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One Song: Sometimes a Song Presses Pause on the World
'In a few months, the four of us will be elsewhere, doing other things, and this chance we have will be long-gone. We won't get a re-do. We won't get another shot at changing the very course of our existence.'
Eva writes intimate, personal songs. She wants to make it as a musician, but after three rejections from the Triple J Unearthed High competition, she is ready to give up her dreams and focus on graduating high school.
Until Cooper Hunter, fellow muso and Eva's long-time crush, convinces her to try again - this time, with some help.
Cue the band: mellow, metal-head drummer Ant; broody, opinionated bassist Ruby; charismatic rock guitarist Cooper; and indie-folk singer-songwriter Eva. Aspiring documentary-maker Mim is in the background, filming their rehearsal.
Five people who have nothing in common but music. Will it be enough?
Part Breakfast Club, part music doco, part coming-of-age story about five teenagers, one emotionally and creatively charged weekend, and the song that unites them.
Eva writes intimate, personal songs. She wants to make it as a musician, but after three rejections from the Triple J Unearthed High competition, she is ready to give up her dreams and focus on graduating high school.
Until Cooper Hunter, fellow muso and Eva's long-time crush, convinces her to try again - this time, with some help.
Cue the band: mellow, metal-head drummer Ant; broody, opinionated bassist Ruby; charismatic rock guitarist Cooper; and indie-folk singer-songwriter Eva. Aspiring documentary-maker Mim is in the background, filming their rehearsal.
Five people who have nothing in common but music. Will it be enough?
Part Breakfast Club, part music doco, part coming-of-age story about five teenagers, one emotionally and creatively charged weekend, and the song that unites them.
Audio CD
First published July 25, 2023
8 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Betts
8 books264 followersI'm a Perth-based writer who writes realistic fiction for teenagers (14+) but adults enjoy them too. I'm also an English teacher, poet, writer of non-fiction texts, presenter and reader.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 9, 2026
this was like a perfect book for me with perfect music. a true celebration of triple j and the aussie music scene
i wrote all over it and it made me so happy <3
im so proud of this playlist asw -
here <3
i wrote all over it and it made me so happy <3
im so proud of this playlist asw -
here <3
January 15, 2025
Daisy Jones and the Six for Triple J Unearthed High all set over one stressful, chaotic and teenagery weekend, I loved it!
August 14, 2023
A J Betts is an auto-read YA author for me. I've been a fan since Zac and Mia, and loved her dystopian books Hive and Rogue. And here is another gem of realistic high school fiction for young adults and fans of Triple J Unearthed.
After three failed attempts at entering Triple J Unearthed High, Eva brings a band together over a weekend in August of Year 12 to smash out one final entry before she leaves school.
Five teenagers who have nothing in common agree to lock themselves into a home studio until they finish the song. Throw in teenage angst, a dog, a couple of storms, a carton of beer, some sexual tension and a period drama and you are in for a wild ride to see if they get the song finished in time for the 5pm deadline.
I loved it.
After three failed attempts at entering Triple J Unearthed High, Eva brings a band together over a weekend in August of Year 12 to smash out one final entry before she leaves school.
Five teenagers who have nothing in common agree to lock themselves into a home studio until they finish the song. Throw in teenage angst, a dog, a couple of storms, a carton of beer, some sexual tension and a period drama and you are in for a wild ride to see if they get the song finished in time for the 5pm deadline.
I loved it.
August 13, 2023
“Lemonade Mouth” Australian version!
Whilst we still had one main character, Eva, the other four were still important to the story and added important depth and messages. I loved reading how they tackled obstacles and got real with each other over the course of the weekend. The author did an amazing job at highlighting the experiences of teenagers and the pressures they face.
I really enjoyed the plot and it was filled with twists and events that I didn’t see coming. It was such an easy read that it pulled me in and I didn’t want to stop reading!
I was a little disappointed that we didn’t get to read the song Eva wrote but I suppose it was up to us to imagine. Also a cliffhanger!! Again, I suppose it’s up to us to decide how we interpret the ending but I love having all the answers in books.
I will definitely check out more from this author!
Whilst we still had one main character, Eva, the other four were still important to the story and added important depth and messages. I loved reading how they tackled obstacles and got real with each other over the course of the weekend. The author did an amazing job at highlighting the experiences of teenagers and the pressures they face.
