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melannrosenthal's review against another edition
4.0
The intensity & grit of Ellen Hopkins meets Fault in Our Stars to create an unlikely captivating teenage romance. I’m... floored. I read more than half in one sitting because I couldn’t believe the events that were occurring. Trying to decide if I’d have liked it more if there was more beautiful prose to surround the raw story, but I’m leaning towards no. Everything happens fast and it’s easy to inhale, a perfect YA. Wow. Will have to look out for more from Gardner, who also experienced & survived childhood cancer, in the future.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Flux for the review copy.*
*Thanks to NetGalley and Flux for the review copy.*
ofbooksandbone's review against another edition
4.0
Lenamaybooks.wordpress.com
Dance is Cason's life; she eats, sleeps and breathes it. So naturally she ignores pain and pushes past it. It's part of what makes her great. Until it's what changes her life. Davis can relate to life altering circumstances. He beat cancer but his drug addiction almost beat him. Cason doesn't just walk into Davis' life, she barrels head first and at a time when they both need a friend the most. Can these two beat the odds and be just brave enough to overcome their personal and collective battles?
I generally, as a rule of thumb, steer away from anything where the "c word" is involved. Cancer is a pure evil that took my dad from me just after his 50th birthday. The wounds are still fresh, tearing away at me at unexpected moments. However, I felt ready to tackle Brave Enough. I mean, just take a look at that cover!
I took today to sit with my pain, unsure of the effect this book may have on me. Kati Gardner created a beautiful story of pain, unknowing and fear coupled with love, longing and bravery. While I didn't quite "connect" with the characters - the note the author left at the end of the book should be taken into account. "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." After reading that, I believe this book could indeed help the person who needs it most.
If you're looking for a book with inspiration to change your circumstance or in need of a bit of hope, pick up Brave Enough. It may be just the book to uplift you.
I received a copy of Brave Enough from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Tags: books, fiction, book blog, book reveiw, book blogger, authors, book addict, bibliophile, book lover, romance, brave enough, Kati Gardner
Categories: Book Review
Dance is Cason's life; she eats, sleeps and breathes it. So naturally she ignores pain and pushes past it. It's part of what makes her great. Until it's what changes her life. Davis can relate to life altering circumstances. He beat cancer but his drug addiction almost beat him. Cason doesn't just walk into Davis' life, she barrels head first and at a time when they both need a friend the most. Can these two beat the odds and be just brave enough to overcome their personal and collective battles?
I generally, as a rule of thumb, steer away from anything where the "c word" is involved. Cancer is a pure evil that took my dad from me just after his 50th birthday. The wounds are still fresh, tearing away at me at unexpected moments. However, I felt ready to tackle Brave Enough. I mean, just take a look at that cover!
I took today to sit with my pain, unsure of the effect this book may have on me. Kati Gardner created a beautiful story of pain, unknowing and fear coupled with love, longing and bravery. While I didn't quite "connect" with the characters - the note the author left at the end of the book should be taken into account. "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." After reading that, I believe this book could indeed help the person who needs it most.
If you're looking for a book with inspiration to change your circumstance or in need of a bit of hope, pick up Brave Enough. It may be just the book to uplift you.
I received a copy of Brave Enough from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Tags: books, fiction, book blog, book reveiw, book blogger, authors, book addict, bibliophile, book lover, romance, brave enough, Kati Gardner
Categories: Book Review
meganlouise815's review against another edition
3.0
This was pretty good - I thought Cason and Davis' relationship was pretty cute but there was nothing special about the book in my opinion. It wasn't anything original I don't think,
themaliciousreader's review against another edition
4.0
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Brave Enough tells the story of Cason Martin, a ballerina/high school student and Davis Channing a cancer survivor/drug addict/high school student.
The story starts as Cason takes the audition of her life that will make her part of a huge dance company… But as she finishes it, she can feel something break in her knee and latter learns that she has bone cancer.
Meanwhile, Chase is coming out of rehab and is sentenced to community service at the cancer clinic where he was a patient.
This is how they meet, well, meet again, because they go to the same school though they were never really in each other orbits.
We then follow their story, through their two points of view.
I enjoyed this book. It was touching.
The characters were endearing, I liked getting to know them.
The plot was well laid and interesting.
It made me feel a lot, I got teary several times.
The romance was okay, it made sense but it wasn’t the most compelling part of the book, in my opinion.
The relationship between Cason and her mother was really layered and gripping.
All in all, this book was a short, agreeable read that I would recommend.
Brave Enough tells the story of Cason Martin, a ballerina/high school student and Davis Channing a cancer survivor/drug addict/high school student.
The story starts as Cason takes the audition of her life that will make her part of a huge dance company… But as she finishes it, she can feel something break in her knee and latter learns that she has bone cancer.
