I finished this book a few days ago and I’m still thinking about it. Yes, another book about rock and roll but I’m always in on a story about bands forming, breaking up and the powerhouse hits written during these tumultuous times.
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It’s hard to believe this is a fictional story. I was invested in all of them and the written songs are gorgeous and can only wish they were real songs.
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Jesse is set to become a star while headlining a 1969 folk fest but a motorcycle accident Throws him off course and pushes Jane into orbit.
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Their worlds collide as they both rise to Stardom. Their love, loss, excess and secrets are enough to provide the fuel for Jane’s Album The Songs in Ursa Major which becomes one of the most prolific albums of the century and an anthem for women worldwide.
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Powerful, haunting and dripping in seventies nostalgia this book had everything I love.
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Thank you #NetGalley and #knopf for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

1969 into the early 70s was just a phenomenal time for music, IMO, so even if I hadn't heard that this book was very loosely based on Joni Mitchell and James Taylor, I still would have enjoyed it. They're Jane and Jesse, just getting started in the music biz. Jane comes from a matriarchal family so doesn't take a lot of guff about being a woman, yet that's what's happening in the business at that time. The lyrics she writes and her constant fight against conforming to what's expected of her keep ticking off the men around her. Too bad for them, as Jane instinctively knows exactly what's best for her and her career. Jesse... not so much.

If you liked the music of this time or if you enjoyed the book [book:Daisy Jones & The Six|40597810], give this one a try. I'm so glad the publisher offered me this through NetGalley

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy for review*

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It took me longer than usual to make it through, but I’m not sure if it’s because I didn’t want it to end or because it took so much out of me when I read it. It’s very emotional and sucks you into their lives and story. I love how Emma Brodie writes.

CW: mental health and drug use

The annual Folk Fest is the biggest event on Bayleen Island in 1969. The atmosphere is pulsating while the audience is waiting for Jesse Reid, latest superstar with his guitar and extraordinary voice. On his way to the show, he has an accident which unexpectedly bring the local band Breakers on stage. It only takes minutes for Jane Quinn, their singer and songwriter, to win the people over with her charismatic performance. It is the birth of a star, the Breakers are invited record an album and to tour with Jesse’s band. Quite naturally, the two musicians fall for each other, but it is not an easy love, neither Jesse nor Jane is the carefree new star, they suffer from bad experiences and the demons that haunt them. Additionally, Jane fights with the music industry’s sexism and a feeling of being considered just Jesse’s accessory. For some time, they ignore all this, but closing their eyes does not prevent them forever from having to face some truths.

Emma Brodie’s novel perfectly captures the vibes of the time. Her protagonists are highly gifted musicians who live for the music and the moment. “Songs in Ursa Major” is an emotionally overwhelming novel which draws you in its world immediately. Especially Jane is a vividly drawn character whom you come to love immediately despite the stubbornness which comes with her musical genius and perfectionism. She is a role model of a strong-minded feminist who sticks to her ideals and is even willing to sacrifice her career and love in order not to give in to the industry’s conception of a female singer.

The thin line between genius and madness had often been mentioned in connection with creative artists. This also holds true for both, Jesse and Jane, who are far from being mentally stable. Together, they can push each other even further in their genius while heading at the abyss at the same time. Following their creative process translating into songs is a wonderful journey which triggers the emotions in the same way listening to music would.

The villains of the music industry with their unconcealed misogyny make you angry at times but seeing how cleverly Jane can also win some fights can make some amends here. As authentic as this aspect is Jane’s emotional state and the way she tries to cope with her family’s situation and her very personal heritage of creativity and madness alike.

A brilliantly written, intense novel perfect for the summer festival season which brings you back to the time of iconic musicians.

Oh my how I loved this book! As a musician myself I really enjoyed all the ins and outs of making a record and the record company bureaucracy as well and the emotional joys and tolls that music can have on a person. What an interesting and well told story!

Jane Quinn, and her band The Breakers, were alternating between thrilled and terrified when they were asked to perform on the main stage at the Bayleen Island Folk festival in place of the headliner, Jesse Reid. Local performers were rarely on the main stage, and people were complaining and chanting that they wanted Jesse, when Jane started playing and singing one of Jesse’s songs, capturing the crowd’s attention. As the set progressed, it was clear that Jane was a star in the making, though no one could have predicted exactly how it would happen.

