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Book Review: Catcher in the Rye

Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Pages: 196

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Rating: 4 stars

In the novel, Catcher in the Rye, the reader follows the life of seventeen year old Holden Caulfield. This story mainly takes place in New York City. Holden is a teenager who is struggling with the looming complexities of adulthood. He does not apply himself at school and ultimately gets expelled from his prep school. After he leaves decides to wander around the city for a few days where he continues to struggles to cross the bridge from childhood to a “phony” adult world.

This book is unique in the sense that it does not have a plot. However, it is an excellent coming of age story that I would recommend to readers in high school. I think that Holden is a character with a lot of depth that young readers may relate to.

[glenrocklibraryteens]

Album Review: Blonde by Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean, boosted by his massively successful first album, Channel Orange, released Blonde in August of 2016. Personally, this album is one of my favorite albums of all time for so many reasons. The album is practically essential in any person’s array of music tastes, currently reaching 5 billion streams worldwide. My top two songs of the album would most likely be numbers 6 and 7 on the track list, Skyline To and Self Control.

Skyline To expresses the passage of time perfectly as Frank Ocean spews random, undeveloped thoughts as the song plays. As his life changes, he recognizes the change and realizes how fast things are capable of changing. The song contains a beautiful instrumental break that uses synth notes and a light beat, which reminds me of a summer-y, warm night. The song exudes something that reminds me of a memory, making it one of my favorite songs ever.

Self Control audibly sounds generally chill, with only the use of a bass guitar to keep a rhythm. However, Frank Ocean re-pitches his voice in some parts to create a squeaky, almost comical, character occasionally sings its own parts of this song and many others on Blonde. There are many theories as to why he does this, but I would say that my favorite would be that he uses this higher pitch to characterize his more feminine side to create more depth in the stories that he portrays on his tracks. The song describes the relationship between two old lovers that couldn’t work out the timing. Frank expresses his familiarity with this past relationship, which makes the song feel much more personal and the story much more somber. A beautifully layered harmony that surges and fades off as you reach the end of the song creates a feeling of acceptance and resolve.

[glenrocklibraryteens]

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Coming of age, fiction

256 pages

5 stars

“We accept the love we think we deserve” 

     Written by Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower delves into the themes of friendship, love, adolescence, and the complexities of growing up. Set in 1990s Pittsburgh, the story follows Charlie, an introspective, socially awkward teenager through a series of letters to an anonymous friend. Chbosky explores Charlie’s deepening relationship with his friends Patrick and Sam as he faces the challenges of youth as a highschool freshman struggling with trauma and mental health. While illustrating Charlie’s life, Chbosky also touches on the impact of trauma on mental health and the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community during the 1990s.

     From the very first read I was completely in love with this book, more specifically the nostalgia and genuineness of it all. Chbosky doesn’t hesitate to provide an unmistakably honest portrayal of adolescence, which I think makes this book stand out among other coming of age stories. I found it to definitely be a heavy read, a heart wrenching, realistic novel about mental health, friendship, abuse, and self discovery. However, it was so thought provoking that towards the end I was granted with a new perspective on life and the significance of living in the moment. 

     The narrative that surrounds the importance of “feeling infinite” is something I find so beautiful, flawlessly depicting Chbosky’s idea of freedom in this book: that one who is infinite is aware that time will pass and moments will become lost in time, yet embraces each second like it’s their last. 

     Overall, I would recommend this book to those who enjoy an honest coming of age that touches on the realistic and heavy topics of growing up, while providing readers with a hopeful, thought-provoking message. This book still stands as one of my favorite reads, making it a 5/5 and a story that I will constantly remember and refer back to. 

[glenrocklibraryteens]

Book Review: The House on Mango Street

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

110 pages

Fiction

     Published in 1984, The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros is a coming of age novel that delves into themes of identity, women’s responsibilities, and the quest for self-expression through short vignettes. The story revolves around a young girl known as Esperanza Cordero, and her experiences, dreams, and observations about her family, friends, and the community around her. Esperanza’s journey and experiences represent her desire to escape the limitations of her environment and break through the challenges faced by those in her community. Through Esperanza’s story, Cisneros depicts the challenges of growing up as a Latina in a society where economic and cultural factors intertwine. 

