Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Guitar Notes

3.96 of 5 stars 3.96 · rating details · 635 ratings · 139 reviews

A heartwarming story about an unlikely friendship forged between a straight-A, classical musician and a bad-boy guitar player told through notes, lyrics, texts, and narration.

Hardcover, 272 pages

Published July 24th 2012 by EgmontUSA

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jensen

2012 YA Contemporary Challenge!

92nd out of 254 books — 1,000 voters

2012 YA Contemporary Challenge

5th out of 23 books — 72 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 2,183)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Jul 31, 2012 Mitch rated it 3 of 5 stars

I get the feeling Mary Amato had the concept for Guitar Notes in her head when she started writing and knew how she wanted to end things, but didn't have a specific plot in mind. That's the only way I can explain how this book doesn't go anywhere until the plot finally falls off a cliff towards the end. I mean, the majority of this book's a pretty sweet story of a slow friendship between two very different people, but there's no movement to it really, and when there finally is, I'm wondering wha...more I get the feeling Mary Amato had the concept for Guitar Notes in her head when she started writing and knew how she wanted to end things, but didn't have a specific plot in mind. That's the only way I can explain how this book doesn't go anywhere until the plot finally falls off a cliff towards the end. I mean, the majority of this book's a pretty sweet story of a slow friendship between two very different people, but there's no movement to it really, and when there finally is, I'm wondering what the hell happened.

To start, lemme just say the in book summary is way better and clearer than the one here.

Tripp, who plays guitar only for himself, and Lyla, a cellist whose talent has already made her famous but not happy, form an unlikely friendship when they are forced to share a practice room at their high school.

That's about it, Tripp's a snarky guitar fanatic, Lyla's an accomplished cellist who feels pressured into continuing with the cello. They meet, Tripp teaches Lyla a thing or two about being laid back, Lyla sort of gets Tripp to take things a bit more seriously. Mostly though, it's Tripp affecting Lyla, not the other way around. I admit, the scenes are really cute, particularly the letters they leave for each other at the beginning, Amato's writing distinguishes what would otherwise be a fairly predictable premise of two people who're otherwise oil and water getting together, down to best friend Annie warning Lyla away from Tripp and the reasons why Tripp's a guitar addict and Lyla feels she's forced to play the cello. No problems so far.

But of course, there has to be the obligatory they can't be together after all problems before the happy ending, and that's where Guitar Notes strays far off course. I'm not talking about Lyla's overbearing father who insists she continue with the cello (and stay away from Tripp), even if he's another walking cliche, or Tripp's mother finally getting serious (at least more serious than normal) with her slacker son. Those problems are fine, even expected, maybe so expected Amato has to throw in another, huge wrench that's at the same time both so ridiculously stereotypical I should've seen it coming and yet so insane I just knew there'd be no way to emotionally resolve it without resorting to a cheesefest in the chapters remaining. But I'm actually wrong, Amato does something even worse, she just basically ignores the whole thing and plops right down to the happily ever after. What?

I didn't have any problems with this book at first, I thought it was a cute, light read, but I still expect my cute, light reads to be properly planned out. From what I can see, Guitar Notes isn't, Amato knows there should've been some sort of conflict before Tripp and Lyla can 'be together' but she doesn't have a clue what that conflict should be so creates something so rushed and unsatisfying it basically ruined the book for me.(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Jul 29, 2012 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

3,5 stars

In this book two high school students who don't really know each other are brought together because of their love for music.For the main part this book was a surprisingly funny, entertaining, enjoyable and light read. The other (luckily rather short) remaining part is just a shame and bad choice of twist in the story.

Lyla is (for outsiders) the perfect girl who plays the cello effortless. She started playing after the death of her mom. Lyla is extremely talented but pushed by her fathe...more

5 likes · like · see review

Nov 25, 2012 Tanja (Tanychy) St. Delphi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Tanja (Tanychy) by: Glass

Shelves: romance, realistic, favorites, contemporary

Review also posted at Ja čitam, a ti?

I'm weak! But before I tell you why I should start from beginning. Ha! Nope I'm not teasing. Beginning meaning the blurb cause I simply love it. I'm that one person who always complains how blurbs reveal to much but this one is perfect it has enough info to get you interested in the book but still doesn't tell you anything at the same time.

