What do you think?
Rate this book
This Song is About Us
Told over three summer festivals, this stunning novel from a bestselling author 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. 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.
The Kerbs are a four-piece pop rock band on the verge of breaking big the moment that frontman, Drew, turns 18. 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.
336 pages, Paperback
First published April 3, 2025
10 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 20, 2025
sara barnard you’ve done it again. this was devestating. and really good. drew and ruby’s story was beautiful, and i loved all the britpop references!!!!
April 18, 2025
What a gorgeous, addictive read. All I can say is that Sara Barnard can do no wrong, and that you have to read this book if you're a lover of all things musical and romantic and YA... a triumph, with an important message at its heart. Five stars.
April 22, 2025
I giggled and cried. And I love when a book can bring out so many emotions! Seeing Ruby and Drew’s relationship change over the three festivals was beautifully heartbreaking. It showed real emotions and real love! “You carry the anger, or you let it go. I’d rather be lighter. I’d rather be happy”
June 22, 2025
… was I meant to root for this couple? lol 😭 It was a fast read for me and offered a nice distraction but really the way he treats her just pisses me off
December 18, 2025
Sara Barnard is one of my auto-buy authors, so when I saw she had a new YA novel out, I had to get it. This Song Is About Us is such an interesting blend of zeitgeist and timelessness, and while I thought its plot was somewhat straightforward and predictable, I really enjoyed the ending.
Ruby has one more year of school before it’s time to head off to university. Her boyfriend, Drew, is the frontman of an up-and-coming band, The Kerbs. So far, they’ve kept their relationship on the down-low. Now they have to decide: do they go public, or do they continue to date in secret while the band’s label promotes Drew as a single—and therefore desirable—young man? They have to live with the consequences of this decision, and as a year goes by and The Kerbs rocket to fame and success, the strain on Ruby and Drew’s relationship becomes increasingly obvious.
When Barnard revealed this dilemma, I had to pause and seriously consider what I would choose! Of course, not being the type to date anyone, I’ll never be in this situation. As much as I am a private person, I think I would have to go public with our relationship. It isn’t even the question of trusting Drew not to cheat—I think it would just kill me not getting to share in his experiences that whole time and watch always from the sideline.
The time-skip structure where each section takes place at a different festival over the course of a year works very well. It helps Barnard stay focused on Ruby and Drew’s relationship and interactions. Yet this also reveals my main gripe: what else is there about this story? I adore Ruby’s confidence and clarity in herself, the way she stands up for what she wants … yet I also don’t feel like she gets to do much growing in this book.
That being said, when I ask what else there is, I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about Stel. The Ruby/Stel friendship is honestly so great! Barnard’s commitment to authentic female friendships is one of my favourite parts of her storytelling.
Again, though, I think where This Song Is About Us falls short for me is its simplicity. It’s not shallow by any means. Yet after wowing me so deeply with Beautiful Broken Things and Fierce Fragile Hearts, Barnard has yet to truly devastate me that way again. The relationship drama herein feels true, and I like how she presents it and has the characters deal with it—but the overall emotional effect is underwhelming.
This is a solid entry, one that I think a lot of readers will enjoy—I did—but it isn’t a standout in Barnard’s oeuvre.
Originally posted on Kara.Reviews.
Ruby has one more year of school before it’s time to head off to university. Her boyfriend, Drew, is the frontman of an up-and-coming band, The Kerbs. So far, they’ve kept their relationship on the down-low. Now they have to decide: do they go public, or do they continue to date in secret while the band’s label promotes Drew as a single—and therefore desirable—young man? They have to live with the consequences of this decision, and as a year goes by and The Kerbs rocket to fame and success, the strain on Ruby and Drew’s relationship becomes increasingly obvious.
When Barnard revealed this dilemma, I had to pause and seriously consider what I would choose! Of course, not being the type to date anyone, I’ll never be in this situation. As much as I am a private person, I think I would have to go public with our relationship. It isn’t even the question of trusting Drew not to cheat—I think it would just kill me not getting to share in his experiences that whole time and watch always from the sideline.
The time-skip structure where each section takes place at a different festival over the course of a year works very well. It helps Barnard stay focused on Ruby and Drew’s relationship and interactions. Yet this also reveals my main gripe: what else is there about this story? I adore Ruby’s confidence and clarity in herself, the way she stands up for what she wants … yet I also don’t feel like she gets to do much growing in this book.
That being said, when I ask what else there is, I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about Stel. The Ruby/Stel friendship is honestly so great! Barnard’s commitment to authentic female friendships is one of my favourite parts of her storytelling.
Again, though, I think where This Song Is About Us falls short for me is its simplicity. It’s not shallow by any means. Yet after wowing me so deeply with Beautiful Broken Things and Fierce Fragile Hearts, Barnard has yet to truly devastate me that way again. The relationship drama herein feels true, and I like how she presents it and has the characters deal with it—but the overall emotional effect is underwhelming.
This is a solid entry, one that I think a lot of readers will enjoy—I did—but it isn’t a standout in Barnard’s oeuvre.
Originally posted on Kara.Reviews.
March 23, 2025
Omg I've heard some amazing things about Sara's books but I wasn't prepared for this! This was my first time reading this author and it most definitely won't be my last!
There's so much emotion within these pages and I've lost count of how many times I've ugly cried...
