About This Boy: Growing up, making mistakes and becoming me is a must-read for fans of Rudimental. It's an honest and inspiring book full of life lessons we can all learn from.

A fantastic book about a successful musician and producer, Leon Rolle aka Locksmith from Rudimental.

Detailing the life lessons he learnt growing up, this is a short and accessible guide to dealing with issues of identity, frustration and disappointment. How to build resilience and become your best self.

I discovered the music of Rudimental nearly ten years ago with the stunning track, Waiting All Night ft Ella Eyre, and I instantly fell in love. Since then, they have been a firm fixture and a vital part of the soundtrack to my life.

At the end of my review, there will be a mini playlist of my Top Ten Rudimental Songs.

My first glimpse of Leon 'Locksmith' Rolle was when he appeared on a TV series called Celebrity SAS. Of course, I was rooting for him from the start, and then I SAW him, and, yes, I'm not ashamed to admit, he is yummy! I know, so shallow, but you can forgive a girl this once, right? lol
Anyway, come to scrolling through NetGalley, I saw Leon with Derek Owusu, had released a book, and I had to request it. I know once again it is aimed at a younger audience, but I have found on many an occasion even books for kids can have inspirational messages and lessons that benefit us oldies (I'm 40 this year! Help! lol), and again, this is one of those books.

Leon opens up and lets us into the many struggles and difficulties he faced growing up. We get an honest insight into the not-so-nice parts of young Leon, tackling his anger issues, peer pressure, and always trying to be someone he wasn't.
At the end of each chapter, Leon briefly reflects and shares his thoughts giving inspirational insight and advice on being the best version of you that you can be.

What I love most is how it shows that even when something happens, good or bad, we still have a path laid out in front of us. It might not be the path we thought we would take, but it is a path that can take us on to bigger and better things.

When I was at school I had a Maths teacher, Mr. Wilson, now I wasn't great at maths, I didn't believe in myself, but looking back on it now, he did! He saw more in me than I ever did, and for that, I am beyond grateful.
I have always remembered the quote he had written in my yearbook:
"Always aim for the stars cos even if you miss, you might reach the treetops" until that point, I didn't realise how wonderful he was.

I have a 14yo, and I will be buying a physical copy for them to keep on their person at all times. A small reminder of how amazing they are and that success and failure alike teach us valuable lessons.

Thank you so much, NetGalley & Walker Books, for the gift of this ebook in return for an honest review.


My Rudimental Playlist:

10 - Feel The Love ft John Newman
9 - Walk Alone ft Tom Walker
8 - Powerless - ft Becky Hill (I love BH ❤️)
7 - Baby ft MNEK & Sinead Harnett
6 - Right Here ft Foxes
5 - Waiting All Night ft Ella Eyre
4 - Be The One ft Morgan & TIKE (part 2)
3 - Sun Comes Up ft James Arthur
2 - Something About You ft Elderbrook
1 - Rumour Mill ft Will Heard & Anne-Marie