     My first impression of the book was overall pretty positive. I found it so interesting how we explore Esperanza’s life through short stories, and how later in the book they resemble something much larger. I think Cisneros depicts Esperanza’s challenges and coming of age flawlessly through these vignettes, and does so while making it a thoughtful and entertaining read. 

     I admit that I wasn't entirely used to or fond of the writing style in this book. I felt like I couldn’t really connect all of the short stories together as a continuous whole. However, when I continued to read, I was able to see the beauty of this writing style and how much it helped me to create a continuous image in mye head. Each vignette seemed like a snapshot out of Esperanza's life. It was so descriptive that I felt immersed in the setting of the book, which allowed me to connect the plot points easier than ever in contrast to how I first felt. Cisneros’ ability to resemble images through words is one that I find extremely talented, and her unconventional approach to a coming-of-age story is one that I think captures the moments just as well, or even better, than a conventionally worded book. 

     Besides the clever layout, Cisneros’ writing is completely authentic. Esperanza’s story fully represents the struggles of growing up as Latina in a 1960s America without any sugar coating, making it a thought-provoking story while being set from a 12-year-old’s perspective. 

     Overall, I would recommend this book to those who want to explore a new approach on storytelling, and those who love a thought-provoking story that provides a very new perspective to a coming of age story. I would rate this book a 4.5, as it was a very educational, quick, and enjoyable read!

[glenrocklibraryteens]

Book Review: On The Road

On The Road by Jack Kerouac

307 pages

Fiction

     On The Road by Jack Kerouac illustrates a number of themes including the significance of human connections, the pursuit of freedom, and the search for meaning through the story of two friends; Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty and their extensive three-year journey across the United States in a quintessential 1950s America. Sal, a young writer representing the author Jack Kerouac, and Dean Moriarty, a reckless, energetic former prisoner and the ups and downs of their relationship provide a foundation for the story of their journey. 

     Kerouac’s writing style in On The Road is described as spontaneous as the nature of the story he tells. While the book is considered to be a work of fiction, the events occurring heavily reflect those of Kerouac’s life experience making it a roman à clef, a true story in which the characters are given different names. 

     My first impression of this book was very positive. Kerouac, from the very first chapter, seems to get right to the point and introduce the characters in little time, providing adequate context without adding in unnecessary information that could make the story seem like a drag. The pacing of the book is relatively quick, passing through the sequence of events as if we were in constant movement like the characters in the story rather than dwindling on one moment for too long. 

     While hitchhiking on the road across the US, Sal, Kerouac’s character, makes remarks about those he met regarding their motives and their nature. “(...) because he had no place he could stay in without getting tired of it and because there was nowhere to go but everywhere, [he] keeps rolling under the stars(…)” This specific passage flawlessly depicts all the various themes of this book in one. When Kerouac emphasized that there was nowhere to go but everywhere, he’s perfectly conveying the idea of freedom; that one with a true sense of individualism is always exploring, experiencing, and living life through continuous movement.

     I think this book caters to those genre-wise who love a medium-paced, autobiographical-sort of book with some fictional aspects. This book is also relatively short, and I think would attract those who love a quick, yet thoughtful read. Overall, On The Road, I’ve discovered, introduces a very different and interesting perspective that was meant to rebel against the consumerism and conformity of the 1950s, and the fixed idea of the “American dream” to embrace personal freedom and exploration, which I think is really interesting and thought provoking as a whole. Overall, I would rate this book 4 ½ stars, as it was a really enjoyable and thoughtful read!

[glenrocklibraryteens]

The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Genre: modernist literature, fiction, tragedy 180 pages, 9 chapters Rating: 4.5/5 stars The Great Gatsby is a story set in the roaring 20s in the height of the prohibition era. The story is told from the perspective of Nick Carraway, who is involved with every person in the plot. He takes us through a story from his past, where multiple love stories unfold, truth is brought into question, and the truly flawed characteristics of every person comes into light. I really loved this book because there were so many important themes that still apply today that were woven into the story. It also incorporated such a human feel into the characters, where you could tell that every person was flawed in a way that interfered with their goals, and watching it unfold in a romantic setting made it all the more interesting. Characters will develop in such a way that will have you rooting for them in one chapter and then being absolutely furious at them the next. It’s a fast read with a heavy meaning, and an ending that can be debated amongst friends or family for days after finishing. I would definitely recommend reading it.

