A review by robynjhip
When It All Syncs Up by Maya Ameyaw

emotional hopeful reflective fast-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

I received this book as an eARC from NetGalley and Annick Press.

This is a fabulous debut novel from Maya Ameyaw, which features a young black ballet dancer,  touches on the racism seen in the ballet and dance world but also what happens when stress and anxiety is internalized to an unhealthy degree.  When sixteen year old Aisha is looked over for a lead role once again at her ballet school, she transfers to the school her friend Neil attends. Once there, she realizes that maybe this school and her ballet school aren’t that much different. Along the way she meets new friends and works through her past traumas. 

I just could not put it down while reading! I really enjoyed the exploration of relationships in this book, both familial and friendship and moving into something more than friends. The characters were well developed as was the plot of the story. This is in the running for favorite book of 2023 and will be among my recommendations for friends to read. 

There are many topics that are talked about in this book that may trigger readers. Those include disordered eating, alcohol abuse, minor drug use, physical abuse and sexual abuse. 

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