Book Review: The Other Side of Perfect

-

The Other Side of Perfect 

Author: Mariko Turk

Publish Date: May 11, 2021

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Review: 4/5 Stars

The Other Side of Perfect is the story of Alina, who was on track to become a professional ballerina until a leg injury shatters her dreams. Unable to dance like she used to, she attempts to find a new normal by joining her high school musical production and making new friends. Her path to recovery is complex, and coming to terms with her previous dance life is easier said than done.

The Other Side of Perfect is a unique story with many levels to it, and it is a very good read. Alina's journey felt real and authentic, and the book portrayed her struggle to reshape her completely planned life well. Her new friends and potential love interest all helped her journey play out, and it was interesting to read how all of the relationships developed. I especially appreciated the sections on her experience with racism in casting and historical dance pieces; I found this topic to be relevant with the current state of our world and handled appropriately. A great book for YA lovers, especially dance enthusiasts, and one that I would recommend.

Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for this ARC; this is my honest and voluntary review.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Book Review: Her Dark Seduction (Featured Review on Netgalley!)

-
Her Dark Seduction  Author: Emily Royal Publish Date: April 28, 2021 Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc. Review: 4/5 Stars Her Dark Seduction is a historical fiction novel that follows the story of Lady Lisetta, forced into a loveless marriage with Lord Mortlock and bound into service for him. She is drawn to his manservant, Vane Sawford, and soon becomes tangled in his world, both in love and as a means of survival.  This book is one wild ride to say the least. Engaging from beginning to end, I had trouble putting the book down and ended up finishing it in one day. Lady Lisetta is an incredibly strong female lead, and it is easy to get invested in her story. The trials she faces are significant, and the reader is left likely rooting out loud for her during many parts of the book (and also yelling "no, why????" during in other sections). As a novice reader of historical fiction, I would like to point out that the setting of this book is written in a time when women were seen
Read more

Book Review: Chasing the Stars

-
Chasing the Stars  Author: Melanie Hooyenga ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Chasing the Stars is the second book in the Campfire Series and follows the story of Naomi and Hunter. Naomi runs a podcast with her brother and is not a big believer in love at first sight. Hunter is incredibly focused on his future and doesn't have time for distractions, including romance. But when they finally meet on a family camping trip, sparks fly and the stars may just align for these two. One thing I absolutely LOVE is a book with a good cover, and that is the number one reason I went out of my way to try to get an ARC of Chasing the Stars (a big thanks again to the author!). The second thing I can't get enough of is a book with a camping/outdoor/nature setting. So two big boxes checked for this book. I liked the dual POV telling of the story, and enjoyed reading the book from both Naomi and Hunter's perspectives. The romance aspect is told in a very age appropriate manner, and I have to say I really appreciated this
Read more

Book Review: Well-Offed in Vermont

-
Well-Offed in Vermont  Author: Amy Patricia Meade Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Well-Offed in Vermont is a quirky mystery novel that follows Stella and Nick as they leave behind the busy New York lifestyle for quiet Vermont. However, finding a body in a well on their property throws a bit of a wrench in their plans. Removed from their new home, the couple tries to help solve the murder in hopes of returning home and preventing further tragedies. I'll be honest: mystery novels are not my usual genre of choice. However, after seeing several on Netgalley with great covers and fun titles like Well-Offed in Vermont, I thought I would give the genre a chance. I can definitely see why readers love these books. Well-Offed in Vermont is a pretty well rounded book, with murder mystery combined with humorous dialogue. The small town Vermont setting certainly doesn't hurt either. I finished this book in a couple of sitting and had a great time trying to solve the murder along
Read more