But when she meets a handsome musician named Jacob, Hannah's universe begins to change, and she must decide if she wants to compete against the other "bunheads" in the company for a star soloist spot or strike out on her own in the real world. Does she dare give up the gilded confines of the ballet for the freedoms of everyday life?
A contemporary YA set in the world of classical ballet. You know it made me curious. This book was so rich in this world that you know that someone had the inside scoop of this life. In seeing who the author was and what she had done, you know everything was accurate. You begin to wonder where did real life end and the fiction begin? In other words, I'm curious as to what part was real life and was this a fictional version of the author's own struggle for a much fuller life than what a singular obsession could give.
Yes, you are easily swept away with the gritty reality of what being a bunhead entails. However, I do have a criticism. It was told in a way where you are held at arms length from the main character, Hannah. You could connect with the character somewhat, but there was just enough distance that kept it safe. I think if the character opened up a little more to her audience, this book could be perfection. However, I will say too, that the world this book inhabited did make up for much of this lack. You really get a feel for the torment these dancers put themselves through for the illusion that is perfection.
I give this book 3 stars. I really did enjoy the world of the bunhead. I would recommend this book to any girl who ever dreamed of being a ballerina. Yes, I was one of them. :)
I was given this book by the publisher and no compensation for my review was given.
Ballet is a tough life...but wow!...the beauty of it <3
ReplyDeleteI think I will have to recommend this one to a friend of mine. Me, I got kicked out of ballet at 5---evidently you need poise and balance--I have neither LOL
ReplyDeleteHeh... neither did... do I, but that rarely factors into dreams does it? LOL
DeleteI've never heard the expression 'bunhead' before. Great review, quite a different read from your usual, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteGreat review!! Ive heard ups and downs about this one....I was thinking Id just check out the show and skip the book...{GASP} I know thats bad but sometimes you have to cut corners.....LOL
ReplyDeleteI loved the ballet parts of this book-very satisfying for people who love dance stories even when they do not have any talent for it. I didn't think much of the romance sections though; neither guy was very impressive.
ReplyDeleteI saw the romance as a catalyst for her growth and not really much of a romance. It got her to look outside of herself to the world at large. I guess that is why it didn't bother me as much.
DeleteI was never a dancer when I was younger. Nowadays, I wish I COULD dance, but not ballet. That would kill my feet a bit too much. LOL Interesting review, though. It makes me think that the author DID put a lot of her self in the book and that's why you can't really connect to Hannah a lot. People seem to put a layer between themselves and everyone else, you know? So that could be why Hannah or the author put an unconscious layer in her novel.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
I think this is an excellent point!!
DeleteI had a similar reaction Melissa! I found the whole behind-the-scenes aspect fascinating and was completely floored learning about the inner workings of a ballet school, but I never really connected with Hannah. Still, the world was enough to keep me interested, just like you said:)
ReplyDeleteI really loved this book. And I can't wait to see the tv show.
ReplyDeleteI am really excited about this t.v. show! I want to read the book first though! Great review :)
ReplyDelete@Tina, Savy and TLD... I couldn't find it anywhere that this book had anything to do with the show. I was curious and so I did check it out. Did you find out that it is or just shares the same title?
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any books like this one, and well I didn't know it neither the author. But it seems you read a lot of kinds of books for now. It sounds interesting but I don't know if it's for me. I'm so difficult for these books.
ReplyDeleteI was one of those girls too, but it never happened cos I am such a klutz
ReplyDeleteWhat little girl doesn't dream of being a ballerina? I'm kind of bummed to hear that the character connection wasn't quite there, but it still sounds like a worth while read.
ReplyDeleteOh there is a new show coming out called this as well. Lovely review. :)
ReplyDeleteI've never heard that term before, bunheads, until lately. Such a cute name for a graceful and ethereal profession.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that you weren't quite able to connect with the main character the way you wanted to (though at least you still enjoyed it). Given that character connection is one of my number one must haves in books, and that, while I think ballet is interesting, it's not something I'm super gung-ho about, I think I'm going to pass on it for now. Thanks for your review, Melissa!
ReplyDeleteNY City Busses are rolling through the streets with the sides of the bus plastered with ads for the new cable tv show BUNHEADS.
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