Book Review: In Holly Brickley's debut novel ‘Deep Cuts,' love and music clash
Holly Brickley's debut 'Deep Cuts' is a book for music lovers. Not just any type of music lovers — diehard music fans who enjoy analyzing every element of a song's composition as well as its origin story.
Taking place in the early 2000s, this novel follows music writer Percy and her love interest Joe, an aspiring musician, as they progress from college students to working professionals. Brickley explores the push-pull dynamic between a critic and her criticized as the characters walk the line between intimate connection and superficial renown, as well as the greed that comes with both. The novel is a coming-of-age in its own right, delving into the pain points of becoming a young adult.
With each chapter title the name of a different song, 'Deep Cuts' becomes a series of music essays breaking down both form and the evolution of popular music genres as they relate to Percy's fictional life. The title is a reference to the concept of 'deep cuts,' or songs by popular musicians unfamiliar to the public but revered by critics.
Percy is a self-described 'sidekick,' and she stays that way throughout the novel, taking a backseat to the intricacies of other characters' lives. Joe, on the other hand, has a compelling backstory and complicated emotional wounds. The reasons they can't be together get increasingly frustrating as Percy inserts unnecessary conflict.
'Deep Cuts' contains a similar music composition subplot as 'Daisy Jones & The Six' by Taylor Jenkins Reid, as well as the cultural and technological setting of 'My Year of Rest and Relaxation' by Ottessa Moshfegh. Brickley's lived experience is apparent as she references people, places and things with realistic detail.
The book uses mixed media, like Instant Messages, blog posts, notebook entries, and even an external music playlist to immerse readers. Using songs as chapter titles is a charming way to bring audiences into the story, though hard to keep up with at times. Brickley does a good job breaking down each song for those less familiar with the book's discography or music theory in general.
Ultimately, music wins out over love in 'Deep Cuts' as Percy and Joe discover their place in the music industry — and each other's lives.
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Los Angeles Times
a day ago
- Los Angeles Times
How to have the best Sunday in L.A., according to Taylor Jenkins Reid
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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Law & Order: Organized Crime Recap: After a Death in the Family, Will Stabler Turn to the Dark Side?
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The unspoken message: Fear my wrath. On Emery's orders, Joe trashes the place afterward, but makes sure to leave a little clue for his brother before he goes. Det. McKenna is first on the scene and finds the foil-wrapped packet of drugs Joe placed at the scene. While McKenna doesn't know the ins and out of Joe's involvement, he knows enough to call Elliot to let him know what they found. The substance is something brand new, and when Det. Tanner gets wind that McKenna gave Stabler a heads-up, she wants to know why. Oh, and she also informs him that they're now working the case together. Stabler makes reference to his confidential informant being on the inside of whatever's going down, but when she presses him for more information, he's squirrelly. Eventually he lets her know that his CI is his brother, and I'm grateful for her very important reminder that THIS IS A TERRIBLE IDEA. 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An incensed Emery, Joe and Emery's thug make a run for it; Elliot is desperately searching the warehouse when he gets a call from Emery. The rich Brit, who has a gun on Joe, offers a deal: 'Remove the APB on me,' which will allow him to leave town unencumbered, 'or he dies.' Stabler stammers that he'll work on the situation, but as a helicopter circles overhead, it's too late. Emery hangs up, and Stabler hears a gunshot in the vicinity soon after. He runs to find Emery gone and Joe bleeding out from a gunshot wound to the chest. 'I mailed it,' the younger Stabler gasps, blood trickling from his lips, as Elliot pulls him close and begs him to stick around because 'Mama's been waiting for you.' But things are going downhill very quickly. 'Tell her I was clean,' Joe whispers, then he's gone. Elliot puts his face very close to his little brother's and sobs. 'LET'S GO FOR A RIDE' | Later, Stabler breaks down again when another officer asks if he moved the body. 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Tom's Guide
5 days ago
- Tom's Guide
3 new to Prime Video movies with 90% or higher on Rotten Tomatoes
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