I loved Jane; her independence and courage in standing up for herself is admirable, especially for 1969, and in an industry that is still testosterone-heavy. Fortunately, she found friends and allies on her journey, and the fans who loved her and her music were instrumental in keeping her name alive. Jane also had strong family support, from her aunt, grandmother, and cousin, along with the former members of The Breakers. Based loosely on the real-life relationship between Joni Mitchell and James Taylor, Songs in Ursa Major is a delightful look back at the early days of the folk/rock music scene.

Music has always been a huge part of Jane Quinn’s life. Her band - the Breakers – never failed to captivate their audience with their bluesy style and soulful lyrics. It was just way to escape everyday life on Bayleen Island. If just for a little while.

Playing the Island Folk Fest was always something that the band looked forward to. But this year, things have changed. When the main act falls through, Jane leads the Breakers in a performance that shakes the foundation of the music world. And no one can deny that they have just witnessed the birth of a rising star.

“This is how it starts,” said Grace, getting out of the car.
“One great night; then the sharks start showing up and making promises.”
Jane laughed, stepping onto the pavement. “It’s not going to be like that,” she said. “You heard Maggie. We’re derivative and trite.”
“We both know that’s not true,” said Grace.
They crossed from the parking lot onto the recreation lawn, waving to a tall blue-clad orderly playing croquet with a patient.
“Hey, Charlie,” said Jane. “See you in a sec.”
The orderly nodded as they passed.
“Just be careful, whatever happens,” said Grace, taking the flagstone path to the staff entrance.
“Nothing’s going to happen,” said Jane.
The possibility that it might both terrified and thrilled her. Music wasn’t real life—it was just for fun, a way to blow off steam. If it became more than that, she ran the risk of having her heart broken, or worse. Grace was right to be cautious: their family knew too well how disappointed dreams could lead to tragedy.

Jesse Reid was set to headline the festival this year when a motorcycle accident forces him to drop out. Now recuperating at his family estate on Bayleen, he can feel the darkness creeping in. Until the day he finds Jane standing next to his piano.

When the Breakers sign with the same label, Jesse offers them the opening slot on his highly anticipated tour. The sparks fly both onstage and off between Jesse and Jane. And the fire that’s ignited will either catapult them to stardom or burn it all to the ground.

“Let the light go,
Let it fade into the sea.
The sun belongs to the horizon,
And you belong to me.”

Jane got very still. “That’s pretty,” she said quietly.
“It’s yours,” said Jesse.
“Mine?” said Jane.
“I mean, I wrote it for you,” he said. He cleared his throat. “Listen, Jane. A lot can…go wrong. But whatever happens, between us, whatever…happens…that song will always be for you.”

Emma Brodie’s Songs in Ursa Major is a heartbreaking and at times, maddening tale about the cost of fame. Jane is the ultra-talented and idealistic songstress that finds herself instantly at odds with the “business.” She faces sexism and adversity at every turn when all she really wants is to share her music with the world.

I found myself longing for something real for Jane. I wanted for all of her sacrifice to be worth it in the end. The stage was set for an epic romance with Jesse. But it just never played out.

The ending of this story truly surprised me – and not in a good way. I wanted so much more for each of these characters. Maybe that’s life or maybe it’s just rock and roll…

Not necessarily my type of book but still found it a good story. I did enjoy the story and the story of Jess. It’s songs are from my era explores the music industry and the sometimes chauvinistic attitudes. This book showed me not to assume you won’t like a story because it’s not your usual preferred genre. Giving it 5 stars for the storyline and for making me enjoy a genre I would not have thought I’d enjoy but did

Songs in Ursa Major

Rating: 3/5

Oof. I had such high hopes for this one. Emma Brodie is a beautiful writer and it is very evident in Songs in Ursa Major and the first half of this book was written exquisitely - it gave me flashbacks to Daisy Jones and the Six and then something took a turn.

