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You're the Kind of Girl I Write Songs About
Tim’s a young singer-songwriter with a guitar case full of songs and dreams of finding an audience to embrace his tunes.
Mandy’s obsessed with music and a compulsive dreamer. She’s longing for something more fulfilling than daytime TV and cups of tea with best friend Alice, something like the excitement and passion of rock ’n’ roll.
When their eyes meet at a gig, sparks fly across a crowded room and hope burns in their hearts.
But in a city of millions and a scene overrun with wannabes, can they ever get it together? Will Mandy’s nerves doom their romance before it even starts? And where does the darkness in Tim's songs come from?
This is a story of Sydney's Inner West, of first love, crush bands and mix tapes; of the thrill of the night and what happens when the music stops.
Set in the cafes pubs and dives of Sydney's Inner West YOU'RE THE KIND OF GIRL I WRITE SONGS ABOUT is a ballad to that time of your life when you are trying to work out who you are, what it is you want and what will it take to get you there.
Mandy’s obsessed with music and a compulsive dreamer. She’s longing for something more fulfilling than daytime TV and cups of tea with best friend Alice, something like the excitement and passion of rock ’n’ roll.
When their eyes meet at a gig, sparks fly across a crowded room and hope burns in their hearts.
But in a city of millions and a scene overrun with wannabes, can they ever get it together? Will Mandy’s nerves doom their romance before it even starts? And where does the darkness in Tim's songs come from?
This is a story of Sydney's Inner West, of first love, crush bands and mix tapes; of the thrill of the night and what happens when the music stops.
Set in the cafes pubs and dives of Sydney's Inner West YOU'RE THE KIND OF GIRL I WRITE SONGS ABOUT is a ballad to that time of your life when you are trying to work out who you are, what it is you want and what will it take to get you there.
345 pages, Paperback
First published April 27, 2015
19 people are currently reading
1202 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Herborn
1 book17 followersDaniel Herborn is a writer from Sydney, Australia. His writing has appeared in The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Time Out Sydney, Australian Book Review, The Big Issue, Eureka Street and many others.
His YA novel 'You're the Kind of Girl I Write Songs About', a love story set in the dives and cafes of Sydney's Inner West, is out now.
I'm never on here, but say hi over at: danielherborn.com, facebook.com/danielherbornwriter, twitter.com/danielherborn and instagram.com/carnival_lights.
His YA novel 'You're the Kind of Girl I Write Songs About', a love story set in the dives and cafes of Sydney's Inner West, is out now.
I'm never on here, but say hi over at: danielherborn.com, facebook.com/danielherbornwriter, twitter.com/danielherborn and instagram.com/carnival_lights.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
June 18, 2016
If I wasn’t for the short chapters, I would’ve really struggled to finish this book. I couldn’t relate to the characters, not just because of their interests but because the book seems to be written for a very specific audience.
Tim and Mandy are both hipsters who meet and bond over their mutual love for gigs, music and indie bands. Tim plays in a band and has torrents of girls after him, but he’s too cool for that. Instead, he spends his nights at gigs and his days coasting through his repeat year in high school so he can get into college. My main problem with Tim, is that he doesn’t even seem to try. He seems to coast along life being too cool for school and obsessing about music and Mandy. Some lines in the book made me cringe, like when Tim constantly gets messages from girls or when he amazingly, ridiculously gets a ball into the hoop, because it’s just been that kind of day.
Mandy on the other hand, was a manic pixie dream girl, who felt like a characterisation of someone that Tim found attractive, as opposed to a real girl. She wears ripped stockings, goes to very specific gigs and likes to judge everyone based on what they’re wearing or where they choose to buy their coffee. Most of her point of view features judging others and demonstrating how cool she was based on her musical knowledge and her hipster credentials. She also smokes gratuitously, blowing smoke into Tim’s face who thinks it’s so cool.
The book is filled with name dropping of bands, brands, vegan food and other things that apparently appeal to hipster musicians. Now I don’t have anything against hipsters or musicians, but the book felt pretentious and doesn’t even attempt to make them relatable to the general masses. I ended up skimming a lot of the name dropping and the conversations where Tim and Mandy talk about what bands they’re into and how cool they are.
If you’re into indie bands or hipster culture, I think this book would be perfect for you, particularly if you share the same interests and beliefs as Tim and Mandy. For everyone else however, I wouldn’t recommend it.
I received a review copy from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review!
Check out Happy Indulgence Books for more reviews!
Tim and Mandy are both hipsters who meet and bond over their mutual love for gigs, music and indie bands. Tim plays in a band and has torrents of girls after him, but he’s too cool for that. Instead, he spends his nights at gigs and his days coasting through his repeat year in high school so he can get into college. My main problem with Tim, is that he doesn’t even seem to try. He seems to coast along life being too cool for school and obsessing about music and Mandy. Some lines in the book made me cringe, like when Tim constantly gets messages from girls or when he amazingly, ridiculously gets a ball into the hoop, because it’s just been that kind of day.
