You're The Kind of Girl I Write Songs About
HarperCollins, $17.99 pb, 352 pp, 9780732299507
You're The Kind of Girl I Write Songs About by Daniel Herborn
Surely Mandy and Tim have met before. Floundering during her gap year, Mandy mostly watches daytime television and works at a sandwich shop. Tim, who is repeating Year Twelve under the guardianship of his uncle, tries to deal with teachers and assignments, and to move on from a nightmare year. Both characters are effusive about their love of music.
Mandy and her best friend have attended dozens of gigs in inner-western Sydney. Tim is now a solo musician after years of playing in bands. Before he steps onstage for a weeknight band competition, Tim observes Mandy across the room. Mesmerised, he knows he will remember this 'one-two punch' moment. Following Mandy and Tim as they build a relationship, Daniel Herborn does a terrific job of representing the intensity of their physical attraction. Later, events from Tim's past threaten the swift and blissful start to their relationship.
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