Everything Amplified by Sarah Lippett & Ziggy Hanaor

Book Summary

Sometimes everything feels heavy and uncomfortable. My body, my family, my life… And the only thing that releases that weight is music…

Nel is 15 years old and life is a grind. GCSEs are exhausting, social pressures are relentless and parents and teachers are oblivious. Somehow Ludo, Nel’s handsome twin brother, seems untouched by it all, gliding effortlessly through life’s complications with a confidence and arrogance that only illuminates Nel’s insecurities. Her best friend, Kit and her playlist are pretty much the only things she’s got going for her right now.

When Ludo joins a band and Kit starts going out with the guitarist, it feels like even the tiny space Nel has carved out for herself is in peril.

But nothing is forever, and teenage life can turn on a dime. When Nel finds herself taking Ludo’s place in the band, she has to work out whether life outside the shadows is all it’s cracked up to be. Sometimes you need to follow the music to find your way back to yourself.

At the start, I found it quite heartbreaking to see how Nelly's family and the other schoolkids treat her. Thank goodness for the kindred spirit in her aunt, it was great to see their relationship giving her a bit of a lifeline.

I couldn't really see why they all gave her so much of a hard time just because she tried to do something with her life and though it was ultimately positive and hopeful, Nelly let her brother off far too easily!

I liked the simple style of the illustrations, with just a couple of colours so it wasn't too extreme. The characters expressions were spot on, particularly Nelly's frustration!

I found this adaptation of an Aperol Spritz and liked it even more than the original. To make an Aperol Spritz Amplified, take a large wine glass and fill with ice. Add 2 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol and 1 part blood orange soda. Personally I prefer slightly lower portion of Aperol so you can try with 1.5 parts and add a little extra prosecco.