouble. They also explore the fact that what Ramona had envisioned for the future, might not be the same thing that everyone wants.
I feel like the main idea of this book was to explore polyamorous relationships. As much as I’m here for that idea, I just really feel icky when we’re talking about anything sexually related with teens, regardless of type of relationship. I also have a hard time relating to these characters. I didn’t like being a teen myself, I don’t like getting into their brains either through a book, so generally speaking, books that explore teenagers are not my thing. If you like it, you might enjoy this book. But it really was (not) for me.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for trusting me with an ARC in exchanged of my honest review.

i’m truly sitting here staring into space trying to process what i just read? i feel like i don’t know what just happened. the ending???? just as the plot was starting to pick up, it just…. stopped??? i guess i was expecting some sort of big revelation or for something major to happen and it…. didn’t??? honestly i’m confused.

this is getting 3 stars because i liked the characters and the musical aspect of the story. i found the representation of asexuality and polyamorous relationships (which was pretty love-triangley) to be very interesting, but other than that, i feel like i couldn’t tell you what this book was *really* about?! but maybe that’s the point! maybe it’s just meant to be a reminder that love can be complicated and simple at the same time, and doesn’t always have to/isn’t always able to be placed into a certain box. this is republished version coming out at the end of the month. i’m really curious though if anyone read this back in 2016 when it first debuted! if you want to read any of laura’s work, honestly, just stick with “if he had been with me” and leave it at that.

thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me this ARC to read and review!

I really wanted to love this because I loved “If He Had Been With Me” when I was high school. But this book was just confusing. It’s like nothing actually happened except a whole lot of music snobbery?? I almost DNF’ed this book at the fish scene because it was just morally icky for me. I had to set the book down and take a break after that.

Also as a person who is ace, asexual representation is always a pleasant surprise but I wish it could’ve been executed better.

I was drawn in by the topic of music, but the book lost me after that. It seems geared toward a younger audience, which might be why I didn't enjoy it. There might be some who love this book, but it just wasn't for me.

Ramona and Sam are my new favorite characters! I wasn't a fan of if he had been with me since the first chapter tells you what happens but was pleasantly surprised that this one was better

The part I loved most about this book was how quick of a read it was. The story follows three main characters: Ramona, Sam, and Tom as they battle adolescence in their senior year of High School. All three characters are bazaar and quirky in their own right. I’m all here for the quirks and being 100% yourself! I especially enjoyed the music aspect of the storyline that brought them together including their unconventional sound. It was the confusing sexual tension and self discovery that fell flat and ruined what could've been a more interesting plot. There were many moments and side character interactions I found confusing and unnecessarily included in the story.

Book Review: This Song Is (Not) For You by Laura Nowlin

Laura Nowlin’s This Song Is (Not) For You is a beautifully layered exploration of love, friendship, and the complexities of self-discovery, all set against the backdrop of a shared passion for music. Known for her emotionally rich storytelling in If He Had Been With Me, Nowlin once again delivers a deeply resonant narrative that challenges conventional ideas about relationships while celebrating individuality and the transformative power of art.

Plot: A Love Triangle with a Twist

The story follows Ramona, Sam, and Tom—three teenagers whose lives intersect through their shared love of music. Ramona and Sam have been inseparable for years, their friendship defined by an unspoken but palpable undercurrent of mutual affection. Ramona’s feelings for Sam are complicated by her fear of ruining their connection, while Sam harbors a quiet, steadfast love for her, convinced she could never see him as more than a friend.

Enter Tom, a charismatic musician who becomes the missing piece in their band and their dynamic. As Ramona falls for Tom, her feelings for Sam don’t fade, creating a tension that ripples through their friendships and forces all three to confront what they truly want.

What sets this story apart is its exploration of nontraditional relationships. Rather than adhering to a simple love triangle, Nowlin delves into themes of polyamory, asexuality, and the fluidity of human connections. The result is a narrative that feels refreshingly authentic and emotionally complex, capturing the nuances of love in its many forms.