Mandy on the other hand, was a manic pixie dream girl, who felt like a characterisation of someone that Tim found attractive, as opposed to a real girl. She wears ripped stockings, goes to very specific gigs and likes to judge everyone based on what they’re wearing or where they choose to buy their coffee. Most of her point of view features judging others and demonstrating how cool she was based on her musical knowledge and her hipster credentials. She also smokes gratuitously, blowing smoke into Tim’s face who thinks it’s so cool.
The book is filled with name dropping of bands, brands, vegan food and other things that apparently appeal to hipster musicians. Now I don’t have anything against hipsters or musicians, but the book felt pretentious and doesn’t even attempt to make them relatable to the general masses. I ended up skimming a lot of the name dropping and the conversations where Tim and Mandy talk about what bands they’re into and how cool they are.
If you’re into indie bands or hipster culture, I think this book would be perfect for you, particularly if you share the same interests and beliefs as Tim and Mandy. For everyone else however, I wouldn’t recommend it.
I received a review copy from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review!
Check out Happy Indulgence Books for more reviews!
October 19, 2019
LINKS UPDATED
This title features on my Worst of 2015 list!
Actual rating 1.5
Tim is a musician who’s repeating year 12:
Mandy has finished school, is working a job she has no passion for, and is stuck in a bit of a rut:
And they’re making their way through the world I spent my formative adult years from eighteen to twenty-three; the Sydney independent music scene.
And I was so ready to love it.
I was ready for nostalgia, for flashbacks to the venues that were like a second home during that time, for remembering the rush of going out to a different gig every night, the instant camaraderie, the talent.
This book failed to deliver in every single instance.
The rest of this review can be found here!
This title features on my Worst of 2015 list!
Actual rating 1.5
Tim is a musician who’s repeating year 12:
‘You’re a recalcitrant, Tim. Always will be.’
‘I don’t know what that means,’ I say.
‘Why doesn’t that surprise me?’
‘I thought this was a geography class, not a pretentious words class.'
Mandy has finished school, is working a job she has no passion for, and is stuck in a bit of a rut:
Maybe there’s some great cultural movement going on now that I’m missing out on. Maybe one day people will look back on these times and wish they could be in my shoes. Maybe.
And they’re making their way through the world I spent my formative adult years from eighteen to twenty-three; the Sydney independent music scene.
And I was so ready to love it.
I was ready for nostalgia, for flashbacks to the venues that were like a second home during that time, for remembering the rush of going out to a different gig every night, the instant camaraderie, the talent.
This book failed to deliver in every single instance.
The rest of this review can be found here!
May 22, 2015
Sometimes I think that the difference between the happiest people and the most miserable bastards is only one thing; the ability they have to control their memories.
Another lovable Aussie YA book that is a perfect read for fans of rock music.
Tim is repeating his last year of school before uni and his intentions were to have a low-key year. He wanted to take the time to get things back on track after a crazy time he had the year before with family and life in general. His plan is going well until a beautiful, brown-eyed girl distracts him with her black painted nails and Replacements T-shirt.
Mandy has one thing figured out to a certainty… and that is that she loves music. She hits small local establishments that feature up and coming music artists in the hopes of running across the next big hit. When Tim catches her eye at the Annandale Hotel, she knows she's stumbled upon a gem.
As Mandy and Tim get to know each other, which is shared through alternating perspectives that are told in short bursts of narrative between the two, we uncover the complications that is growing up and defining yourself.
There were so many qualities that I liked about Mandy as I got to know her through her perspective. I loved how she cared about others in general. She works in a sandwich shop and sneaks out meals to a homeless man she constantly sees outside begging for food and money. Despite the trouble she finds herself in by doing this, she doesn't care and continues to feed the man. She’s there for her friend Alice and defends her from the mean boy that broke her heart. There were so many little moments that made this character bigger than fiction. I enjoyed the time I took to get to know her and I could have continued on for several more chapters.
The only hiccup I experienced was the pacing of this novel. It seemed to be deliberately slow and steadily paced. Despite the short chapters that switched between Mandy and Tim, it took a while for things to happen, but overall I enjoyed the story, especially the ongoing references to classic rock. I also enjoyed the play on the title of this book, which represented a music tape Tim made for Mandy. CUTE!
Music is the best place to reinvent yourself and it doesn’t make you any less real.
The Auisie backdrop and music venues were a nice addition to the scenery. This book makes me want to stock up on music T-shirts! It did get a bit slow at times but I never felt disconnected from the characters. Nicely done.
Another lovable Aussie YA book that is a perfect read for fans of rock music.
Tim is repeating his last year of school before uni and his intentions were to have a low-key year. He wanted to take the time to get things back on track after a crazy time he had the year before with family and life in general. His plan is going well until a beautiful, brown-eyed girl distracts him with her black painted nails and Replacements T-shirt.