Now I'm coming to that me-weak part. Yeah I really am, cause it doesn't take much (for a book at least) to go under my s...more

3 likes · like · see review

Feb 06, 2013 Smriti rated it 4 of 5 stars

To any music lover, the title sounds appealing and most of the descriptions you read just reiterate that feeling. This book focuses on two young people who live for the music they make. Two brilliant, outstanding, troubled kids. Both have their own issues to deal with and as they come together to rediscover their love for music, they also help one another overcome these problems.
At the beginning, it’s clear that the two protagonists are as different as two people can be but as the story progres...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 03, 2012 Arlene Szalay rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: slmta

Lyla, a classical cellist, and Tripp, a self-taught guitarist, have to share a practice room at school. Lyla, who has been on the fast track to success, is dealing with anxiety issues and while keeping up a good public face, is starting to feel panicky alot when she is alone. Tripp's father died unexpectedly when he was in sixth grade, and his best friend moved away at the same time, and he has found guitar to be his only companion. His mother takes the guitar away when his grades slip, and he a...more

like · see review

Sep 27, 2012 Anita rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, ya-romance, ya-fiction

I found Guitar Notes on the library ebook downloads, and thought the summary sounded interesting, so I decided to give it a shot. The book was a very quick and easy read. I read it in about 4 hours total, I think – less than one day. The chapters move very quickly, especially in the beginning as Tripp and Layla are establishing their connection. From the beginning, however author Mara Amato traps you into their world. Tripp is kind of a sad fellow, but as you read you find out that he has many r...more I found Guitar Notes on the library ebook downloads, and thought the summary sounded interesting, so I decided to give it a shot. The book was a very quick and easy read. I read it in about 4 hours total, I think – less than one day. The chapters move very quickly, especially in the beginning as Tripp and Layla are establishing their connection. From the beginning, however author Mara Amato traps you into their world. Tripp is kind of a sad fellow, but as you read you find out that he has many reasons for his emo exterior. (He’s not exactly emo, but I kept thinking in the beginning – oh boy, a sad troubled teen…). Tripp has somewhat recently lost his father, and his best friend moved away at almost the same time. His thoughts and emotions are actually pretty natural in my opinion. Layla is a very very good cello player who has a lot of pressure from her father to move forward with her career. Most surprising though, this the pressure that she receives from her “best” friend. I have a personality a bit like Layla’s, so I can completely understand the desire to tell Annie (best friend) off and try and explain what’s going on inside to her dad – but they are both so driven and involved, it would not be an easy road to navigate.

Anyhow, this book moves forward expectedly when notes are left in the practice room at school (I forgot to mention, Tripp plays guitar as his emotional outlet…kind of important to include, yeah?) What starts out as sniping and smart alec retorts turns into understanding and friendship. The book has many smiling and laugh out loud moments, but at the heart is just sweet and great. I will say, at the climax I was almost in tears. I mean, I KNEW this book was going to have a happy ending, but some very harsh things were said and I couldn’t help but feel really bad for Tripp.

This book is well written, characters are funny and interesting. Best of all – this book is in the “teen” section, and it absolutely belongs there. Very age appropriate and not to hot and heavy, yet I think in many ways it captures the confused emotions and the pressure that some teens face…with a lot of innocence thrown in there. I liked that.(less)

like · see review

Sep 26, 2012 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: epistolary-fiction, fiction, music, young-adult, friendship

I loved this book. I saw it on the new book truck at the library and decided to give it a try. At first glance, the two main characters, Tripp Broody and Lyla Marks, seems to have nothing in common. Tripp is not a very good student, has no set plans for his future, and thinks of his mother as a termite. The one positive characteristic Tripp does have is knowing and seemingly feeling comfortable with who he is. Lyla is a serious cello player, gets good grades, joins clubs with her domineering fri...more

like · see review

Jul 29, 2012 Katy rated it 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars - I really wish GR had half stars. (Rolling Credit Song: Sum 41's "With Me")

WHAT THE HELL?!? I would have given this book five stars had it not been for the end.

The book started off really, really strong for a cute, light read. I'm not usually a fan of short, choppy transitions, but for some reason, it worked in this book. I thought Amato did a great job switching between Tripp's and Lyla's points of view, and the abrupt flow kind of reflected their quick, snappish responses to each ot...more 3.5 stars - I really wish GR had half stars. (Rolling Credit Song: Sum 41's "With Me")

WHAT THE HELL?!? I would have given this book five stars had it not been for the end.

