Author:  Cynthia Weil
Publisher:  Soho Teen
Genre:  Historical Fiction                     
Source:  BEA

Goodreads:  Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and songwriting legend Cynthia Weil’s extraordinary YA debut opens the secretive doors of the Brill Building-the hit factory that changed history. Part Mad Men, part Grace of my Heart, part murder mystery, I’m Glad I Did is a coming-of-age story at an unforgettable cultural tipping point: the summer of 1963.

JJ Greene, a gifted 16-year-old songwriter, defies her lawyer parents by secretly applying for a job in the famed Brill Building-the epicenter of songwriting for a new genre called rock-n-roll. But their warnings about the evils of the music industry prove far darker than she imagined when she finds herself at the heart of a cover-up that involves hidden identity, theft, and possibly murder.

Ope’s Opinion:  I do not read historical fiction very often, so if I like one – it must be exceptional.  This book falls into that category for me.  It was well written, easy to follow, had characters I liked and cared about.  It stayed very true to the time period it was written in.  

The mystery was fun to follow and attempt to figure out.  It was a little unrealistic at times, but still an enjoyable part of the book.

Rating:  Four Chairs – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.