Lackluster effort by a writer who still has much to learn about creating characters that can hold a person's interest.

I studied at Berklee College of Music and so was very interested to read this novel, about a young woman who struggles with the direction of her musical career. Although some of the peripheral characters were interesting, I found the main character, Gala, annoyingly whiney and her insights on music familiar, and the story itself -- since it revolved around Gala's self-absorption -- not terribly compelling. I felt like the author stayed on very safe territory. Despite some nice writing, this book was not worth the money.

First novel or not, Garbus has struck a responsive chord with those of us who have been there..oboist, pianist or whatever. The first real discussion of real problems for young people trying to find their way in the field of profesional music. She's been there, or at least convinced me that she knew what she was talking about. More truth than fiction!!!