I definitely reccomend reading this book if you're a fan of Paige Toon books (esp Johnny Jefferson)! Actually if TJR and Paige Toon actually ever co wrote a book together I think it would be something like this!
It was so emotional and heartbreaking, your heart will definitely be smashed to pieces and put back together again.
I would actually love a sequel to this, I need more Drew and Ruby in my life for sure!!
There's so much emotion within these pages and I've lost count of how many times I've ugly cried...
I definitely reccomend reading this book if you're a fan of Paige Toon books (esp Johnny Jefferson)! Actually if TJR and Paige Toon actually ever co wrote a book together I think it would be something like this!
It was so emotional and heartbreaking, your heart will definitely be smashed to pieces and put back together again.
I would actually love a sequel to this, I need more Drew and Ruby in my life for sure!!
October 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
This was a very easy and enjoyable read. I really liked Sara Barnard's writing style!
I absolutely loved reading about all of the festivals. I have had some of my happiest moments during music festivals, and Sara's writing really made me feel like I was there.
There were lots of emotional moments in this book. However, most of my emotion was related to Ruby and the way that she was treated. I really liked her as a character and felt she deserved much better.
The reason for my 3.75⭐️ rating is that I really didn't like Drew, the MMC. I understand that he had a very difficult upbringing and complicated family relationships, and I can't even imagine how overwhelming fame must be, however, I hated the way that he treated Ruby for 99% of the book. He did have some character development towards the end, however, I would have liked more growth from him.
I absolutely loved the friendship between Ruby and Stel, this was one of the highlights for me.
Overall, I definitely did enjoy this book!
This was a very easy and enjoyable read. I really liked Sara Barnard's writing style!
I absolutely loved reading about all of the festivals. I have had some of my happiest moments during music festivals, and Sara's writing really made me feel like I was there.
There were lots of emotional moments in this book. However, most of my emotion was related to Ruby and the way that she was treated. I really liked her as a character and felt she deserved much better.
The reason for my 3.75⭐️ rating is that I really didn't like Drew, the MMC. I understand that he had a very difficult upbringing and complicated family relationships, and I can't even imagine how overwhelming fame must be, however, I hated the way that he treated Ruby for 99% of the book. He did have some character development towards the end, however, I would have liked more growth from him.
I absolutely loved the friendship between Ruby and Stel, this was one of the highlights for me.
Overall, I definitely did enjoy this book!
October 28, 2025
I love the way every single Character in this book was written. Their love story feels so authentic and genuine. He is head over heels for her and I love that. THANK U SARA BARNARD!!
Also the posts and comments on social media seriously sounded so real and exactly like what I see online about celebrity drama haha well done Sara Barnard.
I would love a spin-off book that’s more about their backstory and the beginnings of when they fell in love, it sounded so sweet when Ruby would talk about it 😭
EVERYONE NEEDS A FRIEND LIKE STEL INCLUDINGG MEEE
Also the posts and comments on social media seriously sounded so real and exactly like what I see online about celebrity drama haha well done Sara Barnard.
I would love a spin-off book that’s more about their backstory and the beginnings of when they fell in love, it sounded so sweet when Ruby would talk about it 😭
EVERYONE NEEDS A FRIEND LIKE STEL INCLUDINGG MEEE
September 10, 2025
What can I say except for that this book broke me? I’ve been hooked right from the start as boy Ruby and Drew struggle with what it means to become more famous.
The way drew treated Ruby at some (a lot of) points, made me feel so sorry for her, but at the same time, I felt so sorry for Drew as he was so lost and felt like no one listened to him. The ending was also not something I expected, it let me feel all the emotions possible. I do think it’s a good end to this story, to conclude everything they’ve been through, just not the one I hoped for both of them..
Once again: this book let me feel all the emotions and there aren’t a lot of books that manage to make such an impact on me. Let’s hope this isn’t the end of their story just yet❤️🩹
The way drew treated Ruby at some (a lot of) points, made me feel so sorry for her, but at the same time, I felt so sorry for Drew as he was so lost and felt like no one listened to him. The ending was also not something I expected, it let me feel all the emotions possible. I do think it’s a good end to this story, to conclude everything they’ve been through, just not the one I hoped for both of them..
Once again: this book let me feel all the emotions and there aren’t a lot of books that manage to make such an impact on me. Let’s hope this isn’t the end of their story just yet❤️🩹
April 2, 2025
Well that was a rollercoaster of emotions 😭 This book navigates the relationship of Ruby and Drew and how they handle their relationship when Drew’s band suddenly blows up. If you love an emotional book with a ‘one of us is famous’ trope then this book is for you!
I received a digital copy of this book through netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I received a digital copy of this book through netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
November 6, 2025
Comfort read! Sinds beautiful broken things is Sara Barnard echt mijn comfort auteur, en this song is about you leest ook weer heerlijk weg. Tijdens 3 festivals leer je het verhaal van Ruby en haar relatie met Drew kennen, en i Love It!! Super origineel en creatief boek, ik hou van de festival setting, hoe niet alles perfect is, hoe je d.m.v. fanforums en nieuwsartikelen zelf ook gaat speculeren over wat er de rest van het jaar gebeurt, etc. Het is een boek over persoonlijke ontwikkeling en coming of age waar ik altijd (ook al is het een ya) leerzame aspecten uit haal ♥️
April 29, 2025
definitely not what i thought it was going to be but i loved it so much, so heartbreaking and real and raw
July 18, 2025
I love Sara’s books and I read this on a train journey to Manchester. This made me smile, made me cross and gave my heart a lot of peace. I hope they get that coffee.
