Saturn's Favorite Music

by Laura Lee

It’s the summer of 1992. Clara Jane is an alternative music-loving graduate from a broadcast school in Detroit. She lands her first job at a small market station in northern Michigan in a one-stoplight town called Saturn.

The hyper-local programming (featuring lost farm animal reports and radio obits) and its mix of light hits and great oldies is a far cry from the rock star glamour she hoped to achieve with a radio career.

But Clara finds a home with an eccentric cast of characters, especially the recently-divorced morning man Seth Jones. As Clara and Seth bond over their shared sense of humor and a mutual love of different genres of music, the station is sold and staff members start to be replaced by automation. Will Clara find the radio stardom she craves before the station goes completely robotic?

Genres: Fiction

368 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 9, 2025

About the author

Laura Lee is the author of 22 books. In addition to a large catalog of humorous reference titles such as The Pocket Encyclopedia of Aggravation and Don't Screw It Up, she has written one children's book, A Child's Introduction to Ballet, two novels, Angel and Identity Theft, and Oscar's Ghost, which deals with conflicts between members of Oscar Wilde's circle over his legacy after the playwright's death and Wilde Nights & Robber Barons, the story of a member of Wilde's circle who went on to be part of an international band of confidence tricksters who used false titles of nobility.

The San Francisco Chronicle has said of her work: "Lee's dry, humorous tone makes her a charming companion... She has a penchant for wordplay that is irresistible."

Lee brings to her writing a unique background which includes work as a professional mime, improvisational comic, and radio announcer. After a three-year stint as a part-time touring public relations director for a Russian ballet company, Lee has returned to her native
Michigan where she divides her time between writing and producing ballet educational tours with her partner a Russian ballet dancer and director.

Reviews

[Rosie Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saturn’s Favorite Music is set in 1992 in a small American radio station.

This story is about Clara and how, while playing to listeners in northern Michigan, she traversed the drama of her first job after college while learning on her feet about the nuances of the local station, its technology and the other radio presenters.

The station is actually for sale during her employment which causes extra problems. Clara deals with it all and is even swept along with the changes that the new owner implements.

I know very little about how radio stations work and this story was something totally different to read about. There were just a handful of characters and I came to know them well by the end of the tale. The morning show presenter, Seth, became Clara’s friend and mentor and I liked how their bumpy relationship grew.

An interesting story and something a little bit different to read about, with a good nod to the nostalgia of radio and how it had to adapt to the digital age.

[Martin Maenza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elsewhere Press provided a galley for review.

I was initially attracted to this novel because it revolves around music/radio and takes place in Michigan. And though this is my first book of hers, I always want to support the local authors from my community.

I immediately connected with Clara (my first car was a Chevy Chevette). Her starting out on her first post-college job in '92 reminded me of a similar time in my life less than a half-decade prior. With this being a period piece, it is refreshing to have that reminder of a time when the Internet was still fairly limited and smart phones were still just a dream. This all gave me a sense of nostalgia and quaintness that I appreciated.

From the story, I got a good understanding of the ins and outs of a small-town disc jockey in the early 90's. Lee perfectly created that world in a way for laymen to quickly grasp (thanks to her own experience in that world). All of the song references spoke to my enjoyment of popular music. Things get a little episodic in the middle, yet everything layers and moves the overall narrative of Clara forward to an appreciated ending.

[Mary Lanphier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. Clara Jane has gotten her first radio job in small town Michigan just when the technology is changing from analog to digital and from human to prerecorded. I kept turning pages to see what happened next, the story really drew me in. I enjoyed reading about the realistic experiences of the very relatable characters. Here's hoping for a sequel to tell us about Clara Jane's next chapter in life and literature.

[Andy Cochrane · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting to learn about the more analogue days of radio, but some of the technical information became a little repetitive. The will they won't they get together was a bit predictable, but a nice story and quite an enjoyable read overall (even though I was expecting some ScFi!!)

Thanks to BookSirens and the publishers for this free e-copy in return for a honest review.

