Though I know living with autism is a day-to-day struggle, I also have to admit that I was originally put off by this aspect of the story too. Ms Kelly doesn't use your standard array of characters, everyone has their faults but everyone is given a chance to act like a person rather than a mere stereotype - even the girl who at first seems like the typical pretty but mean high schooler.

I don't mean they're super-good and always likeable, but I really cared about what happened to them, they were important to me with funny and different personalities that had me charmed from the very beginning. I remember in my review of Holier Than Thou saying that the characters lacked charisma and I think this novel is a perfect example of characters which just ooze that charismatic factor.

So I'd say that if the music theme is putting you off, you have nothing to worry about. However, the story has very little to do with music beyond being about a girl who wants a career in sound design. I've had Harmonic Feedback on my bookshelf for over a year and I kept putting if off because I'm not a big fan of books about music - I only like music when I can actually hear it. It seems like every book I've read is like that lately, some were good enough to keep a high rating regardless ( The House of the Scorpion), and others weren't quite as successful ( Slated). But whatever, I can't waste any more time wondering what to do about these books that are really really good for the first three quarters and then just lose it towards the end.

I honestly think I damaged a few brain cells trying to decide how to rate this book, and I'm still not sure my choice is correct.

Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly