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A review by leahsbooks
Tiny Pretty Things by Sona Charaipotra
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
After watching the series on Netflix, I wanted to read the books. There's always a difference between books and shows, and this one was no exception.
While the main characters were familiar, the story was very different. I still had the feeling that I couldn't quite figure out who was behind all the events of the story, although I did have my suspicions. It also made my heart break for these kids who are placed into such tough and competitive situations that set them up for major issues, including eating disorders, unhealthy relationships, bullying, and physical injuries. I think it also handled how racism rears its ugly head in ballet.
The characters do clearly display their love for the art of ballet, as well as their talent, although they place their physical and mental health in jeopardy to achieve their goals in so many cases. I don't know anything about ballet (aside from how beautiful it is to watch), so I don't know how realistic some of the material is.
But I do know that the authors have created a story and characters who completely engrossed me. Even the antagonists of the story earned some degree of empathy. Every character in the story has their strengths and flaws, and a range of influences that make them into who they are. I may not have agreed with what they did, but I could understand what was forcing their hand and leading them to do the things they did.
I'm eagerly anticipating the second book, since I have GOT to find out what happens next!
While the main characters were familiar, the story was very different. I still had the feeling that I couldn't quite figure out who was behind all the events of the story, although I did have my suspicions. It also made my heart break for these kids who are placed into such tough and competitive situations that set them up for major issues, including eating disorders, unhealthy relationships, bullying, and physical injuries. I think it also handled how racism rears its ugly head in ballet.
The characters do clearly display their love for the art of ballet, as well as their talent, although they place their physical and mental health in jeopardy to achieve their goals in so many cases. I don't know anything about ballet (aside from how beautiful it is to watch), so I don't know how realistic some of the material is.
But I do know that the authors have created a story and characters who completely engrossed me. Even the antagonists of the story earned some degree of empathy. Every character in the story has their strengths and flaws, and a range of influences that make them into who they are. I may not have agreed with what they did, but I could understand what was forcing their hand and leading them to do the things they did.
I'm eagerly anticipating the second book, since I have GOT to find out what happens next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Drug use, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Vomit, Chronic illness, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Car accident