The Songs of Us

This is another book I saw reviewed in a magazine and then actively sought an advance review copy on NetGalley.   And I was so pleased I did - this book is FAB-U-LOUS.  I think it's my favourite read since Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine - and that is saying something.

Here's the blurb:

"If Melody hadn't run out of de-icer that day, she would never have slipped and banged her head. She wouldn't be left with a condition that makes her sing when she's nervous. And she definitely wouldn't have belted out the Arctic Monkeys' 'I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor' in assembly at her son's school.
If Dev hadn't taken the kids to the zoo that day, then the accident wouldn't have happened. He wouldn't have left Flynn and Rose without a dad. Or shattered the love of his life's heart.
But if they hadn't seen the missing person report that day, they might never have taken the trip to Cornwall. And, in the last place they expected, discovered what it really means to be 'Us'."

Melody is a single Mum - trying to do the best for her 2 children - but with the added complication of a condition that makes her sing songs when she's nervous.  The eclectic mix of songs she chooses is just brilliant - and the fact she doesn't get the lyrics right all of the time is amusing and endearing. Both Flynn and Rose have 'complications' to deal with - linked too, or probably because of, their father's disappearance - but all wrapped up in your standard teenage angst.  I thought this particularly well observed and written (mostly because of having teenagers myself!).

I don't want to give too much of the plot away - and there is a HUGE plot change in the middle that takes the wind out of your sails - but it only adds to the amazing roller coaster the book takes you on.

Whilst the major plot lines revolve around the immediate family - the peripheral characters are also really important and fundamental to the story line in lots of ways.  It was good to see how their stories panned out too.  How people deal with a crisis can be so different - and whilst you can see that, for example, Melody's Mum has the best of intentions - she does like any crisis to be firmly centred on the impact on her rather than the main protagonist for that specific issue.

I really didn't want to put this down - even though the final 15% had me weeping LOADS - but it is great.  It's written well - but not in a 'I'm a really high brow novel' kind of way - but in a 'fun, clever, witty, emotional, entertaining, but still written with eloquence and care' kind of way.  I can also definitely see this being made into a film / TV series - the soundtrack would be immense!

I'd decided to slot this into my 2018 Reading Challenge as A Book About Mental Health - but is it???

The Songs of Us is published in September - but you can pre-order a copy now.  Thank you Netgalley for my copy.

This is one of those books that you can’t read in public without drawing attention to yourself. A bit like the main character Melody who involuntarily bursts into song at inappropriate moments, I had a fair few occasions of bursting into public laughter and a good few sniffles and sobs as well.

The Songs of Us is a beautiful, life affirming and poignant novel. I don’t think I have ever loved a bunch of characters quite as much as I did these. The relationships between them are also incredibly heart warming and real.

Emma Cooper has a wonderful ability to show life in all it’s sad, testing, imperfect and ridiculous reality, whilst also revealing the joy and hilarity which weaves through the storylines of our lives. And she captures motherhood so perfectly, the feelings, pressures, joy – it’s a true celebration of this too. The love story is also stunning… what a wonderful premise.

There are sections that are so beautifully written, they take you right there with the characters – the tastes, smells and sights pulling you in.

I particularly loved how the tuning of instruments and the last bars of a song’s introduction (inside her head) marked a coming outburst, and would have Melody legging it out of some situations. The choice and timing of some of the songs is true hilarious genius!

Ultimately, I think this book is a gem and will be lapped up. The title and cover alone had me itching to read it! I laughed, sighed, sobbed and smiled my way through the pages. It hooked me and I loved it!

The Songs of Us.

I'd forgotten the synopsis of this book when I came to read it, so went in a bit blind. Well, I loved it. I laughed, giggled, sighed and cried through the book. I can't remember the last time a book brought me to tears. Melody's character, and those of her family absorb you, they feel very real as you read. I started it a few days ago, and then read practically the whole book today. I just couldn't put it down. I'm so pleased I read it, but do make sure that you have tissues ready!

Wow! What a beautifully written debut novel.

From the opening sentence, this book grips you by the wrist and pulls you into the life of Melody King. A very apt name for the main character and she knows it. She is lovable and endearing and you are rooting for her from the off.

There are several little twists and I don't want to risk putting in any spoilers that may detract from this gorgeously crafted, and utterly unique, story.

The writing is delicious and, at times, quite poetic. Laughter and tears are the order of the day so be sure to keep the tissues close by.

Emma Cooper has created something quite stunning and I'm already looking forward to her next offering.

I was blessed to be able read an advanced copy of this book for an honest review and to be honest, I'm a little lost for words.

I read the blurb to this book before requesting it, and thought it sounded like a light, chic-lit read and in the very beginning, I did wonder what I'd signed up for and if I would actually finish it. See if you really know me, you will know that I am extremely fussy with what I read and rarely ever give out 5 stars.

The first thing that struck me about this book when I started reading it is that it was funny. Not just a giggle here and there, but 'Janet Evanovich - Stephanie Plum' laugh out loud funny. From the opening chapter, I fell into the twisted world of Melody, who breaks out into a song and dance whenever she is anxious, Flynn, who struggles to deal with his anger and Rose, who struggles with the loss of her missing Dad and inability to make friends. A dysfunctional family who no matter what life threw at them, they always stuck together and always made the best of a bad situation. Then came Tom, who lost his memory 11 years earlier and can't remember where he came from, who complimented the story to perfection. Written beautifully from the points of view from everyone, I felt like an intruder on this families lives through the writings of journals or Melody's first person viewpoint. As the laughs lessened and I became more and more invested in the characters, the tears started and didn't stop until the very last word. I was left heartbroken that this book had to come to an end, I could have read this book for what seems like ever.

As I said, I don't give out 5 star reviews easily, but when I do, it's because the book moved me, really connected with me on a personal level and took me to the world of it's characters; their lives, their loves and their losses and this book did not disappoint!

A 5 star rating from me. Thank you Emma for this amazingly heartwarming story of love, loss and moving on.

The Songs of Us is quite possibly my favourite of all the books that I have read so far this year. What could have been a thoroughly depressing book, given the hand that has been dealt to the main characters, is in fact surprisingly warm and funny. The entire premise of the book is completely heartbreaking, and yet there is a feeling of hope throughout, and the author's sense of humour shines out through the pages. This is a book that takes you on a real rollercoaster ride through your emotions making you laugh and cry in equal measure.