Characters: Multifaceted and Relatable

Nowlin excels at crafting characters who feel deeply human.
• Ramona is a spirited, quirky protagonist whose passion for music is matched only by her desire to navigate her feelings with honesty and care. Her internal struggles—torn between her love for Sam and her growing connection with Tom—are rendered with raw emotional honesty.
• Sam is endearing in his quiet devotion, grappling with insecurities and the fear of losing the person who means the most to him. His journey is particularly poignant as he learns to express his feelings and assert his own needs.
• Tom adds a layer of complexity to the story, not only as a romantic interest but as someone whose presence challenges the established dynamics between Ramona and Sam. His charm and openness make him an intriguing addition to their world.

The trio’s chemistry is electric, whether they’re making music or navigating the emotional minefield of their relationships. Their interactions are rich with humor, tenderness, and tension, making their journey as a group as compelling as their individual arcs.

Themes: Love, Identity, and the Power of Art

At its core, This Song Is (Not) For You is a meditation on love in its many forms—romantic, platonic, and self-directed. Nowlin deftly explores the boundaries of traditional relationships, inviting readers to consider the validity and beauty of connections that don’t fit into neat categories.

The novel also touches on themes of asexuality and polyamory with sensitivity and nuance, offering representation that feels both groundbreaking and necessary. Sam’s asexuality is portrayed as an integral part of his identity, not as a barrier to love, but as a facet of it.

Music serves as both a metaphor and a binding force in the story. It’s through their shared passion for creating art that Ramona, Sam, and Tom find a language to express their deepest emotions and forge connections that transcend words. The descriptions of their performances are vivid and immersive, making the reader feel as though they’re part of the band.

Writing Style: Lyrical and Intimate

Nowlin’s prose is as lyrical as the music her characters create. She has a gift for capturing the small, poignant moments that define relationships—an exchanged glance, a shared laugh, a quiet moment of vulnerability. Her writing is both accessible and deeply introspective, drawing readers into the emotional lives of her characters.

The alternating perspectives allow for a deeper understanding of each character’s motivations and inner conflicts, creating a rich tapestry of emotions and perspectives.

Final Thoughts: A Heartfelt and Thought-Provoking Read

This Song Is (Not) For You is a masterful exploration of love, identity, and the ties that bind us. Laura Nowlin has crafted a story that is as much about the joy and pain of human connection as it is about the music that brings her characters together.

For readers seeking a YA novel that breaks away from conventional romance tropes, offers diverse representation, and celebrates the messiness of real relationships, this book is a must-read. It’s a story that will linger in your heart, like the echo of a favorite song.

Rating: 5/5

It might be the 01/01/25 but that masterpiece will be a highlight of my reading year. It was so emotional and I read through it in two sittings because it was that good. It was even better than if he had been with me.

I was really looking forward to reading this as I enjoyed other books by Ms. Nowlin. This one was decent but felt much younger than the others I've read. I'm not 100% sold on the love story she was selling, but it was good. I think a lot of people will enjoy this one, it just wasn't for me.

A mature take on discovering yourself, your sexuality and your path in life. I enjoyed the portrayal of multiple support systems and parent-children relationships.

A huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read This Song Is (Not) For You early. Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me. I had trouble connecting with the characters and the writing style unlike previous books I’ve read from her.

The story is about Ramona, Sam, and later Tom, who are in a band trying to find their sound. When Tom joins, things click for them musically—and a bit more. I thought the premise had potential, but the way the book was structured made it hard to get into and I didn’t get to connect with the characters.

This was a quick, easy read, but for me, it didn’t quite live up to the hype.

hmm after giving this some thought, i am not quite sure what i think about it yet. i requested this as i thoroughly enjoyed if only he had been with me and its sequel but found this book to not be along a similar vein. the solid writing is still there, i believe this may just be a bit too YA for me!

