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vll295's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. We get to follow along on the journey of chasing down your dreams. I appreciated the characters and could see the challenges they faced. A good book!
kaylareadsbooks's review
5.0
Tilly wants to be a dancer. She wants to show the world that she has what it takes to dance for the world, even though her mother doesn’t want her to go against the path she has set up for her. But Tilly is ready to be her own person.
Okay guys, I’m pretty sure Christina June is now one of my most favorite authors ever. I read No Place Like Home last month and this month I read Everywhere You Want To be. These are stories about growth, following your dreams and becoming your own person.
Tilly is passionate. She loves dancing and wants nothing more than to be able to be a dancer professionally.
I love that this book is set in Manhattan. Manhattan is my favorite city in the world, I feel at home there and I feel like anything is possible when I’m in Manhattan which is the same feeling Tilly has.
Tilly has to deal with mean girls, hard work and a boy she wants back more than anything. I love the relationship Tilly and her roommate, Charlotte have. They are fun and truly click, they remind me of me and my best friends. I love the relationship between Tilly and her stet-sister too, we see how there was a lot of growth there and they are really learning to be closer.
Tilly and her mom have a strained relationship, so does Tilly’s mom and her step-sister, Tatum but throughout the novel this relationship gets better which I loved.
I also LOVED Tilly’s Abuela, she is fierce and she wants Tilly to be her best.
And then we have Paolo, while he shares a name with the infamous FRIENDS character he is WAY better than him. Paolo is a drummer, he understands the passion Tilly has. But doesn’t understand why they had a fall out, this summer is their chance to talk and work it out. Paolo is sweet, smart and talented.
I loved this novel. I loved that it was a summer novel, that the characters from her other novels are all intertwined (If you want to read her novels, people suggest starting with It Started With Goodbye, as the other two has spoilers for each other which I learnt now. But oh well!) This was one of the best books I have read.
If you are looking for a feel good, fun summer novel I recommend this one!
Okay guys, I’m pretty sure Christina June is now one of my most favorite authors ever. I read No Place Like Home last month and this month I read Everywhere You Want To be. These are stories about growth, following your dreams and becoming your own person.
Tilly is passionate. She loves dancing and wants nothing more than to be able to be a dancer professionally.
I love that this book is set in Manhattan. Manhattan is my favorite city in the world, I feel at home there and I feel like anything is possible when I’m in Manhattan which is the same feeling Tilly has.
Tilly has to deal with mean girls, hard work and a boy she wants back more than anything. I love the relationship Tilly and her roommate, Charlotte have. They are fun and truly click, they remind me of me and my best friends. I love the relationship between Tilly and her stet-sister too, we see how there was a lot of growth there and they are really learning to be closer.
Tilly and her mom have a strained relationship, so does Tilly’s mom and her step-sister, Tatum but throughout the novel this relationship gets better which I loved.
I also LOVED Tilly’s Abuela, she is fierce and she wants Tilly to be her best.
And then we have Paolo, while he shares a name with the infamous FRIENDS character he is WAY better than him. Paolo is a drummer, he understands the passion Tilly has. But doesn’t understand why they had a fall out, this summer is their chance to talk and work it out. Paolo is sweet, smart and talented.
I loved this novel. I loved that it was a summer novel, that the characters from her other novels are all intertwined (If you want to read her novels, people suggest starting with It Started With Goodbye, as the other two has spoilers for each other which I learnt now. But oh well!) This was one of the best books I have read.
If you are looking for a feel good, fun summer novel I recommend this one!
lauraew333's review
4.0
I received a copy of this book from Blink publishing. All opinions expressed are my own.
This turned out to be the perfect weekend palate cleanser for me. I've been rereading so many fantasy books that I haven't wanted to read anything. I picked this up on a Saturday afternoon and it just reinvigorated my reading brain! To that end, while I did enjoy every minute, I found it slightly forgettable. Allow me to explain.
