I had the wonderful opportunity to review Inglath Cooper's 4-part series, Nashville. I am a fan of the show Nashville, predominantly because I love country music and I have totally purchased songs off of iTunes as soon as I have heard a new favorite on an episode. Telescope, both the acoustic and Hayden P's version are some of my favorites. So when I was asked to review a copy of all four parts of Cooper's work, I was excited! What I like about this storyline, even more than the show Nashville, is that the plot surrounds up-and-coming musicians. They're trying to make their way in the heart of country music. So although this book shares the same name as a popular show, they're really not alike.
I brought this book with me on a recent business trip to Wisconsin and it was a fast read, taking me about 2.5 hours to get through a sizeable amount of the text. Cooper's characters are engaging and what I really like about them is that it's fun for the reader to cheer them on as they make their way from renting an apartment with no furniture to playing at the Bluebird Cafe.
The storyline starts off innocently enough, a blonde girl (CeCe Mackenzie) is trying to make her way into country music. She takes off in a beat up a car, with her guitar, lyric book, and dog. Of course the car breaks down (epically), but it's almost divine intervention as she meets two Georgia men who are also in the business of making their way into country music. Both of these guys played football back home while in college and it kind of reminded me of the real-life storyline of hunky musician Sam Hunt.
Cooper builds a trusting relationship with her characters as CeCe is almost embraced into this small family of two buddies. Of course, there has to be a romantic storyline and I was almost disappointed that Cooper chose to go with what felt like the obvious choice (tall, dark, handsome). I actually wanted her to go after Thomas Franklin ;). However, the love interest is a bit tainted and Cooper does a really good job of keeping a realistic approach to it. While I feel the relationships were really well done, Cooper does throw in some interesting plot twists that at times felt kind of like I was reading a Sims game but it was fun. I really enjoyed how her characters chose to face adversity yet valued integrity. I think that's a wonderful life lesson to include in young adult novels. Cooper navigates some rather complicated relationships and scenarios throughout the four-part series. The fourth part is especially complicated with a rather dark scenario, but again Cooper puts her characters through intense situations to let their character development be the focus.
This is a great read for the person who is looking to fall in love with a group of characters who are just genuinely good people. You get to root for the good guys! There is something so charming about this little family of three and you want to see them succeed and for everyone to be happy. It's perfect for a plane ride or an upcoming poolside read.
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