May 18, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this book!
A journey of love, music and how fame can change and test relationships to breaking point.
What can I say about this book?! I feel like this story really surpassed any of my expectations. Told over the span of 3 music festivals we follow Ruby’s journey as her life gets upended as her boyfriend’s band becomes successful and popular! I really enjoyed getting to see behind the scenes as we start out with them just emerging into fame. They have to make choices that I wouldn’t have even thought about and their images are curated from day one, changing the course of their lives and shaping many events in the book.
One of these decisions that shapes the journey for the main characters is the need to decide if they want to go public with their relationships or stay secret. This would be such a hard choice for anyone, especially being so young but Ruby decides she wants to stay at school and keep her life the same. Theres a good contrast because another band member decides to go public with his girlfriend - Stel (such a brilliant character) so we can see both sides of the coin.
There are a lot of really good aspects to this book, the band, the music, the romance, the side characters and all the mechanics of how bands work behind the scenes. I found that all of this made the story way more immersive and engaging. Obviously the rocky relationship between the two main characters is a huge plot point and it was really beautifully written, the yearning, the true love and raw emotion between the characters made me root so badly for them. This also made it so much more painful when the rocky parts of the relationship came up. It was gripping and quite hard to know what was going to happen, Ruby is so strong willed and looks out for what she needs which I admired as it would be tempting to get swept up into the big famous band life!
Other than the love between the main characters, the relationship between Ruby and Stel was such a joy to read. They become friends through the band as she was dating a different member. But their friendship outlasts everything and it’s so heartwarming to see them look out for each other and Stel was such a fun addition to the story and a great constant to Ruby. We also experience the perils of fame and how the public can turn on you in an instant, what happens with Stel is sad but also another important look at the
Something else I loved about this book that I wish was elaborated on more or had a better conclusion was that one band member is gay and decides not to come out straight away. Over the course of the book the fans create a ‘ship’ between the lead singer and this member - a common occurrence especially in the boyband world. However we get to see how this affects them and the damage this can do as unfortunately as a parallel to real life the fans create these toxic parasocial relationships with celebrities and take their ships too far.
Overall I really enjoyed this book it was captivating and a roller coaster of emotions, from raw vulnerability to frustration and laughter. All the characters were extremely likeable and you just got sucked into the story so quickly, I couldn’t put this book down and I will definitely be reading everything else from this author!
“Sometimes feelings are so big it’s like they could spill right out of you. That’s how it feels to look at him in this moment.”
A journey of love, music and how fame can change and test relationships to breaking point.
What can I say about this book?! I feel like this story really surpassed any of my expectations. Told over the span of 3 music festivals we follow Ruby’s journey as her life gets upended as her boyfriend’s band becomes successful and popular! I really enjoyed getting to see behind the scenes as we start out with them just emerging into fame. They have to make choices that I wouldn’t have even thought about and their images are curated from day one, changing the course of their lives and shaping many events in the book.
One of these decisions that shapes the journey for the main characters is the need to decide if they want to go public with their relationships or stay secret. This would be such a hard choice for anyone, especially being so young but Ruby decides she wants to stay at school and keep her life the same. Theres a good contrast because another band member decides to go public with his girlfriend - Stel (such a brilliant character) so we can see both sides of the coin.
There are a lot of really good aspects to this book, the band, the music, the romance, the side characters and all the mechanics of how bands work behind the scenes. I found that all of this made the story way more immersive and engaging. Obviously the rocky relationship between the two main characters is a huge plot point and it was really beautifully written, the yearning, the true love and raw emotion between the characters made me root so badly for them. This also made it so much more painful when the rocky parts of the relationship came up. It was gripping and quite hard to know what was going to happen, Ruby is so strong willed and looks out for what she needs which I admired as it would be tempting to get swept up into the big famous band life!
Other than the love between the main characters, the relationship between Ruby and Stel was such a joy to read. They become friends through the band as she was dating a different member. But their friendship outlasts everything and it’s so heartwarming to see them look out for each other and Stel was such a fun addition to the story and a great constant to Ruby. We also experience the perils of fame and how the public can turn on you in an instant, what happens with Stel is sad but also another important look at the
Something else I loved about this book that I wish was elaborated on more or had a better conclusion was that one band member is gay and decides not to come out straight away. Over the course of the book the fans create a ‘ship’ between the lead singer and this member - a common occurrence especially in the boyband world. However we get to see how this affects them and the damage this can do as unfortunately as a parallel to real life the fans create these toxic parasocial relationships with celebrities and take their ships too far.
Overall I really enjoyed this book it was captivating and a roller coaster of emotions, from raw vulnerability to frustration and laughter. All the characters were extremely likeable and you just got sucked into the story so quickly, I couldn’t put this book down and I will definitely be reading everything else from this author!
“Sometimes feelings are so big it’s like they could spill right out of you. That’s how it feels to look at him in this moment.”
May 6, 2025
“You feel electric. Alive in a way you're just not anywhere else. Everything about your real life feels distant and small, because how could anything possibly be more real, or matter more, than this?”
Yay for another book from Sara Barnard!
I have been a fan of her writing style for the longest time. And this book is no exception. This Song is For Us is such a heartwarming but also heartbreaking story. The coming-of-age trope really shines brightly through the three festivals the characters grow through. And I really say “grow” through, cause that's what they do.