The book started off really, really strong for a cute, light read. I'm not usually a fan of short, choppy transitions, but for some reason, it worked in this book. I thought Amato did a great job switching between Tripp's and Lyla's points of view, and the abrupt flow kind of reflected their quick, snappish responses to each other. And their responses had me laughing pretty much all the way through the book.

I will say that the summary misled me to think that Tripp was a "bad boy, guitar player," so he wasn't exactly what I had pictured going into the book, but it's okay because I loved him anyway. (Shhh, I was so not gushing!) He was comically dramatic and had a hilarious sarcastic sense of humor. And Ms. Perfect Lyla was a bit wound up, but she didn't come across as a bitch - just a sheltered girl with high expectations - and her wittiness made up for her uptight behavior.

Yes, the storyline was totally cliche and totally predictable, but the writing style and engaging dialogue made me really enjoy the book, and I could have easily given it five stars.

HOWEVER, in all of these types of book, there is some climatic situation that stirs up the pot and causes a drift between our two leading roles and some traumatic event that causes the "antagonists" to realize what's important.

And THIS is where I think Amato handled it poorly. Why, oh, why did she have to write the overused excuse that EVERYONE uses, especially since she's ALREADY used it before with Tripp's father! There was SO much that Amato could have done - possibly something with auditions - and it's SO disappointing that is what she came up with. So of course, once it happens, readers can already guess how the book ends.

But I guess the reason why I'm still considering rounding up or down is because the ending was so abrupt. I mean, we're going through the book almost on a daily basis, and all of a sudden, Amato skips three months and summarizes the rest of the book in a few pages. I'm sorry, that "closure" was really weak. How could a book that started off so strong ended up so disappointing. Sigh. Otherwise, like I said, I would have easily given it five stars.(less)

2 likes · like · see review

May 24, 2013 SIMON Karine rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ce livre est une très jolie découverte. C’est un roman jeunesse, qui retrace la naissance d’une très jolie amitié entre deux adolescents que tout opposent au premier abord, mais la musique, et plus précisément une guitare va les rapprocher. Le point fort de ce livre, ce sont les personnages, que ce soit Tripp ou Lyla, ils m’ont touchés chacun à leur manière.

Tripp est un adolescent introverti et asocial. Il n’a pas d’ami, il est presque toujours seul. Ses résultats en classe sont catastrophiques,...more Ce livre est une très jolie découverte. C’est un roman jeunesse, qui retrace la naissance d’une très jolie amitié entre deux adolescents que tout opposent au premier abord, mais la musique, et plus précisément une guitare va les rapprocher. Le point fort de ce livre, ce sont les personnages, que ce soit Tripp ou Lyla, ils m’ont touchés chacun à leur manière.

Tripp est un adolescent introverti et asocial. Il n’a pas d’ami, il est presque toujours seul. Ses résultats en classe sont catastrophiques, ses relations avec sa mère ne sont pas au beau fixe. Il est orphelin de père. La seule chose qui l’intéresse, c’est la musique et surtout sa guitare.

Lyla est tout le contraire. Elle est violoncelliste, elle fait parti de l’orchestre de l’école, c’est une surdouée de la musique. Mais elle est également excellente élève. Elle est orpheline de mère. Elle participe avec Annie sa meilleur amie, a des activités le soir, pour des œuvres de bienfaisance. Bref, elle a tout de la jeune fille modèle et parfaite, du moins en apparence.

Ces deux-là n’auraient jamais du devenir amis, ils n’ont rien en commun, à part la musique.

Quand sa mère lui supprime sa guitare, Tripp n’a d’autre choix que de tenter de s’inscrire sur la liste des élèves demandant à répéter au lycée, même s’il ne fait pas parti de l’orchestre. Le professeur finit par accepter, et lui prête même une vieille guitare. Tripp doit partager sa salle avec Lyla. Il aura les jours impairs et elle, les jours pairs.

