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Northern Soul
Book Review
This book is light-hearted and comedic
This book is about a boy called Marv who develops a crush on the new girl at his school. He tries to ask her out, but doesn’t have the self-confidence to pull it off. However, when he finds the ghost of his new favourite singer in his room, things begin to change.
Overall, this book is very lighthearted and comedic, and I enjoyed it a lot. I would recommend Northern Soul to anyone who doesn’t like long books, as it is a great quick read, and you can read it in a couple of days.
My favourite character was Otis Redding’s ghost as he was hilarious and worked well with the story. (Otis Redding was a singer from the 1960’s who died in a plane crash in 1967.) He made the book very funny, and made me like this book a lot. It also made me start listening to Otis Redding, and enjoy it.
I think that fans of books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid (although that is a book for slightly younger readers) will enjoy this as they share similar themes and the same sense of comedy.
Also, people who enjoy Otis Redding’s songs may like this, as they can relate to the character.
I would aim this book at ages 12-15.
About the Book
Marv’s fourteen and his life is simple. There’s football. And his best mate, Jimmy. Perfect.
Nothing else matters until a new girl at school called Carly crashes into his life.
For Marv, it’s love at first sight, his emotions flipped upside down, as he knows a girl like Carly will never notice him.
Fortunately his musical hero provides the help and inspiration he needs to navigate his first affair of the heart…
Author
Phil Earle
Phil Earle is a British children’s and young-adult author from Hull whose early work as a care worker and drama therapist deeply influences his emotionally rich storytelling.His novel 'When the Sky Falls' won the 2022 British Book Award for Children’s Fiction, and he continues to write award-winning, heartfelt historical and contemporary fiction from his home in West Yorkshire.
Reviewer Profile
Ivan, 12
- Reviews: 12
- Likes: origami, pizza and drawing
- Dislikes: peas and Donald Trump
- Favourite Book: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
- Favourite Song: Space Oddity by David Bowie
- Favourite Film: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
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