Find out what Mumsnetters thought of Greatest Hits by Laura Barnett

I liked the concept behind this book. Cass a singer-songwriter, the main character, takes a retrospective look at her life through her songs. I found her a likeable warm character and really enjoyed reading her journey through the decades. It gave me a good insight to life on the road/fame/ balancing these different roles. I am now only about 40 pages from the end so can't tell you if she has a happy ending but would recommend it as a read! My only criticism would be that it has lots of characters, some of which flit in and out of the storyline and for that reason I found it hard sometimes to keep up with who's who. I am looking forward to listening to the accompanying songs.

I really enjoyed this book which I felt was a superior summer read. There were a lot of characters but I found them well marshalled and I quickly found that I could remember who they all were. I was intrigued by the song lyrics at the beginning of each chapter and was excited by the possibility of hearing the songs but I can't seem to get Spotify to work for me so that is a frustration. I've recommended it to my book club friends.

I'm about halfway through this book now, I'm finding it fairly easy going to sit down with. It's a good read, I'm finding it a bit difficult to get all the characters lined up in my head, the breaks between timelines are sometimes not always clear but that might be just me. The use of music, which is obviously the huge part about the book is interesting certainly. I will post back when I have finished ✌️

I was a bit dubious about the premise of this book, thinking it was either going to be predictable or forced and I found the first chapter a little too controlled. But the book soon ame alive in the chapters on Cass' childhood - great characterization and description. I can see her aunt and uncle and their home very vividly. Somehow the sections on Cass' present and the people she's surrounded by and their relationship to her aren't convincing or explained fully. Nevertheless, I'm enjoying this book and looking forward to finishing it. (I had no knowledge about this author or her previous book).

I've just started reading this and wasn't sure about the concept but 60 pages in and it has grabbed me by the scruff of the neck and won't let go. I'm really enjoying it so far and am looking forward to hearing the soundtrack.

I've started this book, with no preconceptions, or knowledge of the author. I'm half way through and whilst the book is well written,bright, lively and well developed, I'm frustrated that we haven't been properly introduced to all of the characters...... for most of the book, I thought that her best friend was her second daughter!
I'll keep reading, as i can't close a book until the end.

I've received my copy but not managed to start it yet. I do like the concept though read the book - listen to the music. Can't wait to get stuck in 😁😁

I have just finished my copy.

Interesting beginning, good focus on family relationships. Not my usual type of book, but good none the less.

I'd never heard of this author and so was approaching this completely with a clean slate.

Unfortunately, I found the story involving her mother triggering for me, so I was unable to finish the book.

I loved this book, sank into it from the very first page. It is totally absorbing I could put it down I just didn't want to and yes like the person above, I cried.
Another one who will be recommending this to friends and I will be looking for her other book as well

A book and a 'Greatest Hits' album that go together, you say? Well, that's sold me before I even open the front cover!
So, I received this book through Mumsnet (but hey, this is my very own opinion!), and in the blurb for the giveaway it said that there was an accompanying album sung by Kathryn Williams that Laura Barnett wrote with her. So I found the album on Spotify and played each song at the start of the chapter as it was written in the book. And there I found the main characters voice.
The main character is Cass Wheeler: we follow her through her life from birth to current day. All of this happens in the space of one day, as she goes through her soon-to-be-released Greatest Hits album. Each song has been written based on a significant event in her life, and we see all that life has brought her. Happiness, sadness and everything in between. And yes, I cried.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and would definitely recommend it - and find the album if you can, it's worth listening to as well!

Mine arrived this morning - thank you!

Fantastic I've just read the page - I really hope I win a copy - it sounds like an exciting project! Thanks Sorcha

is this the book I heard about recently that also has the songs in the book available to listen to online? It's a great concept.