Living by Ear

by Mary Rowen

Singer-songwriter Christine Daley was a Boston celebrity with a local radio hit in the 1990s, but she took a short career break to marry and have kids. Now, sixteen years later, she’s a frustrated suburban housewife, still on break. So Chris files for divorce and attempts to reestablish her own rhythms, both in music and in love. Her two teenagers, however—who are facing serious issues themselves—seem to need their mom more than ever. And her manipulative, soon-to-be-ex-husband is throwing every obstacle he can find into her way. Chris is also perplexed by the radical changes in the music industry, and she doesn’t feel ready for hi-tech dating. And yet, she knows what she wants. Is there room in the mix for her? “Debut novelist Rowen reinvigorates familiar elements… short chapters rife with references to the music scene and pop culture…. A quick-tempo novel that will strike a chord with women’s-fiction fans....fresh, poignant and funny.”--Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Drama, Womens Fiction, Fiction

332 pages, Paperback

First published February 6, 2013

About the author

Mary Rowen is a Boston area mom with a wonderful family that allows her time to write almost every day.
She grew up in the Massachusetts Merrimack Valley and graduated from Providence College. She has worked as a writer, teacher, salesperson, and political canvasser.

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living by Ear is a wonderful story that is about a woman who strives to reestablish her music career and balance the needs of her family after getting a divorce. Set in Boston and told in the first person narrative, and alternating between the present and flashbacks to the 1990s, the reader follows the journey of Christine Daley as she rediscovers who she is and what she wants after being a suburban housewife for the past sixteen years.

Back in the 1990s, Christine Daley was a struggling Boston street musician who became a minor celebrity on a popular rock and roll station. Chris met local defense attorney Jon Wendt while performing on a street corner, he was interested in helping her pursue her music career. Mutual attraction led to them getting married, and Chris put her music dreams on hold in order to raise their family in the suburbs. Sixteen years later in September of 2010, Chris has filed for divorce and is making plans to restart her music career. This time there is nothing that will hold her back ... or so she thought. With time comes changes, especially in the music industry, and as Chris embarks on a journey of self-discovery, she soon discovers that finding her new place in life is anything but easy.

Author Mary Rowen weaves a realistic and moving tale that easily draws the reader into Chris's story. I found it easy to relate to Chris as she tries to recapture the life she once had while struggling to balance the daily responsibilities of meeting her families needs. As Chris tries to deal with the consequences of the choices that she made in her life, she always held onto her passion and desire to fulfill her musical dream, so she embarks on a journey of self-discovery where she can reconnect with her true self while finding balance in life. The reader gets to know Chris as her story unfolds through the alternating time periods. You can't help but feel for Chris as she struggles with the obstacles and hurdles along the journey, and cheer for her as she comes into her own.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that the author does a wonderful job of providing a rich description of Boston's landmarks and the dynamics of the local "busking" street corner music scene.

Living by Ear is a poignant and enjoyable story about life, love, and finding one's true self.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

[Terry Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd never come across Mary Rowen before but I read a very interesting interview with her on A Woman's Wisdom blog, thought this book looked good and downloaded it straight away. I just had a quick look at it to see what it was like, thinking I'd get to it at some point over the next couple of months - but I just kept reading it!

Ms Rowen is a terrific writer, so talented. I loved every bit of this, there were no boring bits to skip read, no sections that sounded a bit contrived or unfeasible, and it all just flowed, so smoothly. I love books about the music industry by people who know what they're talking about, and I was certainly not disappointed by this. Chris Daley is a rainbow haired, freedom loving busker in the early 1990s who ends up married to a successful Boston lawyer, Jon, along with the whole suburbia and two kids bit. She still hankers after her old life, though, and her old musician boyfriend, Curt. We first meet her during her divorce from Jon, and the story is built up by flicking back and forth from present to past, a structure that always works for me. Another thing I liked about this book was that it wasn't predictable; there were a couple of plot developments I guessed but more I didn't, and even at 80% I still hadn't got a clue how it was going to end up!