Mandy has one thing figured out to a certainty… and that is that she loves music. She hits small local establishments that feature up and coming music artists in the hopes of running across the next big hit. When Tim catches her eye at the Annandale Hotel, she knows she's stumbled upon a gem.
As Mandy and Tim get to know each other, which is shared through alternating perspectives that are told in short bursts of narrative between the two, we uncover the complications that is growing up and defining yourself.
There were so many qualities that I liked about Mandy as I got to know her through her perspective. I loved how she cared about others in general. She works in a sandwich shop and sneaks out meals to a homeless man she constantly sees outside begging for food and money. Despite the trouble she finds herself in by doing this, she doesn't care and continues to feed the man. She’s there for her friend Alice and defends her from the mean boy that broke her heart. There were so many little moments that made this character bigger than fiction. I enjoyed the time I took to get to know her and I could have continued on for several more chapters.
The only hiccup I experienced was the pacing of this novel. It seemed to be deliberately slow and steadily paced. Despite the short chapters that switched between Mandy and Tim, it took a while for things to happen, but overall I enjoyed the story, especially the ongoing references to classic rock. I also enjoyed the play on the title of this book, which represented a music tape Tim made for Mandy. CUTE!
Music is the best place to reinvent yourself and it doesn’t make you any less real.
The Auisie backdrop and music venues were a nice addition to the scenery. This book makes me want to stock up on music T-shirts! It did get a bit slow at times but I never felt disconnected from the characters. Nicely done.
October 26, 2015
Quirky, funny, smart and sexy. (Not for the Year 7s that's fer sure).
Told in short, snappy back-&-forth chapters, alternating Mandy then Tim, it's a homage to old rock, punk rock, new style rock and the people who embrace it.
Mandy is having a gap year, which turns out to be a year of watching daytime television, working at a sandwich bar, and going to local band venues to check out the scene. Mandy knows her stuff. She's committed to her musical tastes, and when she meets Tim, singer songwriter, soulful and able to look into her soul, there is an immediate connection.
Of course the attraction is mutual. Tim is a character with hidden depths, a sad backstory, and an tenacious attitude to his craft. He is also a very nice boy. I loved his portrayal. He never comes across as too cheesy or clichéd. He's laid back, has great comebacks, and sets his sights on Mandy in a true gentlemanly fashion.
I loved every bit of this.
Might be classified New Adult.
Told in short, snappy back-&-forth chapters, alternating Mandy then Tim, it's a homage to old rock, punk rock, new style rock and the people who embrace it.
Mandy is having a gap year, which turns out to be a year of watching daytime television, working at a sandwich bar, and going to local band venues to check out the scene. Mandy knows her stuff. She's committed to her musical tastes, and when she meets Tim, singer songwriter, soulful and able to look into her soul, there is an immediate connection.
Of course the attraction is mutual. Tim is a character with hidden depths, a sad backstory, and an tenacious attitude to his craft. He is also a very nice boy. I loved his portrayal. He never comes across as too cheesy or clichéd. He's laid back, has great comebacks, and sets his sights on Mandy in a true gentlemanly fashion.
I loved every bit of this.
Might be classified New Adult.
June 18, 2017
I love books. I love music. Rarely do I love books about music. It should be a match made in heaven, but for some reason they never really gel for me.
The good about this book:
- Loved the Aus setting. The Australian setting was well drawn with the writer accurately capturing the heady days of young adulthood, right down to their slang and abbreviations.
- Loved all the characters. They weren't perfect, but they were believable, relatable, and well-drawn.
- Loved the focus on music, even if I thought the characters had suspect taste. Joking. (Okay, not really joking....).
- Loved that the author doesn't talk down to his audience as many YA authors do.
- The book felt honest and real.
What didn't work so well for me:
- Although I loved both the main characters, I didn't love them together .
- Things worked out a little too neatly for me in the end.
- I don't think the deep impact music itself, rather than the music scene, has on people was captured.
- The book felt a little like it skimmed the top of the emotions. I would have liked the author to have dug deeper.
- The short, episodic structure of the book contributed to the above, in my opinion.
All in all, this wasn't by any stretch a bad read. I read it in one sitting after all. I wish the author had delved deeper into the emotions, but it was a good easy read.
The good about this book:
- Loved the Aus setting. The Australian setting was well drawn with the writer accurately capturing the heady days of young adulthood, right down to their slang and abbreviations.
- Loved all the characters. They weren't perfect, but they were believable, relatable, and well-drawn.
- Loved the focus on music, even if I thought the characters had suspect taste. Joking. (Okay, not really joking....).
- Loved that the author doesn't talk down to his audience as many YA authors do.
- The book felt honest and real.
What didn't work so well for me:
- Although I loved both the main characters, I didn't love them together .
- Things worked out a little too neatly for me in the end.
