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Guitar Notes
Tripp, who plays guitar only for himself, and Lyla, a cellist whose talent has already made her famous but not happy, form an unlikely friendship when they are forced to share a practice room at their high school.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2012
185 people are currently reading
4874 people want to read
About the author
Mary Amato
31 books222 followersI write fiction for young adults and children and enjoy connecting with my readers. Adults (ages 18 and up) who are interested in writing, please check out my Meditative Art/Writing Workouts, a donation-based twice monthly online group.
https://www.maryamato.com/meditative-...
https://www.maryamato.com/meditative-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 969 reviews
April 5, 2016
Hello. Hi. I believe my writing has gone all raw after this long a while of not reading or reviewing. This book, Guitar Notes, in my opinion, is not a book. Rather it projects like a song because of the flow that is so easy to mould into. A beautiful story, crafted on introspection into your life and pursuing what you really want to. It deals with peer pressure, family pressure and skyhigh expectations which crush the need to decide for ourselves when its time.
The story is predictable from the very start. Maybe because of the thousand similar books I read based on themes as this. But yet, it signifies a difference, and that's why it shines above the lot. Like how you look at the sunset, and its always there, but you still continue to look at it with awe everyday. Guitar Notes is like that.
I applaud the characters for being so real and easy to relate to. One of the main reasons why I liked this story quite a lot.
This one's for you, Tripp Broody and Lyla Marks. Forgive me for my graph is really without coordinates and so is this poem. :P
"Words are there in me, but there's no song.
Its odd. Its odd.
I am odd.
Yet, I believe I belong there
The Thrum Society is where.
Yes, I got a little room to play
And you may be a graph with no coordinates.
But we are lucky, lucky to sing and play
Even if guilt smeared both our fates.
The notes, they lie still
The strings are all messy here.
Does it matter?
You just need to play.
Lets go, look for pomegranates
In the treehouse we got up there.
And peregrinate away to the world,
Where never a thrum misses the ear.
Quiet, let's listen..
To what the moon got to say.
Does it whisper?
Does it wail?
I think it smiles,
Keeping the gloom at bay.
I keep falling, falling
There's a depth I know I've reached
I don't know if I can pull myself out
Its safe here, easy to leave.
Out of nowhere, it rings in my ears
The song we created together.
And it tells me to rise up,
The Girl Scout is here.
So, when the sun is up tomorrow
I'll wake up with the pick in my hand
And I'll wait with the thrum in my soul
To catch hold of the song when it lands
And I'll remember what you always say,
"Just play."
BR with Numey Berry. Thank you, sistah for racing through it with me :P
Thank you, Purvi, my dearest eldie, for such a pretty rec. :)
4 beautiful Guitar stars!
The story is predictable from the very start. Maybe because of the thousand similar books I read based on themes as this. But yet, it signifies a difference, and that's why it shines above the lot. Like how you look at the sunset, and its always there, but you still continue to look at it with awe everyday. Guitar Notes is like that.
I applaud the characters for being so real and easy to relate to. One of the main reasons why I liked this story quite a lot.
This one's for you, Tripp Broody and Lyla Marks. Forgive me for my graph is really without coordinates and so is this poem. :P
"Words are there in me, but there's no song.
Its odd. Its odd.
I am odd.
Yet, I believe I belong there
The Thrum Society is where.
Yes, I got a little room to play
And you may be a graph with no coordinates.
But we are lucky, lucky to sing and play
Even if guilt smeared both our fates.
The notes, they lie still
The strings are all messy here.
Does it matter?
You just need to play.
Lets go, look for pomegranates
In the treehouse we got up there.
And peregrinate away to the world,
Where never a thrum misses the ear.
Quiet, let's listen..
To what the moon got to say.
Does it whisper?
Does it wail?
I think it smiles,
Keeping the gloom at bay.
I keep falling, falling
There's a depth I know I've reached
I don't know if I can pull myself out
Its safe here, easy to leave.
Out of nowhere, it rings in my ears
The song we created together.
And it tells me to rise up,
The Girl Scout is here.
So, when the sun is up tomorrow
I'll wake up with the pick in my hand
And I'll wait with the thrum in my soul
To catch hold of the song when it lands
And I'll remember what you always say,
"Just play."
BR with Numey Berry. Thank you, sistah for racing through it with me :P
Thank you, Purvi, my dearest eldie, for such a pretty rec. :)
4 beautiful Guitar stars!
July 29, 2012
3,5 stars
In this book two high school students who don't really know each other are brought together because of their love for music. For the main part this book was a surprisingly funny, entertaining, enjoyable and light read. The other (luckily rather short) remaining part is just a shame and bad choice of twist in the story.
Lyla is (for outsiders) the perfect girl who plays the cello effortless. She started playing after the death of her mom. Lyla is extremely talented but pushed by her father (and IMO also by her 'best' friend). Reading her pov's it becomes clear that at some point she lost her way and true passion for music. And the whole image of perfection appears to be an illusion.
Tripp is the outcast, who can basically keeps playing on his guitar forever. He is a person I really appreciated and damn he made me laugh so often my mother started to doubt my mental state . He's shy, weird, a loner, has a dry sense of humor and is just odd... I liked the description of Lyla for him:
"He is … just a bit odd. In a really interesting way."
He is so passioned by music, I want to learn to play guitar because of him (actually we have a guitar as decoration so maybe I should try it out!). The way he describes his feeling about music makes me jealous of the connection he has with it:
Thanks to him Lyla learns again to feel the music, to play it with her heart, to thrum, and not just play like a machine on automatic pilot. I like how these two found each other. At the beginning of the school year they get permission to share a practice room, Tripp on odd days and Lyla on even days (and this is how they come up with nicknames for each other, Mr. Odd and Ms. Even). Their friendship started with a stupid note and slowly they discover they have more in common than just music.
The first (little) issue I had was with Lyla's best friend, Anna. She acted jealous, possessive, inconsiderate, and often she gave me more the feeling of a jealous boyfriend instead of a friend who wants to spend more time (seriously, who is she to tell Lyla to not spend time with someone else?!).
The second (major) issue was the unexpected (and totally unnecessary) twist in the story. Really, why would the author do that? I'm clueless... This book deserved another climax. The sudden twist made me so mad cause it ruins the whole good feeling I had, the whole time I was reading this book. And then the December-March wrapping up in a few pages? No, just no. Really not the way to end this book. But because I enjoyed the part before it so much I decided to focus on that (although in general the ending is really a crucial point for me in a book. But I guess this says again a lot about the main part).
Normally I don't round up but with this one I'm going to make an exception (but seriously Goodreads, we live in the 21st century so where are those half stars?!). I liked the pace of the book, it was easy to read, the writing style with 2 POV's was a nice variation, the uniqueness of telling the story not only in a narrative way but also with lyrics, notes, messages,... was original. And if it wasn't already obvious, I really liked Tripp and his dry sense of humor and sarcastic nature (he actually often reminded me of a friend so that made me smile even more). So although i am really disappointed and beyond pissed because of the sudden twist and rushed ending, I am rounding up to 4 stars because I absolutely did enjoy 85% of the book (and this 85% might even be 5 star worthy for me).
In this book two high school students who don't really know each other are brought together because of their love for music. For the main part this book was a surprisingly funny, entertaining, enjoyable and light read. The other (luckily rather short) remaining part is just a shame and bad choice of twist in the story.
Lyla is (for outsiders) the perfect girl who plays the cello effortless. She started playing after the death of her mom. Lyla is extremely talented but pushed by her father (and IMO also by her 'best' friend). Reading her pov's it becomes clear that at some point she lost her way and true passion for music. And the whole image of perfection appears to be an illusion.
Tripp is the outcast, who can basically keeps playing on his guitar forever. He is a person I really appreciated and damn he made me laugh so often my mother started to doubt my mental state . He's shy, weird, a loner, has a dry sense of humor and is just odd... I liked the description of Lyla for him:
"He is … just a bit odd. In a really interesting way."
He is so passioned by music, I want to learn to play guitar because of him (actually we have a guitar as decoration so maybe I should try it out!). The way he describes his feeling about music makes me jealous of the connection he has with it:
Thanks to him Lyla learns again to feel the music, to play it with her heart, to thrum, and not just play like a machine on automatic pilot. I like how these two found each other. At the beginning of the school year they get permission to share a practice room, Tripp on odd days and Lyla on even days (and this is how they come up with nicknames for each other, Mr. Odd and Ms. Even). Their friendship started with a stupid note and slowly they discover they have more in common than just music.
The first (little) issue I had was with Lyla's best friend, Anna. She acted jealous, possessive, inconsiderate, and often she gave me more the feeling of a jealous boyfriend instead of a friend who wants to spend more time (seriously, who is she to tell Lyla to not spend time with someone else?!).
The second (major) issue was the unexpected (and totally unnecessary) twist in the story. Really, why would the author do that? I'm clueless... This book deserved another climax. The sudden twist made me so mad cause it ruins the whole good feeling I had, the whole time I was reading this book. And then the December-March wrapping up in a few pages? No, just no. Really not the way to end this book. But because I enjoyed the part before it so much I decided to focus on that (although in general the ending is really a crucial point for me in a book. But I guess this says again a lot about the main part).
Normally I don't round up but with this one I'm going to make an exception (but seriously Goodreads, we live in the 21st century so where are those half stars?!). I liked the pace of the book, it was easy to read, the writing style with 2 POV's was a nice variation, the uniqueness of telling the story not only in a narrative way but also with lyrics, notes, messages,... was original. And if it wasn't already obvious, I really liked Tripp and his dry sense of humor and sarcastic nature (he actually often reminded me of a friend so that made me smile even more). So although i am really disappointed and beyond pissed because of the sudden twist and rushed ending, I am rounding up to 4 stars because I absolutely did enjoy 85% of the book (and this 85% might even be 5 star worthy for me).
![Profile Image for Emily ✞ || [fallon's vrs].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1767209227i%2F182352191._UY200_CR5%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
May 13, 2025
╰┈➤ ✿ ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ . . . :･*✧ ♩♪
。°⋆✫The Lucky One ⇾ Taylor Swift✫⋆°。
1:30─────●──4:00
⇦ Ⅱ ⇨
❝ Maybe it explains the reason why one person likes another. It's because their souls both thrum at the same frequency ❞
Enchanting enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and hurt/comfort. The perfect recipe for perfection. I loved Tripp and Lyla’s relationship, from their reluctant friendship to their budding, pure romance that didn’t rely on physical attraction or kisses. This really is a hidden gem, an underrated book that deserves the acclaim of many overrated contemporary romances.
It’s funny how something as simple as alternating days in a practice room and a guitar can bring two enemies together in friendship.
I totally recommend, then listening to the songs on maryamato.com. My favorites are “The Pomegranate Waltz”, “Lucky Me”, and "Getaway". This book made me cry so many times and I then shut it with a sigh of pleasure, hugged it to my chest, and knew I found an irreplaceable beauty.
violence:
a mild car crash with some blood and terror but is not very descriptive
verdict: rated G/10+
。°⋆✫The Lucky One ⇾ Taylor Swift✫⋆°。
1:30─────●──4:00
⇦ Ⅱ ⇨
❝ Maybe it explains the reason why one person likes another. It's because their souls both thrum at the same frequency ❞
Enchanting enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and hurt/comfort. The perfect recipe for perfection. I loved Tripp and Lyla’s relationship, from their reluctant friendship to their budding, pure romance that didn’t rely on physical attraction or kisses. This really is a hidden gem, an underrated book that deserves the acclaim of many overrated contemporary romances.
