This book initially strikes a chord as a delightful and humorous read, bringing together two high school students through their shared passion for music. What unfolds is largely an entertaining and light narrative, centered around the burgeoning connection between individuals expressed through musical notes and shared melodies. However, the story takes an unfortunate turn with a poorly executed twist, marring what could have been a truly resonant experience.
Lyla is presented as the epitome of perfection, a cello prodigy who seems to effortlessly master her instrument. Her musical journey began after the loss of her mother, and while immensely talented, the reader senses the immense pressure from her father and even her closest friend. Through Lyla’s perspective, we witness the erosion of her genuine love for music, the perfect facade concealing a struggle to rediscover her passion, to truly feel the notes she plays.
Tripp, in stark contrast, is the quintessential outsider, a guitar enthusiast who can seemingly lose himself in music indefinitely. He emerges as a genuinely endearing character, injecting humor into the narrative that is both unexpected and genuinely funny. Shy, quirky, and possessing a wonderfully dry wit, Tripp’s passion for music is infectious. Lyla’s observation of him as “…just a bit odd. In a really interesting way,” perfectly encapsulates his appeal. His profound connection with music is palpable, almost inspiring a desire in the reader to pick up a guitar and explore the world of musical notes themselves.
It is through Tripp that Lyla begins to reconnect with the emotional core of music. He guides her back to feeling the music, to playing with heart and soul, rather than merely executing notes mechanically. The development of their relationship is a highlight of the book. Their initial interactions stem from sharing a practice room – Tripp using it on odd days and Lyla on even days, leading to the whimsical nicknames Mr. Odd and Ms. Even. Their friendship blossoms from a simple note left behind, gradually revealing deeper common ground than just their shared musical interests.
One minor discordant note in the narrative is Lyla’s best friend, Anna. Her behavior often veers into possessiveness and jealousy, resembling more of an overbearing romantic partner than a supportive friend. However, the more significant issue arises with the unexpected and jarring plot twist. Its inclusion feels utterly unnecessary and detrimental to the story’s overall impact. The twist derails the positive momentum and good feeling built throughout the book, leaving the reader bewildered by its purpose. Furthermore, the rushed conclusion in the final chapters, spanning from December to March in just a few pages, feels unsatisfying and inadequate. This abrupt ending diminishes the otherwise enjoyable reading experience.
Despite the disappointing twist and rushed ending, the preceding bulk of the book is genuinely captivating. The pacing is smooth, the dual perspective writing style offers engaging variation, and the unique incorporation of lyrics, musical notes, and messages into the narrative adds an original layer to the storytelling. Tripp, with his dry humor and sarcastic nature, is a particularly memorable character. While the ending is a significant drawback, the substantial enjoyment derived from the majority of the book warrants a positive overall assessment. Focusing on the strengths – the charming characters, the humor, and the central theme of music and its emotional notes – this book offers a worthwhile, if imperfect, read.
