What do you think?
Rate this book
The Playlist of My Life: A Music and Lyrics Journal
Your life has a soundtrack, and a playlist that is uniquely yours. In this guided journal, you will collect your favorite songs, artists, and concerts; revisit amazing musical memories, and create your ultimate playlists for every occasion.
Whether you casually listen to music, or you’re an expert playlist curator and music superfan, everyone has an emotional connection to music. This creative prompted journal includes guided musical prompts, space for journaling about your favorite musical memories, list trackers, and quotes from famous artists. The Playlist of My Life is the perfect gift for all music lovers!
Whether you casually listen to music, or you’re an expert playlist curator and music superfan, everyone has an emotional connection to music. This creative prompted journal includes guided musical prompts, space for journaling about your favorite musical memories, list trackers, and quotes from famous artists. The Playlist of My Life is the perfect gift for all music lovers!
- GenresMusic
160 pages, Paperback
Published May 16, 2023
2 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 6, 2023
The Playlist of My Life by Devon Frederickson is a nice book of journal prompts that centers the role of music both in living our lives and remembering our past.
I've had journals most of my life, and many of my friends have also kept journals, so I was unaware for a long time that journaling wasn't common. I understand that it has become popular again, though I don't know how much of it is keeping a journal as I remember it and how much is having a book of thematic prompts and filling it out. Either way, journaling is both fun and beneficial, so I'm glad it is making a comeback.
All of that background is to say that I can see this being used a couple of different ways. One is exactly as it is presented, a book for one to fill in using the prompts. The other, and the way I have used it, is to largely take the prompts and respond to them in my ongoing journal. I think either way is fun, and I actually did a hybrid, I incorporated a lot into my ongoing journals (I keep several, each for specific purposes from life in general to thinking through complex ideas) but also put a lot into the book, which will be stored with the rest of my journals and books of thematic journal prompts.
When you get to a certain age (and simply have a mental block to having A single favorite anything), it becomes hard to make a short list for anything. I enjoyed modifying some of the prompts to suit how I am. For instance, how do I make a valid comparison between my favorite rock artists and my favorite R&B performers? So I made many of my lists genre specific. This avoided the pitfall, for me, of comparing The Beatles, Wilson Pickett, Prince, and Billy Joel. Well, except when I went off on a tangent from the protest song idea, which became broken down into several types. Yes, my friends know I will always give a long answer to any question they ask, but they also know I give a lot of thought to my answers as well.
Any music lover will enjoy this book. Whether your love is for one genre and spans mostly the last couple of decades or you like something in every genre and your music experiences cover over a half a century (oh my God I'm old!). In filling it out, I even revisited a memory that technically isn't mine, my parents met dancing to Benny Goodman while he was in the Navy during WWII, so I owe quite a bit to music!
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
I've had journals most of my life, and many of my friends have also kept journals, so I was unaware for a long time that journaling wasn't common. I understand that it has become popular again, though I don't know how much of it is keeping a journal as I remember it and how much is having a book of thematic prompts and filling it out. Either way, journaling is both fun and beneficial, so I'm glad it is making a comeback.
All of that background is to say that I can see this being used a couple of different ways. One is exactly as it is presented, a book for one to fill in using the prompts. The other, and the way I have used it, is to largely take the prompts and respond to them in my ongoing journal. I think either way is fun, and I actually did a hybrid, I incorporated a lot into my ongoing journals (I keep several, each for specific purposes from life in general to thinking through complex ideas) but also put a lot into the book, which will be stored with the rest of my journals and books of thematic journal prompts.
When you get to a certain age (and simply have a mental block to having A single favorite anything), it becomes hard to make a short list for anything. I enjoyed modifying some of the prompts to suit how I am. For instance, how do I make a valid comparison between my favorite rock artists and my favorite R&B performers? So I made many of my lists genre specific. This avoided the pitfall, for me, of comparing The Beatles, Wilson Pickett, Prince, and Billy Joel. Well, except when I went off on a tangent from the protest song idea, which became broken down into several types. Yes, my friends know I will always give a long answer to any question they ask, but they also know I give a lot of thought to my answers as well.
Any music lover will enjoy this book. Whether your love is for one genre and spans mostly the last couple of decades or you like something in every genre and your music experiences cover over a half a century (oh my God I'm old!). In filling it out, I even revisited a memory that technically isn't mine, my parents met dancing to Benny Goodman while he was in the Navy during WWII, so I owe quite a bit to music!
