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Pickup Notes
Playing viola in her string quartet is the only joy in Joey’s life. It’s certainly not her job as a tollbooth operator or her toxic family. But there’s not a lot of money in classical music, and a whole lot of competition.
HARRISON: the fearless first violinist who’s always driven the group.
SHREYA: the secretive second violinist who seems to have one foot out the door.
JOSH: the cellist who only now is facing up to a stutter that’s kept him bound by shame.
JOEY: the violist, who broke Josh’s heart and in turn had her heart broken by Harrison.
When a bride gets so drunk she forgets she hired a classical string quartet, Shreya stuns everyone by ripping off a guitar riff on her violin. Seeing a goldmine in Shreya's previously unknown skills, Harrison wants to capitalize on this by changing their entire repertoire.
But changing their playlist starts twisting the friendships the quartet members have formed with one another. Harrison promised that no matter what, they’d always have their music. But as the relationships begin cracking under the strain, it’s going to take a lot more than promises and a new repertoire to save the quartet.
In her newest novel, Jane Lebak explores the forces that keep a sensitive person silent and how the voices around you can help unleash the song of your heart.
HARRISON: the fearless first violinist who’s always driven the group.
SHREYA: the secretive second violinist who seems to have one foot out the door.
JOSH: the cellist who only now is facing up to a stutter that’s kept him bound by shame.
JOEY: the violist, who broke Josh’s heart and in turn had her heart broken by Harrison.
When a bride gets so drunk she forgets she hired a classical string quartet, Shreya stuns everyone by ripping off a guitar riff on her violin. Seeing a goldmine in Shreya's previously unknown skills, Harrison wants to capitalize on this by changing their entire repertoire.
But changing their playlist starts twisting the friendships the quartet members have formed with one another. Harrison promised that no matter what, they’d always have their music. But as the relationships begin cracking under the strain, it’s going to take a lot more than promises and a new repertoire to save the quartet.
In her newest novel, Jane Lebak explores the forces that keep a sensitive person silent and how the voices around you can help unleash the song of your heart.
354 pages, Paperback
First published July 5, 2016
12 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
Jane Lebak
47 books392 followersJane Lebak writes about angels, smart women, and angels who have to put up with smart women. Her stories are a random assortment of genres, both fiction and nonfiction, long form and short form. Some of it is pretty weird. One editor told her, "You think so far outside the box, I'm not sure you know there is a box."
Boxes are for cereal. Fiction wants to be free.
Jane lives in the Swamp and spends her time either writing books or ejecting stink bugs from the house. She is pretty sure no one reads these author bios.
Boxes are for cereal. Fiction wants to be free.
Jane lives in the Swamp and spends her time either writing books or ejecting stink bugs from the house. She is pretty sure no one reads these author bios.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 10, 2016
Hard to put down.
Dysfunctional family. String Quartet. NYC.
Dysfunctional family. String Quartet. NYC.
July 25, 2016
If Rodney Dangerfield played in a string quartet his instrument would be, disrespectfully of course, the viola. I wouldn’t have suspected this before I read Jane Lebak’s Pickup Notes because I knew precious little about the instrument—in fact nothing more than that it looks like a violin, only slightly larger. I assumed because of its slightly larger size its tone would be a tad deeper than a violin’s. Not sure I’ve ever knowingly heard one play, but now I know my assumption was on the money. What might have followed intuitively, had I given it any thought, was that because of this, because of its deeper tone, it is more a subtly supportive than a flashy solo instrument like the violin or the much deeper, more noticeable cello. Thus, in a quartet with two violins and a cello, the viola doesn’t get no respect, which would make it the butt of such inside jokes as How can you tell a viola is playing out of tune? The bow is moving.
As readers we’re on the receiving end of an endless repertoire of these terrible jokes because Pickup Notes is a story told by a violist. Joey, which is short for Josephine Mikalos, not only gets dumped on routinely, if affectionately, as the Boroughs String Quartet’s violist, she’s the Cinderella of her biological family, which dumps on her without affection—with malice, actually. She’s a scrapper, though, so despite the understandably low self-esteem her station in life engenders, which includes dumping on herself, as well, we’re in her corner with a towel, a styptic stick and encouraging thoughts. And sometimes angry thoughts when we feel like shouting, KISS HIM, YOU FOOL! CAN’T YOU SEE YOU LOVE HIM?
Disconnect between heart and head is the subtext of this story, the novel’s viola, if you will. Lebak addresses it directly in a scene when the quartet members have reached the fortune-cookie coda of a rawly contentious Chinese meal.
A thousand days later, dinner ended with Harrison snapping open his fortune cookie. “Get this, guys: ‘You are the crispy noodle in the vegetarian salad of life.’”