- I don't think the deep impact music itself, rather than the music scene, has on people was captured.
- The book felt a little like it skimmed the top of the emotions. I would have liked the author to have dug deeper.
- The short, episodic structure of the book contributed to the above, in my opinion.
All in all, this wasn't by any stretch a bad read. I read it in one sitting after all. I wish the author had delved deeper into the emotions, but it was a good easy read.
July 3, 2025
3.75⭐️
October 12, 2015
http://www.divabooknerd.com/2015/10/y...
You're The Kind of Girl I Write Songs About is a lovely coming of age about finding yourself and finding that person that makes life suck a little less. Told in dual points of view and both being heavily involved within the Sydney independent music scene, both Mandy and Tim are surprised neither of them have met before. Mandy is a barely employed sandwich artist, preferring to spend her day sleeping or watching mindless daytime television. While Tim was likable, I think everyone has had a Mandy in their life. She was unmotivated and stuck in a monotonous routine that is so incredibly hard to shake. Although meeting Tim isn't her saving grace, it allowed her to break out of her former life and find a sense of meaning again.
Tim is still at school and repeating his final year, the reasons behind his downfall are obscure and mysterious at first. He lives with his uncle and the two share a gruff but easy going relationship in which he has just officially adopted Tim and now his legal guardian. Tim's character was nothing short of lovely. He's creative and gentle and almost the polar opposite to Mandy.
There was something utterly charming about the early stages of their burgeoning relationship. It reminded me of my own teen years, finding likeminded friends and bonding over music. Not being the biggest fan of independent music, so many of the bands didn't resonate with me apart from Jeff Buckley. If you have no idea who he is, you really need to reassess your life choices and head over to watch him HERE. I loved that there was no excess drama that is generally associated with teen contemporaries. Tim's character, although he wasn't as transparent both with Mandy and readers, his revelation wasn't manufactured and not something that is brought up generally in conversations. But considering the nationwide conversation that's ongoing in Australia at the moment, it's an important discussion to have. It added an extra dimension and depth to a fluffy and funloving storyline that I wasn't expecting.
You're The Kind of Girl I Write Songs About was superbly entertaining and overall, a lovely and fluffy feel good read. Although I couldn't connect or relate directly to the independent Sydney music scene, I loved it regardless. Daniel Herborn lends such a raw honesty to his characters and has crafted an engaging and gentle storyline that I couldn't help but immerse myself in. A brilliant debut from a wonderful new voice in Australian young adult fiction. Excited to see what he's working on next.
You're The Kind of Girl I Write Songs About is a lovely coming of age about finding yourself and finding that person that makes life suck a little less. Told in dual points of view and both being heavily involved within the Sydney independent music scene, both Mandy and Tim are surprised neither of them have met before. Mandy is a barely employed sandwich artist, preferring to spend her day sleeping or watching mindless daytime television. While Tim was likable, I think everyone has had a Mandy in their life. She was unmotivated and stuck in a monotonous routine that is so incredibly hard to shake. Although meeting Tim isn't her saving grace, it allowed her to break out of her former life and find a sense of meaning again.
Tim is still at school and repeating his final year, the reasons behind his downfall are obscure and mysterious at first. He lives with his uncle and the two share a gruff but easy going relationship in which he has just officially adopted Tim and now his legal guardian. Tim's character was nothing short of lovely. He's creative and gentle and almost the polar opposite to Mandy.
There was something utterly charming about the early stages of their burgeoning relationship. It reminded me of my own teen years, finding likeminded friends and bonding over music. Not being the biggest fan of independent music, so many of the bands didn't resonate with me apart from Jeff Buckley. If you have no idea who he is, you really need to reassess your life choices and head over to watch him HERE. I loved that there was no excess drama that is generally associated with teen contemporaries. Tim's character, although he wasn't as transparent both with Mandy and readers, his revelation wasn't manufactured and not something that is brought up generally in conversations. But considering the nationwide conversation that's ongoing in Australia at the moment, it's an important discussion to have. It added an extra dimension and depth to a fluffy and funloving storyline that I wasn't expecting.
You're The Kind of Girl I Write Songs About was superbly entertaining and overall, a lovely and fluffy feel good read. Although I couldn't connect or relate directly to the independent Sydney music scene, I loved it regardless. Daniel Herborn lends such a raw honesty to his characters and has crafted an engaging and gentle storyline that I couldn't help but immerse myself in. A brilliant debut from a wonderful new voice in Australian young adult fiction. Excited to see what he's working on next.
June 10, 2015
read the last few chapters sat outside in the sun listening to the sounds of the courteeners play in the distance. so serendipitous and I'm completely in love. if you enjoy fresh and snappy stories that can be devoured in one gulp, then this ones for you.
Want to read
August 27, 2016I'm giving away an ecopy of this awesomeness in HERE.
January 2, 2016
My new favourite book, loved it!
July 1, 2015
Yeah yeah...the title got me straight away.
