Quote: Misty Copeland

As a dancer, performing is my life. When I can't dance, I feel lost. So I've had to find that balance that allows me to excel but not push beyond what my body can handle. I know that, as tempting as it may be to keep going and going, putting too much pressure on my instrument [body] could end my ability to dance at all.

~ Misty Copeland from her book Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina

On My List: April 4th

How was everyone's weekend? I hope you had a good one. Over the weekend, I found a new bookstore, it's cute and had a little cafe. I walked through the aisles checking out the books and before leaving the store I bought a book, The Bigfoot Files by Lindsay Eagar. It's a middle grade supernatural book that been on my list for a while.

As for what else is On My List, here is this week's list of books, shows and movies that I'm interested in.


Books I Want to Read:

I found three interesting books, a music and magic fantasy, a supernatural romantic comedy and a contemporary story about a ballet dancer having to re-evaluate her dreams. These are three books that I really want to read. I really love finding and reading so many different stories.

Book: Ballad & Dagger (Outlaw Saints book #1) by Daniel José Older

Publication Date: May 3, 2022

Description:

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents Daniel José Older's music-and-magic-filled YA urban fantasy about two teens who discover each other and their powers during a political battle within a unique diaspora community.

Almost sixteen years ago, Mateo Matisse's island homeland disappeared into the sea. Weary and hopeless, the survivors of San Madrigal's sinking escaped to New York.

While the rest of his tight-knit Brooklyn diaspora community dreams of someday finding a way back home, Mateo--now a high school junior and piano prodigy living with his two aunts (one who's alive, the other not so much)--is focused on one thing: getting the attention of locally-grown musical legend Gerval. Mateo finally gets his chance on the night of the Grand Fete, an annual party celebrating the blended culture of pirates, Cuban Santeros, and Sephardic Jews that created San Madrigal all those centuries ago.

But the evil that sank their island has finally caught up with them, and on the night of the celebration, Mateo's life is forever changed when he witnesses a brutal murder by a person he thought he knew.

Suddenly Mateo is thrust into an ancient battle that spans years and oceans. Deadly secrets are unraveled and Mateo awakens a power within himself--a power that not only links him to the killer but could also hold the key to unlocking the dark mystery behind his lost homeland.

From the author of the award-winning Shadowshaper Cypher series comes the first novel in the Outlaw Saints duology—a brilliant story that will transport readers to a world where magic, myth, and gods reign over the streets of Brooklyn.

Book of Interest: Instructions for Dancing

The author Nicola Yoon has been on my Must Read list for so long. I have Everything, Everything I just have to read it and I want to get The Sun is Also a Star as well as this new book Instructions for Dancing. Aside from the dancing and possibly building up to a romance, it seems like the story has a little sci-fi element with Evie being able to see how a romance or relationship will turn out. This seems interesting and I really want to read it.

Book: Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon

Description:

#1 New York Times bestselling author of Everything, Everything and The Sun Is Also a Star Nicola Yoon is back with her eagerly anticipated third novel. With all the heart and hope of her last two books, this is an utterly unique romance.

Evie Thomas doesn't believe in love anymore. Especially after the strangest thing occurs one otherwise ordinary afternoon: She witnesses a couple kiss and is overcome with a vision of how their romance began . . . and how it will end. After all, even the greatest love stories end with a broken heart, eventually.

As Evie tries to understand why this is happening, she finds herself at La Brea Dance Studio, learning to waltz, fox-trot, and tango with a boy named X. X is everything that Evie is not: adventurous, passionate, daring. His philosophy is to say yes to everything--including entering a ballroom dance competition with a girl he's only just met.

Falling for X is definitely not what Evie had in mind. If her visions of heartbreak have taught her anything, it's that no one escapes love unscathed. But as she and X dance around and toward each other, Evie is forced to question all she thought she knew about life and love. In the end, is love worth the risk?

Book Review for the Book Girl's Book Club for April: American Panda

Book: American Panda by Gloria Chao

Cover Design by Sarah Creech
Photography by Jill Wachter
Illustrations and Lettering by Steph Baxter

Edition: Hardcover

Description:

At seventeen, Mei Lu should be in high school, but skipping fourth grade was part of her parents' master plan. Now a freshman at MIT, she is on track to fulfill the rest of this predetermined future: become a doctor, marry a pre-approved Taiwanese Ivy Leaguer, produce a litter of babies.

With everything her parents have sacrificed to make her cushy life a reality, Mei can't bring herself to tell them the truth--that she (1) hates germs, (2) falls asleep in biology lectures, and (3) has a crush on her classmate Darren Takahashi, who is decidedly not Taiwanese.

But when Mei reconnects with her brother, Xing, who is estranged from the family for dating the wrong woman, Mei starts to wonder if all the secrets are truly worth it. Can she find a way to be herself, whoever that is, before her web of lies unravels?

Book Review for the Book Girl's Book Club for February: Life in Motion

Book: Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina by Misty Copeland

Cover Designed by Marlyn Dantes
Cover Photo by Gregg Dantes   

Edition: Paperback

Description:

As the only African American soloist dancing with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland has made history. But when she first placed her hands on the barre at an after-school community center, no one expected the undersized, underprivileged, and anxious thirteen-year-old to become one of America's most groundbreaking dancers.

A true prodigy, she was attempting in months roles that take most dancers years to master. But when Misty became caught between the control and comfort she found in the world of ballet and the harsh realities of her own life, she had to choose to embrace both her identity and her dreams, and find the courage to be one of a kind.

With an insider's passion, Misty opens a window into the life of an artist who lives life center stage, from behind the scenes at her first classes to her triumphant roles in some of the world's most iconic ballets.

A sensational memoir as "sensitive" and "clear-eyed" (The Washington Post) as her dancing, Life in Motion is a story of passion, identity, and grace for anyone who has dared to dream of a different life.

The Book Girl's Book Pick for February: Life in Motion

It's the first day of February and that means a new book club pick. Since it's also Black History Month, I thought we could read about Misty Copeland, an amazingly gifted ballerina and one of my favorite dancers, and a history maker in her own right. I think she is so inspirational which is why I'm looking forward to reading this.

If you have any suggestions for book club picks, please leave them in the comment section.

Book: Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina by Misty Copeland

Description:

As the only African American soloist dancing with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland has made history. But when she first placed her hands on the barre at an after-school community center, no one expected the undersized, underprivileged, and anxious thirteen-year-old to become one of America's most groundbreaking dancers.

A true prodigy, she was attempting in months roles that take most dancers years to master. But when Misty became caught between the control and comfort she found in the world of ballet and the harsh realities of her own life, she had to choose to embrace both her identity and her dreams, and find the courage to be one of a kind.

With an insider's passion, Misty opens a window into the life of an artist who lives life center stage, from behind the scenes at her first classes to her triumphant roles in some of the world's most iconic ballets.

A sensational memoir as "sensitive" and "clear-eyed" (The Washington Post) as her dancing, Life in Motion is a story of passion, identity, and grace for anyone who has dared to dream of a different life.

New Book Purchase: Tiny Pretty Things

As a ballet nerd, I'm extremely delighted that I finally bought Tiny Pretty Things. The description makes it seem like it's going to be a lot of competition and drama between the characters. I guess trying to be the best can sometimes bring out the worst in people, I really can't wait to read this.

Book: Tiny Pretty Things (Tiny Pretty Things book #1) by Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton

Description:

How Far Is Too Far?

As one of Manhattan's most elite ballet schools, pretty, polished dancers are hiding some terrible secrets and telling some twisted lies.

Privileged Bette is flawless -- like a ballerina in a music box. But living in the shadow of her ballet-star sister brings out a dangerous edge in her. Perfectionist June is tired of always being the understudy. This year she'll settle for nothing but the best -- even if she must resort to some less-than-perfect means to get there. And new girl Gigi is already outperforming every other dancer at the conservatory, but the very act of dancing could kill her.

With the competition growing fiercer with every performance, and harmless pranks growing ever darker, it's only a matter of time before one small spark ignites...and even the best get burned.

Book of Interest: Tiny Pretty Things

As a dance and ballet geek, I'm loving the description for this, it seems really interesting. But I'm a bit disappointed with the cover. Looking at it, you would have no idea the story was even about ballerinas. It would have been nice if they had been featured on the cover. 

Book: Tiny Pretty Things (book #1) by Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton

Description:

Black Swan meets Pretty Little Liars in this soapy, drama-packed novel featuring diverse characters who will do anything to be the prima at their elite ballet school.

