Review by novella42 - How to Dance

novella42 's review for:

How to Dance by Jason B. Dutton

challenging emotional hopeful informative 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: Complicated

It's hard to put a number to this book, which is have so many mixed feelings about. Admiration. GRATITUDE. Frustration. Confusion. Appreciation. Disappointment. Hope.

As someone who was bullied by the term

cripple

, it was slow torture every time Nick used it so casually in a self depricating way, feeling the internalized ableism rolling off him in waves. I know everyone handles these things differently. It was a hurdle, and one I have considered working on with my own stories. I think it was good for me to read a story by a disability author with a take that's different to my own.

Complex feels though. I would definitely read more from this author and even went looking for a Bluesky (nothing yet).

Also, I kept being taken out of the story whenever we were reminded he's a teacher. I know it's during summer but I couldn't believe how incredibly CHILL this teacher was, how low his stress level was, and how willing he was to throw money at beer and bar food. The teachers I know are all on the verge of breakdowns and working door dash or the equivalent all summer just trying to survive. I can see why he wouldn't want to make the story about that, but wish he'd chosen a different profession and can't believe the author's teacher brother didn't call bullshit on Nick's lackadaisical attitude.

Content Warnings