You're the Kind of Girl I Write Songs About alternates perspectives between Mandy and Tim in short chapters. Herborn's skill is evident in playful and often unexpected dialogue. Mandy's reaction to learning about Tim's past is realistic and filled with tension. Scenes at school show a sensitivity about relationships navigated in person and online in a novel set distinctly in today's world. Characters exchange names of favourite books, bands, and albums. Tim uploads music to YouTube. His mate sends him links to porn videos. Herborn's gamble is rewarding; his commitment to authenticity is enjoyable, even if the reader isn't familiar with every music reference. Unfortunately, the plot thread involving Tim's mother is left unsatisfyingly unresolved, and the ending is belaboured.

You're the Kind of Girl I Write Songs About provides a vivid portrayal of two school-leavers falling in love. It is a warm, compelling book, as much a love story about girl-finding-boy as it is about songs finding their audience.