Friday, August 26, 2011

Bunheads by Sophie Flack




Reading Hammock’s Rating:
5
Category:
Fiction
Fiction Genre:
Realistic Fiction
Title:
Bunheads
Author:
Sophie Flack
Author Website:
ISBN-10:
0316126535
ISBN-13:
978-0316126533
Publication Date:
October 2011
Publisher:
Little Brown Bks Young Readers
Format:
Hardcover | Digital


Borders
(None)
(Not available in stores yet)

Author Synopsis:

On-stage beauty. Backstage drama. 

As a dancer with the ultra-prestigious Manhattan Ballet Company, nineteen-year-old Hannah Ward juggles intense rehearsals, dazzling performances and complicated backstage relationships. Up until now, Hannah has happily devoted her entire life to ballet. 

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?

My review:

I recently picked up an advanced copy of this book at the Book Expo of America (BEA).  It hasn’t been published yet, however, it will be coming out soon in October. 

“Bunheads” is a daring story about a young woman trying to figure out her life--- choosing between her fantasy life of ballet and the more harsh reality of college filled with responsibilities.  Since the author, Sophie Flack, used to be a professional ballet dancer, this book is based on many of her personal experiences.  Flack’s story took me into the reality of a dancer and what really happens backstage. 

Flack described the passion of the main character, Hannah, as she pours her heart and soul onto the stage.  She also gave the story veracity by elegantly tucking in a couple of dancing terms, such as ‘a piqué from a bourrée.’  Flack also showed Hannah’s conflicts about her job.  Even though she loves her career, she is trapped within the world of dancing.  Throughout the story, Hannah is presented with the ultimate choice between the constrictions of the dancing world and the opportunities an education will give her. 

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