The overall plot of This Song is for Us is about an upcoming boy band, who will soon become famous. Through their journey, the main boy, Drew, has his girlfriend, Ruby. Ruby, who has seen Drew at his lowest points, and knows him inside and out. But when she decides that she wants to be kept secret, her world becomes torn between Drew's world and her own. She wants to be there for her now famous boyfriend, but can she really take the pressure of keeping them secret. Can Ruby and Drew really make things work in a world where secrets are worth a lot?
“The next few moments - and minutes and hours and weeks and months - which are all I can think about, don't yet exist for him. But they're coming, and they just make me cry all the more.”
Ruby throughout this book really had me in a chokehold. I was completely in awe with how mature she was about her choices. I mean, if someone else was in her shoes, they would probably adore the limelight of being “the gf of a popular boybands main man”. But she didn't. Did she regret her decision? Maybe. I mean, who wouldn't? But I was so happy and hurt for her as choices where made. By the end of the book, you can tell she is overall in a much better place, and wants to do what's best for her, and not because of someone else.
Drew did also have me feeling so sad. He get's swept up in a world of fame and of cours, he's so incredibly happy about where him and his friends are going! But naturally, as fame goes, so too do bad choices. And Drew made these, time and time again. To the point where this hurts Ruby. I am glad that Drew grew to understand the choices that Ruby made, and that he respects her decisions.
Overall, I really did enjoy reading This Song is For Us. And I would 100% recommend this for those who enjoy Sara Barnard's writing, and festivals/music.
Personally, though, this book has made me see that perhaps my taste in YA is somewhat lower. Once you start the book, you kind of know what to expect. And yes, everything I thought that would happen in this book, basically happened in one way, shape, or form. Was it still enjoyable? Oh absolutely. But I do find that the predictability did make me pick the book up less often that I normally would. But this is 100% a me thing!
“It was worth it. You were worth it.”
Yay for another book from Sara Barnard!
I have been a fan of her writing style for the longest time. And this book is no exception. This Song is For Us is such a heartwarming but also heartbreaking story. The coming-of-age trope really shines brightly through the three festivals the characters grow through. And I really say “grow” through, cause that's what they do.
The overall plot of This Song is for Us is about an upcoming boy band, who will soon become famous. Through their journey, the main boy, Drew, has his girlfriend, Ruby. Ruby, who has seen Drew at his lowest points, and knows him inside and out. But when she decides that she wants to be kept secret, her world becomes torn between Drew's world and her own. She wants to be there for her now famous boyfriend, but can she really take the pressure of keeping them secret. Can Ruby and Drew really make things work in a world where secrets are worth a lot?
“The next few moments - and minutes and hours and weeks and months - which are all I can think about, don't yet exist for him. But they're coming, and they just make me cry all the more.”
Ruby throughout this book really had me in a chokehold. I was completely in awe with how mature she was about her choices. I mean, if someone else was in her shoes, they would probably adore the limelight of being “the gf of a popular boybands main man”. But she didn't. Did she regret her decision? Maybe. I mean, who wouldn't? But I was so happy and hurt for her as choices where made. By the end of the book, you can tell she is overall in a much better place, and wants to do what's best for her, and not because of someone else.
Drew did also have me feeling so sad. He get's swept up in a world of fame and of cours, he's so incredibly happy about where him and his friends are going! But naturally, as fame goes, so too do bad choices. And Drew made these, time and time again. To the point where this hurts Ruby. I am glad that Drew grew to understand the choices that Ruby made, and that he respects her decisions.
Overall, I really did enjoy reading This Song is For Us. And I would 100% recommend this for those who enjoy Sara Barnard's writing, and festivals/music.
Personally, though, this book has made me see that perhaps my taste in YA is somewhat lower. Once you start the book, you kind of know what to expect. And yes, everything I thought that would happen in this book, basically happened in one way, shape, or form. Was it still enjoyable? Oh absolutely. But I do find that the predictability did make me pick the book up less often that I normally would. But this is 100% a me thing!
“It was worth it. You were worth it.”
April 8, 2025
An incredibly lovely YA novel, designed to press allllll my buttons.
It's got that sweet, heartwarming quality of young love, and is basically a workout for your feelings. I ate it up.
My only nitpick is that I don't think enough time was spent with Ruby and Drew in their 'normal', happy state - the relationship needed a bit more grounding. The conflict also happens a touch too fast.
Still lovely and very easy to drink up.
It's got that sweet, heartwarming quality of young love, and is basically a workout for your feelings. I ate it up.
My only nitpick is that I don't think enough time was spent with Ruby and Drew in their 'normal', happy state - the relationship needed a bit more grounding. The conflict also happens a touch too fast.
Still lovely and very easy to drink up.
January 25, 2025
Yes, this is great. Sad, but that makes it all the more authentic.
Ruby's world is focused (on Drew) and we are right there with her through all the highs and lows.
Ruby's world is focused (on Drew) and we are right there with her through all the highs and lows.
April 21, 2025
I haven’t read any Sara Barnard before I read this one and now I am desperate to read her full backlist as quickly as I possibly can. It was told in a really fun format, I loved the relationships explored and I also really enjoyed the musical element.
This Song is About Us is told over the course of three summer music festivals as the relationship between Drew, the troubled lead singer of an up and coming band, and his girlfriend Ruby, who is the only person who knows the real Drew, changes after they decide to keep their relationship a secret.