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
May 21, 2023
"The Playlist of My Life" by Devon Fredericksen is a melodic journey into self-reflection and nostalgia, bridging the tunes that underscore our lives and the memories they evoke. For music lovers and avid journal keepers, this guided journal offers an engaging exploration of our soundtracks.
The prompts within the journal provoke deep contemplation about our musical preferences, pulling at the heartstrings of treasured memories and linking these to the songs and artists that shaped these moments. This immersive, emotional voyage, as experienced by other reviewers, reveals the healing power of music and encourages introspection about not just our favorite songs but those that don't resonate as strongly and why that might be.
As a neurodiverse individual with strong ties to songs and their corresponding moments, I found this journal to be a wonderfully effective tool. I vividly associate music with pivotal scenes from films, TV episodes, and, more recently, personal life events. This journal guided me through these recollections, helping me solidify the connections, ultimately leading to the creation of a Spotify playlist that serves as a trip down memory lane.
While the book wonderfully captures the essence of our relationship with music, I would have appreciated additional space for more in-depth journaling and capturing the breadth of my musical journey. However, the book's strengths greatly outweigh this minor critique.
"The Playlist of My Life" is a journal and a personal chronicle of the significant moments in our lives tied to music. As a keepsake or a gift, it appeals to a wide age range, reminding us of the joy and comfort that music brings our lives.
Despite its simplicity, this journal holds an unexpected depth that makes it more than a nostalgic trip. It offers an opportunity for introspection, prompting you to dive deep into the recesses of your mind to explore your relationship with music, all while documenting your musical journey. Thank you to Devon Fredericksen and Penguin Random House for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The prompts within the journal provoke deep contemplation about our musical preferences, pulling at the heartstrings of treasured memories and linking these to the songs and artists that shaped these moments. This immersive, emotional voyage, as experienced by other reviewers, reveals the healing power of music and encourages introspection about not just our favorite songs but those that don't resonate as strongly and why that might be.
As a neurodiverse individual with strong ties to songs and their corresponding moments, I found this journal to be a wonderfully effective tool. I vividly associate music with pivotal scenes from films, TV episodes, and, more recently, personal life events. This journal guided me through these recollections, helping me solidify the connections, ultimately leading to the creation of a Spotify playlist that serves as a trip down memory lane.
While the book wonderfully captures the essence of our relationship with music, I would have appreciated additional space for more in-depth journaling and capturing the breadth of my musical journey. However, the book's strengths greatly outweigh this minor critique.
"The Playlist of My Life" is a journal and a personal chronicle of the significant moments in our lives tied to music. As a keepsake or a gift, it appeals to a wide age range, reminding us of the joy and comfort that music brings our lives.
Despite its simplicity, this journal holds an unexpected depth that makes it more than a nostalgic trip. It offers an opportunity for introspection, prompting you to dive deep into the recesses of your mind to explore your relationship with music, all while documenting your musical journey. Thank you to Devon Fredericksen and Penguin Random House for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2023
The Story of You in Song!
Your first kiss, sweet 16, graduation, wedding and so many more major milestones generally have songs that we associate them with. This is one of the reasons I was ecstatic to stumble across The Playlist of My Life by Devon Fredericksen. I had been looking for some way to leave my kids a list of my favorite songs. I lost a lot of people when Covid hit and I wanted some way to honor them. I thought playing the music they loved at their funeral would be one way. Unfortunately, I didn’t know what their favorite songs were. That got me thinking about how the story of one’s life really could be told through song. And I want my kids to know my story. I am so happy I now have a way! The Playlist of My Life is like a journal but with well thought out writing prompts (and plenty of room to write). Music related quotes precede each entry. Then, the entry will ask you to choose a type of song or songs befitting the prompt and write the response requested. Like picking a theme song for yourself and why you chose it. There are also fun entries that ask you to explore the music you like and record (pun intended) the outcome. This is such a fun book!!! There are only two things I wish it had: room to add a snapshot that captures the memory or mood, and a table of contents. The book comes in at 161 pages so it is quite substantial and a picture could be tacked in the free writing area. Regardless, I’m nitpicking because the book is outstanding! I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review but I fully intend on buying quite a few for gifts and summer activities. I have several family members who would love this! My thanks to #DevonFredericksen, #Zeitgeist and #PenguinRandomHouse for my copy.