What girl, regardless of age, doesn't want songs written for/about her by some groovy guy?
Writing, the creative process in whichever form, is a response to life.
An experience, emotion, sensation, conversation, image, person, moment, a witness.
It requires thought, sensitivity, honesty, patience, a certain way of looking at and seeing things...
And then, courage because all creative expression makes us vulnerable.
What is in a song?
layers of music and words telling a story,
a different kind of snapshot,
that brings people together in sounds, vibrations, movement, dance.
That is a special energy,
so if someone felt so inspired as to create a piece of that around you it would (hopefully) be a huge compliment no matter how clichéd or corny.
Surely that means that someone has seen something more than an exterior or appearance. They have taken time to look harder and deeper to know who you are.
So I like this book for it's simple descriptions,
it's monologues marking moments of unspoken treasures.
All the things left unsaid.
We say what we shouldn't and don't say what we should.
I like the insight into how the characters think and feel about life and each other.
Life is amazing at any age but from 18 onwards new experiences are huge. Work, study, music, responsibility, reality, freedom, first love, travel, hopes and dreams...WOW, totally wonderful and overwhelming!
Mandy and Tim are young, lost and fragile.
Music brings them together, binds them, they express themselves through it with their band crushes, mix tapes, love of vinyl and for Tim his lyrics.
There is an ageless maturity in some of his thinking that is quite touching, mixed with humour and a little poetry. I like pensive minds perhaps that's why it appeals to me or the creative process, but it also takes me back.
"You can say so much without words. I guess I didn't mind before when Mandy didn't talk much because you can tell more about people during the silences. I know so many people who talk a lot and talk such a lot of shit that it's nice to have someone who doesn't say that much, but says things that are worth listening to when they do speak." - Tim
"...In those couple of seconds I try to commit every inch of the swell of her breasts to memory, every detail from the curve of her collarbone to the edge of the black lace bra under her shirt. I try to take a mental photograph of that tantalising inch between her skirt and her stockings when she walks, those acres of legs in black nylon. I'm forgetting how to breathe." - Tim
"One person, one moment, can change things forever. Perhaps I've always known this. After all, it only takes the three chords and the two and a half minutes of a great pop song to break your heart or make you feel invincible." - Mandy
Lots of cute awkwardness to love.
What girl, regardless of age, doesn't want songs written for/about her by some groovy guy?
Writing, the creative process in whichever form, is a response to life.
An experience, emotion, sensation, conversation, image, person, moment, a witness.
It requires thought, sensitivity, honesty, patience, a certain way of looking at and seeing things...
And then, courage because all creative expression makes us vulnerable.
What is in a song?
layers of music and words telling a story,
a different kind of snapshot,
that brings people together in sounds, vibrations, movement, dance.
That is a special energy,
so if someone felt so inspired as to create a piece of that around you it would (hopefully) be a huge compliment no matter how clichéd or corny.
Surely that means that someone has seen something more than an exterior or appearance. They have taken time to look harder and deeper to know who you are.
So I like this book for it's simple descriptions,
it's monologues marking moments of unspoken treasures.
All the things left unsaid.
We say what we shouldn't and don't say what we should.
I like the insight into how the characters think and feel about life and each other.
Life is amazing at any age but from 18 onwards new experiences are huge. Work, study, music, responsibility, reality, freedom, first love, travel, hopes and dreams...WOW, totally wonderful and overwhelming!
Mandy and Tim are young, lost and fragile.
Music brings them together, binds them, they express themselves through it with their band crushes, mix tapes, love of vinyl and for Tim his lyrics.
There is an ageless maturity in some of his thinking that is quite touching, mixed with humour and a little poetry. I like pensive minds perhaps that's why it appeals to me or the creative process, but it also takes me back.
"You can say so much without words. I guess I didn't mind before when Mandy didn't talk much because you can tell more about people during the silences. I know so many people who talk a lot and talk such a lot of shit that it's nice to have someone who doesn't say that much, but says things that are worth listening to when they do speak." - Tim
"...In those couple of seconds I try to commit every inch of the swell of her breasts to memory, every detail from the curve of her collarbone to the edge of the black lace bra under her shirt. I try to take a mental photograph of that tantalising inch between her skirt and her stockings when she walks, those acres of legs in black nylon. I'm forgetting how to breathe." - Tim
"One person, one moment, can change things forever. Perhaps I've always known this. After all, it only takes the three chords and the two and a half minutes of a great pop song to break your heart or make you feel invincible." - Mandy
Lots of cute awkwardness to love.
July 19, 2015
In a Nutshell: A book about first love, friendship, finding your way, drinking tea, music, and all that music inspires.
For my full review, please visit my website: http://www.thetalescompendium.com/201...
For my full review, please visit my website: http://www.thetalescompendium.com/201...
