Another sex, drugs, and rock and roll book. Jessie is a star, Jane is not. Jessie wrecks his motorcycle and Jane and her band are called in to cover for him. Jane wows the crowd and rises to stardom. Jessie asks Jane to open for him; they fall in love; Jessie messes up by doing drugs. Jane leaves. Nothing new here, folks.

Fans of "Daisy Jones and the Six" and "Utopia Avenue" will enjoy this one. It's a sweeping multi-decade story of love, sex, success, failure, family and loss -- and music.

I really wanted to love this book based on the summary. I was thinking it would be more like Daisy Jones and the Six. I am sure others will enjoy it more than I did.

The beautifully evocative cover, coupled with the fact that it's set in a period that has been more or less neglected by current historical fiction (in favor of WWII) are the two big reasons that compelled me to pick up this novel.

The current obsession with "Daisy Jones and the Six" will inevitably find its way into many reviews of this book. But those hoping for a read along those lines would be well advised to look elsewhere. There's even less for those hoping for "A Star is Born, Part 2", which is implied in the summary.

Instead, the author gives us the mildly entertaining story of Jane, a young singer songwriter, struggling for self expression and an acceptance of her past. There's a subplot about family secrets and mental illness that seems to come out of seemingly nowhere...had it been handled better, it would have provided the emotional punch that surely was intended.

Ok I ADORED this book you guys! Like… I may have dusted off my ukulele and bought a long skirt so I can live my 70s musician dreams because of this book 😂

The writing was stunning, the storyline was so captivating and THE PLOT TWIST TOTALLY GOT ME. I did not see it coming at all. (I love when that happens).

There’s spice, mental health representation, a strong badass female main character (who I am not basing my entire personality off of…. Or am I?) and it is set in the music industry in the 70s which I love.

Perfect for fans of Daisy Jones and the Six!

Emma Brodie's "Songs in Ursa Major" offers readers an enchanting and nostalgic journey through the music scene of the 1960s. Set against a backdrop of love, fame, and the tumultuous era, this novel immerses readers in a tale that echoes with the sounds of the past and the complexities of following one's heart.

The story centers on Jane Quinn, a young singer-songwriter who finds herself catapulted into the spotlight when her music captures the hearts of fans across the nation. Brodie's vivid prose transports readers to the vibrant music scene of the '60s, capturing the energy, passion, and creativity of the era. Through Jane's eyes, we witness the challenges and allure of fame, the intensity of artistic collaboration, and the delicate balance between personal desires and public expectations.

The heart of the novel lies in Jane's tumultuous romance with folk superstar Jesse Reid. Their love story captures the spirit of the era—an electrifying connection forged in the midst of music, rebellion, and the uncertainties of the times. Brodie's portrayal of their relationship is tender and complex, delving into both the euphoria of newfound love and the challenges that fame and personal demons bring.

Brodie's attention to detail shines as she paints a vivid picture of the music world, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and emotions of the time. The songs themselves become characters in the story, reflecting the characters' emotions and driving the narrative forward. This immersion in music elevates the novel beyond a simple romance, offering a multifaceted exploration of artistry, ambition, and the power of creativity.

The characters, from Jane and Jesse to the ensemble cast of musicians and friends, feel authentic and multifaceted. Brodie skillfully navigates their individual struggles and growth, highlighting the complexities of their relationships and the impact of fame on their personal lives.

While the novel captures the allure of the '60s, it also delves into the challenges faced by women in the music industry during that time. Jane's journey to assert her own identity as an artist and navigate the male-dominated world of music adds depth and relevance to the story.

"Songs in Ursa Major" beautifully captures the essence of an era defined by its music and the spirit of rebellion. Emma Brodie's evocative prose, vibrant characters, and nostalgic atmosphere create a novel that resonates with readers, transporting them back to a time when music had the power to shape lives and change the world. With its compelling blend of romance, music, and coming-of-age themes, this novel is a must-read for anyone who loves stories that echo with the melodies of the past.

Songs in Ursa Major is Emma Brodie's debut. This is supposedly a fictionalized love story of real life Joni Mitchell and James Taylor.
Jane is very musically talented from a young age and forms her own band, The Breakers, who play in bars and then at the local music festival. When the lead performer can't perform at the festival, The Breakers are asked to sub in. They do a wonderful job and are offered a recording deal. I don't normally read romances, but made an exception due to it being a story of James Taylor. I'm glad I didn't know either Taylor or Mitchell back in the day. This book was not a favorite, it did keep me interested right up until the ending.

Thank you to NetGalley and Vintage Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC in return for my honest opinion.

***I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

I've seen reviews that compare this debut to Taylor Jenkins Reid's Daisy Jones and the Six; to me, this is a much mellower and reflective Daisy Jones. Jane Quinn makes headlines in 1969 with an unforgettable performance with her band. What follows is her experience with the record industry. At times the narrative was a tad plodding, but I did enjoy this - an interesting insiders' look at females in the record industry and their struggles to find their voice in a male dominated industry (a struggle that I know still goes on today).

This novel about 1970's folk/rock singers trying to make it in a tough industry was really good. I worried that it was another Daisy Jones or Opal and Nev, but this novel is different despite sounding similar. I was immediately pulled into the story and had a hard time putting in down.

Set in the 1970s, with 1970s music and context. Jesse and Jane are great main characters and although I wasn't sure whether I'd enjoy this, I was addicted from the start. If you lived through the 70s then you'll definitely enjoy this one. If you didn't, then read it to find out what it was all about.

I actually wound up listening to this on audio and it was good! It was sweet, a little sad, and enjoyable.