Chris Daley is a very 'real' character - very occasionally she got on my nerves (she seemed to be under the impression that it was all about HER at some points, and I felt sympathy for Jon), and at times I wanted to shake her because she couldn't get a grip and do the best thing for herself, but on the whole I liked her and felt I would have got on with her.

I'm so glad I found this, by a chance read of a blog post! I shall certainly be getting Ms Rowen's other novel at some point in the not too distant future. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes to read about musicians, but you don't need to have any knowledge of or interest in music to enjoy it as much as I did; essentially, it's just a contemporary drama about family, love, disappointments, hopes and dreams. Well done, Mary, I hope you're really proud of this - and nice one, too, for the two mentions of Aerosmith, but I suppose in a music orientated novel set in Boston this is bound to occur!

[Jennifer S. Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a fun, fabulous read, I definitely recommend it! The author is a friend and she gave me a copy of this book. I thank her heartily for it, because it's really a terrific read.

The story centers on Chris Daley, a woman in the process of divorce. She spent her younger life as a busker on the streets of Boston (and Boston folks will get a kick out of visiting lots of familiar locations), but she gave it all up to become a suburban mom. Now, with two teenaged kids who are struggling with their parents' breakup, Chris has decided to try and recapture her former life as a musician. It doesn't take long to discover that the music scene of today is nothing like the one she left in the early 1990s.

The writing is realistic and humorous. When Chris goes on what she thinks may be a first date, it turns out so comically bad that it's completely true to life. Chris is a complex, well-rounded character and the kind of person you'd like to hang out with for a day. Her disgust at the auto-tuned pop artists today will ring true to any parent forced to listen to the latest pop drivel with his/her kids. The dialogue is crisp and spot on.

Covering reality TV, the music business, marital relationships, parenting, friendship, and finding oneself in midlife, Living by Ear is a fabulous, fast read.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always quake when someone I know asks me to read a novel she wrote. Will I like it? What will I say if I don't? I didn't have to worry with Living by Ear, which I read in three large gulps. Mary's characters definitely came to life, especially the protagonist, Chris. I loved the music references and the setting in Boston and suburbs, much of which I could recognize - from Alewife to Boston Common, and the Starbucks in "Elkington Center" - been there. I found myself wanting a little more plot development toward the end, and I thought Chris's plea to her old boyfriend was a little pathetic - though in some ways appropriate. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I look forward to Mary's next novel!

[Jerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The brilliantly drawn and animated characters in this novel feel like people living down the street in your own neighborhood, but who knew that your neighbors could have such rich pasts and inner lives? And who knows what unexpectedly satisfying futures are just around the corner?
It's hard to say much without spoiling the story, and I hate finding out too much when I read a review, so I will just say, this story of coming of age again and again will resonate with every woman, wife, mother, friend who ever experienced the agony and joy of being an artist, including the art of being a woman, wife, mother, and friend.

[Kathleen Dayan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living by Ear is a lovely, lyrical novel that tells the story of a musician who has put her career on hold to raise a family and her determination to return to the music scene in her mid-40s. On some level it is a position that most women can identify with. Chris Daley, the protagonist, is a likeable, relatable character who tells her story like she is talking to a friend in an easy and enjoyable conversation. I personally like a novel with a strong voice, and I found that here. Beautifully and sensitively written, I recommend this book.

[Paulita Kincer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living By Ear caught my attention right away. I could relate to the main character, although there were times I wished she would stand up for herself more. As a mother of teenagers,I could relate to many of the life complications and sacrifices that the main character faced and I cheered for her as she began to find her way.

[Suzanne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It had a calm, authentic voice, with entirely believable characters and a great plot line. I was sad to see it draw to a conclusion because the reading experience was so soothing and enjoyable. I wanted to continue on with the protagonists journey.

Satisfying, compelling, and original.

Loved it. Please write more!

[Joanne Horgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very satisfying read!!! Characters are really well developed. The story moved quickly and was very relatable for women of all ages! Solid first novel by this author....would love to read another

[Ashley Hackney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the characters and the story. Felt like it ended when I still wanted more!