May 14, 2015
This guy can write. Love the style of alternating characters & got more & more drawn in the further I read. Have found that books with a strong music theme can go awry, but the author has pulled off something special. Fantastic first novel. Looking forward to his next offering.
January 2, 2016
Awesome read!
March 3, 2018
I'm too old for this book.
This is the kind of YA I probably would have adored when I was the target age for YA novels, but I'm a little old and a lot cynical and it is what it is.
As whole I wasn't a fan of the rabid change of POV throughout, as a consequence I never truely felt settled with the two main characters until about half way through because their voices weren't being defined well. I also wasn't a huge fan of progress of the novel in general... there was a sense of directionless meandering in the first half that constantly left with the sense of not getting anywhere.
However, ignoring the weak characterisation there was some quality young adult/teenagery emotions and difficulties that were dealt with in a really progressive way. I often find with YA that young people have this non complex characterisation of not being able to handle adult situations like adults? Whereas it's pretty much how it happens in this book a mixture of highly mature and highly immature decision making and emotional growth.
Probably more of a two and a half rating but bumped up for the inclusion of Tegan and Sara's "Nineteen" in the book playlist.
This is the kind of YA I probably would have adored when I was the target age for YA novels, but I'm a little old and a lot cynical and it is what it is.
As whole I wasn't a fan of the rabid change of POV throughout, as a consequence I never truely felt settled with the two main characters until about half way through because their voices weren't being defined well. I also wasn't a huge fan of progress of the novel in general... there was a sense of directionless meandering in the first half that constantly left with the sense of not getting anywhere.
However, ignoring the weak characterisation there was some quality young adult/teenagery emotions and difficulties that were dealt with in a really progressive way. I often find with YA that young people have this non complex characterisation of not being able to handle adult situations like adults? Whereas it's pretty much how it happens in this book a mixture of highly mature and highly immature decision making and emotional growth.
Probably more of a two and a half rating but bumped up for the inclusion of Tegan and Sara's "Nineteen" in the book playlist.
August 23, 2015
I liked this one for the most part, but the VERY short chapters bugged me, because it was hard to really invest in a particular moment when they were all cut off early. Also, books about music are difficult because everyone has different tastes - while I loved all the music in Perks, for example, I didn't so much in this one (or at least, I didn't know of it).
Still, I liked how both main characters took different routes to the main one of high school>university>job - that's nice to see :)
____________________
Okay so I was excited for this book because it sounded like it would be similar to Perks, except Australian.
Spoiler alert: I love Perks. The book AND the movie. Though it took me a while to warm up to the narrator, it’s such an incredible and moving book that I always end up rereading.
Unfortunately, I didn’t find the same kind of connection with You’re the Kind of Girl I Write Songs About.
Here are a few reasons why.
1. The music.
Music is difficult in books. It worked really well for me in Perks – that was the kind of music I liked. But in this book…well, not so much.
And that’s definitely not the author’s fault – music is such a subjective thing, probably more so than reading in a lot of ways. For everyone that loves Taylor Swift you’ve got a million people who hate her. And there was a bit of musical elitism creeping in, as well. You know the whole hating on pop music because it’s not as authentic or as good as the less mainstream music? Yeah, that kind of annoys me, because I actually love pop music.
So that was one thing I couldn’t connect with.
2. The crazily short chapters.
And by short I do mean REALLY VERY SHORT. As in, sometimes a bit over a page, flicking between the two main characters back and forth. It made it really hard to connect to a particular moment – or even the characters themselves.
Which brings me to…
3. Wasn’t feeling their love.
I wasn’t feeling it at all. Both Tim and Mandy fell flat as characters to me. And sure, they are very different people to me, but I don’t think that should make a difference – it’s still possible to connect with people who are different to you.
But here’s me going all gloomy without even mentioning the positives! Because there WERE positives.
One thing I loved about this book, for example, was the fact that Mandy and Tim didn’t go the traditional route of school, university, then getting a job. They were different.
And I think that’s a really important thing in YA – not everyone DOES go to university or do well at school and whatever, so diverse portrayals of teenagers are really important. Tim is repeating year twelve and Mandy is trying to find something to do with her life.
So that was excellent.
On the whole, it wasn’t for me.
I’m sure this is one of those books that will just really resonate with people – it’s that kind of book. It’s a Perks kind of book. But for me, this wasn’t it.
But if you’re looking for a read about Australia, music, failure, hope and moving on, this is the book for you.
Still, I liked how both main characters took different routes to the main one of high school>university>job - that's nice to see :)
____________________
Okay so I was excited for this book because it sounded like it would be similar to Perks, except Australian.
Spoiler alert: I love Perks. The book AND the movie. Though it took me a while to warm up to the narrator, it’s such an incredible and moving book that I always end up rereading.
Unfortunately, I didn’t find the same kind of connection with You’re the Kind of Girl I Write Songs About.
Here are a few reasons why.
1. The music.
Music is difficult in books. It worked really well for me in Perks – that was the kind of music I liked. But in this book…well, not so much.
