Someone mentioned to me they were reading this book and I told her to tell me what she thought because I was thinking of reading it. I went to my bookcase the next day looking for something to read - and - of course, I had already bought it and forgotten about it. So, I grabbed it thinking it would be a light-hearted funny read.

It was.

And it wasn't.

There were plenty of nostalgic moments of "oh! I remember that!" and "Did we really do that back then? Oh my gawd!" But it was also sad. I couldn't help but tear up and break down at one point. The whole thing is driven by music, by - well, mix tapes. And it kind of adds to the feeling of what the author was going through. I wouldn't even say this was a greatly written book. It was okay.

But, it didn't really matter. It was chaotic in places and heartwarming in others.

It also made me sit back and think... does it really matter that my husband left the milk out on the counter - again? When we are 85, living in Tampa with the other old folks, is the argument really going to matter? If I were to die tomorrow, would it matter? Then again, can we live our lives with the constant thought of "what if" and even if we did, wouldn't that take away what we truly were all about - arguing about the milk spoiling on the counter...?

I dunno, too deep I guess for such a simple little book perhaps.

Share/Like this Review?

A unique journey through love and loss, told through the songs the author was listening to at the time. It goes from laugh out loud funny to tear in your eye poignant - often in the same paragraph. Read it, then give it to a music lover you love!

Share/Like this Review?

Wow. And I mean WOW.

I found paperbackswap from a cousin of mine that is more like a sister, that is also a member here. She got this book as a gift to me and upon reading it herself confirmed to me that she KNEW that I would love it.

I have n ever been more happy to say that someone was right in all of my life.

One page in and I was drawn in completely. Robert not only loves music, but appreciates its nuances. Appreciates the emotions that songs evoke and how they can apply to so many arenas in a person's life. He highlights each chapter with a specific mix tape list from his own history, and not only does that make it more obvious how much he appreciates the value of music, but it also makes him so very vulnerable, exposing how each of those songs touched, marked, and defined HIS life, and that of his late wife.

I read this book in a matter of days; I just couldn't put it down. You couldn't possibly be sorry in reading this book.

Share/Like this Review?

This book was incredible! It was so entertaining to learn about new bands and of course old bands and how they shaped someone's life. Sad, funny, and interesting would describe this book. This is the kind of book that makes you want to hold onto the person you love and appreciate the time you have with them. I loved this book!

Share/Like this Review?

Funny, emotional, effective, tragic. I loved it. The references to great music was only one reason for that!

My favorite paraphrase quote: "Let's take it from the Western Philospher Pat Benatar - Love is a battlefield." ;-)

Share/Like this Review?

Great book, awesome music, reminds me of making mix tapes in junior high. The author is quite likeable.

Share/Like this Review?

I just finished Love is a Mix Tape: Love and Loss One Song at a Time and I liked it a lot. A whole lot. Of course, the author is a year older than me, so the music and times hit a real note with me (pun intended). It's definitely not the book for everyone, specifically because of all of the music references. But the author's love and loss is so touchingly told, I thought. And told by such a boy. I didn't love this, but I liked it. A lot. :-)

Share/Like this Review?

I loved the concept behind this book. Rob is a music fan and he uses music to tell his story. It was funny, sad, touching, and real. I would love to have a play list of all the songs mentioned at the beginning of each chapter so I could really connect to Rob's experiences. There were many great quotes that will end up in my quote book. In particular, the chapter that deals with Kurt Cobain's music and death was fantastic. It was a thought provoking chapter for me. However, there was one chapter that did nothing for me and that's why I gave it 4 out of 5 stars. Otherwise, it was a really good book that I would recommend to anyone that has ever made a mix tape. :)

Share/Like this Review?

This is a great sad but funny (sounds impossible, I know) memoir. Anyone who loves music and has ever made a mix tape will really enjoy the concept. Very well written!

Share/Like this Review?

I read this after a recommendation from a friend of mine who loved it (and gave it 5 stars). It sounded so interesting. After two years of wanting to read it, I finally did. It is a bit of an autobiography about Rob Sheffield's life growing up around music and the love and heartache he endured. Each chapter is started by a mix tape with song listings (which I'll let you know that I actually searched out every single song and listened to them while reading the book & in between throughout my few days of reading the book). I honestly felt as if I was listening to a stranger ramble on about his life and memories that shifted as he told me his life story while smoking cigarette after cigarette at a restaurant. That's what this felt like to me.

Share/Like this Review?

Balances the thin line between tragedy and comedy perfectly. It was sweet and sad and funny. I loved it. It's a quick read, but it is emotional.

Share/Like this Review?

I am rarely compelled to read a book immediately upon receipt from a PBSer because I have so many books to read but for some reason this book was an exception and I am glad.

The songs brought back such memories. The book was sad but not maudlin, romantic but not sappy. I wish I had known Renee and by the end of the book I felt like I knew Rob. It touched my heart. Yes love is a mix tape.

Share/Like this Review?

It was a nice story but very heavy on music.

Share/Like this Review?