It’s funny how something as simple as alternating days in a practice room and a guitar can bring two enemies together in friendship.
I totally recommend, then listening to the songs on maryamato.com. My favorites are “The Pomegranate Waltz”, “Lucky Me”, and "Getaway". This book made me cry so many times and I then shut it with a sigh of pleasure, hugged it to my chest, and knew I found an irreplaceable beauty.
violence:
a mild car crash with some blood and terror but is not very descriptive
verdict: rated G/10+
Want to read
January 30, 2025pre-read:
guys a book abt a cellist?? count me in!
guys a book abt a cellist?? count me in!
January 11, 2013
What Drew Me to This Book?
Music. I love music. My music tastes range from heavy metal to classical and most points in-between. Hand me a book that features two extremes of the medium, throw in characters with opposite personalities and I’m hooked.
Story Form
This story is told through notes, text messages and songs and done so quite beautifully. Both Lyla and Tripp deal with conflict and crisis in their lives. The bond they form provides a release for the pressures and unfairness life is dealing them.
The story is fluid and the plot unravels flawlessly. It’s hard to put down once you start reading and it has a definite resolution. It’s been a while since I’ve read a stand alone book and I found it refreshing.
Characterization
The characters are complex. Lyla in particular is under so much pressure to be perfect that peeling back her layers led to satisfying revelations. While Tripp at first seemed overly dramatic he slowly reveals a depth that his peers miss. They were both very real.
Their parents were credible as well. A little neurotic and overbearing, they each played the perfect foil for their children.
All of the characters change through the course of the story and begin to see each other in a different light. It’s that journey that is so satisfying to witness.
Setting and Atmosphere
Mary Amato creates a setting and atmosphere that begins small and expands throughout the book. At first most of the action takes place in a small practice room and the main characters rarely see each other. They slowly step outside the comfort of that tiny room and eventually discover the liberation that music brings.
It could be said that Lyla is trapped symbolically; the practice room is like the pressure she feels to do as expected. On the other hand, Tripp goes from no boundaries musically to harnessing his creativity. It takes their interactions to discover things about themselves. Again, the word beautiful comes to mind.
Personal Nitpicks
I have no nitpicks to point out in this novel. It’s skillfully written and pulls emotion from the reader. I laughed out loud and even had to stop reading to dry my eyes once. Guitar Notes is perfect for young teens. I also believe older teens as well as adults will find a great deal of pleasure in reading the story of Lyla and Tripp's extraordinary friendship.
Music. I love music. My music tastes range from heavy metal to classical and most points in-between. Hand me a book that features two extremes of the medium, throw in characters with opposite personalities and I’m hooked.
Synopsis taken from book:
On odd days, Tripp Broody uses a school practice room to let loose on a borrowed guitar. Eyes closed, strumming that beat-up instrument, Tripp escapes to a world where only the music matters.
On even days, Lyla Marks uses the same practice room. To Tripp, she’s trying to become even more perfect — she’s already a straight-A student and an award-winning cellist. But when Lyla begins leaving notes for him in between the strings of the guitar, his life intersects with hers in a way he never expected.
What starts as a series of snippy notes quickly blossoms into the sharing of interests and secrets and dreams, and the forging of a very unlikely friendship.
Challenging each other to write songs, they begin to connect, even though circumstances threaten to tear them apart.
Story Form
This story is told through notes, text messages and songs and done so quite beautifully. Both Lyla and Tripp deal with conflict and crisis in their lives. The bond they form provides a release for the pressures and unfairness life is dealing them.
The story is fluid and the plot unravels flawlessly. It’s hard to put down once you start reading and it has a definite resolution. It’s been a while since I’ve read a stand alone book and I found it refreshing.
Characterization
The characters are complex. Lyla in particular is under so much pressure to be perfect that peeling back her layers led to satisfying revelations. While Tripp at first seemed overly dramatic he slowly reveals a depth that his peers miss. They were both very real.
Their parents were credible as well. A little neurotic and overbearing, they each played the perfect foil for their children.
All of the characters change through the course of the story and begin to see each other in a different light. It’s that journey that is so satisfying to witness.
Setting and Atmosphere
Mary Amato creates a setting and atmosphere that begins small and expands throughout the book. At first most of the action takes place in a small practice room and the main characters rarely see each other. They slowly step outside the comfort of that tiny room and eventually discover the liberation that music brings.
It could be said that Lyla is trapped symbolically; the practice room is like the pressure she feels to do as expected. On the other hand, Tripp goes from no boundaries musically to harnessing his creativity. It takes their interactions to discover things about themselves. Again, the word beautiful comes to mind.
Personal Nitpicks
I have no nitpicks to point out in this novel. It’s skillfully written and pulls emotion from the reader. I laughed out loud and even had to stop reading to dry my eyes once. Guitar Notes is perfect for young teens. I also believe older teens as well as adults will find a great deal of pleasure in reading the story of Lyla and Tripp's extraordinary friendship.
March 17, 2021
What an amazing book! It's so simple but yet delivers such a powerful and beautiful message. I loved the bond between Lyla and Tripp. After reading this... I really want to learn how to play the guitar!
November 25, 2012
Review also posted at Ja čitam, a ti?
I'm weak! But before I tell you why I should start from beginning. Ha! Nope I'm not teasing. Beginning meaning the blurb cause I simply love it. I'm that one person who always complains how blurbs reveal to much but this one is perfect it has enough info to get you interested in the book but still doesn't tell you anything at the same time.