Meanwhile, Chase is coming out of rehab and is sentenced to community service at the cancer clinic where he was a patient.
This is how they meet, well, meet again, because they go to the same school though they were never really in each other orbits.
We then follow their story, through their two points of view.
I enjoyed this book. It was touching.
The characters were endearing, I liked getting to know them.
The plot was well laid and interesting.
It made me feel a lot, I got teary several times.
The romance was okay, it made sense but it wasn’t the most compelling part of the book, in my opinion.
The relationship between Cason and her mother was really layered and gripping.
All in all, this book was a short, agreeable read that I would recommend.
lightlyliterary's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy!
I follow the author of this book on Instagram, and was excited when I got the chance to read a review copy. This isn't a subject I normally read a lot about, which was part of why I was drawn to the book. That, and the cover! Oh my goodness.
The story is a bit on the slower, quieter side, but not in a bad way. It's very much character-driven, rather than plot driven. I also appreciated that the story was driven by realistic events, both good and bad, rather than unnecessary, melodramatic, soap-opera-esque twists. Unlike books I've read in the past that deal with cancer (the Lurlene McDaniel books I loved as a preteen, The Fault in Our Stars), this book did not have moments that felt intended to make me sob. Instead, I found myself rooting for Cason, worried about Davis, and enjoying the way the characters grew over the course of the story. Overall, it's a solid YA novel.
I follow the author of this book on Instagram, and was excited when I got the chance to read a review copy. This isn't a subject I normally read a lot about, which was part of why I was drawn to the book. That, and the cover! Oh my goodness.
The story is a bit on the slower, quieter side, but not in a bad way. It's very much character-driven, rather than plot driven. I also appreciated that the story was driven by realistic events, both good and bad, rather than unnecessary, melodramatic, soap-opera-esque twists. Unlike books I've read in the past that deal with cancer (the Lurlene McDaniel books I loved as a preteen, The Fault in Our Stars), this book did not have moments that felt intended to make me sob. Instead, I found myself rooting for Cason, worried about Davis, and enjoying the way the characters grew over the course of the story. Overall, it's a solid YA novel.
utopiastateofmind's review against another edition
4.0
Disclaimer: I received this free e-arc via Netgalley. I am in no way biased and all thoughts are my own.
There are so many layers to Brave Enough that I couldn’t get enough of. Davis and Cason are such compelling characters on their own. Seeing both of their perspectives was really like the icing on the cake. Their stories and struggles are more than meaningful, they’re tender. Davis is struggling with guilt, recovery, and trying to piece his life back together. While Cason is also struggling with grief, the necessity for adaptation, and her relationship with her mother.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/review-brave-enough-by-kati-gardner/
There are so many layers to Brave Enough that I couldn’t get enough of. Davis and Cason are such compelling characters on their own. Seeing both of their perspectives was really like the icing on the cake. Their stories and struggles are more than meaningful, they’re tender. Davis is struggling with guilt, recovery, and trying to piece his life back together. While Cason is also struggling with grief, the necessity for adaptation, and her relationship with her mother.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/review-brave-enough-by-kati-gardner/
_andbookdragons's review against another edition
4.0
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy in exchange for a review. My opinions are honest and my own.
I requested this solely because one of the characters is a dancer, and it was right around when Dance Force (the dance team people of any skill level can join at my university) ended for me. I ended up getting a book that was both sweet and heartbreaking. Something to note: this is probably going to be a fairly short review because the synopsis is super vague and I don’t want to spoil anyone, especially since the book isn’t out yet.
I read most of Brave Enough in one day when I was trying to do school work because I could not stop reading. I needed to know what happened to Carson. I needed to know that Davis was going to be okay. Brave Enough sucked me in and didn’t let go.
It was super heartbreaking to watch Davis struggle with addiction. He had to watch his ex-girlfriend struggle with addiction while he was in recovery, and he also had to face his old dealer. From what I could tell, Davis’ addiction looked well-researched, as did the dance aspects of the novel.
I thought Carson and Davis’ relationship was really sweet. They both helped each other through a lot, and they were super cute together.
I appear to have run out of notes. It’s a super short book, and while there is some stuff I still kind of want to talk about, I’m trying not to mention anything that isn’t really mentioned in the synopsis.
Overall, Brave Enough was both cute and heartbreaking, earning it 4.25 stars out of 5.
You can read more of my reviews on my blog.
I requested this solely because one of the characters is a dancer, and it was right around when Dance Force (the dance team people of any skill level can join at my university) ended for me. I ended up getting a book that was both sweet and heartbreaking. Something to note: this is probably going to be a fairly short review because the synopsis is super vague and I don’t want to spoil anyone, especially since the book isn’t out yet.
I read most of Brave Enough in one day when I was trying to do school work because I could not stop reading. I needed to know what happened to Carson. I needed to know that Davis was going to be okay. Brave Enough sucked me in and didn’t let go.
It was super heartbreaking to watch Davis struggle with addiction. He had to watch his ex-girlfriend struggle with addiction while he was in recovery, and he also had to face his old dealer. From what I could tell, Davis’ addiction looked well-researched, as did the dance aspects of the novel.
I thought Carson and Davis’ relationship was really sweet. They both helped each other through a lot, and they were super cute together.
I appear to have run out of notes. It’s a super short book, and while there is some stuff I still kind of want to talk about, I’m trying not to mention anything that isn’t really mentioned in the synopsis.
Overall, Brave Enough was both cute and heartbreaking, earning it 4.25 stars out of 5.
You can read more of my reviews on my blog.
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
4.0
All her life, the only thing Cason Martin has known is dancing. She's been working toward one goal--becoming a ballerina in a dancing studio in New York. But lately, Cason's been having trouble with her leg, an injury that she's done her best to hide from everyone. When the injury gets to be too much, Cason learns that it was hiding something much more sinister: she has an aggressive form of cancer.
First of all, the cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous. It was one of the reasons I requested it from Net Galley (I know, I know, don't judge a book by its cover. But how can you not like this one?). Luckily, the story ends up being just as beautiful as the cover. Throughout the novel, we switch between Cason's and Davis's points of view. Cason is just starting her cancer journey, where Davis is in remission from his, now recovering from a drug addiction. The two meet, and inevitably, romance brews.
Overall, not much plot wise happened in the book; it was a much more character driven story. While I'm all for character driven books, adding a plot point or two would have pushed this book even further. However, Cason's voice in particular felt so authentic that the extra plot wasn't completely necessary.
The author herself is a cancer survivor, and she said that she wanted to write a book that reflected her own experiences. Her book stands out from other cancer young adult texts, especially since it is filled with such hope; hope that is infectious long after the book has ended.
All in all, a deeply character driven book that will tug at your heartstrings the entire time.
First of all, the cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous. It was one of the reasons I requested it from Net Galley (I know, I know, don't judge a book by its cover. But how can you not like this one?). Luckily, the story ends up being just as beautiful as the cover. Throughout the novel, we switch between Cason's and Davis's points of view. Cason is just starting her cancer journey, where Davis is in remission from his, now recovering from a drug addiction. The two meet, and inevitably, romance brews.
Overall, not much plot wise happened in the book; it was a much more character driven story. While I'm all for character driven books, adding a plot point or two would have pushed this book even further. However, Cason's voice in particular felt so authentic that the extra plot wasn't completely necessary.
The author herself is a cancer survivor, and she said that she wanted to write a book that reflected her own experiences. Her book stands out from other cancer young adult texts, especially since it is filled with such hope; hope that is infectious long after the book has ended.
All in all, a deeply character driven book that will tug at your heartstrings the entire time.
katieneedsabiggerbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
So I have to start by saying I am obsessed with the cover of this book. It drew me in right away and made me want to immediately start reading! The cover did not disappoint. When you hear its a book about teenagers with cancer, it's easy to assume it will be a two teens who have cancer, fall in love, they struggle through chemo together, and either one or both dies in the end. This book was very different from the norms.
I loved that each character had their own struggle. I loved that struggled together, and at certain times they struggled on their own. It felt like a much more realistic story as you felt their pain, loss, disappointments, gains, and happiness. I am a sucker for books involving ballet (not sure why, I don't have a graceful bone in my body!) but I really enjoyed seeing Cason blossom through her difficulties.
It's easy to tell a story where the addict quits and never touches drugs again, never thinks about it, is just done completely the second they decide to be sober. It's easy to tell a story where the ballerina who succumbs to cancer in her leg falls into a depressive mess. I loved the author's take on leading these characters through their individual issues and letting their emotions feel realistic instead of picture perfect.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
I loved that each character had their own struggle. I loved that struggled together, and at certain times they struggled on their own. It felt like a much more realistic story as you felt their pain, loss, disappointments, gains, and happiness. I am a sucker for books involving ballet (not sure why, I don't have a graceful bone in my body!) but I really enjoyed seeing Cason blossom through her difficulties.
It's easy to tell a story where the addict quits and never touches drugs again, never thinks about it, is just done completely the second they decide to be sober. It's easy to tell a story where the ballerina who succumbs to cancer in her leg falls into a depressive mess. I loved the author's take on leading these characters through their individual issues and letting their emotions feel realistic instead of picture perfect.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.