And that’s definitely not the author’s fault – music is such a subjective thing, probably more so than reading in a lot of ways. For everyone that loves Taylor Swift you’ve got a million people who hate her. And there was a bit of musical elitism creeping in, as well. You know the whole hating on pop music because it’s not as authentic or as good as the less mainstream music? Yeah, that kind of annoys me, because I actually love pop music.
So that was one thing I couldn’t connect with.
2. The crazily short chapters.
And by short I do mean REALLY VERY SHORT. As in, sometimes a bit over a page, flicking between the two main characters back and forth. It made it really hard to connect to a particular moment – or even the characters themselves.
Which brings me to…
3. Wasn’t feeling their love.
I wasn’t feeling it at all. Both Tim and Mandy fell flat as characters to me. And sure, they are very different people to me, but I don’t think that should make a difference – it’s still possible to connect with people who are different to you.
But here’s me going all gloomy without even mentioning the positives! Because there WERE positives.
One thing I loved about this book, for example, was the fact that Mandy and Tim didn’t go the traditional route of school, university, then getting a job. They were different.
And I think that’s a really important thing in YA – not everyone DOES go to university or do well at school and whatever, so diverse portrayals of teenagers are really important. Tim is repeating year twelve and Mandy is trying to find something to do with her life.
So that was excellent.
On the whole, it wasn’t for me.
I’m sure this is one of those books that will just really resonate with people – it’s that kind of book. It’s a Perks kind of book. But for me, this wasn’t it.
But if you’re looking for a read about Australia, music, failure, hope and moving on, this is the book for you.
May 27, 2019
Such a boring book, nothing happened! I liked the beginning when I was learning about the characters but then the story line went no where. I had 40 pages left and couldn’t be bothered.
May 20, 2015
Such a joy to read, this book felt so real, I was right there living every moment with Tim and Mandy.. It is funny (so many times I found myself having a good chuckle), sad, hopeful and everything in between I loved the way it was written, the words and phrases used and the music lesson I received. Most of all I loved Tim and Mandy two young people who share a passion for music who are a little lost, who find each other, fall in love and find their way. A beautifully written, charming must read.
February 9, 2016
2.5 stars
September 17, 2017
I really hoped for more
December 16, 2022
Thanks to the fairly short chapters this book helped me get back into reading. I’ve never read a book so quickly before. The back and forth was a bit hard to get into but once you get past it it’s actually really interesting seeing each perspective as the story is going rather then huge chapters between points of views. Wish there was a sequel.
July 11, 2015
You're the Kind of Girl I Write Songs About revolves around two central characters, Tim and Mandy and their lives when they meet. It's about finding who you are and where you belong. Both Tim and Mandy are young adults, around the same age I think. The author includes many musical references (which, most of the time, I didn't get, but that's ok because it refers to music more in the late 1900s) in the story which is fitting of course as both Tim and Mandy are clearly passionate about music and meet at one of Tim's gigs. Music is an integral part of this story, if you haven't figured that out already from the title. It also has many modern young adult references (which, most of the time, I did get) which are quite current. This meant that I related more.
This story is written from a dual POV (Tim and Mandy's) which I found was a good way to write it. The chapters are short in length, alternating between Tim and Mandy a lot; I felt that this actually enhanced the storytelling and kept it from being dull.
Not many young adult novels are set in Sydney, Australia compared to America, and I liked how it was. This is realistic fiction set in Sydney's Inner West, which really lent me insight into that area and the music scene evident there. Both Tim and Mandy really grow and mature and find their path in this novel, and I felt it ended quite satisfyingly. Tim and Mandy made mistakes and were flawed, and this made them not only relatable but likeable as well. I also liked how the title was tied in to Tim and Mandy at the end and I saw the connection between it and the story.
I found this novel was quite charming and funny much of the time and would recommend it as a light and easy read, especially for music fans (who might get the references!).
This story is written from a dual POV (Tim and Mandy's) which I found was a good way to write it. The chapters are short in length, alternating between Tim and Mandy a lot; I felt that this actually enhanced the storytelling and kept it from being dull.
Not many young adult novels are set in Sydney, Australia compared to America, and I liked how it was. This is realistic fiction set in Sydney's Inner West, which really lent me insight into that area and the music scene evident there. Both Tim and Mandy really grow and mature and find their path in this novel, and I felt it ended quite satisfyingly. Tim and Mandy made mistakes and were flawed, and this made them not only relatable but likeable as well. I also liked how the title was tied in to Tim and Mandy at the end and I saw the connection between it and the story.
I found this novel was quite charming and funny much of the time and would recommend it as a light and easy read, especially for music fans (who might get the references!).
May 10, 2015
You’re the Kind of Girl I Write Songs About was one of my most anticipated releases this year — so what went wrong?