Songs in Ursa Major focuses on the story of Jane Quinn and her rise to stardom. Loosely based off of the affair between Joni Mitchell and James Taylor, Songs follows Quinn's headstrong character through a tumultuous affair and it's aftermath with singer-songwriter wonder Jesse Reid. While Jane battles her own demons and Jesse's she struggles with losing herself to her past and her future in her desire to become something.

The story fell apart for me during the first of the many sex scenes throughout the book - don't get me wrong, there's always time for a little *spice* but this didn't feel like it added to the story, if anything it felt like it took away from Jane and her character and the strong female lead Brodie wants us to believe she is. From there the entire story felt like a juxtaposition of Jane Quinn the bad ass and Jane Quinn who constantly lets men define how her interactions happen. I wanted more from her other than reckless self sabotage.

This book is great for anyone who loves music and loved Daisy Jones, although I suspect some may be disappointed like I was. A solid effort, even though not my favorite.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group for the ARC!

Read if you like:
+ 60s & 70s Rock Stories
+ Love at first sight
+ Daisy Jones and the Six

Jane is a talented, aspiring rock/folk singer looking for a career in which she can call all the shots and still be successful. Even in the late 60s/early 70s, she should have known that’s a pipe dream.
This novel, filled with slimy music executives, tortured artists, and drug abuse, was highly derivative and often times boring. It also had way too many song lyrics included as part of the prose. Who wants to read song lyrics for a song that doesn’t exist or they’ll never hear?
It took me longer than it should have to read it because it just wasn’t super compelling.
Thanks to #netgalley and #knopfpublishing for this ARC of #songsinursamajor in exchange for an honest review.

What a fun read! The book centers on love, romance and music during the year of 1969. A surprise signed record deal brings the folk band into the spotlight. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.

As someone who isn’t normally big on historical fiction, I wasn’t expecting to love this book based on the music industry of the 60’s and 70’s. I expected a romance that pulled from the romanticizing of being a touring artist, but instead got a rich story, characters, and a picture of how female artists were treated at this time.

When the headliner of a local music festival doesn’t show, Jane Quinn and her friends-turned-bandmates are tasked with performing for their largest audience yet with no preparation. Everyone expects a train wreck, but they audience quickly sees Jane for who she is: a hauntingly beautiful singer-songwriter.

While I absolutely loved this slow-burn story and how the characters all handled their grief differently, I thought the last quarter of the book couldn’t hold a candle to everything that came before it. This magnificent, descriptive writing that shared the highs and lows of touring ended up quickly putting together an international escape and one of the least satisfying endings I’ve read in a while. No major spoilers here, but I love a good bittersweet ending normally. This one just felt like they needed something to tie up all the loose ends quickly. Everything else was so well done for me that it still easily gets 4/5 stars in my book and I highly recommend it to everyone who loves music, wanted to be a musician growing up, or wonders what it would be like to be the person walking the red carpets. This is just a debut novel, and I can’t wait to see how the author’s writing develops and grows in all books to come!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I really liked this book. It is the perfect beach read for this summer! If you read and liked Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid you will love this book.

I loved all the character's stories and the Quinn women. I could just imagine summers on the island and going to the music festival. I liked the journey of Jane Quinn's music career.

Overall I would recommend this book to a friend.

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for sending me a finished copy in exchange for a honest review.

This book has me wishing I could live my early 20’s in the 70’s just to witness the infamous music scene. This novel follows Jane Quinn, the lead singer of small town band The Breakers. After famous musician, Jesse Reid, gets into a motorcycle accident before his show, Jane and The Breakers are called to replace the main act. This marks the beginning of Jane’s stardom and secret relationship with Jesse.

I grew up listening to A LOT of music from the 70’s so I was excited to pick this book up, especially after knowing that this story is loosely based on the affair between Joni Mitchell and James Taylor.
This book covered a lot of different topics like misogyny in the music industry, drug addiction, mental health issues, and AFFAIRS!! This kind of feels like it reads like a movie/screen play. I found that the beginning was quite slow, but when Jane starts living that rockstar life, the story starts to pick up. I do wish there was more character development, especially with Jane and Jesse. I did appreciate how the author actually wrote song lyrics - it would be super cool to see a soundtrack to this book (ok I can dream right?!)