Now I'm coming to that me-weak part. Yeah I really am, cause it doesn't take much (for a book at least) to go under my skin. This is one of the examples how that works. This book is so sweet that I can't even explain it. It's so innocent but yet so mature and full of feelings. Maybe you'd say that the story is typical but you have no idea how wrong that is. I believe a lot of kids or teens can relate to this book, if you can the give this book to your parents. If you're still waiting for me to tell you more about the story, you're at the wrong place my friend cause this is something you have to live through yourself. Oh and I won't even get started about how much I cried.
One more thing is when you read this (or those who have) head over to Thrum Society and you know why. At the end it doesn't matter that I'm becoming too old for this type of the story, I still have to feed this kiddo/teen that'll always be part of me.
And yes...
I'm weak! But before I tell you why I should start from beginning. Ha! Nope I'm not teasing. Beginning meaning the blurb cause I simply love it. I'm that one person who always complains how blurbs reveal to much but this one is perfect it has enough info to get you interested in the book but still doesn't tell you anything at the same time.
Now I'm coming to that me-weak part. Yeah I really am, cause it doesn't take much (for a book at least) to go under my skin. This is one of the examples how that works. This book is so sweet that I can't even explain it. It's so innocent but yet so mature and full of feelings. Maybe you'd say that the story is typical but you have no idea how wrong that is. I believe a lot of kids or teens can relate to this book, if you can the give this book to your parents. If you're still waiting for me to tell you more about the story, you're at the wrong place my friend cause this is something you have to live through yourself. Oh and I won't even get started about how much I cried.
One more thing is when you read this (or those who have) head over to Thrum Society and you know why. At the end it doesn't matter that I'm becoming too old for this type of the story, I still have to feed this kiddo/teen that'll always be part of me.
And yes...
October 8, 2012
Now I wish I could play guitar. This book is just so beautiful.
July 31, 2012
I get the feeling Mary Amato had the concept for Guitar Notes in her head when she started writing and knew how she wanted to end things, but didn't have a specific plot in mind. That's the only way I can explain how this book doesn't go anywhere until the plot finally falls off a cliff towards the end. I mean, the majority of this book's a pretty sweet story of a slow friendship between two very different people, but there's no movement to it really, and when there finally is, I'm wondering what the hell happened.
To start, lemme just say the in book summary is way better and clearer than the one here.
That's about it, Tripp's a snarky guitar fanatic, Lyla's an accomplished cellist who feels pressured into continuing with the cello. They meet, Tripp teaches Lyla a thing or two about being laid back, Lyla sort of gets Tripp to take things a bit more seriously. Mostly though, it's Tripp affecting Lyla, not the other way around. I admit, the scenes are really cute, particularly the letters they leave for each other at the beginning, Amato's writing distinguishes what would otherwise be a fairly predictable premise of two people who're otherwise oil and water getting together, down to best friend Annie warning Lyla away from Tripp and the reasons why Tripp's a guitar addict and Lyla feels she's forced to play the cello. No problems so far.
But of course, there has to be the obligatory they can't be together after all problems before the happy ending, and that's where Guitar Notes strays far off course. I'm not talking about Lyla's overbearing father who insists she continue with the cello (and stay away from Tripp), even if he's another walking cliche, or Tripp's mother finally getting serious (at least more serious than normal) with her slacker son. Those problems are fine, even expected, maybe so expected Amato has to throw in another, huge wrench that's at the same time both so ridiculously stereotypical I should've seen it coming and yet so insane I just knew there'd be no way to emotionally resolve it without resorting to a cheesefest in the chapters remaining. But I'm actually wrong, Amato does something even worse, she just basically ignores the whole thing and plops right down to the happily ever after. What?
I didn't have any problems with this book at first, I thought it was a cute, light read, but I still expect my cute, light reads to be properly planned out. From what I can see, Guitar Notes isn't, Amato knows there should've been some sort of conflict before Tripp and Lyla can 'be together' but she doesn't have a clue what that conflict should be so creates something so rushed and unsatisfying it basically ruined the book for me.
To start, lemme just say the in book summary is way better and clearer than the one here.
Tripp, who plays guitar only for himself, and Lyla, a cellist whose talent has already made her famous but not happy, form an unlikely friendship when they are forced to share a practice room at their high school.
That's about it, Tripp's a snarky guitar fanatic, Lyla's an accomplished cellist who feels pressured into continuing with the cello. They meet, Tripp teaches Lyla a thing or two about being laid back, Lyla sort of gets Tripp to take things a bit more seriously. Mostly though, it's Tripp affecting Lyla, not the other way around. I admit, the scenes are really cute, particularly the letters they leave for each other at the beginning, Amato's writing distinguishes what would otherwise be a fairly predictable premise of two people who're otherwise oil and water getting together, down to best friend Annie warning Lyla away from Tripp and the reasons why Tripp's a guitar addict and Lyla feels she's forced to play the cello. No problems so far.
But of course, there has to be the obligatory they can't be together after all problems before the happy ending, and that's where Guitar Notes strays far off course. I'm not talking about Lyla's overbearing father who insists she continue with the cello (and stay away from Tripp), even if he's another walking cliche, or Tripp's mother finally getting serious (at least more serious than normal) with her slacker son. Those problems are fine, even expected, maybe so expected Amato has to throw in another, huge wrench that's at the same time both so ridiculously stereotypical I should've seen it coming and yet so insane I just knew there'd be no way to emotionally resolve it without resorting to a cheesefest in the chapters remaining. But I'm actually wrong, Amato does something even worse, she just basically ignores the whole thing and plops right down to the happily ever after. What?
I didn't have any problems with this book at first, I thought it was a cute, light read, but I still expect my cute, light reads to be properly planned out. From what I can see, Guitar Notes isn't, Amato knows there should've been some sort of conflict before Tripp and Lyla can 'be together' but she doesn't have a clue what that conflict should be so creates something so rushed and unsatisfying it basically ruined the book for me.
