It’s 2008 when Nate and Blythe meet the summer before their freshman year. After life drives them apart, six years pass before they see each other again, so their playlist reflects some of that passage of time. These are all the songs that are referenced—or hinted at—in the novel, and several of them are Lila’s songs. Lila, Nate’s autistic mother, is a lover of jazz, and the scenes when she responds to music are some of my favorites. If you—like one of my awesome editors—have never heard Dave Brubeck’s “Take 5,” please take five and listen to it. But if I had to pick a favorite on this list, it would be “Mansard Roof” by Vampire Weekend. One of my former students (that’s you, Amanda Rabalais) introduced me to this band, and I’m so glad she did. I listened to their debut album over and over as I built Nate’s character. Check out Butterfly Ginger’s playlist on Spotify.

 

“Sometimes in the Fall” by Phoenix

“If It Kills Me” by Jason Mraz

“Mansard Roof” by Vampire Weekend

“Take 5” by Dave Brubeck

“Unbelievers” by Vampire Weekend

“Secret Smile” by Semisonic

“Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?” by Louis Armstrong

“Where Flamingos Fly” by Gil Evans

“Come On, Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners

“R U Mine?” Arctic Monkeys

“Come Together” Wolff & Clark Expedition

“What Is This Thing Called Love?” Wolff & Clark Expedition

“Wake Up” Arcade Fire