'i told you i hated new york' takes readers on a brief journey through the music industry
By Sydney Hise
As pungent and honest as its title, Molly Louise Hudelson’s I Told You I Hated New York recounts an 11+ year journey through writing and the music industry. Flipping through the book, which comes in just shy of 90 pages, felt like tearing a page out of Hudelson’s diary - and in some ways, I was. As a collection of reflections, previously published works, and other random entries, it tackles the inner and outer turmoils a lot of 20-somethings face: finding a ‘home,’ mental health, and relationships, all whilst straddling the border between relatable and deeply personal content.
Through her short (the longest spans only 8 and a half pages long) chapters, Hudelson details every aspect of her journey, both in and out of the industry. She starts by talking about how Harry Potter was her starting point, the inspiration behind her wanting to write. The way she pieces thoughts together makes it feel like a friend is on the other end of the phone, explaining in depth how she felt at that exact moment. There is nothing extraordinary or outlandish about her diction, but these choices compose the stories in a way that feels conversational and connected.
The rest of the book goes through countless long drives, endless advice, and shows of all genres. The gigs span from Taylor Swift-sized to small gyro shops with barely any stage to house shows and nightclubs. As someone who is also in the music industry, I found myself easily understanding everything Molly was going through and writing about - all of her trials, tribulations, and triumphs. And while it isn’t a huge exposé on the industry, it does shed a positive light on some of the beautiful things that really happen behind the scenes: friendships, reaching milestones, and the sense of community music can bring.
Despite I Told You I Hated New York wrapping at under one hundred pages, Hudelson’s ability to fill the pages with intensity and description satisfies the reader fully. Her simplistic writing and personal stories drew me in from the beginning and held my interest until the very end. If you’re a music fanatic or simply just want to crack into the mind of someone who is, I Told You I Hated New York is a quick & captivating read you’ll love.