1. The characters. So this is a companion novel to Christina June's debut, It Started With Goodbye, and while they don't need to be read in any particular order, I think it definitely increased my enjoyment to have previous knowledge of the two sister's relationship (It Started With Goodbye is Tatum's story and this novel is her sister's story). I have to say, I enjoyed the banter so much in the book! I found myself laughing out loud on numerous occasions (so it's probably a good idea that I didn't read it in public!) and I think I'm going to reread it for that aspect alone. Matilda (Tilly) and her roommate have such well written scenes together and I really felt like I got to know them through the course of the book. I'm really glad the author took some time for Tilly's antagonist to explain her reasons and develop as a character instead of just running with the 'mean girls will be mean' attitude.
"'Some stay. Some get crushed and go home right away. Some stick it out the summer and then go back to college or Iowa or wherever they came from. But some stay. Some get the city in their blood.'"
2. The plot. This was also very well done. Tilly is recovering from an accident where she broke her ankle and she's chasing her dream of being a dancer. With that industry, comes the inevitable mean girls and performance stress. I don't really know anything about dancing and I found it to be immersive without being overly technical which is definitely a good thing if you're like me. The way Tilly dealt with her problems was also superb and well thought out. Typically, I get frustrated by YA contemporaries because the characters make the strangest decisions but I identified with Tilly extremely well and I found her struggles interesting and absorbing. Overall, the light and contemplative plot made for a quick and easy read.
"Emotion-power-exploded through my limbs, forcing me through the motions until time and music and movement began to blur into pure freedom."
3. The romance. This was by far one of my favorite elements. One of the main reasons why I don't read YA contemporaries (or contemporaries in general for that matter) is because the romance is always so predictable and slightly insta-lovey and it has a tendency to take over the plot. However, this romance was just so perfectly balanced and it was also handled in such a mature way. To avoid spoilers, I'm just going to say that there is no love triangle (thank goodness!) and the two people involved in the romance find their way to each other in the sweetest and most well-developed way.
"All the people who loved and supported me, in a row. It was enough to put the pieces of me that seemed to be floating in midair back together into one, solid Tilly. And just in time. When the first few strains of music began, we flew. With every step, I leapt into orbit, around the moon, and then back down."
The Final Verdict:
A very solid contemporary with thoughtful themes, a well-balanced plot, light dialogue, and a strong romance. While not my favorite, it's sure to be someone else's.
4 stars
This turned out to be the perfect weekend palate cleanser for me. I've been rereading so many fantasy books that I haven't wanted to read anything. I picked this up on a Saturday afternoon and it just reinvigorated my reading brain! To that end, while I did enjoy every minute, I found it slightly forgettable. Allow me to explain.
1. The characters. So this is a companion novel to Christina June's debut, It Started With Goodbye, and while they don't need to be read in any particular order, I think it definitely increased my enjoyment to have previous knowledge of the two sister's relationship (It Started With Goodbye is Tatum's story and this novel is her sister's story). I have to say, I enjoyed the banter so much in the book! I found myself laughing out loud on numerous occasions (so it's probably a good idea that I didn't read it in public!) and I think I'm going to reread it for that aspect alone. Matilda (Tilly) and her roommate have such well written scenes together and I really felt like I got to know them through the course of the book. I'm really glad the author took some time for Tilly's antagonist to explain her reasons and develop as a character instead of just running with the 'mean girls will be mean' attitude.
"'Some stay. Some get crushed and go home right away. Some stick it out the summer and then go back to college or Iowa or wherever they came from. But some stay. Some get the city in their blood.'"
2. The plot. This was also very well done. Tilly is recovering from an accident where she broke her ankle and she's chasing her dream of being a dancer. With that industry, comes the inevitable mean girls and performance stress. I don't really know anything about dancing and I found it to be immersive without being overly technical which is definitely a good thing if you're like me. The way Tilly dealt with her problems was also superb and well thought out. Typically, I get frustrated by YA contemporaries because the characters make the strangest decisions but I identified with Tilly extremely well and I found her struggles interesting and absorbing. Overall, the light and contemplative plot made for a quick and easy read.
"Emotion-power-exploded through my limbs, forcing me through the motions until time and music and movement began to blur into pure freedom."
3. The romance. This was by far one of my favorite elements. One of the main reasons why I don't read YA contemporaries (or contemporaries in general for that matter) is because the romance is always so predictable and slightly insta-lovey and it has a tendency to take over the plot. However, this romance was just so perfectly balanced and it was also handled in such a mature way. To avoid spoilers, I'm just going to say that there is no love triangle (thank goodness!) and the two people involved in the romance find their way to each other in the sweetest and most well-developed way.