I know the few people that have rated this on Goodreads have given it pretty high rating which is the only reason I made it to page 107 at all. I’m mentioning this book, like with every book, everyone is going to have a different opinion — this is mine.
Music books are difficult to read in my opinion. Everyone listens to different bands, different albums, different genres and sometimes the music just don’t click for you. This was the case for me with this book. I hadn’t heard of a lot of the music, except for The Smiths (which felt a little too Perks for me) and the few lyrics that were in what I read weren’t my kind of thing at all. I’m not saying the music isn’t good, but I just found it hard to read about what I wasn’t into.
On that note about Perks, I felt like this was trying a little too hard to be like that. Not only with the music, but the writing and just the general feel of it too. It was trying very hard to be that sort of weird, depressing but beautiful thing that, if you ask me, only the Perks movie manages to pull off. I know the reviews I saw really liked the writing, but it just annoyed me.
So yes, unfortunately this wasn’t my kind of thing.
I know the few people that have rated this on Goodreads have given it pretty high rating which is the only reason I made it to page 107 at all. I’m mentioning this book, like with every book, everyone is going to have a different opinion — this is mine.
Music books are difficult to read in my opinion. Everyone listens to different bands, different albums, different genres and sometimes the music just don’t click for you. This was the case for me with this book. I hadn’t heard of a lot of the music, except for The Smiths (which felt a little too Perks for me) and the few lyrics that were in what I read weren’t my kind of thing at all. I’m not saying the music isn’t good, but I just found it hard to read about what I wasn’t into.
On that note about Perks, I felt like this was trying a little too hard to be like that. Not only with the music, but the writing and just the general feel of it too. It was trying very hard to be that sort of weird, depressing but beautiful thing that, if you ask me, only the Perks movie manages to pull off. I know the reviews I saw really liked the writing, but it just annoyed me.
So yes, unfortunately this wasn’t my kind of thing.
January 13, 2016
This book has some faults.
Mandy is a bit lethargic about life, which means when the story was told from her point of view I was feeling incredibly bored and borderline cynical. Her character development doesn't occur until the last 20 pages and even then her bland personality doesn't improve.
Then there is one of my pet-peeves, insta-love. I was okay with it when I thought it was just lust because that is something I believe, but near the end they are talking about how they fell for each other the first time they met...they spoke like 3 sentences to each other.
I don't know. This really missed the mark for me. I don't feel their chemistry - like the only thing they are able to bond over is music. And tragic back stories.
Mandy is a bit lethargic about life, which means when the story was told from her point of view I was feeling incredibly bored and borderline cynical. Her character development doesn't occur until the last 20 pages and even then her bland personality doesn't improve.
Then there is one of my pet-peeves, insta-love. I was okay with it when I thought it was just lust because that is something I believe, but near the end they are talking about how they fell for each other the first time they met...they spoke like 3 sentences to each other.
I don't know. This really missed the mark for me. I don't feel their chemistry - like the only thing they are able to bond over is music. And tragic back stories.
March 27, 2016
2.5.
A friend of mine described this book as being characters and a setting but no plot to bind them together. It took me so long to read not because it was a bad book, it's just that there was nothing to engage with.
Every character aside from the main two were largely forgettable (I had no idea who certain people were supposed to be for the entirety of the novel). The only thing I really enjoyed was the snapshot of the Sydney I know.
Unfortunately; the rating should be taken as a reflection of mediocrity.
A friend of mine described this book as being characters and a setting but no plot to bind them together. It took me so long to read not because it was a bad book, it's just that there was nothing to engage with.
Every character aside from the main two were largely forgettable (I had no idea who certain people were supposed to be for the entirety of the novel). The only thing I really enjoyed was the snapshot of the Sydney I know.
Unfortunately; the rating should be taken as a reflection of mediocrity.
July 14, 2015
It's a gotta read book for sure!
This is one of those books where the protagonists with their unique voices really draw you in..I loved both Mandy & Tim's raw honest vulnerable voices & Mandy's use of dry humour..a great read.
This is one of those books where the protagonists with their unique voices really draw you in..I loved both Mandy & Tim's raw honest vulnerable voices & Mandy's use of dry humour..a great read.
Read
January 22, 2016I'm not sure what it was about this one I couldn't get into. I think Mandy irritated me a little -- she came off as a bit pretentious to me, and to be honest, I didn't like any of the music mentioned! Just not for me, this one.
Read
November 29, 2015I don't usually discard books after a few chapters.
Typically, I will persevere with a book, no matter how tedious and uninspiring it is.
Not the case with this one.
I literally could not get past the first two chapters.
So so bad.
Typically, I will persevere with a book, no matter how tedious and uninspiring it is.
Not the case with this one.
I literally could not get past the first two chapters.
So so bad.
May 24, 2015
A great story set in the inner west of Sydney around Glebe, Summer Hill and Newtown. Lots of great music references too.
May 29, 2015
cute take on the classic 'girl meets boy' storyline.
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