I really enjoyed the plot and it was filled with twists and events that I didn’t see coming. It was such an easy read that it pulled me in and I didn’t want to stop reading!
I was a little disappointed that we didn’t get to read the song Eva wrote but I suppose it was up to us to imagine. Also a cliffhanger!! Again, I suppose it’s up to us to decide how we interpret the ending but I love having all the answers in books.
I will definitely check out more from this author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2023
I LOVE a book about music!
I'm not musical at all. I can't play an instrument or sing. I'd give anything to be able to do either but I'm just not gifted in that way.
One Song follows the FMC Eva and her wish to win Triple J Unearthed High competition. She recruits 5 other people to help her as her previous attempts have been unsuccessful.
All five are locked down in a granny flat until a song is written and finalised and sent off!
It was a great story of not just Eva but all other four band members. Everyone had their own spotlight moment and obstacle that they had to overcome.
This was an enjoyable read, my first of A.J. Betts but won't be my last!
I'm not musical at all. I can't play an instrument or sing. I'd give anything to be able to do either but I'm just not gifted in that way.
One Song follows the FMC Eva and her wish to win Triple J Unearthed High competition. She recruits 5 other people to help her as her previous attempts have been unsuccessful.
All five are locked down in a granny flat until a song is written and finalised and sent off!
It was a great story of not just Eva but all other four band members. Everyone had their own spotlight moment and obstacle that they had to overcome.
This was an enjoyable read, my first of A.J. Betts but won't be my last!
October 10, 2023
This book, I read in 3 days. I really enjoyed it. I would absolutely recommend. It was fast paced and so fun. It was set in one weekend, but I do wish there was more explanation of somethings.
Like the relationship of Eva and Mim. And Eva and Cooper, as it neared to the end. Needs to become more popular.
Like the relationship of Eva and Mim. And Eva and Cooper, as it neared to the end. Needs to become more popular.
March 16, 2024
Sometimes a little bit too much information.. about menstruation and puking.. kinda bit gross. More over, I think it should be a duology. Some side stories are definitely not finished yet.
August 22, 2024
"I hold my breath in anticipation of the moment when four disparate people synch into a single sound with a single intention."
This book, this book, this book is everything
August 29, 2023
Thank you so much to PanMacmillan for sending me a copy of this book. I whole heartedly, pinky promise swear, that this review is 100% honest xx
In this YA novel, the newly formed band of highschoolers (The Errants) are tasked with creating the best song of their lives. The goal? To win a super prestigious place in a huge song competition, so that they have a shot at stardom.
We see the thrill and stress of creating a song, with such high stakes attached to it, through Eva’s point of view. She is somewhat of a perfectionist so is naturally drawn to the position of band manager. Through Eva, there is a realistic portrayal of the stress students feel when having to balance all aspects of their life, alongside their passions. This comes to a head when The Errants have a weekend lock in so that they can get their song in on time.
When I was reading this, I couldn’t help but think how amazing it would be for students to read this. I say students because, as a teacher, there were a bunch of my own students who I thought would love this book. Side note; I in fact did actually pass this onto a student and she loved it! I thought teenagers would like it because it has a nice amount of romance (without oversexualising anything), has realistic friendship interactions, and has relatable moments where the teens were allowed to let their hair down too.
Overall, I think this is a brilliant YA book which has its head in the clouds yet shows that those dreams are achievable with a bit of hard work. The characters are relatable and there’s some true incentive to keep reading as you want to see the band members succeed. My biggest critique is that it felt sad not being able to read the lyrics of the song. I have a feeling that this book will be a bit like a boomerang with me lending it out to student after student.
Triggers include underage drinking, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, medication, stress, lock ins. Sexual content includes kissing and mention of intercourse (but there is none).
Title - One Song: Sometimes a Song Presses Pause on the World
Publisher - Pan Mac Millan Australia (imprint: PanAustralia)
Published date - 25th July 2023
AU RRP - $19.99
In this YA novel, the newly formed band of highschoolers (The Errants) are tasked with creating the best song of their lives. The goal? To win a super prestigious place in a huge song competition, so that they have a shot at stardom.