Josh said, “That should have been Shh...reya’s.”
Shreya intoned, “That is so deep,” and then read hers. “Your everlasting patience will be rewarded sooner or later.”
Even I laughed. Josh’s said, “Pray for what you want, but work for the things you need.”
Shreya said, “That’s usually Trust in God, but tie your camel.”
Harrison said, “Trust in God, but keep your powder dry.”
“That too,” she said.
And I opened mine to find this: “When the heart can’t speak, it sings.”
Harrison snorted. “Wholesale theft. Victor Hugo said it first: ‘Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent.’”
The problem with music, with making it, is the need for heart and head to coincide. Technique alone is mechanical, and feelings without mastery of expression remain trapped or emerge feral. Making music professionally, which the Boroughs String Quartet does, playing for weddings, funerals, baby showers, retirement parties, and the like, requires a discipline that’s something of a stretch for anyone, especially musicians barely out of their teens. Their struggles with the demands of maturation as individuals constantly clash with the demands of maintaining their musical technique while blending as a group. Aside from their devotion to music it’s hard to imagine any four highly strung people as different from one another as these guys. I see now how truly a wonder it was the Beatles managed to stay together as long as they did.
Oops, we’re running out of space, and we haven’t even gotten to the solo yet, the main story, the flashy violin part, if you will. It did seem somehow right, though, that maybe the violas, the dumb blondes of the orchestra, should get a break. Anyway, what happened was, our quartet was playing at a wedding, doing its usual Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven numbers, when the drunken bride staggered up and demanded they play Hotel California. Eeek, went through the classicist minds of three quartet members. It wasn’t on their playlist. In fact, they had never played it. They protested, argued with the emcee. Joey tried to reason with the blustering bride, who grabbed the viola and hung on until Joey pulled it away. The guests were staring. And then Shreya, the second violinist, who’d developed her chops as a child busking for bucks on the street, stepped up and, as Paul Simon bragged to us about another venue on a day long ago, she blew that room away.
This marked a disputatious crossroads for the Boroughs String Quartet that came near breaking it apart. Its domineering leader, first violinist Harrison Archer, argued forcefully for incorporating “fusion” numbers, blending pop favorites with the classics, onto the playlist. No, came the vehement opposition. It would cheapen the group’s image. They’d be competing with DJs.
So what? Archer insisted. It could make them unique, head them toward success. Didn’t they want success? Around and around, back and forth they went [note the “thousand day” Chinese meal]. Someone posted a video online of Shreya’s impromptu performance. Joey, the group’s business manager, got a call from an angry lawyer, claiming they needed permission from The Eagles to record Hotel California [No wonder The Big Lebowski’s Dude hated The Eagles] Things get complicated [another Dudism]. Crises loom and befall the group and its members [Yikes, I’m out of room!] Will they survive, maybe even, as Faulkner told the Nobel Committee, maybe they’ll even prevail?
Was I smiling when it all fell apart, or came together? I was, but with joy or cynicism? The answer… {Sorry, review has exceeded space limitations}
As readers we’re on the receiving end of an endless repertoire of these terrible jokes because Pickup Notes is a story told by a violist. Joey, which is short for Josephine Mikalos, not only gets dumped on routinely, if affectionately, as the Boroughs String Quartet’s violist, she’s the Cinderella of her biological family, which dumps on her without affection—with malice, actually. She’s a scrapper, though, so despite the understandably low self-esteem her station in life engenders, which includes dumping on herself, as well, we’re in her corner with a towel, a styptic stick and encouraging thoughts. And sometimes angry thoughts when we feel like shouting, KISS HIM, YOU FOOL! CAN’T YOU SEE YOU LOVE HIM?
Disconnect between heart and head is the subtext of this story, the novel’s viola, if you will. Lebak addresses it directly in a scene when the quartet members have reached the fortune-cookie coda of a rawly contentious Chinese meal.
A thousand days later, dinner ended with Harrison snapping open his fortune cookie. “Get this, guys: ‘You are the crispy noodle in the vegetarian salad of life.’”
Josh said, “That should have been Shh...reya’s.”
Shreya intoned, “That is so deep,” and then read hers. “Your everlasting patience will be rewarded sooner or later.”
Even I laughed. Josh’s said, “Pray for what you want, but work for the things you need.”
Shreya said, “That’s usually Trust in God, but tie your camel.”
Harrison said, “Trust in God, but keep your powder dry.”
“That too,” she said.
And I opened mine to find this: “When the heart can’t speak, it sings.”
Harrison snorted. “Wholesale theft. Victor Hugo said it first: ‘Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent.’”