Ils vont d’abord faire connaissance par message interposé. Lyla, maniaque des règles et de l’obéissance, va faire remarquer à Tripp, qu’il est censé ranger son matériel tous les jours. Ils vont jouer au chat et à la souris. On comprend très vite que Lyla n’a pas envie de répéter, et qu’elle se sent toujours obligé de dire oui, et de faire ce qu’on attend d’elle. Elle n’a pas envie de décevoir les autres quitte à souffrir. Mais, elle va finir par se rebeller, et découvrir enfin, ce qu’elle a envie de faire. De son côté, Tripp va s’assagir, il va se mettre à travailler. Leur rencontre sera vite bénéfique pour eux deux, même si les autres ne seront pas de cet avis. Ils finiront même discrètement par créer un duo de musiciens, malheureusement, pour eux, ça va finir par se savoir…

Les jeux de mots dans ce livre m’ont vraiment fait sourire, les deux protagonistes de notre histoire se laissent des petits messages teintés d’une bonne dose d’humour. Autre point positif, à la fin du livre, nous avons toute une série de tablatures (partitions) pour interpréter les morceaux de musique (c’est la musicienne qui parle, là !), et il y a sur la couverture du livre, un flash-code pour écouter les différentes musiques.

En bref, j’ai vraiment aimé ce livre, il n’est pas passé loin du coup de cœur, et je pense que ma fille va très vite me l’emprunter. Il s’agit d’un roman, plein de fraîcheur, qui donne du baume au cœur, un roman positif, qui nous raconte la naissance d’une très belle amitié. N’oubliez-pas : La musique adoucit les mœurs !

Pour écouter la musique du livre : http://thrumsociety.com/the-songs/

Ce roman a été publié aux Editions Nathan en mai 2013.

http://milleetunepages.com/2013/05/24...(less)

like · see review

Sep 27, 2012 Rachmi rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: mery riansyah

Shelves: ebook, contemporary-romance

3.5 Stars

I really enjoyed read this book. It was quick and light read, the story was sweet and witty. Actually, Tripp’s mom’s letter captured my eyes and made me curious about the story.

Dear Tripp,
I know you’re going to be mad at me, but you didn’t keep up your end of the bargain. You didn’t do your summer reading or math packet. You didn’t do anything but lock yourself in this room and play the guitar. It’s like you’re addicted to it. It’s unhealthy and isolating. You are capable of getting str...more 3.5 Stars

I really enjoyed read this book. It was quick and light read, the story was sweet and witty. Actually, Tripp’s mom’s letter captured my eyes and made me curious about the story.

Dear Tripp,
I know you’re going to be mad at me, but you didn’t keep up your end of the bargain. You didn’t do your summer reading or math packet. You didn’t do anything but lock yourself in this room and play the guitar. It’s like you’re addicted to it. It’s unhealthy and isolating. You are capable of getting straight A’s. You can have your guitar back if you have all A’s at the end of the semester and if you at least attempt to be more social. Don’t bring a sour face to school. Nobody likes that. Talk to people this year, okay? It won’t kill you.

Love, Mom

P.S. You have brought this on yourself. I really believe that you’re going to thank me for this in the long run.

From the letter I knew that there’s something happen to Tripp so his mom tried to ‘save’ him. Tripp, like most teenagers, didn’t get along with his mom so their keep fighting. In an odd way, I enjoyed their disagreement, I found it very funny and witty.

“I’m not talking to you, Mom.”
“How was school?”
“I said I’m not talking to you.”
“I spoke with your algebra teacher at lunch,” his mom says. “She’ll only take off two points if you turn in your summer packet at the end of this week.”
“I spoke with God today. He’ll only take off two points if you confess your sins and return my guitar.”

It was obvious Amato can create words because it well written and I can feel what the characters feel. I laugh and sad with them. I especially like the way she take any kind of communication between Tripp and Lyla, it was so good. The notes, the letters, the short messages, the emails, even the song lyrics can describe the whole story.

However, I’m not quite satisfied with the ending. It was ordinary and predictable. But I’m still rounding it up to 4 because after all I enjoyed 85% of the story and the writing was good and I love the characters.
(less)

like · see review

Oct 18, 2012 Ari rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-mm, feelings-are-all-over-me

I have so many "currently-reading" books on my shelves (yes, I'm greedy ^^), so I read a few pages of this and a few pages of that, looking which one is hooked me on their few first pages. And this book did it!

The story started with light, charming and cute,about two different high school student. Trippy Broody; Mr. Odd, the guitarist, his mom first message when he start his new semester was try to make a friend. Lyla Marks; Ms. Even, the cellist,the straight A & the popular girl, but not so...more

like · see review

Aug 24, 2012 BeegPanda Panda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: band-or-music, sweet-hero, sweet-heroine, tear-jerkers, teen-ya, tugs-on-heartstrings, lol-humor

Enchanting, insightful and delightful.

