Bunheads - Book Review

Title ~ Bunheads
Series ~ Single Title
Author ~ Sophie Flack
Release Date ~ October 10, 2011
Publisher ~ Poppy
Source ~ Poppy

GOODREADS SUMMARY

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?

REVIEW

Bunheads are dancers who are obsessed with ballet. And I’m not talking just a little obsessed. I am talking about full-on, all they think, breath, and dream about is ballet. Ballet may be the poison in Bunheads, but the ideas raised about overly obsessing on one thing are universal. Go with your passion, but open your mind to more.

When Hannah gets a peek into life outside of dance, it is as though her eyes have been truly opened for the first time. She realizes that perhaps there is more to life than just ballet. Maybe it is okay to venture out of her comfort zone, at least a little. Yes, it sounds cheesy, but I get what Sophie Flack is going for here. It feels real as Hannah weighs her options and goes back-and-forth to come to a decision.

The characters, as dancers, are believable. There is a star, a supportive friend, and a couple of backstabbers who are only out for themselves. They are extremely dedicated, working so hard to outperform each other. They get blisters, they watch their weight, and they practice for hours on end. Hannah and her dancer friends are, to me, a true representation of the various personalities you see in dance. It’s all very real, right down to the fancy ballet moves and dance terminology.

Bunheads made me think about sacrifice, following your dream, and being open to new things.