There were so many elements of the book that contributed to me loving it. It is such a bingeable book and the way that it is written means that you don’t want to stop reading about these characters.
I am someone who loves to read a book that has a unique format and if that format is done well most of the time it leads to me loving the book, with This Song is About Us being no exception. I found the way the bulk of the story was told through three summer music festivals really interesting with mixed media elements in between. I found that I quickly read the bulk of the story and that it was fast paced along with the mixed media of the band fans online discussions and headlines making me curious about what was happening during the rest of the year but not leaving me with unanswered questions.
One of my favourite relationships explored in this book was the friendship between Ruby and Stel. It was really well written, clearly an important part of the story and I loved seeing how much closer they became each year, growing from just getting to know each other in the first year and best friends who have been there for each other through so many struggles in the third year.
A lot of this book explores what impact fame can have on relationships and how easily in this situation things can become toxic and what the sacrifices can lead to. I found this element really interesting to read and how it was also explored in both Ruby and Stel’s relationships that were in very different situations. I found it to be really well done and something that I both wanted to read about and got me thinking in ways that I previously hadn’t been. This exploration wasn’t limited to romantic relationships though and I found it well done throughout the book, particularly in exploring the impact that fans can have with their narratives. I also really appreciated the emphasis that Sara Barnard placed on saying no and choosing to do what is right for you even if it isn’t what you want to do.
I also loved Sara Barnard’s writing, as I said it was my first time reading from her and I am so glad that I have found her now. I felt so many emotions while reading and I really loved how her writing evoked those in me. I really rooted for these characters and my only complaint would be that I wanted more and would have absolutely loved to spend more time with these characters and find out what happened after it ended.
I definitely think the Holly Bourne comparison is accurate and this is the ideal book to read this summer. I highly recommend picking it up and am looking forward to spending my summer reading more Sara Barnard.
Thank you to Walker Books and Netgalley for a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This Song is About Us is told over the course of three summer music festivals as the relationship between Drew, the troubled lead singer of an up and coming band, and his girlfriend Ruby, who is the only person who knows the real Drew, changes after they decide to keep their relationship a secret.
There were so many elements of the book that contributed to me loving it. It is such a bingeable book and the way that it is written means that you don’t want to stop reading about these characters.
I am someone who loves to read a book that has a unique format and if that format is done well most of the time it leads to me loving the book, with This Song is About Us being no exception. I found the way the bulk of the story was told through three summer music festivals really interesting with mixed media elements in between. I found that I quickly read the bulk of the story and that it was fast paced along with the mixed media of the band fans online discussions and headlines making me curious about what was happening during the rest of the year but not leaving me with unanswered questions.
One of my favourite relationships explored in this book was the friendship between Ruby and Stel. It was really well written, clearly an important part of the story and I loved seeing how much closer they became each year, growing from just getting to know each other in the first year and best friends who have been there for each other through so many struggles in the third year.
A lot of this book explores what impact fame can have on relationships and how easily in this situation things can become toxic and what the sacrifices can lead to. I found this element really interesting to read and how it was also explored in both Ruby and Stel’s relationships that were in very different situations. I found it to be really well done and something that I both wanted to read about and got me thinking in ways that I previously hadn’t been. This exploration wasn’t limited to romantic relationships though and I found it well done throughout the book, particularly in exploring the impact that fans can have with their narratives. I also really appreciated the emphasis that Sara Barnard placed on saying no and choosing to do what is right for you even if it isn’t what you want to do.
I also loved Sara Barnard’s writing, as I said it was my first time reading from her and I am so glad that I have found her now. I felt so many emotions while reading and I really loved how her writing evoked those in me. I really rooted for these characters and my only complaint would be that I wanted more and would have absolutely loved to spend more time with these characters and find out what happened after it ended.
I definitely think the Holly Bourne comparison is accurate and this is the ideal book to read this summer. I highly recommend picking it up and am looking forward to spending my summer reading more Sara Barnard.
Thank you to Walker Books and Netgalley for a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2025
Headlines:
Summer reading list
Music festivals
Growing pains
This book is definitely on my summer recommended reading list for this year. It brings all the feelings of hope, summer music festivals (Brit-style) and a case of committed young love. I always know with Sara Barnard books I'm going to get something of a sucker-punch in the head, heart and gut but she does it so well, I will turn up again and again for this kind of great experience-punishment.
The two main characters were Ruby and Drew, THAT committed couple on the verge of adulthood that you wanted to stay the distance and thought they would. The complications in their path were in the form of Drew's immenent fame with his band The Kerbs. The way this story unravelled through music festivals and tours was so well pitched and I loved the highs and angst-ed through the lows.
While this story is not one most young people will experience themselves, it felt a relatable story nonetheless because Drew and Ruby were down to earth and deeply connected. I raced through this story in a day, feeling the music vibes of Reading and Glastonbury and also feeling the crash ahead.
I wanted a little more at the end to find the what next for these two and I wanted a bit more about Ruby and Topher's friendship that seemed to have deteriorated. Overall this was a great satisfying summer read. One for all YA fans.
Thank you to Walker Books for the review copy.
Summer reading list
Music festivals
Growing pains
This book is definitely on my summer recommended reading list for this year. It brings all the feelings of hope, summer music festivals (Brit-style) and a case of committed young love. I always know with Sara Barnard books I'm going to get something of a sucker-punch in the head, heart and gut but she does it so well, I will turn up again and again for this kind of great experience-punishment.
