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scrubsandbooks's review
emotional
reflective
sad
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
This book was absolutely mesmerizing, I read it in one sitting! Joy L. Smith tackles a whole lot of tough topics in such a beautiful and gut-wrenching manner, including toxic relationships (familial and romantic) and breaking the cycle, alcoholism, abortion, driving under the influence, coping with new disability (the MC is a paraplegic after a terrible accident), grief over a future, racism in performing arts, and casual ableism in society. I didn't expect to cry at all in this book but cry I did, for Genie, for Kyle, for the life they could have had and for the life they struggle to deal with instead. People who are also fans of ballet would love the references made throughout the pages.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Abortion, Ableism, Racism, and Gaslighting
natashaleighton_'s review
emotional
inspiring
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
An emotionally raw and unflinchingly honest, coming of age YA explores some tough themes such as toxic/ dysfunctional relationships (both familial and romantic) identity, regret and discrimination in the exclusive and highly competitive world of Ballet.
It follows Genie, an aspiring ballet dancer whose left wheelchair bound after suffering a devastating fall that has cut her dreams of international success short. After years of dedication, she’s left frustrated and angry—lashing out and hurting everyone who cares about her. But then she meets Kyle who used to be a gymnast before suffering a brain injury that sent him to the same physical therapist as Genie.
With Kyle’s support and her friends insistence that her ballet days aren’t entirely over yet. Genie sees a new path—one where she doesn’t have to be alone and finally has the strength to heal from the past. But before she can heal Genie must confront her past, confront her mother (a recovering alcoholic whose hiding booze under the sink); the ex-boyfriend who was there the night of the fall and her most terrifying secret of all—the accident may not have been so accidental at all…
I found this such an incredibly moving and emotional read, truthfully I cried more than once reading this and loved how honest and heartbreakingly personal Genie’s experiences were—she starts out pretty angry and frustrated with the world and takes out her helplessness on everyone around her. It’s understandable of course but I couldn’t help but felt deeply for her mum, who definitely took the brunt of it.
Joy L.Smith does touch upon some pretty hard topics that impacted Genie’s upbringing such as her fathers’ abandonment, an incident of domestic violence and her mother’s struggle with alcoholism. But still she perseveres despite the obstacles and shows just how smart (and successful) she can be when she puts her mind to it—I honestly loved that!
Spending time with Kyle who has struggles and issues of his own, being a supportive and patient friend when Genie is feeling overwhelmed was a lovely change of pace and their chemistry together was really good—completely different from the kind of relationship she has with Nolan (which we see in flashbacks. They were definitely friend/ couple goals.
Nolan was definitely my least liked character—I despised him and his toxic, emotionally manipulative energy but was definitely satisfied with the outcome of his story arc.
There’s also a lot of emphasis on Ballet, the passion, the drive, the artistry (and obsession) that’s needed to thrive in such a highly stressful,competitive environment. I did love seeing Ballet through Genie’s POV— a POC who’s experiences, barriers and limitations due to discrimination or stereotyping is also refreshingly eye opening.
There’s not much more I can say without spoiling the entire plot but I definitely recommend that fans of coming of age YA and Nicola Yoon should definitely give this a read, but don’t forget the tissues cause it does get quite emotional.
Also, just wanted to say a huge thank you to TBR and Beyond Tours and Simon & Schuster for the digital arc.
It follows Genie, an aspiring ballet dancer whose left wheelchair bound after suffering a devastating fall that has cut her dreams of international success short. After years of dedication, she’s left frustrated and angry—lashing out and hurting everyone who cares about her. But then she meets Kyle who used to be a gymnast before suffering a brain injury that sent him to the same physical therapist as Genie.
With Kyle’s support and her friends insistence that her ballet days aren’t entirely over yet. Genie sees a new path—one where she doesn’t have to be alone and finally has the strength to heal from the past. But before she can heal Genie must confront her past, confront her mother (a recovering alcoholic whose hiding booze under the sink); the ex-boyfriend who was there the night of the fall and her most terrifying secret of all—the accident may not have been so accidental at all…
I found this such an incredibly moving and emotional read, truthfully I cried more than once reading this and loved how honest and heartbreakingly personal Genie’s experiences were—she starts out pretty angry and frustrated with the world and takes out her helplessness on everyone around her. It’s understandable of course but I couldn’t help but felt deeply for her mum, who definitely took the brunt of it.
Joy L.Smith does touch upon some pretty hard topics that impacted Genie’s upbringing such as her fathers’ abandonment, an incident of domestic violence and her mother’s struggle with alcoholism. But still she perseveres despite the obstacles and shows just how smart (and successful) she can be when she puts her mind to it—I honestly loved that!
Spending time with Kyle who has struggles and issues of his own, being a supportive and patient friend when Genie is feeling overwhelmed was a lovely change of pace and their chemistry together was really good—completely different from the kind of relationship she has with Nolan (which we see in flashbacks. They were definitely friend/ couple goals.
Nolan was definitely my least liked character—I despised him and his toxic, emotionally manipulative energy but was definitely satisfied with the outcome of his story arc.
There’s also a lot of emphasis on Ballet, the passion, the drive, the artistry (and obsession) that’s needed to thrive in such a highly stressful,competitive environment. I did love seeing Ballet through Genie’s POV— a POC who’s experiences, barriers and limitations due to discrimination or stereotyping is also refreshingly eye opening.
There’s not much more I can say without spoiling the entire plot but I definitely recommend that fans of coming of age YA and Nicola Yoon should definitely give this a read, but don’t forget the tissues cause it does get quite emotional.
Also, just wanted to say a huge thank you to TBR and Beyond Tours and Simon & Schuster for the digital arc.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Grief
Minor: Abortion and Alcoholism
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