Behind the Song

I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

3.5 stars

I always request anthologies assuming I'm going to love them, but I usually don't. I specifically requested this one because I love music, yet there were so many songs here I didn't know, but for someone dedicated, I am sure that might be a good thing since they can explore new music. I was so SHOCKED to read a story inspired by 2NE1!!! That was the highlight for me – although the tears that welled up threatened to fall with that story...

I didn't rate many of the early on stories very highly. In fact, many of these stories were very lyrical– intense and otherworldly, but for me they fell flat.... but looking back at the table of contents, trying to recall the stories I read days before, I remember them all fondly. So, I did not like the way they were told, but I enjoyed the story– the plot, and most of them I think will carry on with me.

Stories I enjoyed:
♦Suburbiana (Or the Return of Super Frog) [Song: The Suburbs by Arcade Fire] by David Arnold
♦Miss Atomic Bomb [Song: Miss Atomic Bomb by The Killers] by Athony Breznican
♦Second Chances [Song: It Hurts by 2NE1] by Ellen Oh
♦Anyone Other Than Me [Song: Dancing Nancies by Dave Matthew Band] by Tiffany Schmidt
♦The Ride [Song: The Middle by Jimmy Eat World] by Suzanne Young
♦Doomed? [Song: All the Lights Went Out by Marcy Playground] by K.M. Walton

So, I liked more than I disliked, even though I didn't know the songs. Most of these stories ended up with me fighting off tears. The way they pulled at the reader's heartstrings within just a few couple pages is almost magical. Some are uplifting and inspiring!

I'm not sure who I would recommend this one to... If people like short stories or emotional stories– definitely character driven, then this is one to check out.