Full of wittisicms, laugh out loud moments and sadness.

Seeing the way young Tripp and Lyla's minds work - what an experience. Boy oh boy, young ones are something else. A species on their own and Ms Amato captures it perfectly: how wise and yet so naive they are, their frustrations and joy. Ahh, the list is long....

I dont have a musical bone in my body yet every note in this story got to me. Then there are the little handwritten notes, words, feelings. Exce...more

like · see review

Aug 01, 2012 Deniz rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya, high-school

its 3.5 Stars

Guitar Notes was exceptionally funny and witty. Its well written. I loved the style Amato used to tell her story.
It would have been a 5star book up to about 80%of the story. Then it suddenly took a turn, which I really didnt care for and I was left startled at the end.
I have been thinking what put me off about the story line and still cant quite put my finger on it. But somehow it feels like there are two books somehow put together or like there isnt a clear thread through the book....more its 3.5 Stars

Guitar Notes was exceptionally funny and witty. Its well written. I loved the style Amato used to tell her story.
It would have been a 5star book up to about 80%of the story. Then it suddenly took a turn, which I really didnt care for and I was left startled at the end.
I have been thinking what put me off about the story line and still cant quite put my finger on it. But somehow it feels like there are two books somehow put together or like there isnt a clear thread through the book...

The book is about Lyla and Tripp. Layla being the classically trained Cellist and Tripp the guitar player.

Layla is a straight A student, she is always at her best behaviour and a hopeful for a music carreer.
Tripp is antisocial, a problem kid so seemingly the complete opposite to Lyla.
The two of them end up in an unlikely friendship, that seems to make them both stronger and open. (well a little) They both discover that they have more in common than any one would think. And through their music find a way to express themselves.

I enjoyed watching their friendship grow and love Tripps thrum and vibrations theories! Amato described their feeling for their music beautifully.
The thing that bogs all of it down are all the cliches that are thrown at you. Every other character is total cliche, from the teachers to the best friends even to both parents they were written a million times before. But that actually didnt disturb me that much. for the first 80% that is.

Same goes to the story line. It starts cute and fun and then its just cliche. So sad because I believe that Amato could have done better, way better actually. She shows such finesse, subtlety and wit on hand, on the other hand she is totally unimaginative.

The whole book actually fails on the story line. It feels like there was a rush at the end and Amato had to quickly add a twist and end. The twist being preceeded by a huge cliche (view spoiler) and the end being an sudden HEA, which is the mother of all cliches!

The whole thing is so very disappointing because I believe that Amato has way more talent than that and this should have been a 5star book! (less)

like · see review

Dec 27, 2012 Sadie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, cutsie, music-y, contemporary

Firstly, the summary for this book is pretty short but sums up really what does happen in Guitar Notes. This book is about a friendship about a seemingly perfect girl and lonely misunderstood boy.. and that's about it.

Usually in novels where you have opposites forming a friendship (which tends to evolve into romance I've noticed) there is some sort of big pressure from close ones or dramatic event that puts a big ol' strain on the friendship/romance which happens around the middle of the book. I...more Firstly, the summary for this book is pretty short but sums up really what does happen in Guitar Notes. This book is about a friendship about a seemingly perfect girl and lonely misunderstood boy.. and that's about it.

Usually in novels where you have opposites forming a friendship (which tends to evolve into romance I've noticed) there is some sort of big pressure from close ones or dramatic event that puts a big ol' strain on the friendship/romance which happens around the middle of the book. In Guitar Notes pretty much the whole book is about this blossoming friendship through notes then emails then texts then calls then in person to represent the evolution of said friendship... but the dramatic event? It happens and is solved in the last 40 or so pages of the novel.

I can't say I'm a very big fan of the.. event (look how hard I'm trying to keep this review spoiler free!) either, it didn't really fit. I guess for some people that's what thought is so good, the fact that you don't expect anything like this to happen after pages and pages of simple interactions between the two characters but that's exactly what I didn't really enjoy when reading Guitar Notes. I feel like it was too sudden for a book where I had grown used to being quite mellow and accepted was going to be a book with no real plot but a sweet message. Not only do I feel like the event (this no spoiler thing is difficult!) didn't fit, I also think it was solved too fast and easily to feel realistic and relatable.

