Thursday, September 26, 2024

9.26.2024 - The Lightning Bottles

The Lightning Bottles by Marissa Stapley

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Marissa Stapley.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Jane and Elijah met when they were teenagers, communicating through the very basic internet available.  Neither were happy and they connected immediately.  When they finally met in person, it was magical on all levels - personal and then professional, as Jane wrote sons that Elijah sang.  They got the big break they were dreaming of and became famous.  But fame comes at a steep price.  Elijah disappears, presumed dead, and Jane becomes hated around the world.  She retreats to the solitude of Germany, only to be discovered by a teenage neighbor who claims to have proof that Elijah is still alive.

I loved this book!  If you liked Daisy Jones and the Six, this is the perfect book for you.  Taking place in the 1990s, when internet was in its infancy, and the Seattle grunge scene was taking over the airways, it's nostalgic in all the best ways.  Told in the present as the neighbor, Hen, convinces Jane to go on an investigative trip, with flashbacks to Jane and Elijah's story.  It definitely shows the dark side of the music business, as well as the prevalent drug culture and addiction battles.  The characters are the best part though - I connected with them right away, felt their angst and struggles, and rooted for them throughout the book.  This is a must read!

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