262 Followers
285 Following
Sandy

My Never Ending List

The Music Shop

The Music Shop: A Novel - Rachel Joyce
This might be my favorite read for 2018. I absolutely loved this novel. The author had a way of putting me on Unity Street with its shop owners, it’s customers and its history. I loved Frank, the way he knew his music and how he lifted individuals up with music. Frank was not a sell-out, he was a believer and he walked the walk. Individuals believed in Frank and Frank believed in music. Music wasn’t just words but they contained their own life.
 
This abandoned, ransacked building intrigued Frank the minute his eyes came upon it. There was a feeling inside this building and on Unity Street with its variety of small businesses, it felt like a small community to Frank. Frank only carried vinyl records inside his music store, the medium that Frank believed provided the optimal listening pleasure. This store became more than a music shop as time progressed. Music was the focus of the shop but friendships, stories, unwinding, and socializing became reasons why individuals stopped by Franks. As customers came into his shop requesting a certain artist or song, Frank would often fill that individual’s soul with other artists or tunes that he knew would stimulate that individual.
 
Isle arrived one day. She didn’t seem to fit Unity Street. She left an impression on Frank’s heart. When Isle came back days later, she wanted something more from Frank. I loved the friendship that emerges between Frank and Isle. The author did an amazing job creating this relationship. I enjoyed the way it slowly grew and how others in this story played an important role in their bond. Frank gave Isle and his customers something they couldn’t find on their own, a sound that they didn’t even know existed.
 
I was a mess at the end of this novel. My skin was crawling, I was choked up and I had to keep taking breaks as my eyes couldn’t read the words. I was an emotional mess. I would give this novel 15+ stars if I could. I know many individuals that I would love to buy this novel for, as I know they would fall in love with Frank, Isle and with the music that Frank shares with his customers. This is one that I definitely recommend.
 
I won a copy of this novel from a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you so much! This review is my own personal opinion of this novel.