I was drawn to this book by my love of the music of UK-based gothic rock band Fields of the Nephilim. Having listened to this band so much I didn't think there was much left for me to discover. I was wrong. Having read this book I've realised that I was still enjoying the surface meaning of the songs. It has taken Read The Music to take me to a deeper level of understanding.

Read The Music also explores other artists. I've never really warmed to Tori Amos. Yet maybe the fault lies with me. Having read Beth's words on Tori Amos I have greater respect for her. I was unaware of Amos' Native American background – and her channelling of energy responsibly in concert. What was once an unappetising album of cover versions – Strange Little Girls – now becomes an intriguing series of ruminations on the subject of gender. Without actually wishing to hear a note, now I've read Beth's book I feel I have a greater understanding of both Tori Amos and life in general.

Elsewhere Beth writes about A Perfect Circle, Apocalyptica and Days Of The New. If you already know these artists then you may learn more about them. If you don't know the music you may be inspired to investigate further. Once you've acquainted yourself with the music, you can re-read Beth's words and new meanings and connections will be understood. Even if you are an expert on these bands then Beth brings a personal aspect to her writing. She neatly balances this aspect with a more scholarly approach, never falling into the trap of navel gazing self-indulgence. Though her writing is literary and scholarly, it is never needlessly academic and should be accessible to most. If you like to think deeply about music and life (and really is there a difference between the two?) then you should read Read The Music.