[glenrocklibraryteens]

BOOK TALK: A GOOD GIRLS GUIDE TO MURDER

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p1mnGzaLDumSVCHN01pfEgRMsFWhQD5i/view?usp=drivesdk

[glenrocklibraryteens]

BOOK TALK: THE HUNGER GAMES

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18ElvFAzh2NP9TElOn78Bk1bsLLXaOJZr/view?usp=drivesdk

[glenrocklibraryteens]

BOOK TALK: TO ALL THE BOYS IVE LOVED BEFORE

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iWbs1E9gphLmToO1OMUh4V9wzP_NlKMn/view?usp=drivesdk

[glenrocklibraryteens]

A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G Summers

A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G. Summers Genre: Psychological fiction, thriller Page count: 240 Rating: 5 stars The book I felt I just had to recommend is A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G. Summers. Known by some because of apps like Pinterest, A Certain Hunger grabs readers in with its grotesque yet beautiful cover. From the beginning of the novel, I was instantly immersed in the author’s dark, clever, and fluid writing as we were introduced to the enticing world of food critic and serial killer Dorothy Daniels. Because of her incredibly blunt and detailed insights into the people around her early on, her cold and even barbaric intentions are apparent from the start. Besides her cannibalistic tendencies, being a female psychopath is a rarity in itself and is the very thing that makes her famous among researchers and students alike. For context though, the novel is composed from her perspective as she's writing her memoir in prison. The majority of the story maps and scatters her great loves as well as “great” murders and crimes (accidental and intentional) throughout the story. In the span of only a couple of chapters, we are taken from New York City to Siena, and more, as our twisted narrator recounts her experiences in nostalgic prose. A nostalgia that certainly requires a stronger stomach for most. Regardless, possibly the most remarkable aspect by far is witnessing a calculated yet nonchalant killer unravel before us. Whether you're an amateur in psychological thrillers or a long-time fan, this book is a wonderful start as its writing style is fairly easy to get behind. All in all, with satiric humor and morbid anecdotes, you won't find a more perfect manifestation of macabre and wit anywhere else. A Certain Hunger Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1WM4BqUDMVwdwxpdRyyOWW?si=gJ4iGfGhSSywUO-lXRzUsg&pi=u-qfmOELJDQumE Danse Macabre in G Minor by Camille Saint Saëns I picked this classical song because I thought the mood of the song perfectly embodies just how macabre the whole novel is, as well as the elegance Dorothy loves. Paper Bag by Fiona Apple I picked this song for this book because the whole song talks about the infatuation with men and the pain that comes with it, but what connects even more to Dorothy is the disappointment. Lyrics like “I thought he was a man, but he was just a little boy” and “hunger hurts but starving works when it costs too much to love” are especially perfect for the novel. Arsonist’s Lullabye by Hozier The lyrics talk about the borderline psychotic tendencies the person has experienced ever since he was a child. Now as an adult, the person is embracing their obsession and it’s clear in the lyrics: “Don’t you ever tame your demon, but always keep ‘em on a leash” Oblivion by Grimes I picked this song because it talks about being cautious about getting hurt , whether it’s murderous or by love. Carmen by Lana Del Rey I picked this song because if there’s ever a femme fatale protagonist , there needs to be a lana song. This song embodies Dorothy in the way she carries herself and deals with men. Lacrimosa by Mozart I picked this song because I felt this requiem fit the novel’s mood very well, especially as a theme song for the climax of the book.

[glenrocklibraryteens]