We see the thrill and stress of creating a song, with such high stakes attached to it, through Eva’s point of view. She is somewhat of a perfectionist so is naturally drawn to the position of band manager. Through Eva, there is a realistic portrayal of the stress students feel when having to balance all aspects of their life, alongside their passions. This comes to a head when The Errants have a weekend lock in so that they can get their song in on time.
When I was reading this, I couldn’t help but think how amazing it would be for students to read this. I say students because, as a teacher, there were a bunch of my own students who I thought would love this book. Side note; I in fact did actually pass this onto a student and she loved it! I thought teenagers would like it because it has a nice amount of romance (without oversexualising anything), has realistic friendship interactions, and has relatable moments where the teens were allowed to let their hair down too.
Overall, I think this is a brilliant YA book which has its head in the clouds yet shows that those dreams are achievable with a bit of hard work. The characters are relatable and there’s some true incentive to keep reading as you want to see the band members succeed. My biggest critique is that it felt sad not being able to read the lyrics of the song. I have a feeling that this book will be a bit like a boomerang with me lending it out to student after student.
Triggers include underage drinking, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, medication, stress, lock ins. Sexual content includes kissing and mention of intercourse (but there is none).
Title - One Song: Sometimes a Song Presses Pause on the World
Publisher - Pan Mac Millan Australia (imprint: PanAustralia)
Published date - 25th July 2023
AU RRP - $19.99
August 31, 2023
one song follows four high school kids as work together they try to create the song that will win them the triple j unearthed high competition.
i picked this book up on a whim and i was pleasantly surprised. this book takes place over a few days in one house, which worked very well for the story. generally, when ya books take place over a short period of time, it ends up with what we know as "insta love" and overall generally unrealistic character development. this book, however, was perfect in its execution related to time. the confined sense of time and place made the story feel more intimate and less distracted. additionally, the characters already have established bonds prior to the beginning of the story, and the book simply expands on these and adds conflict.
i really enjoyed seeing the process of how these characters developed a song. all the conflict and later resolution that occurred all felt very natural given the context of the story. this made for a very engaging read.
there were, however, some things that i believe held this book back from reaching its full potential:
- the singular pov: the addition of an extra four povs from the other characters/band members could have benefited the story. for a story that felt like it was supposed to be about this entire group, it felt too focused on eva's perspective. this becomes especially apparent with the ending, which focuses on a conclusion for eva and neglects the others.
- similarly, whilst most of the story felt very focused on the relationships, this feels neglected right at the end, as most of eva's relationships are left unresolved. i understand the intention of an open-ending, but this instead feels like these bonds were just... forgotten.
- this one more is personal preference, but the constant references to the covid lockdowns felt like they could have been avoided.
that being said, this was a very fast and enjoyable read from an australian author! i highly look forward to reading a.j. betts future works
i picked this book up on a whim and i was pleasantly surprised. this book takes place over a few days in one house, which worked very well for the story. generally, when ya books take place over a short period of time, it ends up with what we know as "insta love" and overall generally unrealistic character development. this book, however, was perfect in its execution related to time. the confined sense of time and place made the story feel more intimate and less distracted. additionally, the characters already have established bonds prior to the beginning of the story, and the book simply expands on these and adds conflict.
i really enjoyed seeing the process of how these characters developed a song. all the conflict and later resolution that occurred all felt very natural given the context of the story. this made for a very engaging read.
there were, however, some things that i believe held this book back from reaching its full potential:
- the singular pov: the addition of an extra four povs from the other characters/band members could have benefited the story. for a story that felt like it was supposed to be about this entire group, it felt too focused on eva's perspective. this becomes especially apparent with the ending, which focuses on a conclusion for eva and neglects the others.
- similarly, whilst most of the story felt very focused on the relationships, this feels neglected right at the end, as most of eva's relationships are left unresolved. i understand the intention of an open-ending, but this instead feels like these bonds were just... forgotten.
- this one more is personal preference, but the constant references to the covid lockdowns felt like they could have been avoided.
that being said, this was a very fast and enjoyable read from an australian author! i highly look forward to reading a.j. betts future works
August 19, 2023
I put off writing a review for this one for a while...
I read this book over two days - though I read most of it on a Saturday afternoon after narrowly winning the right to read it at work. The pressure was on to finish it for the next person.
One Song is a fun book with only 5 characters, which I always enjoy - fewer characters to worry about, and a more concise plot and constricted space to work with. Each character starts as a caricature and grows into their own person, which was wonderful to watch. All of the characters are great, and watching them grow was the best part of the story.
