Reviews

When It All Syncs Up by Maya Ameyaw

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kimiloughlin's review against another edition

5.0

Really appreciated this depiction of the issues within classical dance programs when it comes to racism, ostracization, disordered eating, and mental health struggles.

ruth14's review

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challenging emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

malaikak's review

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fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

caitiep92's review

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challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.5

When It All Syncs Up beautifully illustrates the emotional cadences of family, friendship, and self love. Although written as a YA novel, the themes experienced by each character are very mature, allowing readers of every age the opportunity to relate to the storylines. The themes that struck me the most are the colorism and micro aggressions experienced by the protagonist, Aisha. She is the only Black ballerina in her program and as the reader becomes immersed into Aisha’s world of dance, it is evident how that isolation impacts Aisha’s mental health. As a Black woman, I have often been the only Black person occupying a space, and because of the author’s honesty in this harsh reality that she so eloquently illustrates, I was able to see myself in this character.

Described as “perfect for fans of Euphoria and Tiny Pretty Things” When It All Syncs Up will tug at your heartstrings, allow you to check in your own mental health, and create space for you to examine diversity in your friend groups.

bookitmik's review

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funny hopeful inspiring slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

allielovestoread's review

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challenging emotional hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

shannanh's review

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5.0

YA can sometimes be a hit or miss for me, but this one was definitely a hit. I absolutely enjoyed this book. It touched on some themes that we all deal with, and it was done in a way that wasn't triggering or upsetting to me. For a debut author, the author did such a good job with the flow and pacing of this book. It had me all over the place emotionally. It was just such an enjoyable read. It's one of those reads where I wouldn't be mad if there was something written about them in the future, like college or even after.