Reviews

Dancing Barefoot by Alice Boyle

georgia_sara93's review

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced

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

4.5

Patch Smith is the uncool girl at school, fluffy hair and on a scholarship at one of the most expensive schools in Melbourne. Oh,

and she’s not yet publicly come out as a lesbian yet. She’s been crushing on popular girl Evie since starting at high school and recently fallen into not great bestie habits with actually checking in with her bestie Edwin especially on things like his medical transitions. School camp in the wilderness is around the corner and sometimes growing up isn’t so bad… 

Written on unceded Wurundjeri land and read on Karta Pintingga. This book was so delightfully heartwarming! Growing up and coming out is never easy but this book does it beautifully! A heart warming story, of my favourite kind, with a young girl living with a dad who owns a record store! The dream! If you want a new favourite Aussie YA queer book - look no further! Boyle knows just how to capture your heart!

monwallacewrites's review

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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? Yes

4.0

oranglesswrld's review

funny hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.75

libraryofzoe's review

4.0

Think "Heartstopper" but set in Australia and sapphic. This book was such a light-hearted, fun, feel good read. There is just something so nostalgic about reading a book set in an Australian high school, this book was filled with banter and Aussie slang. I caught myself smiling at times like an idiot because this book is just so wholesome.

bookshelvesandtealeaves's review

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

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

5.0

This was just the cutest hecking book??

If you’re looking for a quick, lovely read, I definitely recommend picking this up. I sat down and read it in one sitting (a little over 3 hrs). I couldn’t stop, I didn’t want to stop.

This is a sweet sapphic Aussie YA romcom. Patch is a lesbian, her best friend is trans, her family is utterly lovely if a little unconventional, and she’s on a scholarship in a posh school. Oh and she lived on top of a record store??? What’s not to love.

The romance was tooth-rottingly sweet, honestly. Patch and Evie were absolutely adorable. I loved the way they looked out for each other. I loved their soft moments, thighs touching, fingers brushing, mutual pining nonsense. I loved their little friendship group, too, and the way that even the bully was given depth and understanding and growth.

I LOVE READING BOOKS SET IN MELBOURNE but also they make me feel just a little sad now I no longer live there.

Just. Do yourself a favour and read this book.

haaayls's review

5.0

Thanks to Text Publishing and Netgalley for the e-arc!

I picked this from the cover, then the description and I am so glad I got the chance to read this early.
Dancing Barefoot is a funny and heartwarming store and I absolutely adored it. I didn't want the book to end.

The story was easy to follow. About the weird kid who doesn't quite fit in and has a crush on the most popular and beautiful girl. There was so much representation in this book, Lesbian, Transexual, POC.

Overall, this was such an enjoyable #LoveOzYA book. If you get a chance to read this, I highly recommend it, and congratulations Alice!

lizzie_shaju123's review

3.0

"Dancing Barefoot is a feel-good romance about growing up queer, figuring out your place in the world, staying true to yourself and your friends, finding love, and learning to embrace the obstacles life throws in your path."

I really wanted to love this book.
Don't get me wrong, it was a delightful read...but, It kinda left me lacking?

I liked the plot, the character development and the storyline, but all those like led to a book that I just well.. liked. The story didn't leap out of the page at me, and I struggled to immerse myself in the tale.

Despite this, I really loved the concept and premise of the story.
3/5 stars

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an arc

0scar219's review

emotional lighthearted relaxing 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? It's complicated

4.0

misha_ali's review against another edition

5.0

Great YA, love the characters and the complex relationship and it's set in 'Straya!

erinashley's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted 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? It's complicated

4.0