November 23, 2021
This is a good book written about two musicians. One is a rock and roll guitarest male, and the other is a long hair chellist. They end up becoming best friends and it is quite a journey on the way.
It is a light enjoyable read.
It is a light enjoyable read.
January 7, 2025
Five stars for a book is rare fr me I hadn’t expected everything that came from this I smiled and laughed but I might have cried more than anything I’ve felt emotions similar to things they feel and when I need to take to someone I crumble cause I can’t find the words this represents everything I love in a book and so many important things for people to hear I hope any one who reads this enjoys it as much as I did. :)
February 13, 2013
Synopsis:
A heartwarming story about an unlikely friendship forged between a straight-A, classical musician and a bad-boy guitar player told through notes, lyrics, texts, and narration.
My Review:
Guitar Notes is a refreshing story about blossoming friendship and love for music, about choices and its effects on you and around you.
WARNING
If you haven't read the book please don't go ahead and read ....huge spoiler alert....
A heartwarming story about an unlikely friendship forged between a straight-A, classical musician and a bad-boy guitar player told through notes, lyrics, texts, and narration.
My Review:
Guitar Notes is a refreshing story about blossoming friendship and love for music, about choices and its effects on you and around you.
WARNING
If you haven't read the book please don't go ahead and read ....huge spoiler alert....
January 18, 2025
This was a quick, entertaining read for me. I loved how the two main characters found friendship through common interests. They brought out the best in each other. I don't play guitar, but I still enjoyed this book a lot. I think it would be over the top awesome, though, for anyone who DID play the guitar, since the chord charts were in the back for all the songs Lyla and Tripp wrote. I'm looking forward to discussing this with the Rabid Readers!
Reread: May, 2020... I enjoyed it just as much the second time. I can't think of another book that is such a quick read yet so engaging.
Reread: January, 2025 I enjoyed this, but third time was not a charm. I didn’t find it quite as captivating this time. I’m very glad our Rabid Readers enjoyed it, though!
Reread: May, 2020... I enjoyed it just as much the second time. I can't think of another book that is such a quick read yet so engaging.
Reread: January, 2025 I enjoyed this, but third time was not a charm. I didn’t find it quite as captivating this time. I’m very glad our Rabid Readers enjoyed it, though!
March 26, 2025
This book was fun to read. Tripp and Lyla are characters you care about and root for. I love that the book focuses on the power of music in our lives. The parents were a bit too overbearing and deaf to the needs of their kids, and a bit too quick to do a 180, but I can overlook that because I'm a sucker for a happy ending.
2nd reading: I enjoyed it just as much the 2nd time. Can't wait to discuss it tomorrow with the Rabid Readers at our first virtual book party!
3rd reading: I really enjoyed reading the friendship develop between Tripp and Lyla this time around.
2nd reading: I enjoyed it just as much the 2nd time. Can't wait to discuss it tomorrow with the Rabid Readers at our first virtual book party!
3rd reading: I really enjoyed reading the friendship develop between Tripp and Lyla this time around.
July 9, 2022
why is the cover ugly 😕
November 27, 2015
Burning Gold (- Christina Perri
good story. cute couple.just one thing
now that i got that out of my system, let's review this!!
the story begins as Tripp's mom confiscates his guitar, the only thing that Tripp cares most in the world, due to Tripp's plummeting grades. seeking revenge, he trades his mom's coffee with dirt from an aloe vera plant.
without a guitar and searching for a way to get his guitar back, he starts a passive-aggressive fight with his mom.
in the meantime, Lyla is drowning under the expectations of her father and her professors. She wants to break free of the continuous cello practice and the things that people think that she wants. she is hidden below tons and tons of anxiety and guilt.
she wants to stop cello, but is afraid and guilty to make that one step and tell everyone to stop bothering her.her father,her friend Annie, her teachers all believe that Lyla wants to be a professional cello player, while all Lyla wants is to break free.
until one day, both Lyla and Tripp find an escape. Tripp is now able to play the guitar without his mom's knowing every Odd day and Lyla for some hours every even day is free of everything and everyone.
Room B, is their solace.
Thank trash for Lyla and Tripp's encounter. Due to Tripp's leaving trash in the room and Lyla's being pissed off of his irresponsible behaviour, starts a banter between the two of them. Lyla and Tripp leave notes between the old guitar's chords and start to getting to know each other through text.
i really enjoyed the fact that they comminucated though correspondancy.it is not something you see often in modern books.
through their notes,they shatter the images the one has for the other.they get to know the person behind the facade.another brownie point for this book, there's no instalove.
there's a slow friends-to potential love interest.and i am saying potential because despite the obvious tension and vibes between the two of them neither makes a move.
nevertheless, they become friends, reconsider their lives and find through each other their music.
Lyla finds again the love for music and Tripp expands her horizons about what music really is.
Tripp ,from his side, learns that music can be pretty. he gets out of his shell and starts opening up to possibilities.
throught theories, notes and music these two start a journey of finding their own place in the world that perhaps is by being next to each other, side by side against the world.
Lyla is closed off and Tripp is odd but together they make and complete a weird pair. she makes him see the world in a new way and he makes her feel free
all in all, a good high school music read.
PS:perhaps there will be another book where these two finally realise how perfect they are for each other.i don't ask much. 5 pages of steamy or sweet scenes and i am ok.
July 29, 2012
3.5 stars - I really wish GR had half stars. (Rolling Credit Song: Sum 41's "With Me")
WHAT THE HELL?!? I would have given this book five stars had it not been for the end.
The book started off really, really strong for a cute, light read. I'm not usually a fan of short, choppy transitions, but for some reason, it worked in this book. I thought Amato did a great job switching between Tripp's and Lyla's points of view, and the abrupt flow kind of reflected their quick, snappish responses to each other. And their responses had me laughing pretty much all the way through the book.
