Scan barcode
jennifermreads's review against another edition
4.0
Veda only has dreamed of being the best at Bharatanatyam, the dance she pursues with endless passion. But after a tragic accident takes part of one of her legs, Veda struggles to rebuild not only her strength but her dreams of dance.
A novel in free verse, this is an exquisite story of moving on after a tragedy. Veda could have quit, she could have just pursued an academic career as her mother wished. But she chooses instead to return to the dance she loves and discovers even deeper passion for it. I loved how real Veda was portrayed: the anger and grief she felt over losing part of her leg, the love she had for her dance, the frustrations over her physical healing. This was a beautiful story of survival, redefining goals and success, and striving for what one wants even in adversity.
A novel in free verse, this is an exquisite story of moving on after a tragedy. Veda could have quit, she could have just pursued an academic career as her mother wished. But she chooses instead to return to the dance she loves and discovers even deeper passion for it. I loved how real Veda was portrayed: the anger and grief she felt over losing part of her leg, the love she had for her dance, the frustrations over her physical healing. This was a beautiful story of survival, redefining goals and success, and striving for what one wants even in adversity.
teaandlibri's review
2.0
As another book for AAPI Heritage Month I thought I'd take a look at this book about a young woman Veda, who is a talented young dancer in India but loses part of her leg to a car accident. Author Venkatraman takes us through Veda's journey from being a dancer to losing her leg and learning to enjoy life again, including with her disability.
It sounded like an interesting story. For some reason, though, I completely missed that this book was in verse. A lot of people liked that and I did find the story kept my interest but overall I hated this format. I just prefer prose and thought this story would have worked just fine (or even better) as set in prose.
As pointed out in other reviews, not everyone is a fan of the use of "differently abled" vs. disabled. I also felt a wee bit uncomfortable at the dedication. The disabled and their allies have warned against "inspiration porn" when it comes to disabled people and I couldn't help but wonder if this might veer into that a bit. It could be my interpretation (and the author does specify the Boston Marathon bombing) but I think that might be something to keep in mind.
It wasn't terrible but it's not a book I'd really seek out unless you've got an interest in a particular aspect of the story. I got this as a bargain book but would recommend the library instead.
It sounded like an interesting story. For some reason, though, I completely missed that this book was in verse. A lot of people liked that and I did find the story kept my interest but overall I hated this format. I just prefer prose and thought this story would have worked just fine (or even better) as set in prose.
As pointed out in other reviews, not everyone is a fan of the use of "differently abled" vs. disabled. I also felt a wee bit uncomfortable at the dedication. The disabled and their allies have warned against "inspiration porn" when it comes to disabled people and I couldn't help but wonder if this might veer into that a bit. It could be my interpretation (and the author does specify the Boston Marathon bombing) but I think that might be something to keep in mind.
It wasn't terrible but it's not a book I'd really seek out unless you've got an interest in a particular aspect of the story. I got this as a bargain book but would recommend the library instead.
bluenerd20's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
raquelraquel's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book made me really appreciate poetry as as a storytelling art form
everthereader's review against another edition
This book was amazing. No words to describe it. It was so inspirational.
moon_rose's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-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
elegyforthedream's review against another edition
5.0
it was amazing to see my culture represented through this book. it carried the grace of dance along veda's journey, and though I'm not a dancer, I felt deeply invigorated by veda's pain and inner peace. now I wish I hadn't given up my carnatic music class on my sixth year. this book spoke to my heart.. now what are you still doing here? read it!
vern_middle_90's review against another edition
i just grew away from it, may pick it up again
henvika's review against another edition
2.0
two stars for govinda
only two stars for lack of govinda
we need more govinda
only two stars for lack of govinda
we need more govinda