The two main characters were Ruby and Drew, THAT committed couple on the verge of adulthood that you wanted to stay the distance and thought they would. The complications in their path were in the form of Drew's immenent fame with his band The Kerbs. The way this story unravelled through music festivals and tours was so well pitched and I loved the highs and angst-ed through the lows.
While this story is not one most young people will experience themselves, it felt a relatable story nonetheless because Drew and Ruby were down to earth and deeply connected. I raced through this story in a day, feeling the music vibes of Reading and Glastonbury and also feeling the crash ahead.
I wanted a little more at the end to find the what next for these two and I wanted a bit more about Ruby and Topher's friendship that seemed to have deteriorated. Overall this was a great satisfying summer read. One for all YA fans.
Thank you to Walker Books for the review copy.
April 23, 2025
What a beautiful cover!
What I read over Easter!
Although, This Song is About Us, is for 14-year olds, and up, with me always being a boy-band-lover I absolutely loved the theme, every single character, and chapter.
I now know why this book was called This Song is about Us.
All teenagers will enjoy reading about the good-looking, gentle, kind, Drew, who plays guitar, in a boy-band, The Kerbs. He’s even good at writing lyrics for his band. They are set to be the next big famous boy-band. And all teenagers that go to music festivals will warm to this new exciting story of stardom, being recognised out and about.
Drew Schafer, is in love, he has a girlfriend, Ruby, who takes pictures of the boy-band and promotes them free, online, she is his rock. They can be seen out and about the festival hand-in-hand. There’s just one problem, it’s Ruby’s decision to keep Drew’s relationship with her a secret away from fame, away from fans.
Normally it’s the boy-bands, managers that decide to keep their relationships away from fans.
But oh my goodness! If there’s one book, that all 14-year-olds, and adults should read, it has to be without hesitation, the flair of difference, page-turning, This Song is About Us.
About
What I read over Easter!
Although, This Song is About Us, is for 14-year olds, and up, with me always being a boy-band-lover I absolutely loved the theme, every single character, and chapter.
I now know why this book was called This Song is about Us.
All teenagers will enjoy reading about the good-looking, gentle, kind, Drew, who plays guitar, in a boy-band, The Kerbs. He’s even good at writing lyrics for his band. They are set to be the next big famous boy-band. And all teenagers that go to music festivals will warm to this new exciting story of stardom, being recognised out and about.
Drew Schafer, is in love, he has a girlfriend, Ruby, who takes pictures of the boy-band and promotes them free, online, she is his rock. They can be seen out and about the festival hand-in-hand. There’s just one problem, it’s Ruby’s decision to keep Drew’s relationship with her a secret away from fame, away from fans.
Normally it’s the boy-bands, managers that decide to keep their relationships away from fans.
But oh my goodness! If there’s one book, that all 14-year-olds, and adults should read, it has to be without hesitation, the flair of difference, page-turning, This Song is About Us.
About
July 30, 2025
I thought this was a gorgeous story and I loved following their relationship over the 3 music festivals.
At the beginning I loved both Drew and Ruby and, being a 90’s teen, respected her choice not to make their relationship public knowledge because teenagers can be extremely spiteful. This was portrayed brilliantly later on with the breakdown of another relationship in the story and all the hate and blame being directed at the female not the guy!
It was brutal when I was growing up so adding social media to the mix and damn you can really hurt a person.
Anyway back to Drew & Ruby. As his fame grew, Drew started showing his true colours and I really didn’t like him. I understand he was fighting his own demons but even at the end, when he admitted his struggles, he was still very arrogant and a complete douche. I guess I was hoping for more growth from him but maybe that’s a reflection of real life. People don’t always fully change. Who knows?!
I did love Ruby and following her growth including her relationship with Stel. That was definitely one of my favourite aspects of this story.
It seems mean but official rating is 3.75 ⭐️
I am happy I read this and will definitely check out more from the Sara in the future as I loved her writing style .
At the beginning I loved both Drew and Ruby and, being a 90’s teen, respected her choice not to make their relationship public knowledge because teenagers can be extremely spiteful. This was portrayed brilliantly later on with the breakdown of another relationship in the story and all the hate and blame being directed at the female not the guy!
It was brutal when I was growing up so adding social media to the mix and damn you can really hurt a person.
Anyway back to Drew & Ruby. As his fame grew, Drew started showing his true colours and I really didn’t like him. I understand he was fighting his own demons but even at the end, when he admitted his struggles, he was still very arrogant and a complete douche. I guess I was hoping for more growth from him but maybe that’s a reflection of real life. People don’t always fully change. Who knows?!
I did love Ruby and following her growth including her relationship with Stel. That was definitely one of my favourite aspects of this story.
It seems mean but official rating is 3.75 ⭐️
I am happy I read this and will definitely check out more from the Sara in the future as I loved her writing style .
May 8, 2025
Sara Barnard is an author who knows how to get into the hearts and minds of young teens with her compelling and profound stories and This Song is About Us is no different.
In this book we meet young couple Drew and Ruby who are having to face some big changes in their lives. Drew is the lead singer in the up-and-coming boy band, The Kerbs, and Ruby is his girlfriend. With new found fame looming the couple are asked whether they want to keep their relationship secret or go public.
