Book description
For fans of Sarah Dessen and Mary H.K. Choi, this lyrical and emotionally driven novel follows Alina, a young aspiring dancer who suffers a devastating injury and must face a world without balletāas well as the darker side of her former dream.
Alina Keeler was destined to dance, but thenā¦Why read it?
2 authors picked The Other Side of Perfect as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
The Other Side of Perfect is about a young ballet dancer, Alina, who suffers a life-changing injury and must learn to deal with her multilayered, sometimes unsympathetic, anger.
Even though its themes are heavy, I somehow couldnāt put this one down. The characters are so real (and often funny), and every conflict unfurls with realistic nuance, sometimes devastatingly so.
Mariko Turkās refusal to simplify emotionsāeven when exploring painful topics like racismāearns this book a standing ovation from me.
From Michelle's list on coming-of-age about smart but flawed Asian girls.
Alina was well on her way to becoming a professional ballerinaāuntil a devastating leg injury leaves her unable to dance en pointe. She returns to regular high school full-time, becomes involved with the school musical, and suddenly has to navigate changing relationships with her classmates and her still-dancing sister. This book is wonderfully complex and absolutely beautiful. Itās unapologetic about Alinaās ambition in a way that is rare for Young Adult novels. Reading it was like letting out a breath I knew I had been holding, but wasnāt sure I would ever be allowed to release.Ā Ā
From Miel's list on young adult about ambitious girls.
If you love The Other Side of Perfect...
December on 5C4
Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa storiesāall reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!
On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argueā¦
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