What if you had the talent to write a perfect song, but life’s stumbling blocks kept getting in your way?

Laura moves to New York with a dream. A songwriter and talented musician, she left Ohio to pursue a career in music. She and her best friend and roommate, Callie, become involved with a guitarist and drummer from a band called The Clips who quickly find fame, and the pair of women begin to chase their musical dreams as well. Perfect Tunes chronicles Laura’s journey as unexpected obstacles come her way—9/11 and other tragedies that set her musical career off track but skyrocket Callie’s. Through everything, music remains the constant in Laura’s life.

Though the story was compelling, it seemed that big, important pieces of it were left out. The story jumps as far as three years and ten years forward, with little explanation of the events that took place in the meantime. Additionally, the storytelling could have benefitted from more descriptive elements and clarity. Often, the author simply tells the reader that an event happened, without describing how the characters got there or how it felt. For example, If the protagonist drank a glass of wine that’s important enough to be mentioned, was it a crisp white or a robust red? The lack of description often made the book read like succinct journalistic writing rather than a novel. I found myself wanting more information about Laura, Callie, and the other characters to help me get lost in the captivating story, and the writing came up short.

Overall, I give Perfect Tunes 3 stars. The story drew me in, but the writing left me hungry for more.

Laura is an aspiring musician who moves to NYC at 22 to fulfill her dreams of making it. While working in a dive bar and living with her best friend Callie, she meets Dylan, a troubled musician on the rise to fame.

I really enjoyed this book and the character Laura at first but when it got to the part told from the point of view of her daughter Marie, I did lose interest slightly.

Exploring themes of music, motherhood, friendship, loss and finding your way, Perfect Tunes would ultimately make a great book club pick as there is lots to discuss.

“Have you ever wondered what your mother was like before she became your mother, and what she gave up to have you?”

Perfect Tunes is Laura’s story. The evolution of a young, carefree and talented young woman into a mother who had a life before her daughter. A before that was filled with the intense love for a broken man and dreams of performing her own songs on big stages. Now Laura is fighting for a life where she can give her daughter love, security and normalcy. Is it possible for a mother to have the before along with the now?

Emily Gould’s writing captivated me from the very first page, and I found myself contemplating questions and lines from the book long after I finished reading. Although my life is very different from Laura’s, I found myself reminiscing on so many aspects of my life before my little girl was born and how the me before prepared me to be the me that I am now. I was also reminded in a big way that I cannot give up my hopes and dreams now that I have a child. It may be more important now than ever so that my daughter can see that women can do big things, and you don’t have to give up yourself to have a family. All of this resonated so deeply with me because I tend to put my all into my family and not have much energy left for myself. Perfect Tunes reminded me that it doesn’t have to be either/or, but it can be and should be both. I don’t know what Emily Gould hoped readers would find in this beautiful story, but I found the perfect reminder for me!

This coming of age story was raw, moving, and a testament to life before and after 9/11 in NYC. Emily Gould's descriptive writing made me feel as though I was at the concerts she was describing. This book was such a quick and powerful read.

Perfect Tunes is a multi-generational coming of age novel. Beginning with Laura arriving in New York City to pursue her music, the novel chronicles Laura’s turbulent and consuming relationship with a musician named, Dylan, who is part of a band on the rise. Laura is drawn to Dylan through a magnetic pull and tries to keep him close but their affair is short-lived. Fifteen years later, Laura’s daughter, Marie has questions about her father, and Laura struggles to answer them. We then watch Marie grapple with her own coming of age. Told with wit, empathy, and depth often missing from quick reads, this novel hits the mark.

Tender is the word that comes to mind upon finishing this novel. I started this book and within two days, arrived at the final chapter. I didn’t want it to end. This novel is different than most coming-of-age stories because it is rooted in family development. Usually, a coming of age story shows our heroine breaking away from her family and finding herself. When Perfect Tunes begins, that structure is present – Laura leaves her small Ohio town to pursue music in the Big Apple. What follows, however, is anything but the narrative we would expect. This story is ultimately about family – a mother’s love, a child’s struggle as she yearns to understand her genetic code, the comfort we find in partners who give us stability but maybe don’t fulfill our sexual hunger. It is about small moments that, while in retrospect are lesser than we thought, change the trajectory of our lives impermeably.

This is a fabulous debut from a voice that our generation will read again and again. Gould manages to balance quick pacing with contemplative complexity. The writing is sharp and poignant. I also want to highlight that the dialogue is believable and flows as if you’re overhearing a conversation in a bar, in a café, or on the streets of New York. I highly recommend Perfect Tunes.

PERFECT TUNES by Emily Gould was a wonderful, entrancing read. I really enjoyed Ms. Gould’s writing style and will eagerly anticipate her next book.

Laura is a young musician and songwriter from Ohio that heads to New York City to be the next great singer/songwriter. A story that has been told innumerable times but Ms. Gould’s approach is new and fresh. The story is full of nostalgia and music, but mostly Laura’s story of being a mother, a best friend and her own person.