"All the people who loved and supported me, in a row. It was enough to put the pieces of me that seemed to be floating in midair back together into one, solid Tilly. And just in time. When the first few strains of music began, we flew. With every step, I leapt into orbit, around the moon, and then back down."
The Final Verdict:
A very solid contemporary with thoughtful themes, a well-balanced plot, light dialogue, and a strong romance. While not my favorite, it's sure to be someone else's.
4 stars
vanessa_issa's review
2.0
Eu esperava muito mais desse livro. Achei que acompanhar a jornada da Tilly em busca da realização de seu sonho como dançarina em NY seria algo muito mais inspirador. Infelizmente, tudo soou muito cliché pra mim e não consegui sentir a química entre ela e o Paolo. Por mais que quisesse, não me via torcendo por eles. É uma leitura ok, mas não me surpreendeu.
kaycee_k's review
5.0
I don't know where to start with this book because I just love it that much. I read It Started With Goodbye and enjoyed it; was one of my favorite reads of 2017. But this one blow past that one. I don't know if it was because it's based around dance, I love anything to do with dance. Or because of the lead character passion. Or because I already know a bit about this world & characters because of her other book. I just found that Christina's writing had grown in this book, the pacing and characters are perfect.
The lead, Matilda Castillo aka Tilly, is a girl who's following her dreams. Even when it could get her in trouble with her Mom. For me, I love that she's overcome an injury still has the passion and drive to go for her dreams. It inspires me to want to keep going after mine.
The way the New York and the city plays into the book is neat. I always enjoy books more with the characters' environment plays into the story.
I enjoy the balance of different relationships from new roommates, stepsisters, to mother & daughters, grandmother, to her and Paolo. Just a nice mix, that fit together nicely.
I love how this book it is woven together with It Started With Goodbye. I love that you can read these books as stand-alone or together. With that said, I think this will be one of my favorite reads of 2018. This book just warmed my heart.
The lead, Matilda Castillo aka Tilly, is a girl who's following her dreams. Even when it could get her in trouble with her Mom. For me, I love that she's overcome an injury still has the passion and drive to go for her dreams. It inspires me to want to keep going after mine.
The way the New York and the city plays into the book is neat. I always enjoy books more with the characters' environment plays into the story.
I enjoy the balance of different relationships from new roommates, stepsisters, to mother & daughters, grandmother, to her and Paolo. Just a nice mix, that fit together nicely.
I love how this book it is woven together with It Started With Goodbye. I love that you can read these books as stand-alone or together. With that said, I think this will be one of my favorite reads of 2018. This book just warmed my heart.
missprint_'s review
3.0
Matilda "Tilly" Castillo is used to doing what's expected of her. But after almost losing her chance to be a professional dancer forever after an injury, Tilly knows she has to take her chance now or lose her dreams forever.
She has a once-in-a-lifetime chance to join a dance troupe in New York City for the summer which could be her best chance to make things happen. Her mother also thinks it will be Tilly's last hurrah as a dancer before she starts at Georgetown in the fall. But her mother doesn't need to know that Tilly deferred her admission for a year. At least not until finishes the summer and proves she can make a living as a dancer.
Armed with her vintage red sunglasses and a promise to visit her abuela often in New Jersey, Tilly is ready to take New York by storm. What she doesn't count on is the fierce rivalry she'll encounter with another dancer or Paolo--a handsome drummer from her past--surprisingly spending the summer in New York himself.
Over the course of a summer filled with new experiences, loves, and adventure Tilly will have to decide if she wants to follow the path her mother has laid out for her or venture in a new direction to follow her dreams in Everywhere You Want to Be (2018) by Christina June.
Everywhere You Want to Be is June's sophomore novel and a contemporary riff on Little Red Riding Hood. It is a companion to her debut It Started With Goodbye (a contemporary retelling of Cinderella).
Tilly's first person narration is thoughtful and quirky as she takes in all of the sights and sounds that New York has to offer. She is a pragmatic heroine who is willing to dream big and work hard to get to where she wants as a professional dancer. Her new friendships and budding romance offer the perfect counterpoint to her escalating rivalry with another dancer.
