Make Me a Mixtape by Jennifer Whiteford: Where Music, Life, and Romance Combine
- Mikayla Young
- Sep 5, 2024
- 4 min read
Book Overview
Publisher: DoubleDay Canada
Publication date: October 8, 2024
Genres: Romance Fiction
Adult Novel
Netgalley Shelfs E-book/ARC
Page Count: 264
Age Recommended: 18+
Content Warnings: Death of a parent, Abandonment
Thank You to Netgalley, author, and publisher for sending me a digital e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
Allie Andrews, a former punk rock musician, left the music scene ten years ago and now works at her aunt's Brooklyn cafe. Ryan Abernathy, a major fan of The Jetskis, Allie's old band, encounters her when she is on a coffee delivery run, throwing her daily routine and life off course. Ryan is ecstatic and eager to assist Allie in returning to her former band and music, but Allie has more on her mind than reconnecting with her former bandmates when her aunt Mindy decides to sell the cafe. Allie will have to pick between the home on the road that has been there for her for years and a passion for music, or the home she has lived in for the past ten years and a family business. For those looking for a cozy adult romance with music, second chances, family, and moving stories.
Reading Log:
August 27, 2024 - 13 pages (page 13)
August 30, 2024 - 17 pages (page 30)
August 31, 2024 - 6 pages (page 36)
September 3, 2024 - 132 pages (page 168)
September 4, 2024 - 96 pages (page 264)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review:
The cover of the book immediately grabs the reader's attention with its vibrant colors and inviting atmosphere, setting the scene for a delightful fall day and accurately reflecting the storyline. The characters are well-developed, each possessing unique traits. The interactions between the main characters, Ryan and Allie, and the rest of the cast are skillfully crafted, adding a realistic and cozy feel to the narrative. The author employs compelling comparisons throughout the book, allowing readers to connect with the characters' emotions and circumstances. For instance, the analogy of letting go of one's passion like a balloon slipping from its string beautifully illustrates how things we cherish can sometimes drift away unexpectedly. The mutual support Ryan and Allie offer each other in confronting their pasts is commendable. Ryan's endearing friendship with his roommate Anisha exudes a sense of lifelong camaraderie. A charming detail in the book includes cassette tapes labeled with Allie's cover album project songs, indicating the current timeline and hinting at what may unfold in the upcoming sections. While the romance is well-executed, there are moments of ambiguity in the characters' feelings, particularly with Ryan's evolving emotions towards Allie. Including Ryan's perspective intermittently could have provided a clearer insight into his sentiments and reduced confusion for readers. The narrative features a couple of spicy scenes that, although well-written, may elicit some cringeworthy reactions. Allie's enduring affection for her former bandmates underscores the deep bond they share, despite the band's dissolution. The author adeptly captures the essence of Brooklyn, New York, transforming it into a cozy and inviting setting reminiscent of a small, welcoming town. The writing style is engaging, vivid, and immersive, evoking a sense of watching a heartwarming Christmas movie about friendship, self-discovery, and family. While the plot encounters minor obstacles due to miscommunications, it remains captivating and well-structured. Although it took some time to fully engage with the story initially, the book eventually becomes engrossing, making it difficult to put down. The book maintains a logical timeline, plot progression, and character development, offering valuable lessons on self-discovery, pursuing passions, fostering new relationships, effective communication, and the warmth of community and family. Despite occasional uncertainties regarding Ryan's feelings for Allie and a slow start, the overall narrative, characters, and cozy small-town ambiance make for an enjoyable read. "Make Me A Mixtape" by Jennifer Whiteford is a heartwarming romance that transports readers to Mindy's Cafe, where they can immerse themselves in the lives of the characters, enjoy music, and perhaps create their own mixtape. This book is recommended for those seeking a romance enriched with strong friendships, music and pop culture references, self-discovery themes, and the courage to confront the past.
Discussion Questions for Make Me A Mixtape by Jennifer Whiteford
1. What do you think of the book’s title? How does it relate to the book’s contents? What other title might you choose?
2. What do you think about the book’s cover? How well does it convey what the book is about? If the book has been published with different covers, which one do you like best?
3. Was there a specific scene that you liked?
a. Which part(s) of the book caught your attention the most?
4. What did you enjoy about this book?
5. What did you dislike about the book?
6. Which characters in the book did you like best?
7. Which characters did you like least?
8. The book explores the beautiful art of mixtapes. What new insights did you gain about the joys and art of mixtapes while reading?
9. After reading the book, what are some songs would place on your mixtape if you were to make one?
10. After reading the book, what are some things you would change or expand upon in the book?
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