Northern Soul - Phil Earle

When 14 year old Marv is introduced to Carly as she joins his class, he falls for her big style, so much so, he can't talk properly in front of her. In desire need of help, he knows he can't ask his dad for advice, but when he listens to a record his dad is playing he thinks he finds the answer: he turns to Otis Reading and asks him what he should do.  However, he doesn't expect Otis to actually help him which is why he is complete taken aback when the singer appears in his bedroom one night. With a host of advice, Otis is determined to help Marv but will his advice be enough for Marv to win the girl of his dreams?

I'm a huge fan of Phil's writing so I was thrilled to receive an early copy of Northern Soul. It's very different from his previous books and is a glorious tale of first love in all its cringable reality. From corny chat-up lines to embarrassing parents and first kisses, this is a book that will have adults reminiscing over their teenage years and current teenagers hoping their own experiences will be less embarrassing.  

As a tortured teenager myself, I was a slave to Otis Reading and spent hours in my bedroom listening to his music ... I still listen to him today with my airpods jammed in my ears. So having his music and the man himself play such a pivotal role in the book made it an instant hit for me.

The Barrington Stoke collaboration makes this book the perfect size for reluctant teenagers.

Northern Soul is a glorious charming tale of first love that will make you laugh, make you cringe and make you want to play Otis Reading in repeate. What a joy this was to read.