Everywhere You Want to Be is a perfect summer read. An ode to the big city, big dreams, and growing up.
Possible Pairings: American Panda by Gloria Chao, City Love by Susane Colasanti, Bunheads by Sophie Flack, The Romantics by Leah Konen, Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson, The Museum of Heartbreak by Meg Leder, Summer in the Invisible City by Juliana Romano
She has a once-in-a-lifetime chance to join a dance troupe in New York City for the summer which could be her best chance to make things happen. Her mother also thinks it will be Tilly's last hurrah as a dancer before she starts at Georgetown in the fall. But her mother doesn't need to know that Tilly deferred her admission for a year. At least not until finishes the summer and proves she can make a living as a dancer.
Armed with her vintage red sunglasses and a promise to visit her abuela often in New Jersey, Tilly is ready to take New York by storm. What she doesn't count on is the fierce rivalry she'll encounter with another dancer or Paolo--a handsome drummer from her past--surprisingly spending the summer in New York himself.
Over the course of a summer filled with new experiences, loves, and adventure Tilly will have to decide if she wants to follow the path her mother has laid out for her or venture in a new direction to follow her dreams in Everywhere You Want to Be (2018) by Christina June.
Everywhere You Want to Be is June's sophomore novel and a contemporary riff on Little Red Riding Hood. It is a companion to her debut It Started With Goodbye (a contemporary retelling of Cinderella).
Tilly's first person narration is thoughtful and quirky as she takes in all of the sights and sounds that New York has to offer. She is a pragmatic heroine who is willing to dream big and work hard to get to where she wants as a professional dancer. Her new friendships and budding romance offer the perfect counterpoint to her escalating rivalry with another dancer.
Everywhere You Want to Be is a perfect summer read. An ode to the big city, big dreams, and growing up.
Possible Pairings: American Panda by Gloria Chao, City Love by Susane Colasanti, Bunheads by Sophie Flack, The Romantics by Leah Konen, Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson, The Museum of Heartbreak by Meg Leder, Summer in the Invisible City by Juliana Romano
meezcarrie's review
5.0
This (very) loose retelling of Red Riding Hood is a heartwarming follow-up to June’s debut novel and features some familiar faces as well a new batch of characters. The diverse mix of cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds lends dimension and authenticity to Tilly’s pursuit of her passion. In the process, June immerses readers in the world of dance and leaves even those with two left feet wanting to sign up for classes. This exploration of relationships – the struggles, dynamics and triumphs experienced by a small troupe – expands beyond the dancers to delve into the subtle (and not so subtle) intricacies of friendship, romance, and family. At the same time, the combination of contemporary dance and New York City leaves room for a lot of fun! (And the hot drummer doesn’t hurt either.) Perfect for fans of Kasie West and Miranda Kenneally, this compelling novel inspires you to chase your dreams!
thebookishlibrarian's review
5.0
I couldn’t put this book down! Matilda (Tilly) Castillo has temporarily moved to New York for the summer to partake in a contemporary dance competition led by a famous dancer, with dreams of making a career out of dancing. The problem is that Tilly’s mom is expecting her to attend Georgetown in the fall. Full of drama between her new nemesis and dance teammate Sabrina and love she never expected to find, Everywhere You Want to Be is a true winner! Thanks to Netgalley.com for a review copy of this book.
lisaluvsliterature's review
4.0
This is my 2nd book by this author, and once again I enjoyed it. You can read my review of the first book here: It Started With Goodbye. While both books are standalones, they both include the same characters. We met Tilly, our main character in the first book. But this time she gets her own story, as she goes off to NYC to hopefully make her dream of being a professional dancer come true, in what is her last hope she feels after the accident that caused her ankle injury. This was a pretty quick read, like the first one. I loved all of the NYC bits, as well as the grandma/abuela. It made me want to go back to NYC if I ever get the chance. The dance aspects of the story were fun to read, I used to want to be a dancer myself. And the romance was sweet as well. There was a bully in the story, Sabrina, and I really, really like the way the author went with that at the end of the book. Throughout the story it worked perfectly as well, but the way the author took it at the end, while not typical for YA stories, was definitely more realistic in my opinion. I don't know for sure that I get the feeling of the fairy tale it was supposed to take after, but that's okay, I still really enjoyed it.