[Laura Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saturn’s Favorite Music follows Clara, a young woman who has just landed her first professional radio D.J. job in the small Michigan town of Saturn in the early 90s. In her first year, she juggles managerial, technological, and interpersonal struggles and begins to question the linear path that she had plotted out for her career, particularly as she grows closer to her loyal coworker, Seth.

Full of early 90s nostalgia, witty dialogue, and episodic chapters full of intensity, humor, and drama, Saturn’s Favorite Music is a must-read for any radio fan of the era or those who recall what it’s like to be the new kid at work and how those early days shape your goals, relationships, and worldview.

You can read my full review here: https://laurasbooksandblogs.com/satur...

[Frank Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's worth beginning this review by saying that by the end I was enjoying it. But I also have to say that, had I not undertaken to review the book, I would probably have stopped somewhere in the first half.
I was reminded several times of a genre of documentaries produced around 60 years ago with the aim of providing young people with a flavour of what certain jobs entail. They would cover the good and bad points, the daily grind and the challenges, the exciting moments and the dull.
So was this a career guide for young people looking to forge a career in radio? Hardly, since it described, in extraordinary detail, what such a career consisted of 30 years ago. The industry is very different today.
Which brings me to the darkly ironic final sentence. I won't reveal its content here – and I would advise you not to turn to the last page to find out. Suffice to say that it expresses precisely the risks involved in trying to predict the future. I'm not sure if it's a cue for a sequel.
The pleasure I found in the second half of the book is rooted in the credibility of the central character and the way she responds when a change of ownership of the radio station forces significant changes in policy. She demonstrates a maturity and self confidence that enables her to take on the challenges she faces. But Clara is not without her flaws. Despite her self confidence in the work place, she remains emotionally immature.
This is a coming of age story with an underlying slow burning love story at its heart. The story telling is accomplished, the language straight forward. It seems to me that the intended audience is probably adolescent. The sex scenes toward the end are sufficiently innocuous not to arouse parental objections, especially given the kind of material that is accessible on young people's smart phones these days. They make a clear contrast between the disappointment of casual sex and the pleasure of true love-making.
Lee worked in provincial radio in the early nineties so readers can be assured that the behind-the-scenes details of life in that industry back then are authentic. I can't help questioning the need for quite so much of it. I'm going to give the book four stars for its suitability for a young audience. If I was evaluating it as a novel for a mature readership I would find it hard to award more than three stars, if only for the paucity of references to Clara's familial relationships. When she is finding her feet in the job it would have added realism if, instead of so much industry specific detail, she sometimes talked or corresponded with a parent or sibling.
Reviewed by Frank Parker for Rosie Amber's book review website, May 2025
Raring: 4 stars for young readers, 3 for mature audience

[Roberta Cheadle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say upfront that I really appreciated the time and setting of this book. I enjoyed learning about how a radio station, and the DJ's who worked at them, operated during the early 1990s which was when I was listening to radio stations and top music hits the most. I also appreciated the insights into life for a female DJ at a time when women were just starting to come into that market. The commentary around the 'boss' expectations of what a working woman should look like and how she should dress took me right back in time to when I first started working in 1997. There was no equality between men and women in the workplace, and it's still difficult in many countries and work situations.

The intricate details about the working of the equipment, the chats and impromptu conversations between the morning team, and the selection of music for the audience was all fascinating to me. And then there were the characters.

Carla is a young woman who has pushed back against her parents' expectations for her and followed her own path. She is on a journey of discovery and soon learns that many obstacles are placed in the path of working women in male dominated jobs. The exploitation of Carla and her ambitions by the new boss were frustrating, sad, and very relatable. Carla, of course, needs to learn what life is all about and she makes a judgement error that almost leads to disaster. Walking Carla's path of discovery reminded me of my own and I found it riveting. This is not a thriller or an adventure, it is a coming-of-age story with a romance element.