The problem with music, with making it, is the need for heart and head to coincide. Technique alone is mechanical, and feelings without mastery of expression remain trapped or emerge feral. Making music professionally, which the Boroughs String Quartet does, playing for weddings, funerals, baby showers, retirement parties, and the like, requires a discipline that’s something of a stretch for anyone, especially musicians barely out of their teens. Their struggles with the demands of maturation as individuals constantly clash with the demands of maintaining their musical technique while blending as a group. Aside from their devotion to music it’s hard to imagine any four highly strung people as different from one another as these guys. I see now how truly a wonder it was the Beatles managed to stay together as long as they did.
Oops, we’re running out of space, and we haven’t even gotten to the solo yet, the main story, the flashy violin part, if you will. It did seem somehow right, though, that maybe the violas, the dumb blondes of the orchestra, should get a break. Anyway, what happened was, our quartet was playing at a wedding, doing its usual Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven numbers, when the drunken bride staggered up and demanded they play Hotel California. Eeek, went through the classicist minds of three quartet members. It wasn’t on their playlist. In fact, they had never played it. They protested, argued with the emcee. Joey tried to reason with the blustering bride, who grabbed the viola and hung on until Joey pulled it away. The guests were staring. And then Shreya, the second violinist, who’d developed her chops as a child busking for bucks on the street, stepped up and, as Paul Simon bragged to us about another venue on a day long ago, she blew that room away.
This marked a disputatious crossroads for the Boroughs String Quartet that came near breaking it apart. Its domineering leader, first violinist Harrison Archer, argued forcefully for incorporating “fusion” numbers, blending pop favorites with the classics, onto the playlist. No, came the vehement opposition. It would cheapen the group’s image. They’d be competing with DJs.
So what? Archer insisted. It could make them unique, head them toward success. Didn’t they want success? Around and around, back and forth they went [note the “thousand day” Chinese meal]. Someone posted a video online of Shreya’s impromptu performance. Joey, the group’s business manager, got a call from an angry lawyer, claiming they needed permission from The Eagles to record Hotel California [No wonder The Big Lebowski’s Dude hated The Eagles] Things get complicated [another Dudism]. Crises loom and befall the group and its members [Yikes, I’m out of room!] Will they survive, maybe even, as Faulkner told the Nobel Committee, maybe they’ll even prevail?
Was I smiling when it all fell apart, or came together? I was, but with joy or cynicism? The answer… {Sorry, review has exceeded space limitations}
July 6, 2016
**Received copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my thoughts**
Pickup Notes follows the story of Joey (Josephine), the violist in a string quartet by day, toll booth operator by night. Her personal life, family, and "night" job are all a drain on her emotionally, and the only thing that frees her soul is making music. Lebak's writing transports you into the mind of this character, and you end up loving music as much as she does. You also get a little slice-of-life feeling of being a musician, complete with viola jokes galore. It brought me back to high school band but it was also so much more.
Joey goes through some really tough times, and though there's a lot of emotional turmoil, Lebak's sense of humor lightens the tone at the right points. Seriously, I cannot get enough of the humor and the character interplay. If you like the Honest and for True books with Lee and Bucky, I think you'll enjoy Pickup Notes too. No wisecracking angels, but plenty of heart and tugging on the heartstrings (see what I did there. Strings!)
Last note: I <3 Josh. That is all.
Pickup Notes follows the story of Joey (Josephine), the violist in a string quartet by day, toll booth operator by night. Her personal life, family, and "night" job are all a drain on her emotionally, and the only thing that frees her soul is making music. Lebak's writing transports you into the mind of this character, and you end up loving music as much as she does. You also get a little slice-of-life feeling of being a musician, complete with viola jokes galore. It brought me back to high school band but it was also so much more.
Joey goes through some really tough times, and though there's a lot of emotional turmoil, Lebak's sense of humor lightens the tone at the right points. Seriously, I cannot get enough of the humor and the character interplay. If you like the Honest and for True books with Lee and Bucky, I think you'll enjoy Pickup Notes too. No wisecracking angels, but plenty of heart and tugging on the heartstrings (see what I did there. Strings!)
Last note: I <3 Josh. That is all.
July 7, 2016
Jane Lebak's Pickup Notes will rid you of any idea that string quartets are boring. The novel centers on the violist in a NYC-based quartet; Joey struggles against toxic family circumstances, a night job collecting tolls at a Brooklyn tunnel, and her own doubts about everything from her music to her ability to be a friend. Mix in an intriguing romantic situation, some well-placed snark and three more musicians and you have a recipe for a winner of a story.
I had a hard time putting this novel down--and I didn't want it to end.
I had a hard time putting this novel down--and I didn't want it to end.
July 24, 2016
I found this book very engaging. After several days since I completed it, I still find myself reacting to scenes in the book that play out at various times when something reminds me of the book. The story shows people overcoming adversity that is not on the scale of a natural disaster but of a family nature. Some people just should not be parents but this story gives hope to those who didn't win in the parent lottery.
July 25, 2016
This was one of the more charming and engaging "free" books I have read in a long time. A young and passionate group playing viola, violin, cello in a string quartet that is anything but stodgy. All their intertwining lives, drama, and caring is what makes this a well written and enduring novel.
March 9, 2025
I picked up Pick-Up Notes because it's about a string quartet and I love stories set in a musical milieu. The narrator is a violist and the butt of many jokes, including self-deprecating ones. But it's the second violinist who steals the show--what a great character! And not just because she's an Indian blue-haired, vegetarian, Catholic convert, but because she can improvise on the spot and that's what takes the quartet to a whole new level. The cellist is a stutterer and boy, as a life-long stutterer, did I feel the words stuck in his throat (I speak more fluently now, but stress and nerves can trigger horrible stuttering). The first violinist is the alpha male--rich, spoiled, but talented, generous, and driven. Ms. Lebak has done meticulous research on both quartets and stuttering (I thought it strange the violist was analyzing the celllist's speech--but it's educational for those who don't know anything about it so I'll give it a pass). There's also family drama and romance.
Music lovers, I encourage you to pick up this book for its excellent storytelling. It is difficult to write about music, because as Victor Hugo said, "Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent."
Music lovers, I encourage you to pick up this book for its excellent storytelling. It is difficult to write about music, because as Victor Hugo said, "Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent."
April 4, 2021
I did not expect much with the book having little to no hype but was pleasently surprised!
A little novel about a string quartet violist with a dysfunctional family and money struggles turned out to be a lovely story about music, friendship, love and choosing your family.
Believable and lovable characters were the driving force of the story that stayed away from the obvious solutions enough to feel fresh. You can't help to love Josh to the point of screaming and you hate Joey's family with equal strength. I felt all the feelings when it was expected. And even when the main character was starting to be annoying, it had enough justification in the plot for me to let it go.
As a bonus, you can really feel the presence of New York, a background to this journey through music and personal drama.
A little novel about a string quartet violist with a dysfunctional family and money struggles turned out to be a lovely story about music, friendship, love and choosing your family.
Believable and lovable characters were the driving force of the story that stayed away from the obvious solutions enough to feel fresh. You can't help to love Josh to the point of screaming and you hate Joey's family with equal strength. I felt all the feelings when it was expected. And even when the main character was starting to be annoying, it had enough justification in the plot for me to let it go.
As a bonus, you can really feel the presence of New York, a background to this journey through music and personal drama.
August 28, 2017
As a former musician, I loved getting lost in the joy and trial of amateur art. The author captures the connection of artist to instrument in order to create a believable and energetic quartet.
The characters are the best part of this novel. Both dialogue and emotion work seamlessly together to create a deep and resonating sense of voice. The plot may drag a little at times but the character pulls her own at every moment. The conclusion is both logical and satisfying.
I'd recommend this book highly to anyone who has music experience. It's a well-written and enjoyable novel that made for a pleasant weekend read.
The characters are the best part of this novel. Both dialogue and emotion work seamlessly together to create a deep and resonating sense of voice. The plot may drag a little at times but the character pulls her own at every moment. The conclusion is both logical and satisfying.
I'd recommend this book highly to anyone who has music experience. It's a well-written and enjoyable novel that made for a pleasant weekend read.
July 10, 2021
Spoilers ahead
Great story line. I've never read about a quartet before. I would have liked to see Josie and Josh get together at the cabin. The fight seemed kinda out of left field. I love the chosen family. Armistead Maupin is the first one I've read that talked about the chosen family.
Great story line. I've never read about a quartet before. I would have liked to see Josie and Josh get together at the cabin. The fight seemed kinda out of left field. I love the chosen family. Armistead Maupin is the first one I've read that talked about the chosen family.
February 7, 2021
Found this book on a ten great books you’ve never heard of list. The writing was fine. Joey, the main character, was so uncomfortable and negative, could not connect. She over analyzes and find the negative in everything....likely because of here despicable family. I was glad when it ended.
May 10, 2018
Enjoyable sweet story.
September 2, 2020
This was a lovely little Cinderella story with music. What is family, love, friendship and passion. Success and more. Just the ticket. Adorable. Introvert love
December 5, 2020
This book was hilarious. I never knew the viola was the butt of jokes among musicians. Poor Joey though, she takes it all in stride. This was a surprise find for me and a joy to read.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews