Scan barcode
robynjhip's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
4.0
I received this book as an eARC from NetGalley and Annick Press.
This is a fabulous debut novel from Maya Ameyaw, which features a young black ballet dancer, touches on the racism seen in the ballet and dance world but also what happens when stress and anxiety is internalized to an unhealthy degree. When sixteen year old Aisha is looked over for a lead role once again at her ballet school, she transfers to the school her friend Neil attends. Once there, she realizes that maybe this school and her ballet school aren’t that much different. Along the way she meets new friends and works through her past traumas.
I just could not put it down while reading! I really enjoyed the exploration of relationships in this book, both familial and friendship and moving into something more than friends. The characters were well developed as was the plot of the story. This is in the running for favorite book of 2023 and will be among my recommendations for friends to read.
There are many topics that are talked about in this book that may trigger readers. Those include disordered eating, alcohol abuse, minor drug use, physical abuse and sexual abuse.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Alcohol, Eating disorder, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Sexual assault, Physical abuse, Suicide attempt, and Suicidal thoughts
mrsbarrysbookshelf's review
4.0
4.5 stars!
There's a fine line between writing about serious topics and taking readers on the journey of serious topics without simply going for shock value. Maya Ameyaw toes that line beautifully.
It's important that realistic fiction isn't a sunshine and rainbows approach, but rather a complex array of emotions, experiences, and failures. Aisha, Neil, and Ollie each have distinct backgrounds, personal interests, and goals; yet, they find ways to support each other, even when they don't agree.
I liked seeing each character stumble, and fall, and fly. Life is messy. Hormones, not-quite-developed brains, balancing being a kid vs responsibilities.... it doesn't make navigating every day issues like crushes, classes, and parents any easier, so I think that while not every reader will connect with the dancing and singing aspects of the characters, there's still relatability in the shared experiences.
The wrap up was slightly too neat for me, but sometimes life DOES work out, and it's okay to show that, too.
I'll need to tell my students about: mature language, sexual scenes, violence, mental health, verbal abuse, eating disorders, alcohol, drugs, divorce, LQBTQIAP+, racial discrimination
**Thank you to NetGalley and Annick Press Ltd. for the free ARC prior to publication. All opinions
expressed are my own.**
There's a fine line between writing about serious topics and taking readers on the journey of serious topics without simply going for shock value. Maya Ameyaw toes that line beautifully.
It's important that realistic fiction isn't a sunshine and rainbows approach, but rather a complex array of emotions, experiences, and failures. Aisha, Neil, and Ollie each have distinct backgrounds, personal interests, and goals; yet, they find ways to support each other, even when they don't agree.
I liked seeing each character stumble, and fall, and fly. Life is messy. Hormones, not-quite-developed brains, balancing being a kid vs responsibilities.... it doesn't make navigating every day issues like crushes, classes, and parents any easier, so I think that while not every reader will connect with the dancing and singing aspects of the characters, there's still relatability in the shared experiences.
The wrap up was slightly too neat for me, but sometimes life DOES work out, and it's okay to show that, too.
I'll need to tell my students about: mature language, sexual scenes, violence, mental health, verbal abuse, eating disorders, alcohol, drugs, divorce, LQBTQIAP+, racial discrimination
**Thank you to NetGalley and Annick Press Ltd. for the free ARC prior to publication. All opinions
expressed are my own.**
justinepucellawinans's review
5.0
An absolutely stunning novel, WHEN IT ALL SYNCS UP has a voice that is both grounded and gorgeous, and a quick pacing that makes it impossible to put down. An exploration of trauma and healing, it is such an important story that will mean the world to readers and stay with them long after the final page.
omurphy's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
When It All Syncs Up by Maya Ameyaw is an insightful and realistic look at how mental health challenges and discrimination affect teens, depicted through the beautiful but cutthroat world of dance.
Aisha is a Black ballet dancer who has been continuously passed over for lead roles due to the racism in her school. She transfers to her longtime best friend Neil’s art school, where she begins to receive the recognition she deserves, both in ballet and in modern dance, but prejudice is everywhere. Her mental health continues to deteriorate, while at the same time she is struggling to help Neil with his own.
The bond between Aisha and Neil is my favorite part of this book. While I am a few years older than these characters, their mutual struggle to help one another even as the other denies having a problem is something I relate to and am sure many other teens and young adults will relate to. The love and frustration that accompanies this situation is depicted perfectly. My heart ached for them!
I don’t know a thing about dance, but that aspect was another part I loved. Aisha’s experience with ballet and modern dance become metaphors for her shifting mental health and identity, as well as another manifestation of her friendship with Neil. I thought the imagery of dance was lovely in the book and allowed for the externalization of some very internal conflicts, too.
A specific aspect of Aisha’s mental health that is so important to me is that she sometimes dissociates. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book, much less a young adult book, that depicts dissociation. I think this representation could really help teen readers who may be experiencing it but not know the word for it, like Aisha at the beginning of the book.
Finally, I enjoyed Aisha’s romance with Ollie a lot. The pair was so comforting to read about. I also appreciated that it was just one part of the book, and the characters’ friendships were given just as much if not more importance. I also loved the representation of characters questioning their sexuality!
Overall this is an emotional but hopeful book about healing from trauma that shows the importance of asking for help—from friends, partners, trusted teachers, parents, and professionals—and supporting others in their own journey.
Thank you to Maya Ameyaw and Annick Press for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
sarahainslee's review
4.0
Maya has crafted a beautifully raw yet tender look at what happens when determination becomes detrimental with When It All Syncs Up. The care and love poured into the subject matter in this book shines through her writing, and I found myself caring for these characters in a very authentic way. For as heavy as the story gets at times, there is a quiet, ever-present spirit of hope woven throughout Aisha's narrative that makes the ending all the more satisfying. What a wonderful debut!
More...