Seth is an appealing character, dreamy and fun, but also idealistic, unrealistic, and recovering from a failed and disappointing relationship. I found myself routing from him throughout this slow burn romance. Rad is the opposite of Seth, ambitious, self-absorbed and competitive, he doesn't come across particularly well, but he is on his own coming-of-age journey and improves dramatically over time as he too starts learning about change and needing to constantly evolve as a career person.

In summary, a most entertaining and interesting book that shares much about life as a DJ in the USA in the early 1990s and which is populated with relatable and interesting characters.

[Kayla is trying to finish her backlog of books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Elsewhere Press for a copy of Saturn's Favorite Music by Laura Lee.

Saturn's Favorite Music is a charming, sharply observed coming-of-age novel that captures a moment in time-the analog 1990s radio rea-while offering timely commentary on creativity, connection, and the human cost of technological "progress."

Clara Jane, fresh out of broadcast school and brimming with alt-rock dreams, accepts a job at a tiny radio station in northern Michigan. It's 1992, and the glamour she envisioned in broadcasting is nowhere to be found-replaced instead by small-town oddities, livestock bulletins, and a playlist filled with "light hits" far from her grunge-loving heart. Yet Clara's journey from disillusionment to self-discovery is both funny and moving, painted with warmth and subtle depth.

The setting is one of may favorites in all the books I've read so far this year. Bringing back the 90s is something that always feels special, it makes you realize the things you remember growing up are still there in a relevant memory. Not to mention, it brings you into the world of radio broadcasting which in itself is niche and not talked widely about. Laura Lee does an amazing job diving into the quirks, male-dominated on-air crews, and the threat of automation in the industry.

Clara's bond with Seth, also stands out. The jaded yet kind-hearted morning DJ, adds to Clara's journey through the world of small town broadcasting. The humor and banter, makes their relationship and shared passion realistic and grounded, not just a simple cliche of two people having to be in the same room together. Even more so, there is not romantic arc plot, and that's super refreshing. The focus on how mentorship, mutual respect, and emotional vunerablity can changes a persons path fits the vibes so much better and Lee does great not forcing something that doesn't need to be there.

Saturn's Favorite Music is the perfect note of a time capsle novel: nostalgic without being sentimental, funny without losing emotional weight, and refreshingly grounded.

[Jennyfer · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Clara gtaduated from the School of Broadcasting, she lands her dream job in radio - in the tiny town of Saturn. Determined to succeed, Clara - known on air as CJ the DJ - finds more than a friend in the morning announcer, but can they survive as the station transitions to the digital age?

This was a fascinating book, and I LOVED the insight into the workings of a radio station before everything was computerised. From the language (and the authors bio) the author clearly knows her stuff. And this was a really interesting tale of a time of transition and modernisation, and how the smallet stations managed everything on duct tape and a shoestring. My technical heart LOVED that side, and I could see this adapted for the small screen.

The characters themselves were great, and I would have liked more of them - especially Leslie and Ed. (Yes, this is Clara's story, but these two have so much potential). The romance with Seth is very slow burn and closed door, so this is completely safe for those wanting to avoid smut.

The downside though - I felt the story was written as a series of vignettes rather than a consistent novel, and the way it was presented would be GREAT to be fleshed out for a tv series, but felt a little disjointed to read.

Over all, though, I enjoyed this look into a 20th Century small town radio station.

~This is a Netgalley ARC. All opinions are my own~

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Saturn’s Favorite Music” by Laura Lee is a heartfelt and nostalgic read, especially for those who love music or have a soft spot for the golden age of local radio. Set in the summer of 1992, the story follows Clara Jane—a fresh broadcasting school grad—as she navigates her first radio job in a quirky little Michigan town called Saturn.

The behind-the-scenes look at running a small-town station was fascinating, even for someone like me who knew very little about how radio actually works. The small-town flavor (lost livestock reports and obituaries over the air) felt both humorous and endearing. Clara’s journey from wide-eyed newcomer to confident radio pro is compelling, and her evolving relationship with Seth, the seasoned and recently-divorced morning host, adds a sweet romantic thread to the story.