I will say that the summary misled me to think that Tripp was a "bad boy, guitar player," so he wasn't exactly what I had pictured going into the book, but it's okay because I loved him anyway. (Shhh, I was so not gushing!) He was comically dramatic and had a hilarious sarcastic sense of humor. And Ms. Perfect Lyla was a bit wound up, but she didn't come across as a bitch - just a sheltered girl with high expectations - and her wittiness made up for her uptight behavior.
Yes, the storyline was totally cliche and totally predictable, but the writing style and engaging dialogue made me really enjoy the book, and I could have easily given it five stars.
HOWEVER, in all of these types of book, there is some climatic situation that stirs up the pot and causes a drift between our two leading roles and some traumatic event that causes the "antagonists" to realize what's important.
And THIS is where I think Amato handled it poorly. Why, oh, why did she have to write the overused excuse that EVERYONE uses, especially since she's ALREADY used it before with Tripp's father! There was SO much that Amato could have done - possibly something with auditions - and it's SO disappointing that is what she came up with. So of course, once it happens, readers can already guess how the book ends.
But I guess the reason why I'm still considering rounding up or down is because the ending was so abrupt. I mean, we're going through the book almost on a daily basis, and all of a sudden, Amato skips three months and summarizes the rest of the book in a few pages. I'm sorry, that "closure" was really weak. How could a book that started off so strong ended up so disappointing. Sigh. Otherwise, like I said, I would have easily given it five stars.
WHAT THE HELL?!? I would have given this book five stars had it not been for the end.
The book started off really, really strong for a cute, light read. I'm not usually a fan of short, choppy transitions, but for some reason, it worked in this book. I thought Amato did a great job switching between Tripp's and Lyla's points of view, and the abrupt flow kind of reflected their quick, snappish responses to each other. And their responses had me laughing pretty much all the way through the book.
I will say that the summary misled me to think that Tripp was a "bad boy, guitar player," so he wasn't exactly what I had pictured going into the book, but it's okay because I loved him anyway. (Shhh, I was so not gushing!) He was comically dramatic and had a hilarious sarcastic sense of humor. And Ms. Perfect Lyla was a bit wound up, but she didn't come across as a bitch - just a sheltered girl with high expectations - and her wittiness made up for her uptight behavior.
Yes, the storyline was totally cliche and totally predictable, but the writing style and engaging dialogue made me really enjoy the book, and I could have easily given it five stars.
HOWEVER, in all of these types of book, there is some climatic situation that stirs up the pot and causes a drift between our two leading roles and some traumatic event that causes the "antagonists" to realize what's important.
And THIS is where I think Amato handled it poorly. Why, oh, why did she have to write the overused excuse that EVERYONE uses, especially since she's ALREADY used it before with Tripp's father! There was SO much that Amato could have done - possibly something with auditions - and it's SO disappointing that is what she came up with. So of course, once it happens, readers can already guess how the book ends.
But I guess the reason why I'm still considering rounding up or down is because the ending was so abrupt. I mean, we're going through the book almost on a daily basis, and all of a sudden, Amato skips three months and summarizes the rest of the book in a few pages. I'm sorry, that "closure" was really weak. How could a book that started off so strong ended up so disappointing. Sigh. Otherwise, like I said, I would have easily given it five stars.
March 8, 2017
~4 musical stars~
Meet Tripp Broody, (AKA Mr. Odd)
The pages open, and we see Tripp Broody, the school's odd boy's clock-radio alarm waking him up. He sees a note on his bedside from his mom, telling that his guitar, his beloved guitar, has been confiscated from him! Her mom like a Termite, eats up his soul, eats up his guitar, his life! How will he survive without it?!
Meet Lyla Marks, (AKA Ms. Even)
Lyla Marks, school's perfect chippery girl, the main cellist, isn't really happy. She's going through the motions, just like a machine. The pressure is from all sides. From her dad, from her best friend, from her teacher, even from her deceased mother. Will she get crushed by the pressure, or somehow endure it?
What happens when these two different worlds collide?!
When Tripp and Lyla are forced to share a practice room, Tripp on odd days, and Lyla on even, what will happen? Some trash left on the music table by Tripp, makes Lyla leave a note for him in the guitar case, and a series of notes begin. What will happen when Ms. Even and Mr. Odd collide? Will they get diminished by each other's presence, or will their togetherness result into some new thing's formation?
My Views
I totally LOVED this book. Loved, loved LOVED!! ♥
The beginning of the book somehow didn't appeal me as much, and I was growing tired of Lyla's character. As the story progressed, I started liking her too. I loved Tripp's sarcastic ways, and they were the first thing I took note of and started liking him. If there was one thing I loved the most in the whole book, were the "notes". They were sarcastic and hilarious.
Overall, a great read, I recommend this book to everyone who loves music!
Meet Tripp Broody, (AKA Mr. Odd)
The pages open, and we see Tripp Broody, the school's odd boy's clock-radio alarm waking him up. He sees a note on his bedside from his mom, telling that his guitar, his beloved guitar, has been confiscated from him! Her mom like a Termite, eats up his soul, eats up his guitar, his life! How will he survive without it?!
Meet Lyla Marks, (AKA Ms. Even)
Lyla Marks, school's perfect chippery girl, the main cellist, isn't really happy. She's going through the motions, just like a machine. The pressure is from all sides. From her dad, from her best friend, from her teacher, even from her deceased mother. Will she get crushed by the pressure, or somehow endure it?
What happens when these two different worlds collide?!
When Tripp and Lyla are forced to share a practice room, Tripp on odd days, and Lyla on even, what will happen? Some trash left on the music table by Tripp, makes Lyla leave a note for him in the guitar case, and a series of notes begin. What will happen when Ms. Even and Mr. Odd collide? Will they get diminished by each other's presence, or will their togetherness result into some new thing's formation?