Circe by Madeline Miller

Circe by Madeline Miller Genre: historical/fantasy fiction (mythological) Page count: 393 Rating: 4 stars Circe is a the mythologically inspired story of a lone witch who was banished to an island. Circe is daughter to Helios, the sun god and Perse, an ocean nymph, and she learns that having a birthright doesn’t mean much in her case. Believing she didn’t have any powers, her family despised her so she spent most of her time by herself up until her teenage years. This was when she fell in love with a fisherman and she discovers her powers of sorcery when she turns him into a god. When he leaves her and falls in love with another nymph, Scylla, Circe gives him a potion that turns her into a horrific sea monster who becomes the beast all sailors must face. She eventually gets banished because of this, as well as, witchcraft to the island of Aiaia by herself. I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to plunge into the tales of Greek Mythology. It‘ll introduce you to the story of gods and warriors. Just like her former novel "The Song of Achilles" it is a modern retelling of an age old story, and it introduces the characters as if for the first time, making it easier for people who are starting out. The story as told by Circe, a goddess and witch, offered views on prophecies, exiles and verdicts, and much more from a female gaze. What’s especially refreshing is that Miller makes sure to write about the gods’ flaws which is incredibly unlike what other authors typically do. Even though at times it was a slow read (could be just me), I loved it by the end and definitely recommend it. Circe playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5PGwUhHQh0KKNS2f2BtQrX?si=3C8dPmaSSu-LzXovkAFZFg&pi=u-k47HOxZ2Tsm5 Sunlight by Hozier: I picked this song because it perfectly embodies the intense love she felt for her lovers like Odysseus. Circe felt very deeply and this song proves it. Mystery of Love by Sufjan Stevens: I picked this song because it shows the innocent love she had for her first love and how much she fell. Run by Hozier I picked this song because it covers everything from the stories about her ruthlessness and cruelty, to the passion she desired, and even her relationship with Odysseus. Persephone by Tamino I picked this song not only because of the mythological connection but also because it reminds me of her failed relationships like the fisherman and even the brief strangeness she shared with Hermes. In general it talks about the relatively toxic or futile relationships she’s had. Who we are by Hozier I picked this song because the absolute emotional profoundness this song holds is incomparable. It talks about how difficult but strong the love he had with this person was, and how no matter how much they need eachother, they simply cannot be together. This is because they know it could not work, partially to circumstance probably but mostly because of who they are as people. For example: “What I had left here, I just held it tight for someone with your eyes, might come in time to hold me like water, or Christ, hold me like a knife.”/ “and the hardest part, is who we are, it’s who we are”/“ You only feel it when it’s lost, gettin through still has its cost. Quietly, it slips through your fingers, love. Fallin from you, drop by drop.” This essentially embodies how she must’ve felt with having left Odysseus so he could return to his wife and also just how she must’ve felt about love overall.

[glenrocklibraryteens]

The Virgin suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides

The Virgin suicides by Jeffrey Euginedes Genre: literary fiction (sad girl read) Page count: Rating: 4 stars The story surrounds the five Lisbon sisters who from the start we’re told they commit suicide. Set in the 1970s in a suburb outside Detroit, Michigan, the novel is written in the perspective of s group of teenage boys who are trying to find an explanation as to why the lisbon sisters killed themselves. This is a positively enigmatic, dreamy, and dark novel, just like the protagonists. I read the book because I watched the movie and although most of the book is written in an un-understanding male gaze perspective, once you see through it, it’s still that same wonderful writing you see on screen. The whole novel is like a haunting glimpse into the adolescent lives of teenage girls and how every idea we’re given gets shattered. The book basically covers the myriad of suitors they had who did nothing to save them or even acknowledge the pain they were in, and instead just observed in infatuation. All in all, you’re going to hear many different reviews of this book so I recommend reading it for yourself :) The Virgin suicides playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1kBgI7YPvGApe13N4DNnMo?si=s-FUi4XoTya0xgD6zYYOzw&pi=u-LVwEje5CTzqw Playground love by Air I picked this song because not only is it part of the soundtrack, it just genuinely embodies the story so well (which makes sense). In general, it covers the idea of a coming of age, fleeting, romance. Highschool Lover by Air I picked this song because again it’s part of the soundtrack, but it perfectly illustrates the story’s light melancholy. Fade into you by Mazzy Star I picked this song because I felt it perfectly fit the novel with its dreamy take on melancholy. The lyrics also remind me of the Lisbon sisters in general. Emotions by Brenda Lee I picked this song because I felt it captured the Lisbon sisters very well, with the classic sound as well as the lyrics. Alone Again (Naturally) by Gilbert O’Sullivan I picked this song because it was one of the songs the Lisbon sisters played for the boys as a way of communicating. The lyrics do seem to fit them very well. Liquid smooth by Mitski I picked this song because it reminded me deeply of Lux and how she must’ve felt like all she was , was her beauty. The song in general asks the question, whats a woman good for: only for touching and being viewed?

[glenrocklibraryteens]

Book Review: A Winter's Promise

A Winter’s Promise by Christelle Dabos Pages: 483 Genre: YA, Fantasy Rating 5/5

“A Winter’s Promise” by Christelle Dabos is an amazingly intricate fantasy novel, it is the first in The Mirror Visitor Quartet. This book follows Ophelia, a girl from the Ark of Anima as she gets married off to a man from a foreign Ark. We watch as she struggles to adapt to the culture of her new found home, as well as deal with her cruel in-laws.