Your first kiss, sweet 16, graduation, wedding and so many more major milestones generally have songs that we associate them with. This is one of the reasons I was ecstatic to stumble across The Playlist of My Life by Devon Fredericksen. I had been looking for some way to leave my kids a list of my favorite songs. I lost a lot of people when Covid hit and I wanted some way to honor them. I thought playing the music they loved at their funeral would be one way. Unfortunately, I didn’t know what their favorite songs were. That got me thinking about how the story of one’s life really could be told through song. And I want my kids to know my story. I am so happy I now have a way! The Playlist of My Life is like a journal but with well thought out writing prompts (and plenty of room to write). Music related quotes precede each entry. Then, the entry will ask you to choose a type of song or songs befitting the prompt and write the response requested. Like picking a theme song for yourself and why you chose it. There are also fun entries that ask you to explore the music you like and record (pun intended) the outcome. This is such a fun book!!! There are only two things I wish it had: room to add a snapshot that captures the memory or mood, and a table of contents. The book comes in at 161 pages so it is quite substantial and a picture could be tacked in the free writing area. Regardless, I’m nitpicking because the book is outstanding! I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review but I fully intend on buying quite a few for gifts and summer activities. I have several family members who would love this! My thanks to #DevonFredericksen, #Zeitgeist and #PenguinRandomHouse for my copy.
November 25, 2023
The Playlist of My Life by Devon Frederickson is a creative and engaging guided journal that is perfect for music lovers of all ages. The journal prompts readers to reflect on their favorite songs, artists, and concerts, and create their ultimate playlists for every occasion.
The journal includes guided musical prompts, space for journaling about your favorite musical memories, and list trackers for self-love, breakups, karaoke, and more. The journal is also filled with inspiring quotes from famous musical artists, making it a great gift for anyone who loves music.
The writing in The Playlist of My Life is engaging and prompts readers to think deeply about their emotional connection to music. The guided prompts are thought-provoking and encourage readers to explore their musical tastes and preferences. The space for journaling about musical memories is a great way to reflect on the role that music has played in one's life.
Overall, The Playlist of My Life is a must-have for anyone who loves music. It is a creative and fun way to reflect on your musical journey and create playlists for every occasion. Devon Frederickson has created a beautiful and inspiring journal that will be treasured by music lovers for years to come.
The journal includes guided musical prompts, space for journaling about your favorite musical memories, and list trackers for self-love, breakups, karaoke, and more. The journal is also filled with inspiring quotes from famous musical artists, making it a great gift for anyone who loves music.
The writing in The Playlist of My Life is engaging and prompts readers to think deeply about their emotional connection to music. The guided prompts are thought-provoking and encourage readers to explore their musical tastes and preferences. The space for journaling about musical memories is a great way to reflect on the role that music has played in one's life.
Overall, The Playlist of My Life is a must-have for anyone who loves music. It is a creative and fun way to reflect on your musical journey and create playlists for every occasion. Devon Frederickson has created a beautiful and inspiring journal that will be treasured by music lovers for years to come.
April 22, 2023
Music has always been important to me, both personally and in terms of the career path I chose. The Playlist of My Life offers music fans a chance to look back on the music they loved and still love, with an array of prompts for creating playlists and learning more about the genres and artists they enjoy.
Some of these prompts focus on a specific genre or mood. Some focus on a time in your life. Still others inspire a bit of fun research, whether into a genre's history or into a singer's zodiac sign.
Many of these prompts are thought-provoking, and others are pure fun. I will certainly be making several playlists based on the prompts here. While I was mentally answering most prompts as I read, others I'll have to go back to after some deeper consideration.
The Playlist of My Life also includes several quotes by famous musicians, which only adds to the immersive and focused experience.
If you're a music fan or if you have people in your life who love music, The Playlist of My Life would make a perfect gift. It's something you can return to again and again as you make new playlists based on the prompts, keeping music infused in your everyday life.
Some of these prompts focus on a specific genre or mood. Some focus on a time in your life. Still others inspire a bit of fun research, whether into a genre's history or into a singer's zodiac sign.
Many of these prompts are thought-provoking, and others are pure fun. I will certainly be making several playlists based on the prompts here. While I was mentally answering most prompts as I read, others I'll have to go back to after some deeper consideration.