My Views
I totally LOVED this book. Loved, loved LOVED!! ♥
The beginning of the book somehow didn't appeal me as much, and I was growing tired of Lyla's character. As the story progressed, I started liking her too. I loved Tripp's sarcastic ways, and they were the first thing I took note of and started liking him. If there was one thing I loved the most in the whole book, were the "notes". They were sarcastic and hilarious.
Overall, a great read, I recommend this book to everyone who loves music!
June 26, 2017
I found this book to be quite enjoyable! It starts off with Tripp getting his guitar taken away by his mom until he can get his grades up. But the guitar is the only thing he feels he has and needs. So he signs up to get practice time in the school music room and use a guitar the school has in storage. Here is where he gets to know Lyla. He has odd days and she has even days. They start writing notes back and forward, and eventually become friends. She starts using the guitar, and he knows it, and encourages her to play more, and make up songs. She is an amazing cello player, but she doesn't really feel like she loves it anymore. Soon they are playing together, and making up and recording songs. They call themselves The Thrum Society, and start a website with their songs. All in secret without their parents knowing. Until they do end up getting caught, and face some opposition, but all ends well in the end.
I loved the back and forth fighting between Tripp and his mom. She takes his guitar, so he replaces her coffee with dirt. There were a bunch of silly back and forward things like this:) that made it fun. I loved how the story wasn't perfect and the parents drove me crazy, and the teenagers were not perfect. This was not a romance, just a friend story, and I found it quite enjoyable. And the songs in it were fun too. I recommend to those looking for a light, funny story.
I loved the back and forth fighting between Tripp and his mom. She takes his guitar, so he replaces her coffee with dirt. There were a bunch of silly back and forward things like this:) that made it fun. I loved how the story wasn't perfect and the parents drove me crazy, and the teenagers were not perfect. This was not a romance, just a friend story, and I found it quite enjoyable. And the songs in it were fun too. I recommend to those looking for a light, funny story.
May 4, 2016
This book was so refreshing!! The best part: the two main characters, a boy and a girl, are NOT in a romantic relationship (although it leaves room for the possibility). I loved how the main characters exchanged notes through the guitar. It was clever and funny. Sure, it was a little cliche and predictable toward the end, but it a nice story and well-written.
December 30, 2013
such a cute story. I love that it centered around music. and that it wasn't focused on loving each other OR Building a love relationship through their experiences.
Instead it was literally about connecting with another person - on a one on one level - through music
and it was beautiful
Instead it was literally about connecting with another person - on a one on one level - through music
and it was beautiful
March 30, 2017
Have you ever had to do something you didn't want to do, or been forced to participate in an activity you didn't even like? That is basically the life of Lyla Marks. Well besides the fact that she is perfect. Tripp Broody is practically the opposite, he needs his guitar to survive. Them becoming friends seems impossible, but I guess opposites attract right?
May 3, 2021
I liked the story because I like stories that involve change in friendship and adventure. The note passing also made it more interesting to read.
February 8, 2019
This book is a really good book I like the story line the plot and the characters. A guy (Forgot the name) loves to play his guitar and he is really good at it meets a girl (also forgot the name) and they form a friendship and the girl has an amazing musician. They are both in the same class in high school and they have to work together to make music and they have a really good friendship, even though there's some up and downs. Overall, I recommend this book to people who like realistic fiction because it was really good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2017
I really loved reading this book and it was a really nice read. I really liked how at first, Lyla and Tripp didn't like each other and the notes that they wrote to each other were really funny. When they started writing notes about how they felt, it was really nice to read. I enjoyed learning about each of the characters past. I was really annoyed about Annie kept telling Lyla that she couldn't hang out with Tripp. I really loved the parts when they started writing songs together and I loved all of the songs they wrote. I was extremely sad when Lyla got into the car accident and ended up in the hospital. It was so sad how Tripp kept going over how the last thing he did with her was sing a song about luck. When Lyla got better, I felt a lot better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2016
We read books.. To escape our lives, sometimes we hate our lives so much that we wish things were different.. And then some books come, as if inspired by our lives, we relate so much to it, it pulls you in, like your life but even more lively.. With more passion, a renewed narrative yet the same at soul... and we hold these books too dear to our hearts.. This is one such book.
More review to come.
I stalled reading this book for apparently three years.
I made zero notes for this eBook, no highlights, not even bookmarks, no comments. I was so.. In tune with it.
Every page, every message, every note.. That Tripp and Lyla exchanged. From being a bursting and anxious characters to being the Thrum Society.. The development they both had in their friendship was so beautiful. The incidents, their sneaking, their practice, their songs and their music... You know antidote is made from the same venom.. This book was like that. An antidote to things I used to despise. Tripp and Lyla grew like fleeting thoughts at the edge of the mind that slowly overtake your mind. I would describe reading this book as going on a long drive at dawn with the full moon setting, no one else is on the highway and you have two souls who are thrumming and you have resonate with them, even if you didn't feel like it in the beginning, like I told before, it's like abruptly being awake and aware and alive.
I wanted to do something different with this review, so here it is:
Thank you Frosty, and thank you Pelly for reading along with me. :)
More review to come.
I stalled reading this book for apparently three years.
I made zero notes for this eBook, no highlights, not even bookmarks, no comments. I was so.. In tune with it.
Every page, every message, every note.. That Tripp and Lyla exchanged. From being a bursting and anxious characters to being the Thrum Society.. The development they both had in their friendship was so beautiful. The incidents, their sneaking, their practice, their songs and their music... You know antidote is made from the same venom.. This book was like that. An antidote to things I used to despise. Tripp and Lyla grew like fleeting thoughts at the edge of the mind that slowly overtake your mind. I would describe reading this book as going on a long drive at dawn with the full moon setting, no one else is on the highway and you have two souls who are thrumming and you have resonate with them, even if you didn't feel like it in the beginning, like I told before, it's like abruptly being awake and aware and alive.