Told over three UK music festivals, the story looks at the relationship between the couple as they navigate their decision and their role in each other's life.
This Song is About Us is beautifully written and delves deep into how fame can change a person and those around them. It is character driven and you get to feel every raw emotion and the highs and lows of everything from the music industry to fame and relationships.
The mixed media within the tale gives the story a sense of authenticity and helps to bring the tale and the characters to life. This is a story that most young people will never get to experience for themselves but it is a story that young readers will feel invested in.
In this book we meet young couple Drew and Ruby who are having to face some big changes in their lives. Drew is the lead singer in the up-and-coming boy band, The Kerbs, and Ruby is his girlfriend. With new found fame looming the couple are asked whether they want to keep their relationship secret or go public.
Told over three UK music festivals, the story looks at the relationship between the couple as they navigate their decision and their role in each other's life.
This Song is About Us is beautifully written and delves deep into how fame can change a person and those around them. It is character driven and you get to feel every raw emotion and the highs and lows of everything from the music industry to fame and relationships.
The mixed media within the tale gives the story a sense of authenticity and helps to bring the tale and the characters to life. This is a story that most young people will never get to experience for themselves but it is a story that young readers will feel invested in.
September 25, 2025
- First off I love how this story is told. Over three festivals and just snippets of news or social media posts between. I think it’s a great way to show quickly how people are changing and what each year is like for the main couple.
- Another thing is the mixed media parts of this book, as mentioned the parts between the festivals are told in news articles and social media posts. I think it’s a great way to show what is happening without having to have loads of in-depth writing about it.
- I also love that Sara shows the darker side of fame again in this book. We have Drew who is struggling with the fame and coping in his own way and then we have Topher having different but very real struggles. And the strain on Ruby that everything has and how that is shown is phenomenal!
- Sara Barnard is one writer that tugs on my heartstrings every time. She has a way of writing that makes me feel everything the characters are feeling, I has moments of rage and pure heartbreak when reading pieces and I think that’s what makes her books so good. The raw emotion on each page is something I feel a lot of books are missing.
- Another thing is the mixed media parts of this book, as mentioned the parts between the festivals are told in news articles and social media posts. I think it’s a great way to show what is happening without having to have loads of in-depth writing about it.
- I also love that Sara shows the darker side of fame again in this book. We have Drew who is struggling with the fame and coping in his own way and then we have Topher having different but very real struggles. And the strain on Ruby that everything has and how that is shown is phenomenal!
- Sara Barnard is one writer that tugs on my heartstrings every time. She has a way of writing that makes me feel everything the characters are feeling, I has moments of rage and pure heartbreak when reading pieces and I think that’s what makes her books so good. The raw emotion on each page is something I feel a lot of books are missing.
March 15, 2025
I have read every book Sara Barnard has written and always loved her writing, her newest offering This Song Is About Us is no different. I adored this book from start to end.
Ruby and Drew are young and in love. Drew’s band are about to hit the big time, catapulting him into the spotlight and Ruby is the ever faithful, biggest fan of Drew and his band. Faced with the decision of whether to keep their relationship secret or go public, this book explores the consequences of their decision, the influence of social media, the world of fandom.
I loved the snippets of forum and social media posts between the festivals to help keep us op to date with what the band are doing. My absolutely favourite thing about this book (in typical Sara Barnard style) is the friendship between Ruby and Stel. Nobody writes a layered, female friendship like Sara.
A really emotional read that is bound to tug on your heart strings.
Thank you to Walker Books, Sara Barnard and NetGalley for my early review copy in exchange of a fair and honest review.
Ruby and Drew are young and in love. Drew’s band are about to hit the big time, catapulting him into the spotlight and Ruby is the ever faithful, biggest fan of Drew and his band. Faced with the decision of whether to keep their relationship secret or go public, this book explores the consequences of their decision, the influence of social media, the world of fandom.
I loved the snippets of forum and social media posts between the festivals to help keep us op to date with what the band are doing. My absolutely favourite thing about this book (in typical Sara Barnard style) is the friendship between Ruby and Stel. Nobody writes a layered, female friendship like Sara.
A really emotional read that is bound to tug on your heart strings.
Thank you to Walker Books, Sara Barnard and NetGalley for my early review copy in exchange of a fair and honest review.
July 27, 2025
Started off promisingly but by the end I was kind of bored, ngl. Although it's fairly fast-paced, and a quick and easy read, the fact that the novel is purely set at music festivals was a bit limiting? I really enjoyed the ephemera between each festival (forum posts, comment threads, insta captions, articles, etc) which gave it more depth and also showed how batshit fans can be, but I wanted to see more events unfold on page than simply being told what happened. I love it when female friendships are explored in fiction, so it was supremely unsatisfying to learn that Stel and Ruby became best friends in the last year, rather than getting to experience any of those conversations or moments as they occurred.
Idk, maybe it's because I don't see the appeal of a ~hot rock star boyfriend~ or maybe it's because Ruby and Drew are teenagers, but I didn't really feel much emotion when it came to their story. There's an attempt to tackle big topics, like addiction and misogyny and the difficulty of maintaining boundaries around your private life when you're in the public eye, but nothing was really explored in any depth.
Idk, maybe it's because I don't see the appeal of a ~hot rock star boyfriend~ or maybe it's because Ruby and Drew are teenagers, but I didn't really feel much emotion when it came to their story. There's an attempt to tackle big topics, like addiction and misogyny and the difficulty of maintaining boundaries around your private life when you're in the public eye, but nothing was really explored in any depth.