Speaking of relatable, I find it hard to really understand characters and their feelings when the writing is in third person but as a whole Guitar Notes being written in third person actually worked really well and I appreciate the way Amato was able to write a book, not in first person, and still make me feel attached to the characters.

Before I finish, although I tried VERY hard not to, I couldn't help but compare Guitar Notes to Forman's If I Stay simply because of the clear similarities of the cello playing girl, the guitar, the music, the loss of family, the opposites.. there was a lot of similarities actually! If I Stay is still one of my very favourite books so Guitar Notes with such similar ideas that I feel aren't executed as amazingly perfect as in If I Stay made me automatically disappointed. I wanted more intensity and heartbreak only because that's what I got from If I Stay. I know that it's unfair that I'm comparing the two books because Guitar Notes has a completely different tone and the book I feel is very carefree and light but I'm sure that I'm not the only person who read the two and compared them.

Overall, I liked the feel of Guitar Notes, the ideas of not having the obligation to live your parents dreams and the need to be yourself in a world of people trying to please others. The story is a sweet one and although the ending is a little too abrupt for my liking, I think it's a worthwhile book to read.

Check out more reviews and my music choice for Guitar Notes at Lyrics.(less)

like · see review

Aug 07, 2012 Angeline rated it 4 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

Amato's writing style is incredible and itenthralledme until the very end. When I first read the synopsis of this book, I thought it would be a very cute, but stereotypical, music-themed love. As I got pulled into the story, Amato surprised me at every turn.

The beginning was well written and the characters seemed rock-solid. I loved that even though their personalities were so different and each had his/her own problem, they were able to connect through their music. Amato is a genius at...more 3.5 Stars

Amato's writing style is incredible and it enthralled me until the very end. When I first read the synopsis of this book, I thought it would be a very cute, but stereotypical, music-themed love. As I got pulled into the story, Amato surprised me at every turn.

The beginning was well written and the characters seemed rock-solid. I loved that even though their personalities were so different and each had his/her own problem, they were able to connect through their music. Amato is a genius at creating captivating and lovable characters. Her characters come off as real people rather than 2-D characters. The interactions between Tripp and Lyla are so cute and their little snarky banter within the notes made me laugh. In this case, opposites do attract and they brought the best out of each other. Without each other, on their own, they are vulnerable . But together, they push each other to try their best and break out of their shy,little shells. Lyla learns that playing the cello just to please people isn't the way to appreciate her inner love of music. Tripp learns to let others, not just himself, enjoy his music.

But, (yes there is a but) as the story progress, the plot starts to fall apart! The story looks like one big cliff. You go up, up ,up, then BAM! Climax (a cop-out, predictable, weak conflict), then straight down to everything is okay. THE END. asdjaldajkawdjwqdlkjawdk She did so well in the beginning and middle (I seriously thought this would be a great Indie movie >.<), but the book was ruined by the ending. Like Amato didn't have any imagination left and decided to end it ASAP. More plot twists were definitely needed to create a well-rounded story.

Overall: I wish WISH Amato had written more and decided to actually keep the book on track. The ending left me so unsatisfied and although I felt the connection/chemistry between Tripp and Lyla, I wish the romance factor would kick up a notch. At least add a couple kiss scenes! The Ending made me want to smack my face. You can find the songs in the book at Thrum Society

This review can be found on my blog Hidden Adventures of a Teenage Reader (less)

like · see review

Sep 07, 2012 Riley rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, young-adult

Somewhere between 3 and 4 stars. Closer to 4, I think.

It was an easy, breezy read (in a good way) and I really liked how fully fleshed out / strongly developed the two main characters were.

I wasn't *emotionally* engaged until the last 50 or so pages, but in fairness, at the end I was crying a lot.

The parents were the antagonists, and fairly one-dimensional, which I'm kind of sick of... but I can forgive that. (If so many other books weren't doing that, and poorly, then it probably wouldn't have...more

like · see review

$~^ω^~{Augusti}~^ω^~$

Feb 12, 2013 ~^ω^~{Augusti}~^ω^~ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: band, favorites, ya, refreshing, all-smile, book-with-my-review, 2013-challenge, 2013-a-z-reading-challenge

Synopsis:

A heartwarming story about an unlikely friendship forged between a straight-A, classical musician and a bad-boy guitar player told through notes, lyrics, texts, and narration.

