Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly

Sixteen-year-old, music- and sound design-obsessed Drea doesn’t have friends. She has, as she’s often reminded, issues. Drea’s mom and a rotating band of psychiatrists have settled on “a touch of Asperger’s.”

Having just moved to the latest in a string of new towns, Drea meets two other outsiders. And Naomi and Justin seem to actually like Drea. The three of them form a band after an impromptu, Portishead-comparison-worthy jam after school. Justin swiftly challenges not only Drea’s preference for Poe over Black Lab but also her perceived inability to connect with another person. Justin, against all odds, may even like like Drea.

It’s obvious that Drea can’t hide behind her sound equipment anymore. But just when she’s found not one but two true friends, can she stand to lose one of them?

Going into it, I didn’t think I would like this book very much. In the past I’ve found it hard to find a music book that did the topic justice. Harmonic Feedback showed me that there aren’t only good books about music, but there are also good books dealing with psychiatric disorders. Drea’s struggle with fitting in is something that almost everyone can relate to. The way she overcomes her fears is really admirable.
I also liked the fact that Justin was sweet and mysterious. When the truth came out he admitted his faults and made sure Drea was comfortable with being near him. Such a gentleman!
Tara Kelly showed that people can overcome their struggles. She also showed that no matter what has happened in the past you can almost always find someone whom you can relate to. The characters were written really well. I was interested in their well-being and what they did. Tara seemed to know Drea inside and out, which is always a good thing.
The only other books I’ve read that show a love of music as well as Harmonic Feedback are Shrinking Violet and I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone.
This is Tara Kelly’s first book and I think she did an amazing job writing it, I’m looking forward to reading her future published novels and I hope they will be as great as Harmonic Feedback was!

FTC- Bought