This Bird Has Flown: A Note-Perfect Rom-Com by Bangles lead singer Susanna Hoffs

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If you’ve ever hit replay a thousand times on Manic Monday, sang along to Eternal Flame or jammed to Walk Like an Egyptian, then you’re probably just as devoted to the Bangles as I am. Their album Different Light was a game-changer for me as a kid. It not only filled my days with infectious melodies but sparked a love for music that shaped my entire childhood. Susanna Hoffs, the lead singer of the Bangles, became a sort of icon in my life. I followed her career like a true fan, collecting every album, single and in recent years, her collaborations with Matthew Sweet. One of my favorite recent covers is her rendition of They Don’t Know, originally by Kirsty MacColl and later a hit for Tracey Ullman. I’ve always admired her artistry, but when I heard she was releasing her debut novel, I was hesitant. Could a legendary musician also be a great author? Let me tell you—Susanna absolutely delivered.


As many of you may have noticed, my book interest usually gravitates around Young Adult, LGBTQ, History and Self-Help but being a fan of Susanna, I couldn't resist the temptation of delving into her her novel, This Bird Has Flown, which swept me off my feet. It's a racy, witty rom-com—a delightful fusion of Bridget Jones and Daisy Jones. At its heart is Jane Start, a talented singer who’s been stuck in the shadow of her younger years. She’s lost, broke and grappling with the weight of past fame. But life takes an unexpected turn when Jane meets Tom Hardy (no, not the actor—an Oxford professor) on a flight to London. What follows is a rollercoaster of emotions, romance and rediscovery, all set against a soundtrack of nostalgia-inducing musical references. From struggles with past relationships to the whirlwind of love and fame, Jane’s story is as raw and personal as it is entertaining.

I first read the hardcover version of this book shortly after its release and it immediately captivated me. I also had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook, which is brought to life by the incredible narrations of Susanna Hoffs herself and Juliet Stevenson. Their voices added so much depth and charm to the story, making it a truly immersive experience. For those who prefer to wait for paperbacks, the book was released in paperback March 5, 2024, from Back Bay Books.

Reading this book felt like diving headfirst into spring—it was as refreshing as blasting In Your Room on repeat. Susanna’s storytelling radiates warmth and charm, creating a journey that’s clever, sexy and laugh-out-loud funny. I especially appreciated the nods to music throughout the book; they add a layer of depth and nostalgia that make the story even more engaging.

What really struck me was Susanna’s ability to weave music into every aspect of the narrative. Jane Start, the protagonist, struggles with writer’s block, heartbreak and the challenges of reinventing herself. But thanks to her best friend Pippa (who’s an absolute gem of a character), a spontaneous trip to London sparks both creativity and connection. Her relationship with Tom is fiery and real, filled with all the ups and downs that make you root for them from page one.

In true Susanna fashion, as with her own music, she doesn’t hold back when it comes to exploring Jane’s anxieties and insecurities. Watching Jane rediscover her confidence was inspiring—it’s a reminder that second chances are always within reach. And the supporting cast? Perfection. Every character brought their own charm to the story, making it a joy to read from start to finish.

For those who love authors like Taylor Jenkins Reid, Linda Holmes, Elin Hilderband, Andrew Sean Greer or Katherine St. John, this book is an absolute must-read. And if you're a fan of celebrity gossip or intrigued by the inside world of music, you’ll devour every page. Susanna’s novel strikes the perfect balance between escapism and relatability, delivering a story that is sure to connect with readers across generations.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Susanna Hoffs or just discovering her work, This Bird Has Flown is a debut novel that hits all the right notes. It’s funny, heartfelt and brimming with music-filled nostalgia. I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you read the book yet? If so, what did you think? Share your comments below—I would love to hear your thoughts of this book. And if this review brightened your day or brought a smile to your face, feel free to show your appreciation in any way that feels right. 😉 Every little bit helps keep these posts going strong!

Now, queue up your favorite Bangles playlist, grab a copy of This Bird Has Flown and enjoy. Happy reading!


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