While the pacing starts off a bit slow and the book leans heavily on music references (which may not appeal to everyone), the second half really shines. I appreciated the author’s authentic portrayal of radio life in the early ’90s and the changes brought on by automation—a reality that many in the industry faced.

This is a unique coming-of-age tale with a nostalgic tone and a touch of slow-burning romance. A great read for music lovers, radio buffs, or anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with heart.

[Sandy Saucier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Radio is often thought to be a bit of a mystery. You can’t see the DJ and music seems to magically fill the air at the tap of a button. Author and past radio Dj, Laura Lee pulls back the proverbial curtain for a behind the scenes story in Saturn’s Favorite Music.
Maybe the reader has to be of “a certain age” to read this one as quickly as I did. Each time the light rock song was announced, I was singing in my mind! The story opens in 1992 and one of the conflicts is how the employees react to the change from analog to automation of the station. The energetic pace of each broadcast illustrates the physical and mental skill DJs possessed at that time to orchestrate each show before automation.

Saturn’s Favorite Music is a walk back in time of radio when DJs shaped the music scene. The small town of Saturn and its radio station WRTV is the setting of this heartwarming relationship fiction.
( for my full review visit Novelsalive.com)

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book is set in the early ‘90’s, it speaks to readers today as we face challenges based on new technology. Clara Jane is an easy character to relate to and allows the reader to immerse themselves in the story of a young college graduate embarking on her first “big girl” job. She is excited to start at the radio station and use everything she learned at school. Clara’s interactions with the various characters at the station feel very real, especially the slow burn with morning show host Seth Jones. Laura Lee immerses the reader in a world before automated radio that allows the reader to understand what the business used to be like. The shift to automation feels very timely as AI begins to change how we do things today. Overall the book is a fun look at life in the ‘90’s with characters who capture the reader’s heart.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saturn's Favorite Music by Laura Lee
Story follows Clara Jane as she graduates and heads off to her first job at a small rural town in MI. Love all the songs and little known facts about the singers. Brings back so many memories and I was surprised I like 99% of the songs today. Love the atmosphere she discovers when she first arrives and how it comes to be her second home. After a while she meshes with Seth and they put on dual show that fans like. The station is up for sale.... a new buyer shows up and keeps them all on, then the station goes digital and that's not what Clara wants at all in her life. Love changes she has planned for and how determined she is. All types of relationships in this read.
Great entertaining read. Learned so much about the start of radio stations and all the work involved.

[Emma Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really unusual time period and setting base makes this read stand out. As someone who knew nothing about the inner workings of radio, I appreciated to see the mechanics.

I was definitely rooting for Clara from the off, and was intrigued as to where this might go.

Occasionally the pace felt a bit slow, details repetitive and too much detail but generally I was invested and entertained.

A wonderful ensemble cast of who I fell in love with, and some I loved to hate.

If you are looking for something a bit different, I heartily recommend.

[Sydney Lunsford · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was so fun! It follows Clara Jane fresh out of broadcasting school at her first DJ job. Clara Jane was easy to love from the beginning. The way the author writes that young, first job anxiety is almost too relatable. And the fact that the majority of the book takes place at a radio station was entertaining and really unlike anything I’ve read before. If you’re into music and nostalgia, I recommend!

[Tracy Utech · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. It kept drawing me in more as the story progressed. The character development was outstanding. Nothing was rushed. It was such an enjoyable read.

[Beth Gerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This made me nostalgic for a time that was just ever so slightly before me. I loved radio when I was growing up in the 80s, and this insight into how it all worked was such a joy. The writing made it easy to feel for Clara as she tries to live her dream and make her own way in the world while finding out that success is not a straight line. The relationships and personalities in this book were so endearing, and the very real struggle between indie and corporate made it feel grounded. The ending made me laugh out loud and feel a pang for these characters that you are rooting for. This was fun and has stuck with me.

I received an ARC from NetGalley.