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thenovelmaura's review
emotional
hopeful
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
Thanks so much to NOVL for the ARC of this incredible book, which was the perfect read for AAPI Heritage Month. You know I love a good contemporary about a dancer, and this was no exception!
This book was so charming and heartfelt and gripping that I almost don't have the words to describe it. One thing that took me by surprise was how deeply I related to Alina. A half-Japanese teen growing up in Central Pennsylvania and slowly realizing that that microaggressions she's experienced her whole life are unacceptable? Well, despite being 50% Korean and 100% not a dancer, this book made me feel incredibly seen. I'm also a sucker for a sensitive male love interest, so Jude won me over with his love of musicals, knitting, video games, and bubble baths. These two were adorable together, especially as Jude tried to convince Alina that she can still love ballet even if she'll never dance professionally.
Alina wasn't a perfect sister, or girlfriend, or friend. Her grief caused her to lash out at others and withdraw into herself. But the magic of this book is that you get to watch her heal and root for her to do better. It's so hard to be open and vulnerable enough to make amends when you've hurt other people, but Alina inspires me to take that risk. I recommend that you read it so that you can feel the same!
This book was so charming and heartfelt and gripping that I almost don't have the words to describe it. One thing that took me by surprise was how deeply I related to Alina. A half-Japanese teen growing up in Central Pennsylvania and slowly realizing that that microaggressions she's experienced her whole life are unacceptable? Well, despite being 50% Korean and 100% not a dancer, this book made me feel incredibly seen. I'm also a sucker for a sensitive male love interest, so Jude won me over with his love of musicals, knitting, video games, and bubble baths. These two were adorable together, especially as Jude tried to convince Alina that she can still love ballet even if she'll never dance professionally.
Alina wasn't a perfect sister, or girlfriend, or friend. Her grief caused her to lash out at others and withdraw into herself. But the magic of this book is that you get to watch her heal and root for her to do better. It's so hard to be open and vulnerable enough to make amends when you've hurt other people, but Alina inspires me to take that risk. I recommend that you read it so that you can feel the same!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Sexism
Moderate: Grief
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