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teaandlibri's review against another edition
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
msvenner's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the author’s newer book, A Bridge Home, so much I sought out her others. While this was a beautiful book, it pales in comparison to the beauty of A Bridge Home. I’m sure my review is colored by that comparison.
I did enjoy the way the book exposed me to a kind of dance new to me and did so that I learned a lot without feeling like I was being taught. The spiritual elements of the dance were interesting and well described. I didn’t love the choice to write the book in verse. I usually love this style of writing but it seemed lacking here. It seemed more of a chore than a natural progression.
I did enjoy the way the book exposed me to a kind of dance new to me and did so that I learned a lot without feeling like I was being taught. The spiritual elements of the dance were interesting and well described. I didn’t love the choice to write the book in verse. I usually love this style of writing but it seemed lacking here. It seemed more of a chore than a natural progression.