The Playlist of My Life also includes several quotes by famous musicians, which only adds to the immersive and focused experience.
If you're a music fan or if you have people in your life who love music, The Playlist of My Life would make a perfect gift. It's something you can return to again and again as you make new playlists based on the prompts, keeping music infused in your everyday life.
August 3, 2023
Well this was great fun and a bit hard on the little grey cells, as Poirot would say. 😂
I do love a good tune and over the last few years have been part of a WhatsApp music themed family group, in which a new theme is thought up for a new playlist to be made by members of the group. Sometimes all the different styles of music can make a really good playlist, other weeks it’s just average. It’s great fun and this book really reminds me of it. I’d say this book is really aimed at younger people, but I think you can adapt it and miss certain chapters that aren’t relevant to your own stage of life.
There are loads of chapters, and lots of space to fill in your answers, so lots of lists about different sorts of music you enjoy and the reasons why. The first list is all about what music means to you, which is actually a really hard question. Well it was for me. I know I like music but I don’t really think about why I like it. Now you probably understand why I said this book is hard on the little grey cells, right at the beginning of this review! 😂
Highly recommended for music lovers of all ages.
Thanks to NetGalley and Zeitgeist, Penguin Random House for my ARC via the NetGalley App.
I do love a good tune and over the last few years have been part of a WhatsApp music themed family group, in which a new theme is thought up for a new playlist to be made by members of the group. Sometimes all the different styles of music can make a really good playlist, other weeks it’s just average. It’s great fun and this book really reminds me of it. I’d say this book is really aimed at younger people, but I think you can adapt it and miss certain chapters that aren’t relevant to your own stage of life.
There are loads of chapters, and lots of space to fill in your answers, so lots of lists about different sorts of music you enjoy and the reasons why. The first list is all about what music means to you, which is actually a really hard question. Well it was for me. I know I like music but I don’t really think about why I like it. Now you probably understand why I said this book is hard on the little grey cells, right at the beginning of this review! 😂
Highly recommended for music lovers of all ages.
Thanks to NetGalley and Zeitgeist, Penguin Random House for my ARC via the NetGalley App.
April 3, 2023
The Playlist of My Life by Devon Fredericksen is a journal and expressive writing tool for music lovers and journal lovers alike. In this guided reflection journal there are prompts for the reader to recall songs connected to memories, music videos that elicit certain emotions still, and pages to create special playlists to help pair specific music to certain seasons of our lives.
I enjoyed the quotes throughout the journal spotlighting musicians who are well known and their thoughts about the healing power of music. I also like that the journal doesn't just ask us about the songs we love but the ones we don't like as much while encouraging us to consider why.
"Music has the power to make us more mindful" - this is the core message of this journal. If you are someone who loves music and listening to music and simply wants to become more curious about your relationship to music then you should definitely pick this journal up!
Thank you to the author and publisher for the e-arc copy!
I enjoyed the quotes throughout the journal spotlighting musicians who are well known and their thoughts about the healing power of music. I also like that the journal doesn't just ask us about the songs we love but the ones we don't like as much while encouraging us to consider why.
"Music has the power to make us more mindful" - this is the core message of this journal. If you are someone who loves music and listening to music and simply wants to become more curious about your relationship to music then you should definitely pick this journal up!
Thank you to the author and publisher for the e-arc copy!
August 11, 2023
As someone who lost their parents relatively early I think this would have been an awesome journal to have of theirs. Music tells so much more than words sometimes. Listen to a person’s favorite song and hear what they are trying to tell you without telling you.
That’s the beauty of this journal. Whether you share it or just reread it 10-30 years down the road. It’s a snapshot of who you really are.
That’s the beauty of this journal. Whether you share it or just reread it 10-30 years down the road. It’s a snapshot of who you really are.
September 21, 2023
Even if you're completely faithful to your Kindle (or other e-reader), you'll want to have a physical copy of this book - trust me! It's more of a work journal than anything else & each section has areas to fill out with memories of life events and the songs that changed your world. It helps guide you to find the very best songs that capture your emotions and experiences.
I highly recommend as a gift for anyone on your list that loves music!
I highly recommend as a gift for anyone on your list that loves music!
October 18, 2023
It seems like this book was created by someone who has little real interest in music - everything seemed super generic (and often kind of cheesy), and I was hoping for something unique and creative.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews