Book Review: This Song is About Us by Sara Barnard
Every time I dive into a new Sara Barnard book, I know I’m in for an experience that tugs at my heartstrings, and This Song is About Us is no exception. Barnard has a unique way of navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence and young love, capturing that electric feeling of being alive in a way that resonates with readers long after the last page is turned. The book immediately pulled me in, and I found myself lost in the world of Ruby and Drew—a place where love, fame, and self-discovery intertwine in captivating ways.
At its core, This Song is About Us is a coming-of-age tale centered around Drew, a rising boy band star, and his girlfriend Ruby, who feels the weight of both love and secrecy as Drew’s fame escalates. Ruby’s character captivated me; she embodies a maturity that many adults might struggle with. Instead of basking in the glory that could come from dating a famous musician, she grapples with her identity and the costs of standing in Drew’s shadow. Her decision to keep their relationship under wraps makes for a rollercoaster of emotions, exploring themes of self-worth and the complexities of love.
As I followed Drew’s journey, I often felt a pang of sadness for him, too. While it’s exhilarating to watch a friend rise to fame, the pressures that come with it—bad choices, fleeting friendships, and the gnawing fear of losing what truly matters—are depicted with an authenticity that’s hard to ignore. His character arc, filled with ups and downs, showcases how the allure of fame can distort relationships and personal values. By the end of the story, I appreciated how far both Ruby and Drew had come, not just in their love for each other, but in their understanding of themselves.
Barnard’s writing style shines brightly here; it’s warm and evocative, drawing you in with lyrical prose. Her ability to craft tender, relatable moments made the narrative feel almost cinematic. The way she describes events at the festivals—those electric, alive moments when everything else fades away—is particularly well-executed. “You feel electric. Alive in a way you’re just not anywhere else,” this sentiment echoed throughout my reading, perfectly encapsulating that euphoric feeling of youth.
That said, while I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Ruby and Drew, I did notice a familiar pattern in the plot. The predictability of certain plot points made it somewhat less gripping at times. I found myself anticipating reactions and outcomes, which nudged me to pick up the book less frequently than I might have otherwise. However, that’s more of a reflection of my evolving tastes in young adult fiction than a flaw in Barnard’s storytelling.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend This Song is About Us to fans of Sara Barnard and readers who appreciate stories of young love, self-discovery, and the music festival experience. It’s a heartwarming, yet bittersweet ride that emphasizes the importance of choosing ourselves in relationships, something many of us can relate to. This book has left me with a soft ache, reminding me of the journey of growing up and the lessons learned along the way. If you’re in the mood for a captivating coming-of-age story that beautifully balances joy and heartache, this one’s for you.