FICTION: Deep Cuts: A Novel, by Holly Brickley

I'm kicking off our first June event with this debut novel by Holly Brickley that's been on my to-read list. I'm a sucker for mixtapes/playlists and the music of the early 2000s (The Shins, Modest Mouse, Interpol, LCD Soundsystem, etc.) holds a special place in my heart. Music + love + life = should be fun. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214269394-deep-cuts

"Deep Cuts are the more obscure titles in a musician’s biography. They constitute the sweet spot of a musician’s oeuvre where only superfans and music aficionados take shelter. Holly Brickley’s protagonist, Percy, accords this term her own definition, “I personally like to pretend the phrase “deep cut” has a totally different meaning, one that has nothing to do with anyone else’s opinion. How deep does it cut? How close to the bone? How long do you feel it?” It’s an easter egg for how the reader should devour this book, too. For all this talk about depth, the story operates on tangible surfaces. How much you want to feel is up to you, which is a good thing, for the book isn’t bogged down by the pretension of being something it’s not. It’s a breezy read, but not a single scene exists without purpose, and not a single editorial call is made without a callback. How strongly do you want to feel the highs and the lows (despite what the overall context of the book suggests, there are some unpalatable experiences woven in, once again, in the manner of the era: character-defining, but unacknowledged beyond the event)?" — Kritika Narula, Compulsive Reader

*Note, this first event will be at my place in West Berkeley (near Page and Fifth Street), so it will be super low-key! My apartment is cozy and I have just enough room for 6 of us. It's also not usually hard to find street parking nearby. I will provide beverages and some snacks. Feel free to bring something if you want, but you are not required to! Please be aware that I have a senior beagle mix, Frito, who will be around in case you are allergic/don't like dogs. Please reach out if you have any questions. Thanks!