So to start, a personal preference.

I hate it when books feature fake songs.
I hate it when characters sing them.
I hate the lyrics in a book.

I always always skim over them and find it cringey.

So it says a lot that this book, ostensibly about song-writing, is a 5 star from me.

I absolutely loved this. I think it helps when a book is set in the early 00s which was when I was a teen and goes into the early 2010s when I was in my early 20s as it’s such a nostalgic time for me.

Percy felt so real and I loved how she wasn’t perfect. She was annoying, pedantic, condescending. I loved how well-rounded she was.

I loved her relationship with Joe and even more so with Zoe. I loved how this was about the love of a friend, not just a partner.

I love a book which progresses through time - this starts in 2000 and travels to a recognisable almost-modern-day.

This is going to be huge and I can’t wait to see its success.

5 stars.

I feel like I've been waiting to read this book for the last 20 years! As a uni student during the Brit Pop years I LOVED all the nostalgic references, I LOVED all the in depth music conversation (and strong opinions!), I LOVED the ever-changing relationships between Percy, Joe, Zoe and all the others who entered and left their lives through the years, and most of all I LOVED how it showed how music can be one of the most defining influences in our lives, loves and relationships. Occasionally the pace felt a little off, sometimes too lethargic, sometimes racing too fast but that is just the smallest of niggles as there is so much heart woven throughout that more than made up for it. Surely this is going to be one of THE books of 2025 and someone has been smart enough to have bought the rights to make this into an amazing, ensemble cast, 5 star movie!

Wow a great book and new musical loves too

I really enjoyed this book by Holly Brickley. It’s tells a story of two young people Joan and Percy who in whilst they are in college bond with their love of similar music. They write a song together and Joe goes on to become a famous musician using that song as a springboard for his career . Percy uses her musical interest to springboard a career in music journalism.
We meet the two through various time periods and their on off will they won’t they? Relationship forms the backbone of the story.
Both the main characters and the selection of cameo characters are beautifully described and seem real people you’re quickly invested in their relationships.

From the start you need your Spotify open as you will need to listen to the music from the book
I’d never heard of the band Neuutral milk hotel before but I rather loved them The Shins magic fields neutral milk hotel eel thank you so much for introducing me to these artists

Whilst , I was reading a novel I posted on social media Open I’m reading Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley the novel I dare you to read without your music streaming service open as you listen to the songs from the novel I’ve only just started and I’ve discovered new songs and rediscovered old favourites .ohh this is such fun
The only problem is I can’t listen to music and read at the same time so this book may take a while “
It’s not often that I feel the need to post before I finished a novel but this novel was one of them. I knew I found a little gem and I know this book is going to be very popular.
The author has a clear concise easily read post style making the book and easy immersive read
It is bound to be compared to Daisy Jones and the six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I read an early copy of the novel on NetGalley UK. The book is published on the 13th of March 2025 by Harper Collins UK Harper fiction.
This review will appear on NetGalley UK, StoryGraph, Goodreads, and my book blog bionicSarahSbooks.wordpress.com.

After publication the book the review will also appear on Amazon UK

Between getting this on NetGalley and actually reading it, I had heard so much about this book! Set between California and New York in the 2000s, it follows Percy, obsessed with music, and her connection with up-and-coming indie musician Joe. I both liked and didn't like this as much as I was expecting: I wanted more from the romance, and all the musings on what songs meant to the characters occasionally left me cold. But I've never really enjoyed analysis of music: even though writing is my favourite thing, I've never found it an adequate medium to truly describe how music makes us feel, and I experienced the same thing with this book.

But Deep Cuts was so readable, a perfect train book. My favourite thing was the evocation of early 2000s Brooklyn and Berkeley; all the little details made the time period feel so so vivid and authentic, without being a pastiche. I really liked the songwriting discussions and how much their deep love of music made Percy and Joe's bond shine. I'm much more well-versed in British indie bands than American ones, but the musical references were great – I can't wait to listen to all the songs mentioned!

Deep Cuts is an incredibly beautifully crafted book. It touches on creativity,, authenticity, innovation, passion, love, collaboration and obsession. Written is with such honesty, electricity and intensity it is an irresistible read. The reading hours passed and the time was not noticeable, What stands out is how timeless this story is and how relevant it is today.. This debut novel is a masterpiece. Joe is a star. Percy can bring out the very best in him and shape his music into something very special. How will they work with the tensions and dilemmas in their relationship?

You don't have to be a music geek to love this book (although it probably helps). The characters, the interactions, theprose - this book just works on so many levels.

Firstly, I’d like to extend my gratitude to HarperCollins UK and HarperFiction for granting me access to this ARC. The writing itself was exceptional, showcasing a talented author. However, I struggled to connect with the characters, which hindered my overall experience. The premise of young love intertwined with music, presenting an almost perfect romance with a soulmate and a satisfying ending, is undoubtedly appealing and could be exactly what many readers are searching for. Despite this, I found the pacing a bit too slow for my taste. This is simply my personal opinion and doesn’t imply that others wouldn’t enjoy it. I rated it a 4 because the writing was truly remarkable, and the storytelling was well-crafted. Yet, I felt the characters fell short of being the strongest aspect of the book.

Absolutely brilliant, loved it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me an advance copy, I will definitely be recommending.

Let me start by saying I went from 4* to 5* and then back to 4*. The only reason it jumped to four stars is because the ending was perfect – by that I mean it ended exactly the way I wanted it to. Although that’s a wonderful thing, the novel on a whole had something that made it slightly miss the mark. Therefore, I’m settling on 4/ 4.5 stars.

I love a college almost-romance. The sexual tension, the will-they-won’t-they?, the easy repartee between two people who are meant to be together but don’t know how to be. This had all of that alongside all the craziness that comes with someone that has too much book intelligence and not enough emotional intelligence. I suppose this comes with the Ivy league stereotype. Or just the stereotype of teenagers trying to find themselves. Either way, I found the main character a little bit frustrating at times. That’s just part of her characterisation.

Music was a huge part of this novel and it was fab that the feelings/ emotions were able to be explored through this music. I felt glad that I at least knew some of the references otherwise I can imagine this might have been quite alienating for a reader. Overall, a good friendship/ love story sustained through an easy and transparent writing style by Holly Brickley which felt easily nostalgic for a time we all wish we could have done slightly differently in the moment but ends up being exactly the way it’s meant to be in the end.

Really enjoyed the journey with the characters and I look forward to reading other stories by Brickley in the future.

I did love this initially when I started reading it, especially the main three characters but eventually the huge sections of the book that go off on a tangent into music just really started to bore me!

Deep Cuts is an interesting literally fiction book. It follows main characters Percy and Joe as they work together on his music at college and their ongoing relationship over the years. There is a heavy influence of music throughout this book and as someone who does not have a huge knowledge/interest in music I did initially find this a bit off-putting. I'm sure there will be readers who love this aspect but unfortunately this was not for me and I found myself skimming the longer sections of music content. That said I'm glad I stuck with it as although I found the first third of the book a bit slow I really connected with the characters and their development in the second half of the book. I did find myself rooting for the characters and getting immersed in their story. The book is a well written character driven novel with realistic characters who were sometimes unlikeable and a bit infuriating but ultimately made for great development and an addictive read.

I have such mixed feelings about this book in the best way - I was so frustrated by the characters but in love with the writing and storytelling!

Percy and Joe have this invisible string relationship (if you could even call it that) set on the backdrop of a passion for listening, creating and critiquing music. Following their journey over the years since they meet at college transitioning into the real world of 00's America.

It felt nostalgic to have their story set to the music of the time but it did feel like at some point the music was the main character of the story (this might be your thing). At first, Percy felt like a sort of Rory Gilmore style character with her music passion filtering into her life but there was a nice departure from this archetype into someone who want to see the world through music. I wasn't sure on Joe's character but found that he the person that life happens to - they're in the right place at the right time for the adventure. The interactions between the the FMC and MMC are interesting and I only wish we got to see more of that - especially at the tail end of the story. But the star of the book for me was Zoe! I really loved her development and her character's path. I would loved to have seen more of her.

Overall, a really lovely read with a good hook and would be a warming read to anyone with a interest of the music of the time!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

'Deep Cuts' by Holly Brickley is a novel set in, and heavily influenced by, the music of the early 2000's. Percy is a girl who connects deeply with the music she listens to, but struggles to make connections with other people; while Joe has an easy charm and charisma, but events in his childhood continue to impact on him. The two find each other in a bar in Berkley, and bond over their shared musical tastes, but the friendship they develop over the following years is tumultuous.

Brickley clearly knows her music. At times I found Percy's 'essays' on the subject, which pepper the novel, a confusing interruption to the narrative. However, as the book carried on they really helped me as a reader to understand her, and as a result the story had a deeper emotional impact on me. I also enjoyed finding the playlist from the novel. I was at university at the same this novel is set and, whilst that was in the UK, I could relate to some of the neuroses of the time, alongside the music. I have to say it was a bit confronting to see this novel described as 'historical fiction'. Overall I really enjoyed it, and would recommend it.

very steamy and freaky reads from various authors! need to reread again so I can understand some of the positions again.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

I read the blurb and really liked the premise of this book, and popped it straight onto my TBR list.

Unfortunately I did find the ‘niche’ (used incredibly loosely. Although I imagine the author would see it that way) music references endless, irritating, and patronising. The same could be said when discussing the protagonist quite frankly.

I was expecting a story based around the love/shared love of music. This doesn’t seem to be the case, instead we received a fairly in depth knowledge about how much the author knows about music.

I didn’t hate it, I certainly wouldn’t recommend it, and I’m upset I moved other books down the list to make way for this one.

Deep Cuts has stayed with me for a while after finishing it. I can see why it's been compared to Tomorrow x3 and High Fidelity but at the same time it isn't quite like either book.

At times, while reading, I wasn't sure if I liked either of the main characters because they frustrated me. This is a sure sign that I am invested in the characters if I begin to react emotionally to their actions.

I am not a music geek by any stretch of the imagination but I didn't feel excluded from any of the references to bands and tracks in the book. I'm certain that someone more knowledgeable will get even more enjoyment from it.

I do remember the Twin Towers coming down and that period of time was well written.

I enjoyed it a great deal and recommend it to others.

If you’re a fan of One Day and love stories told through time, Deep Cuts will be for you.

If you’re also a fan of Daisy Jones and the Six - not only the music, but the tension between Daisy and Billy, then you’ll love this story even more.

Told through an impressive playlist of music spanning several decades, Deep Cuts is a tale of collaboration, jealousy, friendship and love.

Percy and Joe have quite the meet-cute and begin to collaborate on Joe’s music. But, outside factors like Joe’s ever-growing career and Percy’s struggle to find her place in the world, drive them apart.

You could quite easily make Deep Cuts an immersive experience by listening to the songs as they are mentioned - everything from The Smiths to OutKast.

The lyricism and musical knowledge is really impressive and well researched.

The setting feels nostalgic and warm as we follow Percy and Joe from being students at Berkeley, to New York, and back to California again.

This is a beautiful story and a remarkable debut. I could easily imagine it being picked up for a film or series.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book which I didn’t expect as I started reading because I’m not as obsessed with music as Percy is. I’m not sure I like Percy as a main character but I was invested in her story of growth and the almost relationship with Joe. If you’re a huge music fan you’ll definitely like this as it is littered with music and song references throughout (I’ll be buying it for my bf just for this fact alone, I know he’ll be obsessed). (Side note Holly can we get a deep cuts playlist pls). I really enjoyed Percy and Zoe’s relationship as well, maybe even more than the actual romantic relationship. I think this book being compared to daisy jones and the six is kinda accurate but maybe throwing one day in the mix as well for the will they, won’t they aspect? It’s not a straightforward romance but I think that’s why I liked it. Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!

A story about friendship and love, centered around music.
Intense attraction whilst discussing music, songs, styles and meanings. Not straight forward but intense.
You will fall in love with the characters and their development as they leave college and find careers.
A must for music lovers.

Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley is a heartbreakingly nostalgic novel, full of great songs and interesting characters.

Joey and Percy meet at college in the year 2000, bonding over a love of music. Together they start writing songs; Joey the performer and Percy the songwriter. With Joey’s passion and Percy’s knowledge of what makes a good song, they create a winning team. Unsurprisingly Joey becomes a star and Percy is left on the sidelines.

Deep Cuts is a character driven novel that follows a complicated relationship over the years. We see the protagonist, Percy grow over this time and realise her own self worth. It is a wonderful love story to music, which captured the music scene of the time.

I loved this book and I would recommend it to those who enjoyed Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, Daisy Jones and the Six and I Love You, I love you, I love you. Thank-you NetGalley and The Borough Press for providing me with this ARC.