THE SONGS YOU'VE NEVER HEARD

A 17-year-old lives in the shadow of her older brother’s stardom in this contemporary novel set in Brighton, England.

Meg’s whole family changed when Casper got a record deal as a teen, though he is now struggling to write new songs. Her parents are hyperfocused on his career and their family’s social media presence, to the point that they are not even aware that Meg herself is also a gifted singer/songwriter. Pushed by her mother into taking a job at a frozen yogurt shop for the summer, Meg meets talented co-worker Alana, who sings at open mics and embodies a confidence that Meg aspires to. Meanwhile, Meg is plagued by self-doubt as she resists revealing her identity to Matty, a boy from school with whom she has fallen in love over the course of their ongoing online exchanges. This family drama compellingly touches on many issues—chief among them cyberbullying and its ill effects. Alana, who is fat, is a target of hostile abuse. If at times the overarching message of finding and using one’s own voice is a bit obvious and the wrap-up a little neat, this story nicely balances heavier elements with an authentic portrayal of the power of music. Main characters are cued as White.

An inspiring tale of how art provides both solace and purpose.