I wanted to do something different with this review, so here it is:
Thank you Frosty, and thank you Pelly for reading along with me. :)
March 18, 2013
Guitar Notes
by Mary Amato
314 pages
Publisher: EgmontUSA (7/24/12)
downloaded from the local library
5 STARS
Tripp Broody is not a bad kid. He's not even apathetic. He has simply allowed himself one love, his guitar. As a result, his mother decides he needs more in life and takes his love away. Lyla Marks lies nonstop, but not the way you're thinking. Lyla doesn't want to disappoint the people she cares about, so she pretends. She plasters on smiles and offers the right words. She plays her cello perfectly. Tripp always speaks the truth. Lyla can barely think it. The two have one thing in common, their lives are run by their parents, run right into alternating days in a music practice room. Through a series of notes these two struggling souls find their way in the midst of teenage drama.
I love this book! I loved it from page one when Tripp called his mother Termite! Tripp made me howl. The honest, sometimes retaliatory kid made me love him. Lyla's dark thoughts in all her perfectness drew me to her. I can't get over how well done Mary Amato portrayed teens, the topsy-turvy thoughts that go from morbid to guilt in a heartbeat. I loved the sarcasm, the hopeful innocence, the dreamer mentality. I loved the pain and the friendship. I loved the journey the parents travel. They aren't the villains; they are just adults with plans and ideas of their own. Somewhere in the span of raising their kids, they stopped listening to them. So easy to do, so hard to correct. This book is for anyone, preteen, teen, adult, even paranormal romance loving me. Goodness, I cannot forget the music! The music is so awesome, poetry woven into a wonderful story.
by Mary Amato
314 pages
Publisher: EgmontUSA (7/24/12)
downloaded from the local library
5 STARS
Tripp Broody is not a bad kid. He's not even apathetic. He has simply allowed himself one love, his guitar. As a result, his mother decides he needs more in life and takes his love away. Lyla Marks lies nonstop, but not the way you're thinking. Lyla doesn't want to disappoint the people she cares about, so she pretends. She plasters on smiles and offers the right words. She plays her cello perfectly. Tripp always speaks the truth. Lyla can barely think it. The two have one thing in common, their lives are run by their parents, run right into alternating days in a music practice room. Through a series of notes these two struggling souls find their way in the midst of teenage drama.
I love this book! I loved it from page one when Tripp called his mother Termite! Tripp made me howl. The honest, sometimes retaliatory kid made me love him. Lyla's dark thoughts in all her perfectness drew me to her. I can't get over how well done Mary Amato portrayed teens, the topsy-turvy thoughts that go from morbid to guilt in a heartbeat. I loved the sarcasm, the hopeful innocence, the dreamer mentality. I loved the pain and the friendship. I loved the journey the parents travel. They aren't the villains; they are just adults with plans and ideas of their own. Somewhere in the span of raising their kids, they stopped listening to them. So easy to do, so hard to correct. This book is for anyone, preteen, teen, adult, even paranormal romance loving me. Goodness, I cannot forget the music! The music is so awesome, poetry woven into a wonderful story.
December 15, 2012
Love the story of the high school kids and how they take charge of their lives. This book for teens is a reminder for me as a parent that we can't protect our kids from everything and sometimes it's not even a good idea to try. Parents can be obstacles to their kids' efforts to become who they are.
I like the stuff I learn along the way in Mary Amato's books. This one has information about music and science (painless, interesting, part of the story). Invisible Lines has science I still think about.
The music in this book is available to listen to at www.thrumsociety.com. I had the fun of seeing/hearing Mary and Bill Williams perform some of the songs at an event at El Golfo restaurant in Silver Spring. Good stuff.
Page 223 - Note that the minister at the very cool wedding is named Rev. Liz!
I like the stuff I learn along the way in Mary Amato's books. This one has information about music and science (painless, interesting, part of the story). Invisible Lines has science I still think about.
The music in this book is available to listen to at www.thrumsociety.com. I had the fun of seeing/hearing Mary and Bill Williams perform some of the songs at an event at El Golfo restaurant in Silver Spring. Good stuff.
Page 223 - Note that the minister at the very cool wedding is named Rev. Liz!
June 28, 2014
Tripp is whiny he's like a girl. Somehow he'd rather fix someone's stuff than his own. He doesn't consider what his mom is saying and goes on bitching about it and pulling pranks on her. He's childish.
Lyla has it all but doesn't really want it anymore. She was a bad friend. If you have a problem, you tell your friend and explain. Friends are there to make your life easier and bearable during the teen years. Lyla puts too much on herself. She has a choice and she usually takes the harder one.
They're both kinda pathetic for me. Even though I don't like the characters, I loved the story. I love their passion in music. I love the writing style.
The book is nice but I didn't find what I was looking for.
Lyla has it all but doesn't really want it anymore. She was a bad friend. If you have a problem, you tell your friend and explain. Friends are there to make your life easier and bearable during the teen years. Lyla puts too much on herself. She has a choice and she usually takes the harder one.
They're both kinda pathetic for me. Even though I don't like the characters, I loved the story. I love their passion in music. I love the writing style.
The book is nice but I didn't find what I was looking for.
March 29, 2020
This book was so much fun to read. I loved seeing how the characters, whose lives seemed to be antithesis to each other, crossed and merged, morphed and evolved into people who were fun to know. I even enjoyed the secondary characters to some degree.
Guitar Notes was a quick read, and a book I would be likely to read again, just for fun, one day.
Guitar Notes was a quick read, and a book I would be likely to read again, just for fun, one day.
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