Saturday 27 October 2018

Book Review: Scrapbook of an Unfound Songstress by Vicky Nolan




Synopsis:
You’re a 15-year-old schoolgirl who has big dreams of becoming a pop star, and then one day you get your lucky break. Polydor records sends you to Copenhagen to make pop music - to make you a recording artist. You get back home and your future is looking brighter than ever – until the High Court writ hits the door mat – you’ve fallen out with your management and they have decided to sue. No, this isn’t a dream, this is now Vicky Nolan’s reality and fast becoming a nightmare, and all while still at school at the sweet age of sixteen.

Read about the trial, the family, Hollywood, London town, the glamour, the dog (eh?) and most importantly, the music. Curiouser and curiouser?

We always talk about ‘making it’ and fulfilling your dreams. The question is, what if you don’t? What happens next? Ultimately, this book speaks about life and family; its hopes and disappointments, Its ups and downs. Scrapbook of an Unfound Songstress is in some way a story that speaks to us all, because in the end, the best stories are always true.

“I’m living my life as consequence of yesterday.
And all of my choices compliment my life today.
There may have been times I could have gone and lost my way,
I could have, I would have, I should have, I don’t care – I’m here now.”



My Review:
When I was contacted by Vicky Nolan to read and review her book I jumped at the opportunity.  It's been a while since I have read a non-fiction diary type book and it made a lovely change to my normal reads and the book by far passed my expectations.

This book is a well thought out scrap book of a young girls hopes and dreams of being a singer and an inside view of the music business and the highs and lows that follow.  From reading other music autobiography type books I already had an idea of how difficult it can be to be heard and reach stardom but it was interesting to read Vicky's view of it all and how it affected her and her family.

From Manchester to Hollywood to even Essex!  I really enjoyed reading all the descriptions of the places Vicky visited throughout the journey.  Even the visit to Basildon 'Bas Vegas' in Essex made me laugh as only living close by myself I could easily picture the place.  

As the synopsis states the journey isn't all plain sailing and Vicky's management decides to sue.  Before starting this I did think it would have featured more of the court case itself but that didn't spoil anything.  There was a good balance throughout between the court case, Vicky getting closer to her dreams and her childhood memories which I thoroughly enjoyed reading especially that she starred on stars in your eyes, I used to watch that as a child myself religiously so it was great to read.

As well as reading Vicky's journey we get an insight into why the book was written in the first place.  Music! I really liked that some of her song lyrics were featured throughout.  Her lyrics are beautiful and after reading the story you get more of an understanding of the meaning behind the lyrics which then took me to a You Tube binge of watching Vicky perform, her songs are catchy and soulful and Vicky has a truly wonderful voice.

This book is an enjoyable read of an inspirational lady!  I would recommend this book to a YA audience and to people who want to break into music.  Thank you Vicky for sending me a copy to read and review!



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