Book Review – Sing (Like No One’s Listening) by Vanessa Jones

Make your mark. Raise your voice. Fame and Glee meets Rainbow Rowell’s Fangirl in former West End actress Vanessa Jones’ YA novel, Sing (Like No One’s Listening).

Since her mother died, Nettie Delaney hasn’t been able to sing a note. This wouldn’t be a problem if she wasn’t now attending Dukes, the most prestigious performing arts college in the country, with her superstar mother’s shadow hanging over her. Nettie has her work cut out for her and everyone is watching.

But one night, in an empty studio after college, Nettie finds herself suddenly singing, as someone behind the curtain accompanies her on the piano. Maybe all is not lost for Nettie. Maybe she can find her voice again and survive her first year at Dukes. But can she do it before she gets thrown out?

A novel about dreaming a dream, finding and raising your voice, and not throwing away your shot!

My rating:

This really made me smile, and in places laugh out loud. It’s bittersweet too, but still uplifting overall.

I really like Nettie’s story – her struggles and her friendships really sang to me (sorry, couldn’t resist!)

I full on hated Natasha and Jade, and would have liked a little more backstory for Natasha about why she’s like that, but honestly it’s not essential to it. I did miss backstory around Nettie’s mum (def looks to be coming in book two!) and grandma, as well as Miss Moore getting her comeuppance. Honestly that part of the storyline made me so mad for Nettie!

I enjoyed this more than I thought, and it’s not just for theatre or dance lovers – you don’t need to know the music they talk about to understand, which is lovely. 3.5 stars overall, and I’ll definitely be looking out for the second one.

Buy Sing (Like No One’s Listening) from Amazon UK.