December 6, 2024
i was lucky enough to read an early copy of this and i cannot TELL YOU how much i enjoyed it -- one of my very favourite sara barnard books (which frankly is saying something, because i love them all).
it felt like i was there sitting on ruby's shoulder experiencing the whole thing with her, and - without giving too much away - i also loved the way that drew, her boyfriend, was written. because of its topics (bands! fame! female friendship!) this is a book that could easily have had some predictable/2D characters in it, but i am here to tell you that it ultimately has ZERO predictable/2D characters because a sara barnard novel would never do that to you. every single person you'll encounter in these pages feels like a real, living, breathing person, with their own struggles and vulnerabilities and strengths.
if you're a fan of YA fiction, live music and festivals, realistic relationships, and self-discovery and growth, this is absolutely the book for you!
it felt like i was there sitting on ruby's shoulder experiencing the whole thing with her, and - without giving too much away - i also loved the way that drew, her boyfriend, was written. because of its topics (bands! fame! female friendship!) this is a book that could easily have had some predictable/2D characters in it, but i am here to tell you that it ultimately has ZERO predictable/2D characters because a sara barnard novel would never do that to you. every single person you'll encounter in these pages feels like a real, living, breathing person, with their own struggles and vulnerabilities and strengths.
if you're a fan of YA fiction, live music and festivals, realistic relationships, and self-discovery and growth, this is absolutely the book for you!
June 1, 2025
Yay for female friendships and a big nay for Drew. That man needed to GROVEL! Why did he trap Ruby like that at the end, and blame her for how their relationship was ruined, and how she didn’t even try to contact him, when she was physically removed from the festival the moment they broke up? I like that it ended on an uncertain, on her setting a boundary and starting her own life separate from being the “girlfriend of a famous heartthrob”, but I really don’t like that Drew didn’t acknowledge that, and that I’m meant to root for him? And why did he get mad when she didn’t know she was Jane and thought it was someone else? They hadn’t talked in a year! She doesn’t know anything about what he’s doing anymore, so why the hell would she expect him to write songs to her still?
June 2, 2025
Ik vond dit verhaal echt amaziiiiing! 🩷
De perfecte summer read, zeker nu het festivalseizoen weer is begonnen. Het verhaal draait om Ruby en Drew. Drew is onderdeel van een opkomende band genaamd The Kerbs. Ruby en Drew zijn al jaren samen, maar besluiten – terwijl Drew’s band steeds bekender wordt – hun relatie geheim te houden.
Het boek is vlot geschreven en ik zag de personages en sfeer helemaal voor me :)
Een kleine kanttekening: hoewel het boek als young adult wordt gepresenteerd, vond ik sommige thema’s behoorlijk heftig voor lezers onder de 18. Zo worden er expliciete scènes beschreven en speelt alcoholisme een duidelijke rol in het verhaal.
De perfecte summer read, zeker nu het festivalseizoen weer is begonnen. Het verhaal draait om Ruby en Drew. Drew is onderdeel van een opkomende band genaamd The Kerbs. Ruby en Drew zijn al jaren samen, maar besluiten – terwijl Drew’s band steeds bekender wordt – hun relatie geheim te houden.
Het boek is vlot geschreven en ik zag de personages en sfeer helemaal voor me :)
Een kleine kanttekening: hoewel het boek als young adult wordt gepresenteerd, vond ik sommige thema’s behoorlijk heftig voor lezers onder de 18. Zo worden er expliciete scènes beschreven en speelt alcoholisme een duidelijke rol in het verhaal.
March 19, 2025
✨4 stars✨
I always enjoy Sara Barnard’s books and this was no difference! The writing and plot was engaging and I really enjoyed the mixed media aspects of the book.
There were a few characters that irritated me (Marianne in particular, I’m looking at you) and I thought the ending was a bit abrupt, but overall this was a solid YA book that I read really quickly.
I would definitely recommend if you looking for a YA read where the characters feel age appropriate.
I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I always enjoy Sara Barnard’s books and this was no difference! The writing and plot was engaging and I really enjoyed the mixed media aspects of the book.
There were a few characters that irritated me (Marianne in particular, I’m looking at you) and I thought the ending was a bit abrupt, but overall this was a solid YA book that I read really quickly.
I would definitely recommend if you looking for a YA read where the characters feel age appropriate.
I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
May 1, 2025
"You've got a choice in life," she said, shrugging, when I'd told her she didn't need to be OK with it all. "You carry the anger, or you let it go. I'd rather be lighter. I'd rather be happy."
This was beautiful, raw, realistic (don't let the premise fool you; this book covers a lot of topics and handles it so well), heartbreaking, but at the same time, heartfelt journey filled with life lessons, friendships (my girl Stel), love (the ugly and the good) and everything in between.
Miss Barnard, the writer that you are. 🤌🏻
p.s. Lyrics to "Purple" are beautiful (made me sob 11/10).
This was beautiful, raw, realistic (don't let the premise fool you; this book covers a lot of topics and handles it so well), heartbreaking, but at the same time, heartfelt journey filled with life lessons, friendships (my girl Stel), love (the ugly and the good) and everything in between.
Miss Barnard, the writer that you are. 🤌🏻
p.s. Lyrics to "Purple" are beautiful (made me sob 11/10).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews