About the Book:
Sometimes everything feels heavy and uncomfortable. My body, my family, my life . . . And the only thing that releases that weight is music.
Nel is fifteen years old, and life is a grind. School is exhausting, social pressures are relentless, and adults are oblivious. Somehow Ludo, Nel’s handsome twin brother, seems untouched by it all, gliding effortlessly through life’s complications. Her playlist and her best friend, Kit, are pretty much the only things Nel’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.
*Review Contributed by Cherokee Crum, Blog Manager and Staff Reviewer*
Everything Amplified by Sarah Lippett and Ziggy Hanaor is an emotional rollercoaster of a graphic novel that captures the raw, chaotic energy of the high school experience.
The narrative follows a classic teen-movie blueprint centered around twin siblings who “hate” each other, driving a story filled with betrayal and standard adolescent drama.
Everything Amplified dives fearlessly into mature themes, weaving profanity, self-harm, underage drinking, and LGBTQ+ identities into its emotional core.
However, the book’s pacing often stumbles. The scenes change abruptly without much warning or visual cues, which left me feeling confused about the timeline and flow of the story.
The character dynamics also proved to be a major weak point, dragging down the emotional weight of the sibling rift. Both the mother and Bea quickly became my least favorite characters due to their frustrating behavior.
What truly elevates this graphic novel is its incredible appreciation for less mainstream music and its striking visual presentation.
The artwork is wonderful, and the authors beautifully sprinkle song lyrics and artist biographies throughout the pages, adding a rich, highly immersive visual layer to the reading experience.
Ultimately, Everything Amplified earns a decent rating for its unique musical atmosphere and willingness to tackle heavy, emotional topics. While the disjointed transitions and unlikable characters pull you out of the experience, the creative layouts and deep love for indie culture make it a worthwhile read for older teens looking for a moody coming-of-age story.
*Find More Info & Buy It Here!*
