Told over three summer festivals, this stunning novel from bestselling prizewinner Sara Barnard charts the emotional turmoil of young love and early fame.
The Kerbs are a four-piece pop rock band on the verge of breaking big the moment that frontman, Drew, turns 18 at the end of the summer. But Drew and his long-term girlfriend Ruby have a decision to make: go public right from the start or keep their relationship private, away from the intrusive lens of the tabloids and the scrutiny of the Kerbs’ fanbase.
The choice seems easy. Ruby wants her life to remain her own – she's seen how fame can devour the lives of those who stand in the periphery.
But staying secret comes with a price. As Drew's star rises and rumours begin to stir, Ruby starts to wonder if love is strong enough to keep them together when Drew's fame seems destined to drive them apart.
Creators
Sara Barnard lives in Brighton and does all her best writing on trains. She is a bestselling author of seven novels for young adults. Her debut Beautiful Broken Things was a Zoella Bookclub pick and she went on to win the YA Book Prize with her third novel, Goodbye, Perfect. This Song is About Us is her latest novel with Walker Books. Sara believes that sad books are good for the soul, and happy books lift the heart. She hopes to write lots of books that do both.
Reviews
A brilliant exploration of young love and first fame.
Waterstones
Be careful what you wish for. This Song is About Us takes us backstage behind the glam of the music business – how does it feel when your childhood sweetheart rockets to fame and leaves you behind? Drew struggles with stardom and stress and substance abuse; Ruby struggles with her decision to keep their relationship secret. Will the pressure break them? No-one – no-one – gets inside the teen head quite like Sara Barnard. This Song is About Us is a nuanced and thoughtful, authentic and exciting, perfectly-pitched festival of a heart-breaking romance. Out April 3rd, in time for the summer – you’ve got to pop this in your backpack.
Tia Fisher, author of Crossing the Line
I read this book in one sitting – it’s fast-paced, powerful, and full of authentic, layered characters. Sara knows how to dive into the messiest, most complicated parts of people and write about those parts with genuine care and compassion.
Sophie Jo, author of Red Flags
This Song is About Us certainly captures the spirit of summer with fun and festivals, but also the pressures of being young and in love. It is a compelling, thoroughly enjoyable read (I could not put it down!)
Through the Bookshelf
[An] escapist romance
The Bookseller