My Review:

Guitar Notes is a refreshing story about blossoming friendship and love for music, about choices and its effects on you and around you.

WARNING
If you haven't read the book please don't go ahead and read ....huge spoiler alert....
(view spoiler)...more Synopsis:

A heartwarming story about an unlikely friendship forged between a straight-A, classical musician and a bad-boy guitar player told through notes, lyrics, texts, and narration.

My Review:

Guitar Notes is a refreshing story about blossoming friendship and love for music, about choices and its effects on you and around you.

WARNING
If you haven't read the book please don't go ahead and read ....huge spoiler alert....
(view spoiler)(less)

like · see review

Jan 10, 2013 Missy Frye rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-reads, contemporary, ya

What Drew Me to This Book?

Music. I love music. My music tastes range from heavy metal to classical and most points in-between. Hand me a book that features two extremes of the medium, throw in characters with opposite personalities and I’m hooked.

Synopsis taken from book:

On odd days, Tripp Broody uses a school practice room to let loose on a borrowed guitar. Eyes closed, strumming that beat-up instrument, Tripp escapes to a world where only the music matters.

On even days, Lyla Marks uses the s

...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 14, 2012 Meoshi yui rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: amazing-love, top-10-books

When it comes to books, I'm pretty easy to please. This book is an exception. I was beyond pleased, this should be worth more than five stars I was halfway finished before I checked it out from the library and finished it later that day. I didn't need vampires flying around for me to get so into this book, I loved it and its simplicity.

Lyla, who is called Even due to her even days in the music practice room and Tripp is called odd by Lyla due to his odd days. Just the names they call each other...more

like · see review

Sep 04, 2012 Katy Budget Books rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: magen

Magen says: This was an adorable, quick young adult read. I found the two main characters' interactions to be very entertaining. Tripp's snarky notes, left behind for Lyla to find in the practice room they share on alternating days, had me laughing out loud more than once. Some of his observations reminded me of John Green's writing (which is a good thing). Songwriting was an integral part of the story, and just as I was starting to wish the book came with a soundtrack, I was delighted to find t...more

like · see review

Nov 12, 2012 Adrienne rated it 3 of 5 stars

Lyla Marks is one of those practically perfect girls--straight A student and an amazing cellist. Tripp Broody is a guitarist who is failing his classes. When the two are assigned to share a music practice room, Lyla on even days and Tripp on odd days, they initially irritate each other. However, as they leave notes for each other in the room, at first expressing that irritation but then genuinely getting to know each other, they find that they manage to bring out the best in each other--and in o...more

like · see review

Aug 01, 2012 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-read

My cheeks are hurting for smiling all the time. Yes, this book is that sweet. I love how the friendship starts, the exchange of little notes (view spoiler), how Tripp makes Lyla face things she keep trying to hide away from, the songwriting.

Man, I love everything.

I think the description of "bad boy" doesn't really do Tripp any justice. He's not a bad boy at all, he doesn't do bad boy things, he's just a boy who likes nothing...more

like · see review

Mar 18, 2013 Robyn Jones rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, favorites

Guitar Notes
by Mary Amato
314 pages
Publisher: EgmontUSA (7/24/12)
downloaded from the local library
5 STARS

Tripp Broody is not a bad kid. He's not even apathetic. He has simply allowed himself one love, his guitar. As a result, his mother decides he needs more in life and takes his love away. Lyla Marks lies nonstop, but not the way you're thinking. Lyla doesn't want to disappoint the people she cares about, so she pretends. She plasters on smiles and offers the right words. She plays her cello per...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 15, 2012 Rebecca rated it 4 of 5 stars

Love the story of the high school kids and how they take charge of their lives. This book for teens is a reminder for me as a parent that we can't protect our kids from everything and sometimes it's not even a good idea to try. Parents can be obstacles to their kids' efforts to become who they are.

I like the stuff I learn along the way in Mary Amato's books. This one has information about music and science (painless, interesting, part of the story). Invisible Lines has science I still think abo...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 24, 2012 Tara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: platonic-teen-reads, music

This book was truly a treat. Hard to find a teen novel with a great friendship between male and female characters that doesn't end in true love or someone's heart getting broken. Amato's use of notes and songs to express the narrative was clever and well done, giving the reader a glimpse into Lyla and Tripp's true characters. While I can agree that the ending was rushed, it didn't bother me so much. And, here's why...Amato kinda backed herself into a corner with the (view spoiler)...more

like · see review

Dec 29, 2012 Pat Santander rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: personal-favorites

WOW!

This is really CUTE and ODD in a really interesting way! It's like I'm relearning how to play the guitar again. It feels that I'm getting back to my odd old self. I'm feeling happy and weird. I used to love words, phrases, poems, lyrics, songs, and music in general. I so have a weakness in music! Yeah because I'm a frustrated singer. But now I'm lost and doesn't want to be found. And my tears won't stop from falling because I'm in love with this book! I felt how it vibrated to my soul! Now...more

like · see review

Aug 25, 2012 Bettyjane rated it 4 of 5 stars

To add a nitpicky criticism to a book I otherwise truly enjoyed---I wish the author hadn't dismissed classical music in the manner she does---i.e. "You're copying and repeating something that somebody wrote a long time ago" or " I don't copy and repeat music that somebody else thinks is good. I play what's inside me." And my favorite-- "Scales are boring. If you're going to play, PLAY"
Geez, these remarks made me bristle . As if a classical musician can't bring their own personality to a piece....more

like · see review

Jan 22, 2013 Sara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, borrowed-library

I found this book to be quite enjoyable! It starts off with Tripp getting his guitar taken away by his mom until he can get his grades up. But the guitar is the only thing he feels he has and needs. So he signs up to get practice time in the school music room and use a guitar the school has in storage. Here is where he gets to know Lyla. He has odd days and she has even days. They start writing notes back and forward, and eventually become friends. She starts using the guitar, and he knows it, a...more

3 likes · like · see review

Jul 25, 2012 Ryan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-ya-books, school-library-journal

The first enjoyable YA book I've read in awhile. It follows the exploits of Tripp and Lyla (I might be partial to these character names because they sound like characters in 'Friday Night Lights'), one a "bad boy" (he's actually not really the bad) and the other a straight-A "perfect" student. I was much more partial to the Lyla character; author Mary Amato seemed to write the female character much more naturally, whereas I felt that Tripp's (often misplaced) aggression was, at times, forced. St...more

like · see review

Dec 17, 2012 Vernon Area Public Library rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: junior-high-fiction, realistic-fiction

This book brought back memories of high school. The main characters, Lyla (Ms. Even) and Tripp (Mr. Odd) share a practice room during the week. Lyla is supposed to be practicing cello (which is a stress for her) while Tripp practices on the school guitar. Their paths converge one day when Lyla leaves Tripp a note tucked in the guitar strings, asking him to clean up after himself since they share the practice room. And thus begins a note-writing frenzy that culminates in a solid friendship. Lover...more

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 72 73 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (4)

Genres

Music

38 users

Young Adult

36 users

Contemporary

22 users

Romance

14 users

Realistic Fiction

14 users

Young Adult > High School

8 users

Young Adult > Teen

7 users

Young Adult > Young Adult Contemporary

4 users

Romance > Contemporary Romance

3 users

Young Adult > Young Adult Romance

3 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Backdraft
by H.M. Ward
Supergirl Mixtapes
by Meagan Brothers
Just Flirt
by Laura Bowers
The Best Night of Your (Pathetic) Life
by Tara Altebrando
After Hello
by Lisa Mangum

About Mary Amato

Born January 3, 1961, in Belvidere, IL; grew up in Libertyville, Illinois; married Ivan Amato (a science writer); children: Maxwell, Simon. Pets: Sorry, none! Favorite food: Chocolate.

I studied special education and dance at Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana. In graduate school, I studied fiction writing and poetry at Johns Hopkins University in Washington, DC.

More about Mary Amato...

Books by Mary Amato

Edgar Allan's Official Crime Investigation Notebook

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Guitar Notes

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

Quotes from Guitar Notes

“Maybe it explains the reason why one person likes another. It's because their souls both thrum at the same frequency.” — 18 people liked it

“You do realize that you are a termite. You are eating through my soul.” — 9 people liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: Guitar Notes
avg rating	preview: Guitar Notes Goodreads rating: 3.96 (635 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12951695-guitar-notes?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1319462433l/12951695.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12951695-guitar-notes?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Guitar Notes by Mary Amato[/url]

Guitar Notes

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website