Gigi, Bette, and June, three top students at an exclusive Manhattan ballet school, have seen their fair share of drama. Free-spirited new girl Gigi just wants to dance—but the very act might kill her. Privileged New Yorker Bette's desire to escape the shadow of her ballet-star sister brings out a dangerous edge in her. And perfectionist June needs to land a lead role this year or her controlling mother will put an end to her dancing dreams forever.

When every dancer is both friend and foe, the girls will sacrifice, manipulate, and backstab to be the best of the best.

Book of Interest: A Manhattan Murder Mystery

I'm a Geek of so many things including ballet, it's a beautiful art. But combine that with my love of mystery books and I've found a new read. I know there are not a lot of ballet mystery books out there but I sure do love finding them when I can.

Before I forget, on Twitter there is a hashtag you should look into #booksfighthate, people are using it as a way to promote more diverse books and authors.

Book: A Manhattan Murder Mystery (A Irina Curtius Mystery) by Susan Bernhardt

Available: Digital

Description:

Irina Curtius, a retired ballet dancer living on the Upper West Side in Manhattan, runs a ballet studio for young children. Recently, she has been watching her younger and otherwise healthy neighbor, Stephen Kramer, become ill over time. When Stephen travels for business, his health always seems to improve dramatically after he has been away, but only temporarily. Within days of returning home, his health begins to deteriorate again. On top of that, Stephen has added stress due to problems he is having with his wife and his irate live-in sister-in-law. Sadly, Stephen's last bout with his mysterious illness has proven to be fatal. Unsatisfied with the official explanation and in order to deliver justice for her friend and neighbor, Irina sets out to uncover the truth and prove that Stephen was indeed murdered.

It won't be easy, though. A former lover from Irina's college days at NYU has suddenly reinserted himself into her life, wanting to pick up where they left off. Additionally, a mysterious newcomer arrives in Irina's neighborhood and he now seems to be shadowing Irina, appearing everywhere she goes. The story that unfolds, interwoven in the everyday lives of Irina and her social circle, highlights the unpredictability of life, the best and worst of humanity, and the powerful bonds that drive people together (and apart).

Book of Interest: Ballerina Body

I'm really interested in reading this but I have to be honest, I'm not a fan of the cover. A couple of months ago on Twitter, Misty Copeland asked fans to chose which cover they liked best (see choices below).

If I'm walking down the aisle of a bookstore, A is not the cover that would catch my eye. Although it's a more dramatic cover showing a powerful leap, there is too much open space making it easier to overlook. Which is why I like B because it definitely stands out with her presence front and center while also quietly showing her strength and grace. Obviously more fans were in favor of A since it's the one selected, perhaps the paperback edition will feature cover B.

(Image Credit: Twitter: @mistyonpointe)

Book: Ballerina Body: Dancing and Eating Your Way to a Lighter, Stronger and More Graceful You by Misty Copeland

Publication: March 21, 2017

Description:

The celebrated ballerina and role model, Misty Copeland, shares the secrets of how to reshape your body and achieve a lean, strong physique and glowing health.

Misty Copeland believes "There has been a shift in recent years in which women no longer desire the bare bones of a runway model. Standards have changed: what women do want is a long, toned, powerful body with excellent posture." In other words, the body of a ballerina. In her first health and fitness book, Misty will show women how to find the motivation to get healthier and stronger, and how to reshape their bodies to be lean and flexible, with step-by-step advice, meal plans, workout routines, and words of inspiration.

Celebrating the importance of healthy fats and a fitness regimen based on ballet exercises, Misty shares her own time-tested exercises and an eating plan focusing on healthy fats, both of which keep her in top shape. Tips for motivation and words of encouragement as well as tips on how to keep going even when you may want to give up. An inspiring section on the importance of finding mentors, and eventually being one, plus excerpts from Misty's personal journal, round out this important book on grace and strength.

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #141: A Time to Dance

Love the cover, it's beautiful. I think the description for this book is so inspiring and speaks of Veda's determination to find a way back to dancing. I really want to read this book, I'm going to add it to my wishlist.

Book: A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatraman

Description:

Padma Venkatraman’s inspiring story of a young girl’s struggle to regain her passion and find a new peace is told lyrically through verse that captures the beauty and mystery of India and the ancient bharatanatyam dance form. This is a stunning novel about spiritual awakening, the power of art, and above all, the courage and resilience of the human spirit.

Veda, a classical dance prodigy in India, lives and breathes dance — so when an accident leaves her a below-knee amputee, her dreams are shattered. For a girl who’s grown used to receiving applause for her dance prowess and flexibility, adjusting to a prosthetic leg is painful and humbling. But Veda refuses to let her disability rob her of her dreams, and she starts all over again, taking beginner classes with the youngest dancers. Then Veda meets Govinda, a young man who approaches dance as a spiritual pursuit. As their relationship deepens, Veda reconnects with the world around her, and begins to discover who she is and what dance truly means to her.

Book Review: Rebel on Pointe

Book: Rebel on Pointe: A Memoir of Ballet & Broadway by Lee Wilson

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

In this uplifting memoir, Lee Wilson describes how she grand jetéd from the stifling suburbia of the 1950s, a world of rigid gender roles, to the only domain where women and men were equally paid and equally respected—in grand, historic dance theaters and under the bright lights of the Broadway stage.

Short, plump, pigeon-toed, and never good enough for mom, Lee Wilson dared to dream she could grow up to be a star. In 1962, fresh out of high school and a mere sixteen years old, Wilson left her country and the comforts of home to make the five-day journey across the Atlantic. She saw Europe as an attractive alternative to New York, where great American ballet companies were struggling to survive. That same year, Wilson made her professional debut in Monte Carlo in a command performance for Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. The following summer, as she danced across Europe, she thrilled to the sound of her first bravos—and never looked back.

After touring Europe and dancing with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet in New York, Wilson set her sights on Broadway, where she danced in many famous shows including Hello Dolly! She was in the original national company of A Chorus Line and played Patty in the original Broadway production of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown.

Rebel on Pointe immerses the reader in a remarkable and visionary world. It lifts the veil of myth surrounding legendary dance icons like George Balanchine, Rosella Hightower, Erik Bruhn, and Rudolf Nureyev to reveal the real men and women who have influenced and embodied the world of dance.

Wilson expertly depicts how her profession—at times considered so rigid and exacting—was a leading force in the liberation of women from the prison of patriarchal post-war society. The hard-won gains and the maddening setbacks of the gender revolution are seen here through the eyes of a young dancer searching for freedom, one “pas” at a time.


Rating: 5 stars

Review:

At a young age Lee Wilson knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life. She fell in love with dancing and wanted to pursue it as a career. She also knew that a dancing career would give her the freedom and life away from the current norms that women experienced in the 50s and 60s. She also saw it as a more inclusive environment compared to the discriminatory, sexist, racist and segregated times.

This wonderfully written memoir told in a conversational tone, details how Lee went from an eager beginner wanting to take all the classes that interested her to pursuing a career as a professional dancer. Taking those dance classes improved her dance skills and gave her more opportunities to pursue them.

Ballet soon became the dance that interested and inspired her and with that her life seemed to fast-forward. With each opportunity, she was getting one step closer to being a professional ballerina. Lee even had the chance to stay in New York City and attend dance classes (along with attending a performing arts school).

But after graduating from high school, her career aspiration sort of stalled a little when her family moved to Switzerland. Her time was being wasting there but once she finally convinced her mother to let her move to Cannes to find a dance company her career was back on track.

From taking a chance to move to Cannes it gave her new experiences that she took back to NYC. Dancing had always been her dream and her life but a chance audition for a Broadway show may have awoken a new interest.

I really like this book, it's very engaging. The way it's written in a fast-paced upbeat way made it easy for me to zoom through the pages. Lee's story is inspiring because she wanted more than what was offered to women back then. Also in this book were pictures and quite a few historical references and not just for the dance industry.

This was very good but I do wish it had been longer because I wanted to know more about her fascinating life.

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #3: Misty Copeland: Power and Grace

I have a whole dance category on this blog and with most of the books in that section being about ballet. I think it's a beautiful art.

This book interest me not only for the photography but because Misty Copeland is inspiring. She went after her dreams and succeeded.

Book: Misty Copeland: Power and Grace photography by Richard Corman with words by Misty Copeland

Description:

Power and grace define Misty Copeland―an influential ballet dancer who has broken through difficult barriers to become the first female African-American to be promoted to principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. Misty has proven adversity can be conquered by reaching higher and working harder to define what is humanly possible, regardless of the path one chooses to follow their dreams. In Misty’s own words, “Finding your power doesn’t have to be scary. Instead, it makes you feel in control, strong, and proud.” Through the stunning black-and-white photography of Richard Corman and Misty’s own words, her inspiring message of hope, strength, and focus speaks to young girls and women. In the introduction, Cindy Bradley, Misty’s ballet teacher who discovered and encouraged Misty to develop her talent and follow her heart, gives context to the obstacles and challenges that helped Misty find her power and achieve success.

Currently Reading for A-Z Title Challenge: Purikyu

I'm trying to finish up this A-Z Title Challenge in a few weeks. I borrowed this book from a friend, she said it was good.

Book: Purikya by Kyousuke Motomi

Description:

Katsuragi Anna is a former ballerina who tries to find herself when her dreams of ballet stardom fall flat. She is tricked into joining the archery club by her friend... only to find that the president is her childhood rival, Jinnai!?

Book Review: A French Pirouette

Book: A French Piroutette by Jennifer Bohnet

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Au revoir old life, Bonjour Brittany!

Parisian prima ballerina Suzette knows it’s time to hang up her pointe shoes before her next injury ruins her ankles for good. But dancing is all she’s ever known and she’s terrified of who she’ll be after that final curtain falls.

Meanwhile, lonely Londoner Libby is pouring her life savings into buying an auberge that she and her late husband had loved visiting on holiday. It’s a huge risk that could leave her broke…as well as broken-hearted.

And then there’s Brigitte who’s retired to the village for a slower pace of life, but who dreads seeing someone else run her beloved auberge.

Three fresh starts…one unforgettable summer!



Rating: 4 1/2 stars

Review:

This was a sheer delight to read. A French Pirouette follows the lives of three women: Suzette, Libby and Brigitte as their lives undergo a new transition.

Libby Duncan, a British woman and soon to be turning 40 had been thinking about an idea her late husband Dan had for the two of them which was to own their own Bed & Breakfast. It wasn't until Libby had called The Auberge du Canal (a B & B in Brittany, France that she and her husband had vacationed at in the past) to book a trip for her and her daughter Chloe that she found out the place was going to be up for sale. She had the crazy idea to buy it herself to try and run it, this would give her something to do especially since her daughter will soon be off to college in several months.

Selling her B & B was one of the last things that Brigitte ever wanted to do. She had been living there and running it for over 40 years but after her husband Bruno broke his arm, he thought it would be the perfect time to sell their business and move into town. Brigitte is not sure she can cope with this new slower pace of life he husband seems to be craving.

Suzette Shelby is an international French ballerina and at age 38 is nearing the point of retiring and with a recent ankle injury it looks like retirement might be sooner than she thinks. To recuperate, she decides to book a room at the B & B under an assumed name. She thought it would give her the privacy she needed to try to figure out what to do with her life once she will no longer be dancing. However, she also needed to get her ankle well enough to take on what she believes to be her last performances in Swan Lake.

The lives of each women intertwine as the story unfolds, each trying to figure out how to adjust with the new things going on in their lives.

This was a wonderfully charming story because it's a light and easy read that showed how these women re-invented themselves and their lives which lead to something truly amazing.

Book Review: The Pink Ballet Slippers

Book: The Pink Ballet Slippers by Evelyn S. Dehkes with illustrations by Ruth Ruhman

Source: Borrowed from my aunt (the blue book on the right)

Rating: 3 1/2 stars

Review:

The Pink Ballet Slipper is a delightful little story about 10 years old Grete Holm who loves ballet so much that she dreams of becoming a ballerina. She would also love to take ballet lessons and to buy the pink ballet slippers she saw in the store window, unfortunately her mother can't afford any of that for her. After her father died during the war, Grete and her mother have had to budget appropriately and those things are just not something Mrs. Holm's can give her right now.

However, when her best friend Marie Bennett started taking ballet lessons every Saturday, Grete was able to accompanying her since Mrs. Bennett was unable to. Even though it was wonderful that Grete could sit in and watch the lessons, she would love to be a part of the class.

One part of her dream came true, Marie was unable to fit the pink ballet slippers her mother bought her after having difficulty with them after her first ballet lesson, Mrs. Bennett wanted to give the shoes to Grete. However, not wanting to take charity, Grete and her mother decided to pay Mrs. Bennett for them and it didn't hurt that the shoes were gently used making the price reduced.

After accompanying Marie to a few more lessons, the instructor Madame Dupré suggested that Grete should join that day's lesson. After realizing that Grete was unable to afford the lessons, Madame Dupré offered Grete a job to be her assistant in exchange of lessons.

Grete is simply overjoyed now that she can take ballet lessons. And as long as they don't affect her school work, Mrs. Holm's has no problem with her working for Madame Dupré and taking lessons.

Things progressed as usual for Grete in class and when a dance recital was announced the girls were all excited to see which part they would get. The recital was better than she had ever anticipated and furthered her dream of becoming a ballerina.

You know something interesting about this book although it was written in 1952, there were times in the book where Grete didn't play to the structured roles that women had back then. In one scene she had went to the grocery store and asked the owner for a job as a delivery girl but the owner only wanted to hire boys since he felt that girls couldn't do the job properly. She didn't get the job despite her strong claims that she could do the job. Grete also enjoyed playing catch with the boys but because this book was written in 1952 there is some emphasis that girls and women should love to bake.

This was a very adorable book because Grete never gives up on her dream and she is such a positive and fun character.

Currently Reading: The Pink Ballet Slippers

I borrowed this around Christmas time but have not gotten around to reading this until now. So far what I read was pretty good. Looking forward to reading the rest.


Book: The Pink Ballet Slippers by Evelyn S. Dehkes with illustrations by Ruth Ruhman

Source: Borrowed from my aunt (the blue book on the right)

Description:

A little girl who is interested in ballet gets a chance to take classes.

Book Review: 84 Ribbons

Book: 84 Ribbons by Paddy Eger

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Set during 1957, high school senior Martha Selbryth had her heart set on becoming a professional ballerina. Martha finally got her chance when she was accepted for a spot with the Intermountain Ballet Company in Billings, Montana and following graduation she was off to start her new life training with the company.

Now in a new state and trying to get used to not only the ballet company but also living in a boarding house. She was experiencing new things and finding being a responsible adult a bit nerve wracking. And to make matter even worse, Madame Cosper at the dance company continues to find fault with nearly everything that Martha does and living at the boarding house could be stressful at times when she had to deal with one of the boarders Carole.

Martha wasn't the only newly hired dancer and soon she became friends with the other two female dancers Lynne and Bartley. And she was definitely needed that friendship because Madame Cosper was making it difficult for Martha because no matter how hard she worked Madame continued to treat her as if she is nothing more than a disappointment. And it didn't help matters when Martha met reporter and college student Steve Mason who had caught her eye. Steve is a fun and interesting guy although he doesn't quite see all the hard work that necessarily goes into becoming a professional dancer but the more he gets to know Martha the more his opinion starts to change.

But as preparations, rehearsals and shows make up most of Martha time she started to push herself harder than she should have. All the stress is increase some of her bad habits in regard to eating and taking good care of herself despite everyone from her mother to her friend Lynne, she continues to follow along a dangerous path.

However, a possible career injury may exacerbate her health problems even more. Is being a professional dancer more important than taking care of herself or will she have to figure out a new career path? Those are a couple of the questions that Martha had to ask herself in this story.

Even when a tragedy happened to one of her friends it still didn't seemed to sink in that maybe she needs to change some of the things she's doing.

I really liked this because it's an emotional whirlwind for Martha and the story is part coming of age and part cautionary tale and well as part self discovery. Sometimes what you dream for isn't always the best thing for you, I was wondering about the open ending and turns out there is going to be sequel, which I'm really interested in reading.

Currently Reading book 6 for the Tackle Your TBR Read-a-thon: Sweet Poison and 84 Ribbons

This was the other book I picked up from the library book sale and so far it's starting out much better than Hunting the Witch. 

Book: Sweet Poison (Jane Lawless book #16) by Ellen Hart

Description:

Jane Lawless is at her wit’s end keeping her Minneapolis restaurants running while volunteering on her father’s campaign for governor. With an eleven-point lead, the race is Ray Lawless’ to lose, but all that changes when his rival posts a list of violent criminals that are back on the streets early, thanks to Ray’s work during his career as a defense lawyer.

Corey Hodge is one of the convicts that took Ray’s advice to plead guilty for a crime that he swears he didn’t commit. Bitter from time served, revenge lurks in the back of his mind. Then one of Ray’s young campaign volunteers is killed, and with the murder mirroring the crime Corey was convicted of, Jane has to bring the killer to justice to save her father’s political career and to keep Corey from going to prison again.

The high stakes and political intrigue that fuel Sweet Poison, the latest in Lambda and Minnesota Book Award--winning author Ellen Hart’s absorbing Jane Lawless series, make for an intense mystery of ambition and obsession.