This book is a one-of-a-kind fantasy that completely transports you to a new world. As we follow the main character Ophelia through her journey of getting married to a stranger from a distant land called the Pole, we get subtle hints at what the bigger storyline for this series is. As the unexplainable becomes the ordinary we can see all the intricacies that Dabos has put into this book. Everything in this book is described in great detail, we meet so many unique characters throughout different locations leaving you feeling like you are next to the characters watching everything happen. The characters, even with their powers, are easily relatable. 

Ophelia struggles with standing up for herself in this new environment where she does not have the help of her family to communicate for her like she is used to. This fact is exacerbated by the complex power dynamics of the Pole through which she finds out that her marriage is more complicated than it seems and that she is just a pawn in a game for control over the Ark. The dynamics between all the characters are fascinating as they are all power-hungry but are surrounded by judgmental eyes who will not hesitate to make others look bad for their benefit. This book is more than it seems as Ophelia discovers more about herself and becomes more confident in her new setting as she navigates the complexities of court life while also never losing sight of who she is. This novel is full of twists and in my experience is tough to put down. It ends on a perfect note leaving you wanting to read the next book in the series to see how everything progresses. All the subtle themes are expertly explored, making this a compelling book for fans of fantasy.

Playlist: Coffee sets an atmosphere that feels similar to the feeling gained by reading the book. Somebody Else expresses longing and heartache which reflects the complex relationships and dynamics represented. Street by Street just like how Ophelia is wandering and exploring her new atmosphere. Let Me Down senses of vulnerability and struggles emotionally just like the inner struggles of many characters. Do I Wanna Know? Reflects a mysterious and suspenseful vibe that is often felt throughout. Summertime Sadness evokes a bittersweet feeling like nostalgia. Your Best American Girl explores identity and learning self acceptance just as the protagonist does. Paper Bag represents inner turmoil often felt by Ophelia and her companions. Hope is a dangerous thing for a woman like me to have - but I have it this song represents the hope and resilience that become Ophelia’s strength while facing challenges. Pancakes For Dinner this shows the warmer parts of the book like the bonds created between characters.

[glenrocklibraryteens]

BOOK TALK: CHARLOTTE’S WEB

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I5G8woZtcK32kHYkoSZFDrL_HB7BHUIk/view?usp=drive_link 

[glenrocklibraryteens]

Album Review: Channel Orange by Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean is one of the most talented artists that have caught the eye of our generation. You don’t have to be young or old to sit down and appreciate the creations that he has made. Between this album and Blonde, I’ve racked up thousands of hours over the years just listening and re-listening. Channel Orange was released in July of 2012. Since then, the album has been streamed almost 4 billion times. Frank Ocean uses a myriad of instruments in his songs, allowing the music to speak for itself. My top two songs--despite how impossible it is to choose--would most likely be Thinkin Bout You and Crack Rock, solely based on the fact that I’ve listened to them the most.

Frank Ocean’s expression of love and its never-ending highs and lows is greatly incorporated into Thinkin Bout You. The song is about a narrator’s thoughts about a specific person that they have feelings for. There’s an air of confusion as he’s thinking about this person because he’s not sure if his feelings will be reciprocated and if the other person would even consider him as someone more than a general companion. The song goes between pushing away the feeling and holding it as close as possible, creating almost an insight into the narrator’s mind. The changes in mood are accompanied by a very electronic beat but also incorporate more delicate synthesizers and even a sort of violin/string instrument in the intro that gives it an R&B vibe.

Crack Rock delves into the extreme struggle of addiction. The person whose story we follow in the song is battling addiction and finding themselves lost in a haze of confusion and alienation. The addiction is driven deep within them, basically sucking the life out of the person. The dependency on the drug makes the narrator feel small and isolated. The song reflects on past familial situations in which Frank Ocean and his father were wound up in. The song uses an organ-like piano accompanied by guitar and vocals. Frank Ocean’s beautiful use of his vocal range creates a desperate call, almost as if he’s yelling at the narrator as they fall into a pit they may not be able to climb out of.