Eva especially grows so much throughout the book, and she quickly grew to be one of my favourites with Ant. I adored how easygoing Ant was, he just rolled with everything. Mim grew on me the most, I think, as she went from fly on the wall to the character I was rooting for the most. Ruby was great to unpack, and she's the reason for one of the last problems in the story :) she was the most interesting as Eva spends most of the book trying to understand her when it turns out she has the most in common with Ruby.
And Cooper, well, let's just say he was my least favourite, I just grew to dislike him I guess ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ it suddenly became apparent how... flaky he was.
I enjoyed the lyrics a lot, so I was kinda disappointed when the end product wasn't revealed, but I guess that's the fun of it - imagining what Eva sang about.
And the cliffhanger was something, I saw another review mentioned it - but I really did like the epilogue and how that tied the story together nicely for me.
I read this book over two days - though I read most of it on a Saturday afternoon after narrowly winning the right to read it at work. The pressure was on to finish it for the next person.
One Song is a fun book with only 5 characters, which I always enjoy - fewer characters to worry about, and a more concise plot and constricted space to work with. Each character starts as a caricature and grows into their own person, which was wonderful to watch. All of the characters are great, and watching them grow was the best part of the story.
Eva especially grows so much throughout the book, and she quickly grew to be one of my favourites with Ant. I adored how easygoing Ant was, he just rolled with everything. Mim grew on me the most, I think, as she went from fly on the wall to the character I was rooting for the most. Ruby was great to unpack, and she's the reason for one of the last problems in the story :) she was the most interesting as Eva spends most of the book trying to understand her when it turns out she has the most in common with Ruby.
And Cooper, well, let's just say he was my least favourite, I just grew to dislike him I guess ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ it suddenly became apparent how... flaky he was.
I enjoyed the lyrics a lot, so I was kinda disappointed when the end product wasn't revealed, but I guess that's the fun of it - imagining what Eva sang about.
And the cliffhanger was something, I saw another review mentioned it - but I really did like the epilogue and how that tied the story together nicely for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2023
Four teenagers attempt to write the winning song for the ultimate competition. They don't really know each other, they are locked in a house together, they've made a rule that nobody leaves until the song is done and recorded and submitted. It's going to be tough, but they can do it. They are all talented, they are all keen, they are desperate for the win. Eva needs to write the song so that they can get underway, but the best-laid plans tend to go awry, and it is going to be a challenge. Everyone has issues, everyone has troubles, and just when it looks like it will all come together they find out disastrous news. This is a novel full of misunderstandings, angst, love gone wrong and an unrequited love that is powerful and inspirational.
I love this author's books. Zac and Mia remains one of my all-time faves, she does real teenage life and inner turmoil perfectly.
I love this author's books. Zac and Mia remains one of my all-time faves, she does real teenage life and inner turmoil perfectly.
June 9, 2024
Eva is desperate to win a music competition that closes in two days that will change her life.
There are four students in the band Cooper who Eve wishes would notice her. Ruby who has her own issues. Ant, who Eve dismisses as only a drummer, and Eve. Kim comes along supposedly to film the song-making for a school assignment.
They all gather at Cooper’s pool house to get the song submitted. Eve tells everyone they can’t leave until that is done. Over the course of the weekend, Eve slowly gets to know her fellow bandmates in a fug of body odour, alcohol, panic attacks and personality clashes.
The song gets submitted but Eve realises her life has changed because she got to know other people.
I enjoyed the realism of being in a band and the narrowness of being single-minded.
Recommend for readers 13 years and older.
There are four students in the band Cooper who Eve wishes would notice her. Ruby who has her own issues. Ant, who Eve dismisses as only a drummer, and Eve. Kim comes along supposedly to film the song-making for a school assignment.
They all gather at Cooper’s pool house to get the song submitted. Eve tells everyone they can’t leave until that is done. Over the course of the weekend, Eve slowly gets to know her fellow bandmates in a fug of body odour, alcohol, panic attacks and personality clashes.
The song gets submitted but Eve realises her life has changed because she got to know other people.
I enjoyed the realism of being in a band and the narrowness of being single-minded.
Recommend for readers 13 years and older.
