'19 Minutes' is a novel by Jodi Picoult, and it is one of my favorites. If you haven't read the book, here's a quick snippet of the synopsis:
In Sterling, New Hampshire, 17-year-old high school student Peter Houghton has endured years of verbal and physical abuse at the hands of classmates. His best friend, Josie Cormier, succumbed to peer pressure and now hangs out with the popular crowd that often instigates the harassment. One final incident of bullying sends Peter over the edge and leads him to commit an act of violence that forever changes the lives of Sterling’s residents.
The book was extremely thought provoking and surrounded the topic of school shootings and the turmoil that leads to and follows the horrific event. Here is a playlist to listen to while you read, after you read or if you're just feeling the "19 Minutes" mood.
Recommended for you
1. "How to Save a Life" by Nilu
A softer version of The Fray's song (as seen on "Grey's Anatomy") about the choices that people make that lead them down certain destructive paths. The lulling melody has such a melancholy tune. I used this song to start off the playlist simply because it fits so well. If I had to chose one song to represent this book "How to Save a Life" would be it.
2. "Leave Your Lover" by Sam Smith
The title is self-explanitory; a song about longing for someone you can't have and begging them to have you and love you instead. So much emotion in this song reminds me of Peter pining after Josie. He just wanted love but she couldn't give it to him.
3. "Disappear" by Beyoncé
A tune about loving an unreliable person who isn't there for you. This song is for Peter who felt as though no one was there for him when he really needed them.
4. "Big Girls Cry" by Sia
A raw ballad about the bravery to feel hurt, to feel emotion and pain. To me, this song is hugely reminiscent of one of the final scenes in the book when Josie releases her pent up emotions.
5. "Reverse" by Gabrielle Aplin
A song about 'the good old days.' It exudes a longing to go back to when people were content and happy and loving. This song is for Peter and Josie's childhood and the friendship that defined and it.
6. "Jumper" by Third Eye Blind
A song about understanding someone who is in a hopeless situation and trying to right the wrongs. I feel as though this song circles around the themes of reaching out and helping those in need that is largely explored in the novel.
7. "Crazy in Love" REMIX by Beyoncé
Another self-explanatory song, but a song about feeling such a strong pull towards someone; it makes you crazy. This song reminds me of both Josie's relationship with her boyfriend and Peter's relationship with Josie.
8. "Moondust" by Jaymes Young
This song is about burying feelings of love; suppressing something that feels natural. This is for Peter who was forced to burry his love, his feelings and his whole world.
9. "Crazy in Love" by Daniela Andrade
I just like this version as well!
10. "Don't Let Me Get Me" by P!nk
A song about being your own worst enemy that is for Josie.
11. "Love Is A Losing Game" by Amy Winehouse
This song is a somewhat pessimistic view of love. Amy laments that nothing, including love, is as perfect as it initially seems, so you're certain to end up disappointed. This song is for Peter, who I feel would have felt the words of this song strongly.
12. "Pumped up Kicks" by Foster The People
This song just seemed to fit. I can't really pinpoint it's meaning but it seems to be a revenge song to me. After all the lyrics are "better run, better run, faster than my bullet" so....
13. "Creep" by Radiohead
This song reminds me of falling in love with someone but being too self-critical too tell them. You know you’re not good enough for them and any returned affection would be too far fetched for you to comprehend. This song is for Peter as well. For his love for Josie.
14. "Pressure" by Paramore
This song is about reaching a breaking point, living up to expectations and being overwhelmed. This song is for Josie and her mother but most of all for Peter, who reached the ultimate breaking point and decided to bring a gun to school.
15. "Lost" by Frank Ocean
This song might be about all young women who are influenced by a fairly materialistic and physical love. A love in which the women are used by the men and objectified for their bodies. This song is for Josie and her relationship with her boyfriend.
16. "Carry On" by Sebastian Kole
A song about carrying on when your emotions have got you in a choke-hold. This song is for everyone touched by the aftermath of the shooting.
17. "Fade to Black" by Metallica
James Hetfield refers to this as a "suicide song." The lyrics are unsettling in how bluntly they deal with (and desire) death. This is for Peter.
18. "Breathe Me" by Sia
This song is the ultimate plea. Begging for help whilst drowning and losing yourself. This song is for Peter and Josie who, in their own ways, each lost themselves to themselves and to each other.
19. "Jealous" by Labrynth
A despairing lament about wishing for the love of someone who has left you. Like so many of the songs I have listed above, this is for Peter and his relationship with Josie.
