Scan barcode
kaelaceleste's review
5.0
Ok I absolutely loved this?????
This was such a pleasant surprise! It honestly takes a lot for me to enjoy a YA novel so much lately but I really, really loved this one. The characters were super cute and easy to root for and it dealt with way deeper issues than I was expecting.
This book tells the story of Alina, a teenage ballet dancer who dreamed of dancing professionally, but unfortunately got injured in a pretty traumatic way that hit the brakes on her career. The story deals with her healing from that both physically and mentally, and trying to make sense of what her life looks like without that vital part of her identity. Along the way she tries to find that passion again in other ways, like spending time with new friends she didn't get to before because of her rigorous schedule, and new hobbies like being part of the school musical.
But what I loved most of all was that this was such a love letter to ballet. It was really clear that the author either has experience with ballet or did a lot of really great research, because everything was sooo much more realistic and accurate than other fictional ballet novels I've read. There were so many little details that were correct that other stories get wrong, and the fact that she actually referenced other ballets besides the Nutcracker was just
This was such a pleasant surprise! It honestly takes a lot for me to enjoy a YA novel so much lately but I really, really loved this one. The characters were super cute and easy to root for and it dealt with way deeper issues than I was expecting.
This book tells the story of Alina, a teenage ballet dancer who dreamed of dancing professionally, but unfortunately got injured in a pretty traumatic way that hit the brakes on her career. The story deals with her healing from that both physically and mentally, and trying to make sense of what her life looks like without that vital part of her identity. Along the way she tries to find that passion again in other ways, like spending time with new friends she didn't get to before because of her rigorous schedule, and new hobbies like being part of the school musical.
But what I loved most of all was that this was such a love letter to ballet. It was really clear that the author either has experience with ballet or did a lot of really great research, because everything was sooo much more realistic and accurate than other fictional ballet novels I've read. There were so many little details that were correct that other stories get wrong, and the fact that she actually referenced other ballets besides the Nutcracker was just
izzys_internet_bookshelf's review
2.0
2/5
Alright, so I kind of forgot what this book was about but once I got into reading it, it obviously became clean very quickly. I liked the idea of the book, but overall, I thought the book was slow paced. I don't know why but I always enjoy reading recovering books.
Alright, so I kind of forgot what this book was about but once I got into reading it, it obviously became clean very quickly. I liked the idea of the book, but overall, I thought the book was slow paced. I don't know why but I always enjoy reading recovering books.
fantasiegedanken's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
4.25
animelanie's review
3.0
Read for PRC
Finding your way after your dreams are destroyed is tough. A story about finding a new way and forming new relationships. Well written, enjoyable.
Finding your way after your dreams are destroyed is tough. A story about finding a new way and forming new relationships. Well written, enjoyable.
the_book_slump's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
ameserole's review
5.0
Dang it! If only there was another 'a' in her name I would have finally found a book where the main character has the same name as me. Ugh. Such a dagger to the heart kind of moment guys. Maybe one day I will find this but for now, I will accept Alina.
Now The Other Side of Perfect was such a good book. I'm honestly not sure why it took me so long to dive into it but I'm so happy that I finally did. Right after meeting Alina, I honestly didn't know how I felt about here. There was no instant connection between her and I but I was hopeful that things would go a certain way. Which, yes, I definitely ended up liking the heck out of this girl.
Alina has always had the dream of being a professional ballet dancer. Whereas, I have a dream of owning my own personal library. Her dream came crashing down and mine will probably never happen either. Unless it's like a really small library pantry that could eventually turn into a library closet. Now I'm used to breaking lots of things - like my weak ass ankles, shoulder cuffs, or my skull (soccer was rough to me guys). So when she goes through her own healing situation I could feel her pain.
Well, somewhat.. because I could always go back into soccer if I wanted but details. With the pain of never reaching her ballet dreams, she turns to the school musical with like a little teeny tiny bit of excitement. Yeah drama unfolds throughout the book but we get to see what happened before her injury, how she was actually injured, and how she adapted after the shit storm unleashed on her. It was all very easy to devour and I liked see her character grow throughout.
Only because once one door closes another one will open. Just because she musicals were never on her radar doesn't mean that they were never a possibility. I liked how joining this changed her perspective on things and brought a new joy to her as well. Heck, even Jude was a nice change of pace too.
In the end, I like how this talked about the deep dark stuff and then had a lighter side on other things. It was a great balance throughout and I'm so glad that I got the chance to dive into this beautiful book. I can't wait for the next one Mariko writes!
Now The Other Side of Perfect was such a good book. I'm honestly not sure why it took me so long to dive into it but I'm so happy that I finally did. Right after meeting Alina, I honestly didn't know how I felt about here. There was no instant connection between her and I but I was hopeful that things would go a certain way. Which, yes, I definitely ended up liking the heck out of this girl.
Alina has always had the dream of being a professional ballet dancer. Whereas, I have a dream of owning my own personal library. Her dream came crashing down and mine will probably never happen either. Unless it's like a really small library pantry that could eventually turn into a library closet. Now I'm used to breaking lots of things - like my weak ass ankles, shoulder cuffs, or my skull (soccer was rough to me guys). So when she goes through her own healing situation I could feel her pain.
Well, somewhat.. because I could always go back into soccer if I wanted but details. With the pain of never reaching her ballet dreams, she turns to the school musical with like a little teeny tiny bit of excitement. Yeah drama unfolds throughout the book but we get to see what happened before her injury, how she was actually injured, and how she adapted after the shit storm unleashed on her. It was all very easy to devour and I liked see her character grow throughout.
Only because once one door closes another one will open. Just because she musicals were never on her radar doesn't mean that they were never a possibility. I liked how joining this changed her perspective on things and brought a new joy to her as well. Heck, even Jude was a nice change of pace too.
In the end, I like how this talked about the deep dark stuff and then had a lighter side on other things. It was a great balance throughout and I'm so glad that I got the chance to dive into this beautiful book. I can't wait for the next one Mariko writes!
parimelanie's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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? It's complicated
4.0
I suspect this novel would really resonate with its target audience.
The overall plot is sweet with a sprinkling of romance and self advocacy storylines that a lot of 7th/8th graders would enjoy - especially those interested in theatre or dance.
The overall plot is sweet with a sprinkling of romance and self advocacy storylines that a lot of 7th/8th graders would enjoy - especially those interested in theatre or dance.
em_jane_4's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
elle_oftheball's review
5.0
One of the most beautiful, nuanced, and moving books I’ve read. Everything I hoped it’d be and then some.
erinkayata's review
5.0
Love, love, loved this one - the themes, the romance, the message. And it made me nostalgic for being in musicals!