[Jenni Sinclaire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living by Ear tells the story of Chris, a woman in her 40s, as she reaches a turning-point in her life. Her marriage is ending, her children are growing up, and she longs to resume the music career she suspended years ago when she started a family.

The characterisation in this book is definitely one of its biggest strengths. Rowen has a talent for getting deeply into a character's head, which I felt made Chris a very relatable protagonist. The other characters are also complex and memorable - Chris's (ex-)husband is easy to dislike, but still has some redeeming qualities, while her kids are decidedly "teenage" without being too bratty.

I found the novel compelling and original. I would have liked the story to go on a bit longer! 

I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I have not been compensated in any way.

[Nikki Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a music fanatic, so when I saw this book pop up I knew I had to join the tour. Living By Ear is not just a story about music, it's a story about life, struggle, and finding your muse in the midst of everything falling apart.

Christine is ready for some major changes in her life, but they all seem to hit her at once. Obstacle after obstacle hits her as she tries to embrace her new life and what she can do with it now. In a world where everything changes, adjustments are must but they aren't easy.

Some parts of this story are a little slow, but overall, I really enjoyed it! I loved the premise, I loved the never ending surprises. This book wasn't predictable, and I love that about a story these days. I loved the way I could relate to Christine, and made me root for her to get through the struggles all the more.

Living By Ear is a story anyone can enjoy, and I do recommend it!

[Bodicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a snapshot in the life of Chris, a mum who gave up a promising music career to raise her family. Despite the lack of support from her would-be Senator, soon-to-be ex-husband she decides to try and rekindle the interest in her music and sets out to try various ways of getting back in the game. Everything she tries is marred in some way by her meddling husband and life itself but talent will always find a way, won't it?

Chris's story could be one of many women who have put their own wishes on hold for their families and I found myself rooting for her to find a way back to her music and away from her good looking but unpleasantly controlling husband. There are some great lines in the narrative of this story of hope and fulfillment.

Mary Rowen's style of writing is very engaging, with a good bit of humour and insight.

[Jen Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living by Ear is one of those books that changes how you view people you come across in real life forever. I will never pass someone playing music on the streets without thinking about this book. It was creative and interesting and I literally read it in a day. It made my heart ache as a mother. And it made me want to pick up the instrument sitting on the shelf in my closet and take it for a little practice. I’ve read two books by this author and I’m a fan for life. I’ll never pass up the opportunity to read anything she writes.

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I work for the publisher but this did not impact my review.

[Samantha March · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a review copy
I think I’ve said this plenty of times in my reviews, but I love when I connect with books that I don’t expect to. I was curious about the story from reading the blurb and I thought the cover was fascinating, but I connected with Chris on a level that I didn’t see coming. Her story is real and has depth and was so well-written by Rowen. There isn’t any gimmicks, any outlandish scenes or jaw-dropping moments, just smooth transitions between past and present as we follow Chris and understand her life and how it has gotten to the point it is. Truly impressed with this book, and I highly recommend.
4.5 stars

[Betsy Hover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was delighted to receive this book from Goodreads Giveaways!

Christine, a middle aged mom who is trying to reconnect with her true self. Former celebrity with a local radio hit in the 1990s, but she took a short career break to marry and have kids. After several changes in her life, she is trying to navigate and figure-out her new life.

I would recommend this book and Any music fan will enjoy this book too.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fans of the Boston area will enjoy the landmarks making regular appearances throughout this little confection of a book. Not too heavy, not too light. This book was a read that was "just right."

[Susan Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Chris Daley struggles to keep her "sense of self" and her music alive as she marries a Lawyer/want to be senator. After 2 kids, years of marriage and a pending divorce she tries to get back to her roots. This was a quick, easy read and the characters ring true.

[Barbara Brannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

An evocative portrait of the conflicts of a musician and mother in midlife crisis. I enjoyed the depictions of the Boston music scene from the 1980s to now . . . and the struggles of an artist to maintain her integrity amid family pressures, personal ambition, and a changing industry.

[Marielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book - by an Arlington mom! I flew through this one.... :)

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually had a very difficult time deciding how I wanted to rate this book. I did enjoy reading it and many aspects of the book felt very realistic in both the emotions and the situations that evolve throughout. However, I had a very difficult time connecting with Chris. Yes, her ex-husband was a jerk in more ways than one and he wronged her in so many ways. However, she made the decisions and choices that she made as well and I felt like she needed to completely own those so she could move forward. Instead, Chris often seemed slightly disconnected from her own mistakes and choices in a way where she blamed her ex-husband for all the issues or she completely blamed herself for something and there was no middle ground where she realized that most of the issues were a combination of both of their choices and that the consequences of those decisions should be placed on both their shoulders more often than not. This did seem to get better as we got further into the story which then allowed me to connect a bit more with Chris before the end. I did truly enjoy seeing Chris find herself a bit and start to realize that it was ok for her to be herself-regardless of who she ended up being.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story. Chris is such a good mom and sacrificed so long got her kids. So glad that in the end she removed the toxic people from her life, realized the important friendships and was able to pursue her passion. Story is as very believable. [some swearing]

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living by Ear

Whether you are a music lover or not, you will appreciate this insightful and inspirational novel.

Thank you, Mary Rowan for writing Living by Ear and thank you, Bruce Springsteen for writing the lyrics and recording Working on a Dream which won the 2009 Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Solo.

This story is about a dream and not giving up.

Living by Ear begins in 1992 in the Boston area and its main character, Chris Daley, is a young, very talented busker. Music is her whole world and is what gets her up every morning. She has had one hit record and her career appears to be ready to soar. Her long time musical collaborator and boyfriend, Curt, has recently left for California and she is feeling very much alone. Street singing, she sees a handsome stranger in the audience and is instantly attracted. His name is Jon Wendt and after listening to her, he starts the conversation by telling her with her talent, she should be on radio, MTV, or both. Jon, though a young attorney, tells her of his connections in the music world and his wish to help her become well known as she deserves. Chris is uncertain but believes he is genuine.

They begin dating immediately, fall in love and marry. Too soon, Chris becomes pregnant. Even before the birth of their child, Jon is adamant that Chris put her musical career on hold. His selfishness continues during their 16 years of marriage, always putting his career far ahead of his wife's: first as a lawyer and then during a hoped for senate run which derailed early by his addiction to alcohol. When his son is bullied, Jon steps in and offers support and confidence but his wife gets no support or gratitude. Chris and her busker friends have grown apart which further isolates her.

Chris is a dedicated, loyal wife and mother of two but her years of frustration finally climax and she divorces Jon. Her son, Max, is understanding of his mother's need for musical fulfillment but her daughter, Lucy, is not. Lucy's musical icon is top female singer, Hydrangea, an opinion not shared by her mother. Chris is determined to become active in music again and realizes things have changed dramatically in the industry, which presents an even greater challenge.

At the divorce proceedings, Chris' lawyer, Rebecca, tells her of her cousin Bob, who is a cardiologist but has a strong link to music; Bob is admittedly "quirky." Rebecca tells Chris that Bob, with his musical YouTube experience, can quickly restart her career. Chris' meeting with Bob is a totally hilarious misadventure.

Chris is determined to attempt street singing again but is panic stricken when she sees a woman she knows at the subway station. She is discouraged beyond words. Her friend, Eileen, is having similar self worth issues but tells Chris about a talent show, Artist/Workshop and urges her to apply.

Chris does.

The author is adept at capturing all the complexities of life and also at having the characters gel together so fluidly.


I strongly recommend Living by Ear.

[Angela Risner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Mary Rowen's first novel.

Living by Ear finds Christine (Chris) going through a divorce after being married to Mr. Attorney-at-Law who wants to be a politician. Chris met her soon-to-be ex when she was in her 20s, "busking" for a living. I had no idea what that meant, but it turns out it's what street performers are doing. Chris was a singer/songwriter on the rise, but her new husband wanted her to stay home with their kids. After sixteen years of putting her career on hold for her family, she's ready to get back into music.

This turns out to be a bit more difficult than she had originally thought. For one thing, her teenagers are not happy about the idea of their mother having some sort of life where they aren't they center of it. And her soon-to-be ex-husband would really like for them to stay together, because he's sure she can't handle life without him.

It was a pretty difficult beginning. The character of Chris doesn't leap off of the page at first and embody someone you would champion. But as you read and realize that this poor woman has been crapped on by just about everyone in her life, you do start to root for her. And you really loathe the ex-husband. What a completely selfish jerk. I understand that teenagers are selfish (and I'm sure that I was), but it's so realistic, it may be hard for some folks to enjoy. On the other hand, maybe someone who is in this place, where his or her life has been on hold forever in order to make sure other people are happy, will read this and find the strength to take a stand.

The writing itself was a bit choppy - that doesn't mean it was bad; this is a debut novel and this writer will most likely improve with time.

Recommend.

[Connie Mayo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having very much enjoyed Rowen's other book, Leaving the Beach, I picked this one up as an encore. And although I liked the Leaving the Beach's bulemic, wacky, delusional but endearing protagonist slightly more than more pedestrian (sort of) suburban mom protagonist of this book, the writing style I enjoyed in the first book was also present in the second. For me, there is a Wackiness Scale for characters: If you are not wacky enough, you may bore me, but if you are too wacky, I can't relate to you. Rowen pitches her characters in the sweet spot.

And although I don't often go for contemporary stories of suburbia (too much whining out of the mouths of the privileged), the central conflict here felt original - Chris, a young female street performing musician, has put aside her burgeoning music career to marry and have kids 16 years prior, and is now trying to get back into the business with two teenagers and a soon-to-be-ex husband. I especially enjoyed the scenes of Chris, soon after she has had her first child, getting together with her busker friends who live, as Chris did up until recently, on the fringes and don't have the best hygiene. So she's torn - this grubbiness is so familiar, but DON'T TOUCH MY NEW BABY WITH THOSE HANDS! I also thought Rowen nailed it when Chris suspects her 13-year-old daughter may be experimenting with drinking but it's always at a moment that isn't the right time to confront her daughter - so true, as any parent of teens knows.

Will look for more from this author in the future.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Rowen's novel, Living by Ear, is a work of literary fiction, but like all the best books, resonates with authenticity and heart. Anybody that has ever had to put aside their hopes and ambitions to take care of someone else will be struck deeply by Rowen's protagonist, Christine.

On the verge of breaking into a national career, Boston busker (or street musician), Christine puts her musical ambitions on hold to marry and have children. Though she aches to tend to her dried up ambitions, Christine is discouraged, held back and maybe even sabotaged by people she trusts until her dream withers and nearly dies. Though she puts on a strong face for her kids, I call it fake-happy, she'll pay a price for ignoring her passion - and she'll pay it in the very marrow of her bones.

Rowen's beautifully flawed characters and relatable story were delicious and hard to put down. I can't wait to sink my teeth into another of her books soon. She definitely earned five stars from this reader!

[Emma]

I really liked how this moves randomly between chapters set in the present day and at previous times in Chris’s life – you’d never know where or when you’d be reading about in the next one. It didn’t seem slow or predictable or like it dragged at all. And maybe I’ve read too many books but so many seem like they’ve one or all of those problems to me lately. So Living by Ear was a refreshing change for me.

Living By Ear was very enjoyable and it kept me reading because I had questions and wanted to know what happened next – was Jon (Chris’s husband) really as much of a bastard as I thought he was? – and other similar things.

the full text of this review is at http://writerinawheelchair.co.uk/2014...

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason I'm not giving this five stars is because I found the ending a tad abrupt. Other than that I really enjoyed this. I read it in one sitting all huddled up under my blankets. The author does a great job utilizing flash back, which are usually not my favorite thing. I really liked the main character, she was strong when she needed to be, and I really loved the idea that there is no age limit on living your dreams.

[Pam Shank · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. It's nice to read a romance with middle aged characters for a change

[Mary Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was more a 2.5. I just couldn't relate to the characters. I did like the references to Boston and surrounding places with which I am familiar.