The twist in the book isn’t too crazy but I loved how everything came together in the end. This was such a pleasant summer read - I loved reading this during the heatwave we are experiencing. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to live their best 70’s rockstar life!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

If you are a music lover and also dig a good tragic love story, this book is for you. Based in the 70's Jesse Reid is a bad boy rocker, who gets into a motorcycle accident and is unable to perform on his tour. Enter Jane Quinn, a local who is trying to break into the music scene.

Jesse stays on the island where Jane lives for his rehab, and Jane's relative provides his care. Jane visits her one day and Jesse and Jane strike up a friendship...which turns romantic.

Eventually Jane sees the "bad" side of Jesse and is unsure how to cope....she also has demons of her own from her past to contend with.

This was a little heavy at times due to the drug and relationship topics, but I enjoyed it overall.

This debut novel is everything you want it to be - sex, music, stardom, drugs, and heartbreak in the late 1960s. The admirable character of Jane Quinn does not disappoint! If you enjoyed Daisy Jones and the Six, this is a read for you. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.

Thank you to Netgalley and Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group for the review copy of Songs in Ursa Major by Emma Brodie. This book caught my eye because it is about the late 60s and early 70s music scene. It follows Jane Quinn - a dedicated member of the Breakers - who gets the chance to perform at a local festival when the headliner, Jesse Reid, is in an accident and doesn’t show. Although the crowd is initially upset by the change in performance, Jane’s performance begins her into stardom.

Jane Quinn and Jesse Reid are complex and intriguing characters. The side characters add humor, a bit of suspense, and even more intrigue. I really enjoyed my time with this book. I loved the song lyrics. All in all, this is a great debut novel!

"Songs in Ursa Major" is certainly the right book for the moment, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Joni Mitchell's Blue album. It's not the story of Joni and James Taylor but it's tantalizingly close, filled with music and poetry and young people changing their world through music. So good.

Jane Quinn grows up on an island off the coast of Massachusetts, playing in a band with childhood friends. The island has a summer music festival, and this year Jane and the Breakers are dragged on the main stage when the headliner, Jesse Reid, is injured in a motorcycle accident. The Breakers are on fire, and an agent in the crowd offers them a contract.

Oh, but it is not smooth sailing for the little band. Jane has her own ideas of the sound she wants, the words she wants to sing. The Breakers join Jesse Reid for his tour, a Master Class in the hard work of touring. Relationships form.. People battle to become artists. You won't be able to put this book down.

More than anything, "Songs" is about people with an extraordinary gifts who need to choose whether they will express those gifts fully and pay the possible price, or decide differently. Loved it.

Thanks to Knopf and Netgalley for this experience.


Candace Siegle, Greedy Reader

Me being a music lover and since this book is loosely based on the affair between James Taylor and Joni Mitchell, I was definitely interested in reading it.
Involves singers, songwriters and the music industry of the 60-70's
Definitely likeable characters, locales and included storyline lyrics.
The storyline had twists, turns and surprises along the way.
I really loved this debut book from this Author and feel it could be a favorite of 2021.
Thank you to Netgalley, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group and the Author Emma Brodie for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When at first this novel failed to grab me at the outset, I thought perhaps it was suffering from unfortunate timing, another 1970's music scene novel following too closely after the beloved Daisy Jones & The Six, and the absolute tour de force from earlier this year, The Final Revival of Opal & Nev - but then realized the differences were enough to set it apart. However, despite very romantic language and every attempt to captivate the reader with the love affair between Jane Quinn and Jesse Reid, apparently loosely based on that of Joni Mitchell and James Taylor, set against the backdrop of a thinly veiled Martha's Vineyard - it fell flat for me in doing so... the affair was deemed doomed from the start, with no emotional investment in either character rooting for it to work out for them - every reunion became even more tedious and puzzling, and the running recording industry business narrative dragged what there was of a plot down. The twist 75% in seemed to come out of nowhere, and even with a close third-person narrative, there was no indication that we were even supposed to be waiting for it. This debut novel will have some fans, and the author does seem to have some promise once she hits her stride perhaps with a different subject matter. I will be interested to see what's next, though this one just didn't work for me...

Thank you to NetGalley, Knopf Publishing Group, and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.