“Three days of peace, love, and music… and a lifetime of memories.” Woodstock by Michelle Montebello

What a perfectly crafted, beautifully researched book from Michelle Montebello.

I absolutely loved the dual timelines, but it was the journey back to 1969 and Woodstock that completely captured my heart. Even though it was before I was born, I’ve always been fascinated by that era — the music, the culture, the energy — and this book made me feel like I was right there, soaking it all in.

The story of Dawn and her friends — Tommy, Patty, Carol, and Keith — is both heartbreaking and uplifting in all the best ways. I loved the twists and turns, and just when I thought I knew where it was going, it surprised me again and again.

I felt such a deep connection with Dawn.

Her love/hate relationship with her mum, the constant tug of guilt and loyalty — it all felt so raw and real. I loved how complex she was: a free spirit, a deep thinker, a girl with a strong moral compass she refused to abandon.

When the story moved into 2010, it was beautiful to see how the relationships had shifted — some stronger, some stretched thin — but all shaped by the magic and the heartbreak of Woodstock.

It brought such a full-circle feeling to the story.

And Sydney… I had so much compassion for her. She stole a piece of my heart too.

I absolutely adored this book and could barely put it down, even when I desperately needed sleep.

It was heart-wrenching, heartwarming, joyful and devastating — sometimes all in the same chapter — and it left me thinking long after I turned the final page.

I honestly can’t recommend it highly enough.

If I could give it 10 out of 5 stars, I would.