Laura meets Dylan; she is in love, she is obsessed. Dylan is the musician Laura dreams of being. This story is Laura’s journey into adulthood after becoming pregnant. As readers we get to see Laura’s daughter Marie grow from infancy to a troubled teenager. I was invested in the lives of Laura, her friend Callie and her daughter Mare.

I particularly enjoyed the rock music theme. Reminded me somewhat of another book I recently enjoyed immensely; DAISY JONES AND THE SIX by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Both of these books will transport you to another place and time with very interesting characters.

I struggled to read this story, I couldn’t connect to the characters. I think because I had higher expectations, based on other reviews I read, I was disappointed which led me to not enjoy the story.
Not the story for me unfortunately, but I’m sure someone else could relate to it .

Thanks to Avid Reader Press and NetGalley for the ARC! I was not a huge Emily Gould fan but wanted to give this a try. I highly recommend going into this book blind because the publisher’s synopsis gives away a lot! I have just become a new mom and this book was an interesting exploration of motherhood and how to balance life, kids and your passions. Plus any story set in NYC I will read especially right now when I am missing being in my city. Highly recommend and props to Emily Gould!

As a mother who sometimes longs for the days I thought I was cool, this was a fun read. I loved the music angle, the NYC setting, and the sentimental humor. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read and who is missing their mom these days.

Well crafted story about motherhood and all women give up to become mothers. Very insightful, emotional and relatable.

Perfect Tunes by Emily Gould is a story of motherhood and choice. We are fortunate enough to follow Laura, the main character, through her adulthood as she navigates moving to New York City, pursuing a music career and raising a child. What I really appreciated about this book was its theme of sacrifice and how we can't always follow every path that lies before us. Being from the East Village myself where the first part of the novel takes place really made me connect with Laura and her decision to grow up in the city in her twenties.

Thank you Avid Reader Press and Netgalley for the e-ARC off Perfect Tunes. This book is the type of book that you can get lost in. There’s truth in the melancholy of motherhood, in compromise and in the realization that dreams will get deferred because of motherhood. The sacrifices that becoming a mother requires is immeasurable.

Laura was a undeniably frustrating character and often times too passive with her daughter Marie. I didn’t understand her disdain for Daisy and was happy when they both shared a moment of understanding. I get her though, we’ve all been in her shoes as a mother. We battle with what we want out of life versus what I our children need. We prioritize them as we should until they can fend for themselves and even then, we’re right there ready to ease their fears and pains.

Marie struck me as a spoiled brat, who tried too hard to connect with a father she’s never known. The traits she clinged too just didn’t make sense to me, but taking into account issues with depression and mental illness, I can see why.

This book for me went towards thinking it would never end, to boom it was done. I had to look back to confirm I hadn't missed any chapters. There just seemed to be a jump to end feeling when I think about the ending. Over I thought it was an enjoyable read and would recommend the audiobook.

I’ll admit my plot summary is the tip of the iceberg about this book…and there’s a reason for that. I went into Perfect Tunes fairly blind and, when I read the publisher’s synopsis after finishing the book, I was shocked how much it gave away. Let me say this…if the theme of women struggling to pursue their dreams while being mothers and wives appeals to you (and you like character-driven novels), read this book. The story begins with a toxic relationship that reminded me of the one in Sweetbitter (my review) and turns into an exploration of motherhood and balancing time and attention to children with pursuing a dream of your own. Perfect Tunes packs a lot of themes and a long timespan into a small package, but the story and characters still feel fleshed out. It was the book about pursuing an artistic dream that I wanted Writers & Lovers (my review) to be…but, I identified with Laura far more than the main character in Writers & Lovers. Plus, pair it with Why We Can’t Sleep by Ada Calhoun (which I happened to be listening to on audio at the same time as I was reading this in print), which addresses similar struggles women have from a nonfiction perspective.

Perfect Tunes follows the life of Laura, starting when she is living in New York trying to become a musician. After spending the beginning of the book with Laura in her twenties, the book jumps forward, and continues that format into Laura’s adult life. This method of capturing a lifetime by diving deep into specific moments or periods and then jumping forward to the next landmark was a really unique but effective way to get to know the characters and understand their development caused both by factors you are and aren’t privy to. It also gave the entire book this preemptive feeling of looking back on a life while also allowing you to live through all the important moments with the main character. The biggest plus of this format was that at the end of the book, when you’ve spent almost Laura’s entire life with her, the descriptions of her emotions were so rich, like watching a close friend go through something and they don’t even have to say anything to you because you just know how it is affecting them.

The story was also really interesting since it was about the music industry and it touched on some profound topics like what makes life meaningful, what constitutes success, and who are you independent of your passions, or do those define you? It also made me think about the mindset that at some point your life will be perfect, and once you’ve achieved that you can start living, and how that can drive some people, but it can also take away a lot of the joy of living in the everyday. Overall this was a really great, fast-paced read that raised some thought-provoking questions and I would definitely recommend it!

