Chapter 12.

Streets of Laredo - “Hey Rose”

A joyous, hopeful song for the moment Gally begins to decipher Alix’s love language (and vice versa).

Chapter 13.

Steve Earle - “The Galway Girl”

Standing in for all drinking songs, even though it isn’t really one. I like the Diamond Mountain Sessions version best.

Chapter 14.

The Church - “Under the Milky Way”

No explanation needed, I think.

Chapter 15.

Fish - “Lucky”

Turns out Chill was born lucky—but in fact, this song was the inspiration for Fhraff!

Chapter 16.

REO Speedwagon - “Ridin’ the Storm Out”

There aren’t many cozy action songs! When I lived in Nashville, I worked above a pretty big concert venue. My two favorite memories are hearing REO Speedwagon soundcheck this song, and washing my hands in the bathroom next to Bob Seger’s sax player.

Chapter 17.

MUNA - “I Know a Place”

The anthem for Alix’s big emotional turning point, and one of my favorite songs of all time.

Chapter 18.

Marillion - “Sugar Mice”

The lyrics have nothing to do with our story, but how could I resist?

Chapter 19.

Fleet Foxes - “Mykonos”

This was a tough chapter, since not much “happens” in it. I picked this song for its hushed vibe—appropriate for a library—but also its strong undertones of mysticism and wonder. What better feeling when seeking out a new book?

Chapter 20.

Derek & the Dominos - “Bell Bottom Blues”

This isn’t Gally’s proudest moment, but in her defense, she doesn’t yet understand what it’ll take—from either of them—for her and Alix to be together.

Chapter 21.

Skipinnish - “The Island”

Gally does what she does best.

Chapter 22.

Martin Newell - “Goodbye Dreaming Fields”

This song has obvious resonance with the chapter’s downer ending, but I’ve always felt there’s something hopeful about it, too, as though the fields have to burn to make room for whatever comes next.

Chapter 23.

The Left Banke - “Walk Away Renee”

One of the great “you’re not leaving me, I’m leaving you” songs of all time. The lyrics are so full of denial, and I love how it cushions the heartbreak with lush strings and harmonies.

Chapter 24.

Runrig - “Pride of the Summer”

Ah, it’s good to be young and daring!

Chapter 25.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch - “Midnight Radio”

You have your choice of two great versions: the original film soundtrack sung by John Cameron Mitchell, or the Broadway revival recording by Neil Patrick Harris.

Chapter 26.

David Bowie - “As the World Falls Down”

This was always the best song from Labyrinth. The lyrics are a masterpiece of subtlety—on the surface Jareth is seducing Sarah, but he’s also tipping his hand about his abusive nature. For our purposes, though, it’s a simple heartbreaker: “Makes no sense at all…”

Chapter 27.

Rainbow - “Street of Dreams”

Everyone is allowed one self-indulgent moment walking the city streets, yearning for what might have been.

Chapter 28.

Go West - “The King of Wishful Thinking”