I love books with music as a central theme.

My rating: 3 stars

Although inspired by the true story of James Taylor and Joni Mitchell, this novel feels a lot like Daisy Jones and the Six. I know that's unfair, as the true story obviously happened decades before the TJR book was published, but that's honestly all I could think of while reading this.

The story kicks off at a music festival in the summer of 1969 where local band The Breakers gets an opportunity to play the main stage when festival headliner, Jesse Reid, is a no-show. The Breakers' lead singer, Jane Quinn, captivates the disappointed audience with her rendition of Jesse Reid's current hit song. This kicks off a chain of events that ends up with Jane meeting Jesse and the two of them jumping into a whirlwind relationship. Catapulted by a successful debut album, a drug-fueled concert tour, and being hounded by the press, the relationship quickly implodes. From here, the rest of the story is a long, melodramatic (SOOO melodramatic) tale of "sex, drugs, and rock and roll" culminating in the revelation of a family secret that Jane never wanted anyone to know about.

This book was well written and the story interesting enough, but I just could not get into it. I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters and was even a bit annoyed by them. It was also way too much non-stop drama, with one thing after another. It just never seemed like any of the characters were having any fun and, if anything, a story about rock and roll should be fun. And again, for me, it read too much like DJ&T6.

I thought this book was just okay; I didn't hate it and I'm glad I had the opportunity to read it. However, I know it won't stick with me in the long run and I would have a hard time recommending it to anyone other than maybe a hardcore James Taylor and Joni Mitchell fan.

CW: drug use

Has anyone else been watching Daisy Jones & the Six on Amazon Prime? I haven’t read the novel (by Taylor Jenkins Reid), about the tumultuous relationship between the two lead singers in a ‘70s rock band, but I’ve been glued to the show, which has been dropping several new episodes each week. The final two remain unwatched as of now, and I’m anxious to see how the series ends.

When I went in search of a readalike novel, I found Emma Brodie’s Songs in Ursa Major, which has been hiding in my NetGalley queue for too long. Jane Quinn, the 19-year-old lead singer and guitarist for a band called The Breakers in 1969, isn’t Daisy Jones – while Jane has plenty of moxie and can party with the best of them, she’s more even-keeled. Plus her genre is more folk than rock.

A lifelong resident of Bayleen Island off the Massachusetts coast, Jane gets her big break at their summer folk festival, which attracts fans and tourists from across America. When the famous blue-eyed singer-songwriter Jesse Reid wrecks his car and misses his slot on the festival stage, Jane steps in, singing Jesse’s own song – and the rest is history. She seems destined for stardom, but a sexist record executive, Jane’s growing relationship with Jesse, and her own lack of songwriting confidence get in her way.

The novel, the author’s debut, is reportedly based on the affair between Joni Mitchell and James Taylor. It’s marketed as a love story, but I found it more of a celebration of feminine freedom. Jane comes from a generations-long line of unmarried, independent women. A young woman with long, golden hair and a peasant blouse, Jane takes advantage of her opportunity on stage in a “bold as f-ck” way. She thrives in the spotlight, and the opening scene puts you in her shimmering presence and makes you wish her performance existed on YouTube. She and Jesse have undeniable chemistry, though their relationship conceals some secrets, which of course are bound to come out eventually.

Through many ups and downs, musically and professionally, Brodie weaves the narrative around Jane's character, letting us see her from within and without – sweeping from center stage out to the audience and back. Following the great opening, it took me a while to be fully drawn into the story, and I would have liked more context. Folk music of the era spoke of politics and social change, but we don’t see much of the historical background that birthed these songs. As a portrait of a woman’s bumpy path to lasting fame, it’s much more successful, and the ending is perfect, providing a satisfying outcome for these creative characters.

Based on the love story between James Taylor and Joni Mitchell, a musical love story set in the early 70s. Great for music fans!

There are few things I love more than a book about music. As soon as I saw the theme of this one, I knew I had to have it. I was hoping for the next Daisy Jones. While there were some similarities, this book stands out by itself and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

It tackles important issues that were prominent in the 70s and even still today. The writing did such a great job of making you feel just like you were back in that era. I loved reading about the music, reading the lyrics that Janie and Jesse wrote, the fame, the fortune in the book. Definitely added to one of my favorite music books!

VERDICT: 4.5 STARS

Thank you to Knopf and Netgalley for a copy of this one in exchange for an honest review


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The writing of Brodie is truly remarkable; their use of poetic verse, songwriting, and captivating storytelling are enough to captivate and inspire. Every word is chosen with precision, each sentence crafted with care, and the end result is a work of art that leaves one in awe of the author's talent.

Thank you to Knopf Publishing Group and Netgalley for an advanced reader's copy of this book for my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed this rock and roll novel set in the 1970's. It felt nostalgic and although covered heavy topics (addiction, mental health, complicated relationships), it was actually a very fun read full of people you will grow to love an root for.

This book has since been published and is available now!

Thank you for the arc copy of this book. I really enjoyed the strong email lead and had the feel of Daisy Jones. I was rooting for her the whole way through. If you like that late 60's vibe and the inclusion of music pick this one up.

I loved this book until the very end. I just couldn’t wrap my head around it. I felt like I went on1 rollercoaster and had a free fall moment I didn’t like.

This book was a quick, fun read and had some pretty great characters throughout. I believe that the majority of the people who read this, will enjoy it. I love that the book was set in the 1970’s, but sometimes throughout the book it’s hard to forget that it was set in this time period. I suppose you could easily compare this book to Daisy Jones, but overall this was a good read.