[glenrocklibraryteens]

Book Review: The Outsiders

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton Pages: 190 Genre: Historical Fiction Stars: 5/5 Reviewed by: S

Are you into books about the past? Then, the book The Outsiders is for you. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, takes place in the 1960s. A lot was going on during this time in history. The 1960s was a time of change. There was the civil rights movement, new and upcoming styles and tastes in music, assassination, and stereotypes. The Outsiders is about kids growing up in the 60s and were divided into two stereotype of teenagers, the Socs and the Greasers. The Socs were known as the West Side rich kids and the Greasers were known as the wild East Side kids. This book portrays the struggles of being a teenager through the main character, Ponyboy Curtis, and how even with separation of social classes, these kids are not so different from each other.

This book is one of my favorite books of all time. This book is relatable to all readers because it talks about what adolescence go through. Even though it takes place in a different decade, this book still shares many similar social situations that we might face today. This book makes me feel that even though life might me tough sometimes and that no one is in the same situations as I am, everyone is in the same boat. I feel that I identify a lot with the main character Ponyboy. Ponyboy is a Greaser and lives with his two brothers, Darrel and Sodapop. Both of their parents died, so his oldest brother, Darry, took care of them. Their closest friends are Dally Winston, Johnny Cade, Steve Randle, and Two-Bit Mathews. They are an inseparable group. Ponyboy is a very quiet character that likes to keep to himself. He is different than the rest of the group because he is not as outgoing and he is against violence, whereas his group likes to get into brawls. Ponyboy likes to be independent, but sometimes he was scared of what his group would say if said his beliefs. I feel that sometimes I can be like Ponyboy in a sense of that it is hard to have a voice. I feel that a lot of people can relate to this, which is why this is such a great book. It is not easy having a voice and speaking up for what you believe in, but when you do, your voice can be heard and you can change things for the better. This book demonstrates the power of your voice and that there is always someone who would understand what you are going through.

Because of this book, I have learned to not be afraid to speak my opinions and that I am not the only person out there going through struggles in life. This book is also a medium read with twelve chapters and if mentions many historical figures of the time like Elvis and madras which is a type of clothing worn by men during this time. I recommend this book because there is so much that goes into it. This book not only teaches you about a decade in history, but it also teaches you many life skills. These life skills have stuck with me since I first read this book. This book is one that I am constantly taking off the shelves to read again. I would rate this book five stars because it is such a great book and everyone can get something out of reading it.

[glenrocklibraryteens]

Music Review: Cape Elizabeth by Noah Kahan

In Noah Kahan’s Cape Elizabeth EP, his lyrics remind me of a conversation, especially when he incorporates personal details that really only he would know. Despite that personal aspect of his music, he still manages to make every song wildly relatable. His lyrics fall between a state of adoration and anxiety for the unknown and unreachable, whether it’s directed towards another person or himself. This overarching theme of the state of Maine hangs over the five tracks, which ties really well to the understated use of acoustic guitar and voice. Although there are no skips on this EP (in my opinion), my top two would most likely be Anyway and Maine.

Cape Elizabeth is a little town just west of Portland, Maine. Noah Kahan, being a big northerner, really likes to focus on the feeling of wintertime in those upper states. Another thing to mention is that this EP was released in May of 2020, so it’s not quite about the isolation felt during the pandemic, but rather reminiscing on past relationships while waiting out the period of quarantine. Anyway discusses a person who is going through a lot at the moment and another person who is like their rock. Despite the narrator’s own fears, they still commit to caring for that struggling person. The relationship is difficult to maintain knowing that one person is putting in the majority of the work, however, the cycle continues regardless. I really love the use of an acoustic guitar throughout the EP because of its simplicity and ability to express a deeper, more elusive emotion.

Maine is a song that’s all about reminiscing on the past. Considering the time that the EP was released, it is reasonable to assume that this song was seen as relatable to many people during quarantine. I think that that is why Maine is considered to be one of Noah Kahan’s best songs. The song touches on the idea of a past lover in a lost relationship. Once again, you hear the strum of an acoustic guitar along with humming. The song opens with questions directed to this ex, asking about how they’ve changed and grown as a person while they were separated. It seems that this past lover is imprinted on everything in the small town that they used to reside in, almost half hauntingly. What I love about this song is the way Noah Kahan shows the listener how much he memorized the characteristics and mannerisms of his past lover. It shows the slight bitterness of knowing that that person had changed and moved on to lead a better life without him.