Ramona falls for Sam instantly but they are too afraid of ruining their friendship and their band. She also falls for Tom, another band member, when she she meets him...

A romantic and angsty novel. The relationship is complicated and messy... I love how complicated it is... I love the self-growth message in the story.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

I had read Laura Nowlin's other novels so I was ecstatic to read this one. This novel is about three high school students who are in a band, who navigate their feelings for each other through a love triangle (kind-of?) trope and end up in a poly relationship.

This book was pretty easy to read because the words just flowed like honey. I finished this book pretty quickly, which was nice. This novel was pretty relaxing to read, so don't expect anything too outrageous.

This song is (Not) For You was definitely unexpected but surprising in a new and exciting way. I love and adore Laura’s writing because I first fell in love with her work in If he had been with me, and If only I had told her. So when I saw this I was also quite intrigued.

This book follows Ramona and Sam. From the moment she met him she fell, but she always prioritised and respected their friendship. To her, he was too important and she couldn’t risk loosing him, not knowing he may feel the exact same way. One day they meet Tom, the missing piece of their band… but also he may also be a part that was missing in Ramona’s life too? So much so that she’s falling for him whilst still very much in love with Sam. Can she love both and not cause a conflict in the band?

Ramona was quirky and quite charismatic. Tom was quite inspiring and driven. Sam was just downright likeable and gentle. Quite a mix in characteristics but when together they complement each other well. The alternative POV’s was quite good to allow an insight on each characters internal monologue and what they were feeling, as they all have different and unique traits.

Laura always writes so poetically and metaphorically, and I enjoy dissecting and applying those parts of the book to my life; or even just seeing beyond what she’s written and the underlying message. I can appreciate a book that focuses on the importance of figuring out yourself and your identity. In experimenting and experiencing new things. I also didn’t expect this book to pan out the way it did, so this was quite a twist for me.

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. This [Book} was unfortunately not for me. This was my first Laura Nowlin novel, and I fear it might be my last. I didn't connect well with the characters and writing style which disappointed me because I've heard such great things about her previous books.

Book:
THIS SONG IS (NOT) FOR YOU by Laura Nowlin
Thank you SourcebooksFire and Netgalley for the earc (Dec 31)

Review:
3⭐
THIS SONG IS (NOT) FOR YOU follows Ramona and Sam, and eventually Tom. Ramona and Sam are in a band, but they feel somethings missing. When they bring Tom in, they've found their sound and something more.
This book was okay. That's really the only way to describe it. I felt like the pov were short, and it was kind of hard to keep track of the three since almost every page was a new chapter/pov. Looking past that, Nowlin has written a coming-of-age story were three people realize what they want to do when they grow up and who they want be. I think if this book was longer, the characters could have developed in a way that didn't seem so rushed. Other than that, this book was a quick and easy read---perfect for fans of Nowlin's work.

This Song is ( Not ) For You by new to me author L. Nowlin, published by Sourcebooks, is ya novel. A best friends to maybe lovers story, well written, beautifully told.
Blurb: Bandmate, best friend or boyfriend? For Ramona, one choice could mean losing them all.
Ramona and Sam are best friends. She fell for him the moment they met, but their friendship is just too important for her to mess up. Sam loves Ramona, but he would never expect her to feel the same way--she's too quirky and cool for someone like him. Together, they have a band, and put all of their feelings for each other into music.
Then Ramona and Sam meet Tom. He's their band's missing piece, and before Ramona knows it, she's falling for him. But she hasn't fallen out of love with Sam either.

This is a short, quick read...and that's about the best I can say about it. I work with this age students ev,eryday, and for the most part, these characters are the most exaggerated versions of the most stereotyped modern-day students you can imagine. The beginning never really tied into the actual story (I kept waiting for the end to loop back to it, but it didn't) and the whole thing just felt...trite.