Ruby doesn't know who she is without music. Music is in her blood, in her name. She's the daughter of a renowned composer and a famous pianist. But after a horrific audition at the school where her father teaches, it's clear that music is no longer her future.

After dedicating hours and hours to practicing, she's lost. With the long summer stretching out in front of her, she isn't sure how to fill her days. Eventually, she reconnects with an old friend and joins her for morning runs. She tries her hand at philanthropy, singing, and being a normal teenager. She talks music with Oscar and the more time she spends with Oscar, the more she believes in him.

NIGHT MUSIC is a swoony romance that tackles hard subjects. Ruby struggles with grief after the death of her musical career. She's desperately trying to find something that will earn her place in the world while at the same time trying to break free from her family's shadow of musical geniuses.

Oscar, a black musical prodigy, works hard to compose a musical creation by summer's end. He's new to the idea of fame after becoming internet famous with a viral video. He speaks the language of music, but the stress of the program eats at him. He's working twice as hard to prove his worth.

Together, Ruby and Oscar banter about music, life, and proving yourself. But they also have deeper conversations about race, family dynamics, privilege, and musical talent. They challenge each other.

Book Summary