Hi Everyone, Today I’m ending the blog tour for Vanessa Jones’ debut book SING Like No One is Listening. I’ve nearly finished the book. (I know last minute reading, but work has been crazy so it was a lot later than I thought I would be reading it.) It’s such a great read and rather than doing a mini review of what I read I will be doing a few review this weekend. It’s such a feel good and easy read, perfect for sunny reading in the UK and just getting lost in some musical talent.
Vanessa was very kind enough to do a guest post on the Top 5 Feel Good Musicals, why ask? Well because it’s Mental Health Awareness Week, we all love a bit of singing to just let yourself go a bit. So thank you so much Vanessa for that. But before that here is a little bit more about Vanessa’s debut novel.
SING (Like No One's Listening) by Vanessa Jones Published by Macmillan Children's Books on April 18, 2019
Genres: Contemporary
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Make your mark. Raise your voice. Fame and Glee meets Rainbow Rowell’s Fangirl in former West End actress Vanessa Jones’ YA novel, Sing (Like No One’s Listening).
Since her mother died, Nettie Delaney hasn’t been able to sing a note. This wouldn’t be a problem if she wasn’t now attending Dukes, the most prestigious performing arts college in the country, with her superstar mother’s shadow hanging over her. Nettie has her work cut out for her and everyone is watching.
But one night, in an empty studio after college, Nettie finds herself suddenly singing, as someone behind the curtain accompanies her on the piano. Maybe all is not lost for Nettie. Maybe she can find her voice again and survive her first year at Dukes. But can she do it before she gets thrown out?
A novel about dreaming a dream, finding and raising your voice, and not throwing away your shot!
Vanessa’s Top 5 Musicals
It’s been well-documented that singing is great for both your physical and mental well-being. Belting out a tune or two is said to lower cortisol levels and release endorphins – and the best thing is, it doesn’t matter how good or bad you are. All that matters is doing it. As it’s World Mental Health Awareness Week, I thought it might be good to share my top five feel-good musicals to sing your heart out to.
- Mamma Mia
I defy anyone to find me another show more packed full of sing-along anthems. ABBA on a Greek island. What could be better than that?
- Annie
Actually, the beginning always makes me cry – but after that, it’s an uplifting story about a kid who refuses to be beaten, even when the chips are well and truly down. Hope is a powerful thing.
- Hairspray
I love this show. Not only can you belt your way through showstopper after showstopper, but the beat is infectious. I cannot watch this one without dancing!
- Hamilton
Okay, so there’s no movie of this (yet!), but even the soundtrack is electrifying. Better still, if you’re not comfortable with singing, you can give your finest Lin-Manuel Miranda impression and join in with all the rap.
- Les Misérables
Admittedly it’s not the cheeriest of musicals (I think the title’s a giveaway!), but the songs are emotionally-charged and completely absorbing. Perfect for singing along to on rainy days.
Thank you so much Vanessa, I agree Mamma Mia is one of my favourite feel good musicals, I can’t help but sing-along.
About Vanessa Jones
Vanessa Jones was born and raised in Kent. After training at Laine Theatre Arts, she went on to be a Musical Theatre actor in West End shows, including Wicked, Sister Act, Grease, Guys and Dolls, Annie Get Your Gun and Mary Poppins, where she met (and married!) a fellow actor. She now lives in East Sussex with her sweep and their two children and runs her own musical theatre schools.