I like dance books probably ballet is one of things I loved (like playing the violin) that I gave up on when I was younger. So, now I can enjoy it again just by picking up a book and hopefully, this will be a good read.


Book: 84 Ribbons by Paddy Eger

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Eger takes us into the world of dancer, Marta Selbryth, a small town girl from Bremerton, Washington with a life long desire to perform as a professional ballerina. Eger’s passion for the subject, captures this deep desire found in many young dancers but does not overstate the character’s sacrifices and successes.

What does it take to succeed when you are a teen, about to graduate, with your life spread before you, waiting for you to claim it? Eager says, “Tenacity”. Readers & reviewers agree. DanceSpirit magazine selected 84 Ribbons as 2014 April “Pick of the Month” and Foreword Reviews magazine calls 84 Ribbons “a riveting ballet story.” Reviewer, Leia Menlove, says, “Eger, a former dancer herself, brilliantly details the day-to-day life of this world. ...A pure coming-of-age novel with moments of quiet drama, 84 Ribbons is about thriving despite the imperfections of life.”

“Like these young dancers, new adults often face challenges and disappointments and are pushed to their limits as they strive for physical, mental and emotional tenacity,” says Eger. “84 Ribbons strikes a balance between the world of ballet and the everyday world that waits just beyond the stagelights.”

Book Review: Mambo in Chinatown

Book: Mambo in Chinatown by Jean Kwok

Source: Library

Rating: 3 stars

Review:

I have to say that I loved the first half of this story with 21 years old Charlie Wong transforming from an awkward young woman who lacked self esteem into this confident risk taking person.

Charlie's life hasn't always been the best, she didn't do so great while she was in school and constantly got fired from all the other jobs she had. She was currently working as a dishwasher at the local noodle restaurant. It wasn't until her younger sister Lisa suggested she apply for a job as a receptionist at a dance studio that Charlie's life was taking an unexpected change.

Charlie wound up getting the job, however one day after messing up the schedule for a beginners class. She made the mistake of scheduling the teacher not only for a private lesson but also for the beginners class for the same time. And with no one else available to run the class, Charlie was put in charge with teaching it. Although, Charlie had learned a few dance techniques from her late mother she was given the opportunity to be taught by one of the best dancers for an introductory lesson just to get her ready to teach the beginners. She also received a mini makeover from several of the dancers.

Initially she was only supposed to teach one lesson but with her being such a horrible receptionist she was instead hired on to be a dance instructor. This was something that Charlie never thought could possibly ever happen to her. With this new job opportunity came even more good fortune, her confidence was growing along with her new transformation.

But while all of these good things were happening for Charlie, her little sister Lisa was starting to have medical problems. At first everyone thought it was due to Lisa stressing out over the Hunter High School preliminary entrance examination. But as time went on, Lisa was getting worse and her symptoms were starting to remind Charlie of their mother's symptoms before she died.

Like I said I loved the first half of the story but as the story went on I felt like Lisa's medical mystery wasn't being focused on as much as it should have until it got further near the end of the story. The pacing also slowed a bit as well as Charlie started to get so wrapped up into her dance partner Ryan that I was wondering why her sister's health wasn't more on her mind.

This was a good story and I love how Charlie had grown into a confident person and I love the interaction she had with her family and friends and her new friends at the studio. I like how she was finally starting to stand up for herself because in the beginning of the story, Charlie was nearly invisible, she didn't allow herself to shine or say what she thought. Aside from the good changes, she was also changing in a negative way too because she seemed to not have the compassion and patience that she had earlier in the story.

But I think she needed that little bit of negative change so that she could see herself and make the necessary change because I like how everything sorted itself in the end in regards to her. But the end was also a sort of a let down for me because it felt rushed and last minute. I'm glad Lisa's health problems were figured out but it seemed like it took such a long time for everything to get resolved. So many of the characters (including Charlie) didn't seem to see what I hate to say was the obvious cause of Lisa's health problems. If only they would have communicated. 

The second thing that was a let down for me was the romance between Charlie and her dance partner/student Ryan. Although Ryan was an interesting character, there was no real chemistry between him and Charlie. There was absolutely no passion between them.

Charlie's transformation from dishwasher to competitive dancer reminds me of the movie "Shall We Dance" starring Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon and Jennifer Lopez because like Charlie, Richard Gere's character transformed into a more confident risk taker as well.

This was a good read (especially the first half) but it could have been better.