Scan barcode
kelleemoye's review against another edition
4.0
I read Finding Balance already, and I had planned on reading the first book in the series, and I am so glad I did. Kati Gardner is a great storyteller; I am a fan of the two points of view told in 3rd person limited. Brave Enough is a story both about Cason’s cancer diagnosis and recovery and Davis’s addiction and sobriety as well as their connection. I truly enjoyed listening to this story!
theamyleblanc's review against another edition
4.0
I received a copy of this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Representation is important. We live in a time when that is a hot topic, particularly in visual entertainment, but it's equally important in literature. And it isn't something that's as talked about, which is a shame.
This isn't the happiest of stories. Children have cancer, teenagers are battling their addictions, dreams are irrevocably altered. But it is a heartwarming story all the same. We get to see Davis fight his addiction on a daily basis. We get to see Cason through her whole cancer journey and all the ups and downs that come with that. We get to see the friendships that are forged in the fire of shared experience. We get to see Mari in all her loud, vibrant glory!
I didn't get as emotionally pulled into the story as much as I have others but I was cheering them on all the same. And I applaud Kati for filling that void she found. It makes me sad that she had to do that but it's a huge step towards greater representation.
I would absolutely recommend this book!
Representation is important. We live in a time when that is a hot topic, particularly in visual entertainment, but it's equally important in literature. And it isn't something that's as talked about, which is a shame.
This isn't the happiest of stories. Children have cancer, teenagers are battling their addictions, dreams are irrevocably altered. But it is a heartwarming story all the same. We get to see Davis fight his addiction on a daily basis. We get to see Cason through her whole cancer journey and all the ups and downs that come with that. We get to see the friendships that are forged in the fire of shared experience. We get to see Mari in all her loud, vibrant glory!
I didn't get as emotionally pulled into the story as much as I have others but I was cheering them on all the same. And I applaud Kati for filling that void she found. It makes me sad that she had to do that but it's a huge step towards greater representation.
I would absolutely recommend this book!
wheninapril's review against another edition
4.0
I got this ARC from netgally in exchange of an honest review. And honestly speaking I requested the ARC, because I fell in love with the cover!! Come on!! Isn't it gorgeous?!!! (**drooling**) Thanks Netgally and publisher North Star Edition for making my wish come true.
This book follows Cason and Davis. Cason, who is a ballerina and doesn't have any other purpose of her life rather than dancing. Whose life turned upside down when she got diagnosed with Bone Cancer. And Davis, who is a cancer survivor yet got addicted to drugs. The book follows their journey to embracing their new life. For Cason it is, how to live with cancer, how to dream again and for Davis, his new life is struggling with the addiction, to stay sober, to live, to love.
"I was, I don't know . . . lost."
"But you're not, now."
"No" There was a pause as he looked for his words. "I wander sometimes, but I'm not lost."
TBH I didn't like Cason's mom at all, on the other hand I loved Davis's mom. What I liked most about this book is that, normally in YA books the love-interest takes all the focus, while in this book both of their struggles were almost untouched by their love interests. Their love interest supported the story-line, didn't end up being the main/only story-topic.
I loved the way this book dealt with drug addictions, how cancer affects a human mentally, the value of peer support. I loved how there was always help available around the corner, but the simple message that its you who have to decide if you want to take it or not.
And what touched me the most is these simple lines by the author at the end of the book
When I was a teenager and reading every book I could get my hands on, I was desperate for a girl that looked like me. For a girl who had cancer and lived. And it was really hard to come by. So, I wrote one.
Its such an inspirational read, do try it out if you are feeling low or just out of space for a while. I hope it will help you to feel good!
This book follows Cason and Davis. Cason, who is a ballerina and doesn't have any other purpose of her life rather than dancing. Whose life turned upside down when she got diagnosed with Bone Cancer. And Davis, who is a cancer survivor yet got addicted to drugs. The book follows their journey to embracing their new life. For Cason it is, how to live with cancer, how to dream again and for Davis, his new life is struggling with the addiction, to stay sober, to live, to love.
"I was, I don't know . . . lost."
"But you're not, now."
"No" There was a pause as he looked for his words. "I wander sometimes, but I'm not lost."
TBH I didn't like Cason's mom at all, on the other hand I loved Davis's mom. What I liked most about this book is that, normally in YA books the love-interest takes all the focus, while in this book both of their struggles were almost untouched by their love interests. Their love interest supported the story-line, didn't end up being the main/only story-topic.
I loved the way this book dealt with drug addictions, how cancer affects a human mentally, the value of peer support. I loved how there was always help available around the corner, but the simple message that its you who have to decide if you want to take it or not.
And what touched me the most is these simple lines by the author at the end of the book
When I was a teenager and reading every book I could get my hands on, I was desperate for a girl that looked like me. For a girl who had cancer and lived. And it was really hard to come by. So, I wrote one.
Its such an inspirational read, do try it out if you are feeling low or just out of space for a while. I hope it will help you to feel good!
owls_rainbow's review against another edition
5.0
Ebook provided by NetGalley for review. Thank you.
Read Jan 19
This book was beautiful and real and genuine and heart-breaking! It is so rare for there to be a book about teenage illness that has the main characters survive (I’m looking at you TFIOS)! Cason is a prima ballerina studying at a top conservatory under her strict, distant mother – the director. All she knows is dance until an injury that’s not just an injury puts a stop to everything. She has bone cancer.
On the ward she meets Davis, a cancer survivor who is back on the ward volunteering as a community service type thing whilst struggling to overcome drug addiction. The pair meet and slowly manage to help each other. This was so accurately written and reading the author’s notes at the end you realise why – she too has survived childhood cancer.
Read Jan 19
This book was beautiful and real and genuine and heart-breaking! It is so rare for there to be a book about teenage illness that has the main characters survive (I’m looking at you TFIOS)! Cason is a prima ballerina studying at a top conservatory under her strict, distant mother – the director. All she knows is dance until an injury that’s not just an injury puts a stop to everything. She has bone cancer.
On the ward she meets Davis, a cancer survivor who is back on the ward volunteering as a community service type thing whilst struggling to overcome drug addiction. The pair meet and slowly manage to help each other. This was so accurately written and reading the author’s notes at the end you realise why – she too has survived childhood cancer.
emilyholladay's review against another edition
5.0
Brave Enough is one of the most beautiful books I’ve read this year. Written by a childhood cancer survivor, it explores teens’ struggle with cancer from a uniquely transparent place. I found myself so deeply embedded in the story and the characters’s experience that I didn’t even take my usual airport nap. Highly recommend.
mel_muses's review against another edition
3.0
I wasn't entirely sure what to expect going into [b:Brave Enough|35615200|Brave Enough (Brave Enough, #1)|Kati Gardner|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1520010426l/35615200._SY75_.jpg|57057713]. The premise was very interesting and it looked like an easy read. And in most ways, it was. It just missed the mark. I don't mean to diminish the importance of this read, and I respect [a:Kati Gardner|17012052|Kati Gardner|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1500389892p2/17012052.jpg] for sharing this story and making it easier for kids with or affected by cancer and/or drug addictions to see themselves in literature. Personally, I didn't connect with the story as much as I thought I would.
Please seek out other reviews by disabled people and/or cancer survivors if you are thinking about picking up this book, though. Their reviews matter more in this case.
A lot of the themes seemed very overt, from the beginning. It was also pretty clear from the beginning of the novel where everything was going in terms of plot. Even from the synopsis, you can probably tell exactly what happens and the message the author is trying to send. Sometimes I don't mind having very overt themes when there are other parts of the story that make up for it, like really well-defined characters or plot twists. However, there weren't really any characters that stuck out to me and the plot fell flat.
Another part of this novel that I really didn't like was how ambiguous character movements were. In contrast with the really obvious themes, it was hard to tell when a character entered, left, or moved from a room or scene. The writing became very frustrating for me as it went on because it took me out of the story every time someone said something about a person and I hadn't realized the person left the room. Or, arguably even worse, when someone started talking to another and I had no idea the person they were talking to was even present in the scene. It was jarring, to say the least.
The ending was nice and hopeful, which fit the story and message of the book. One thing I didn't really like about the ending was how many metaphors were used in such a short time span. I didn't think all of them were necessary in order to give that hopeful attitude [a:Kati Gardner|17012052|Kati Gardner|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1500389892p2/17012052.jpg] was going for.
It was a very easy read, as I mentioned before. I just personally wasn't very impressed by it and wish it had more of an impact on me, as the reader.
Please seek out other reviews by disabled people and/or cancer survivors if you are thinking about picking up this book, though. Their reviews matter more in this case.
A lot of the themes seemed very overt, from the beginning. It was also pretty clear from the beginning of the novel where everything was going in terms of plot. Even from the synopsis, you can probably tell exactly what happens and the message the author is trying to send. Sometimes I don't mind having very overt themes when there are other parts of the story that make up for it, like really well-defined characters or plot twists. However, there weren't really any characters that stuck out to me and the plot fell flat.
Another part of this novel that I really didn't like was how ambiguous character movements were. In contrast with the really obvious themes, it was hard to tell when a character entered, left, or moved from a room or scene. The writing became very frustrating for me as it went on because it took me out of the story every time someone said something about a person and I hadn't realized the person left the room. Or, arguably even worse, when someone started talking to another and I had no idea the person they were talking to was even present in the scene. It was jarring, to say the least.
The ending was nice and hopeful, which fit the story and message of the book. One thing I didn't really like about the ending was how many metaphors were used in such a short time span. I didn't think all of them were necessary in order to give that hopeful attitude [a:Kati Gardner|17012052|Kati Gardner|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1500389892p2/17012052.jpg] was going for.
It was a very easy read, as I mentioned before. I just personally wasn't very impressed by it and wish it had more of an impact on me, as the reader.
meganac's review against another edition
4.0
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC to review.*
"I want to be brave."
This story is one you don't often hear - the story of a girl who had cancer and lived. The story of a girl who suffered unfairly, lost things that were important to her, because of cancer. This story details the anguish of losing your dream, the struggle to accept what you can't change, the need to exercise your passion and the fear that you might never be able to. It is also the story of a boy who struggled with drugs, who took everything from himself willingly.
It's so easy to give away your life. It isn't easy to take it back.
Brave Enough is a quick but emotional read, and the story is strong. The dialogue is great, but something about the narration just irked me. The writing feels like a report rather than a narrative, and the sentences seem kind of clumsy. However, this is an ARC, so it might be polished up before publication. The romance is slight and definitely not steamy at all - it's real-life and sweet.
Overall, this is a great story and I'd recommend it to anyone, especially for kids who struggle with identity after being diagnosed with a life-changing disease or similar scenario.
"I want to be brave."
This story is one you don't often hear - the story of a girl who had cancer and lived. The story of a girl who suffered unfairly, lost things that were important to her, because of cancer. This story details the anguish of losing your dream, the struggle to accept what you can't change, the need to exercise your passion and the fear that you might never be able to. It is also the story of a boy who struggled with drugs, who took everything from himself willingly.
It's so easy to give away your life. It isn't easy to take it back.
Brave Enough is a quick but emotional read, and the story is strong. The dialogue is great, but something about the narration just irked me. The writing feels like a report rather than a narrative, and the sentences seem kind of clumsy. However, this is an ARC, so it might be polished up before publication. The romance is slight and definitely not steamy at all - it's real-life and sweet.
Overall, this is a great story and I'd recommend it to anyone, especially for kids who struggle with identity after being diagnosed with a life-changing disease or similar scenario.
kieraisreading's review against another edition
5.0
I originally picked up this book because the main character was ballerina, but this book is really so much more than that, I may have also picked this book up because of the GORGEOUS cover!
I really really enjoyed this book. It was so good.
I loved Davis he was so sweet and kind to Cason and I loved how he did so much at the hospital and how Davis was battling with an addiction and there was stuff going on in his life but he didn't let that knock him down. Such a powerful character. I really liked how Davis was able to get help and go to NA meetings throughout this book and fight his addiction it really shows that you can get through something like that and that you can get help. I loved that.
The story was really good I liked how it wasn't a super depressing cancer book but it was fun. I really liked how she overcame some of her challenges and didn't let the fact that she lost a leg stop her.
such a heart warning read! I will definitely be checking out more of her books.
I could gush on and on about this book but, I'll stop for your sake and for mine ;)
The only thing that was kind of a struggle for me was Cason's name I kept wanting to say Carson.
And the instant love was kind of clique but the rest of the book made up for it.
I would 100% recommend this to anyone looking for a good book.
Overall: 4.75 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I really really enjoyed this book. It was so good.
I loved Davis he was so sweet and kind to Cason and I loved how he did so much at the hospital and how Davis was battling with an addiction and there was stuff going on in his life but he didn't let that knock him down. Such a powerful character. I really liked how Davis was able to get help and go to NA meetings throughout this book and fight his addiction it really shows that you can get through something like that and that you can get help. I loved that.
The story was really good I liked how it wasn't a super depressing cancer book but it was fun. I really liked how she overcame some of her challenges and didn't let the fact that she lost a leg stop her.
such a heart warning read! I will definitely be checking out more of her books.
I could gush on and on about this book but, I'll stop for your sake and for mine ;)
The only thing that was kind of a struggle for me was Cason's name I kept wanting to say Carson.
And the instant love was kind of clique but the rest of the book made up for it.
I would 100% recommend this to anyone looking for a good book.
Overall: 4.75 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
mdpbernal's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
sarahjunebooks's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not going to lie, this book made me cry in the last few chapters. It was such a real book, that I could feel the emotions of the characters. I really enjoyed the journey and ups and downs of the book.
This book is about a ballerina named Cason, who is diagnosed with bone cancer in her leg. Davis is an overcoming addict who had cancer when he was younger.
I loved Cason as a main character, at first I thought she might be stuck up, but then I realized that she was just a young girl, trying to find her place in the world after being diagnosed with cancer.
Natalie - Cason's mom, was also a character that I enjoyed seeing blossom.
Another thing I loved about this book was the band of secondary characters, they were all well-formed and all had personalities of their own. I also loved that their was diversity to the characters.
The last few chapters of this book flew by for me, seeing Cason and Davis find hope in their own ways was inspiring and captivating. Also learning that the author also had cancer made it so much more real & authntic to me as a reader.
This book is about a ballerina named Cason, who is diagnosed with bone cancer in her leg. Davis is an overcoming addict who had cancer when he was younger.
I loved Cason as a main character, at first I thought she might be stuck up, but then I realized that she was just a young girl, trying to find her place in the world after being diagnosed with cancer.
Natalie - Cason's mom, was also a character that I enjoyed seeing blossom.
Another thing I loved about this book was the band of secondary characters, they were all well-formed and all had personalities of their own. I also loved that their was diversity to the characters.
The last few chapters of this book flew by for me, seeing Cason and Davis find hope in their own ways was inspiring and captivating. Also learning that the author also had cancer made it so much more real & authntic to me as a reader.