This book threw me for a loop in the best possible way. While it starts with a story about a young musician with lots of hope and dreams, tragedy hits. It takes on a raw and powerful look at motherhood and the sacrifices women make for their children. While I am not a huge music person, I connected with both these characters and the storyline and really enjoyed this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avid Reader Press for an advanced copy.

This book was a light, enjoyable, heartwarming read, perfect for these lolling days of quarantine. For me, it falls into "good beach book" territory: breezy, intelligent enough to not make you feel like absolute trash for indulging in it, but not particularly memorable.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster, and Emily Gould for the opportunity to read and review this novel - great read! If you liked Daisy Jones and The Six, you'll love the gritty, behind the scenes music world of NYC presented here. But where this book shines is in the road not taken storyline. 4.5 stars.

Laura writes the perfect song when she is a teenager. It opens up a world of possibilities and dreams in her mind, dreams that fall away when she meets Dylan, a troubled musician in a band that is gaining popularity. She lets her dreams take a back seat. Her best friend, Callie, is more of a bright star though less talented and their relationship is not always smooth or equal.

I think less is said about the storyline in this book. I also think this would be a great book club read for mothers - so much emotion and feelings about motherhood in every stage in this book. I loved these characters, even when I didn't like them, and hope to read more about them in another book possibly?

First of all thank you to Netgalley and Avid Reader Press for this ARC egalley of Perfect Tunes.

This book unleashed so many complex feelings for me. It is told in three parts and centers around the main character Laura and her complicated relationship with NYC, her best friend Callie, Dylan, who she thinks is the man of her dreams, and then eventually her daughter, Marie.

Part I has a very Girls HBO vibe and therefore was the most relatable for me. It reminded me what it was like to have a best friend who is effortlessly cool and thinks that you need her guidance and opinion on everything. I could uncomfortably feel that desire and desperation to be wanted and loved by the mysterious guy who won't really give you anything of himself. Not to mention the feeling of wanting to drink or smoke weed (sorry, mom) in an effort to numb all of those emotions that are boiling just under the surface of your skin.

Part II begins after 9/11 and we discover that Laura is pregnant with Dylan's child. This is where the story fell off for me a little bit and the reason why I gave it 3 stars. Laura never really seems to show any character growth and remains kind of bland throughout. She does become a mother to Marie and shows some maturity in that aspect but she really seems to lose all sense of self and identity and becomes a very two dimensional and judgmental person, as though you once you become a mother that can be the only aspect of your personality.

Part III fast forwards to when Marie is 14 years old and settled back into a much more relatable story line for me. It reminded me of what it was like to be 14 and to wonder if your mother had always been so uptight or if she knew what it was like to truly want someone or something. It makes me wonder even now what secrets my mom has about her past and what similarities there might be in our own stories that we will likely never share with each other. I found the ending unsatisfying in that I wanted to story to continue to develop more of the relationship with Laura and Marie and how they faced Marie's depression and Laura's musical abilities moving forward.

Overall I would have rated this book higher if there had been fewer plot lines and more character development, However I enjoyed the setting and the dynamics of the mother/daughter relationship so I would recommend to friends who tend towards this genre.

TW: drug use, addiction/alcoholism, suicidal ideation, depression, 9/11

Laura wants to be a songwriter and musician so packs her bags and moves to New York City. There she meets Dylan, a guitarist in an up and coming band and her life changes. Callie, her breathtaking best friend, talks her into forming a band called the Groupies and this is the start of their lives.

Emily Gould writes a book about the dysfunctional family like no other. Laura is desperately trying escape the feeling of being unloved and seeks to find someone that expresses their love for her. Her mother and father never did. Her boyfriends mother doesn’t and Laura jus
#perfecttunes #NetGalley #goodread

Perfect Tunes is almost a perfect story about a very imperfect woman. Over 15 years you will meet and get to know Laura. When she was younger she writes what she thinks is the perfect song and she spends the next years never quite living up to that and that really has an effect on her life.

Laura moves to New York City when she is 22. She quickly meets Dylan a budding musician himself, and of course she is totally in love with him from the start. Dylan’s career is starting to take off, along with his use of alcohol and drugs. Month’s after Dylan dies in a tragic accident and Laura is left to pick up the pieces and to raise a daughter that she does not even realize she is pregnant with until after Dylan’s death.

Over the next 14 years, you will see Laura was meant to be a mother, hardships and all. She virtually gives up any hope of being a musician to raise Marie, who she loves more than anything. Laura struggles to pay rent, and just keep up, but I don’t think she would trade any of it. Laura eventually meets Matt and they marry, and while it is not perfect, it is what she needs.

Fourteen years later, Marie is fighting her own demons. We start to understand that she might take a little more after her father than her mother thinks. She wants to learn more about her Dad, which leads to the apex of this story,

This is an extremely respective novel about motherhood and how we still struggle with the idea of living our dreams, while doing the best they can for their families. Simple and beautiful.

Thank you NetGalley and Avid Reader Press for an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.