December 7, 2024
Content warnings: blood, discussions of covid-19 lockdown
Look, I wanted to like this. I did. But if I had to read one more page about how hard lockdown was in FUCKING PERTH, THE CAPITAL OF THE STATE THAT CUT ITSELF OFF FROM THE REST OF THE COUNTRY SO THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO HAVE ANY MORE LOCKDOWNS, I was going to yeet the book out the window.
Add in a largely unlikeable protagonist and the fact that I genuinely didn't give a shit about whether the kids pulled a song together in time and the fact that ? This was not for me.
Look, I wanted to like this. I did. But if I had to read one more page about how hard lockdown was in FUCKING PERTH, THE CAPITAL OF THE STATE THAT CUT ITSELF OFF FROM THE REST OF THE COUNTRY SO THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO HAVE ANY MORE LOCKDOWNS, I was going to yeet the book out the window.
Add in a largely unlikeable protagonist and the fact that I genuinely didn't give a shit about whether the kids pulled a song together in time and the fact that ? This was not for me.
September 19, 2023
Another brilliant novel by AJ Betts. The choice of one weekend for the structure really added to the intensity of the deadline and Eva, the protagonist’s anxiety about it and the importance of the Triple J Unearthed title to her. The setting and the weather also added to the intensity.
What I particularly liked was the way reality imposed itself on Eva over the weekend. The vivid descriptions of her hangover, her period and the subsequent incident with the dog (bloody brilliant!), and her attempts to manage her anxiety. Eva could be any of us, 17 or otherwise.
What I particularly liked was the way reality imposed itself on Eva over the weekend. The vivid descriptions of her hangover, her period and the subsequent incident with the dog (bloody brilliant!), and her attempts to manage her anxiety. Eva could be any of us, 17 or otherwise.
September 27, 2023
I love this book so much. Started it yesterday and finished it today because I loved it so much. The entire book is set over a single weekend so I didn't know what to expect but so much happened. It was fast paced and moving. My opinions and understanding of characters grew and changed as the main character herself grew and changed. I don't know much about music but I know i love this book
August 30, 2023
Listened on audio which was perfect because I could listen to the tunes they were talking about. A really gripping emotional rollercoaster. Sometimes I felt there were just too many twists in the plot but they did keep me hooked!
October 1, 2024
An intense weekend of musical workshopping for a group of teens to enter a renowned competition. Plenty of ups ands downs, misunderstandings, assumptions, fun and drama before they make the deadline.
I would have loved to read the lyrics of the final song, but unfortunately they weren't included.
I would have loved to read the lyrics of the final song, but unfortunately they weren't included.
January 20, 2026
So I read this book and imagine this. You are stuck inside this room with your crush, a cool older kid, someone moody, and an innocent person filming the whole thing, for the weekend to do some project. Would you survive?
August 20, 2023
A.J Betts simple brilliance. A wonderful read about the Errants and a lockdown weekend writing a song. Such a great read.
October 11, 2023
Loved it the more I got into the story.
Lots of mishaps, miscommunications and frustrations as Eva tries to get/help/persuade/coerce her band to record their song over one weekend.
Lots of mishaps, miscommunications and frustrations as Eva tries to get/help/persuade/coerce her band to record their song over one weekend.
October 28, 2023
I like how it was written over only a short weekend but A.J. Betts still captured the storey in a great way
December 19, 2023
A.J. Betts does super-realistic teen fiction. The non-drama over the period issue was refreshing (as it is so rarely touched upon in teen fiction) and handled perfectly. Hooray.
January 2, 2024
I really enjoyed this coming of age novel.
What a great group of characters, each with their own issues and all very real.
What a great group of characters, each with their own issues and all very real.
February 25, 2024
I enjoyed this author’s earlier books so I had to read this one.
August 23, 2024
It wasn’t until I was halfway through that I actually started to get into it. I found it quite boring at the start, but really enjoyed the 2nd half of the book :)
March 29, 2025
Amazing! Great story, wonderful writing.
Now I know a little more about music too.
Now I know a little more about music too.
June 26, 2024
I liked this book in the beginning but towards the middle to end of the book from after the part where the dog stole the Eva’s pads I thought the book was rushed where the author just wanted to get it over and done with so things started to not make sense where a switch just flicked in Cooper’s head when he didn’t want to do it anymore like to me that felt random and I just didn’t like it from the pad part
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews