Teen Review Thursday

Here's what teens are reading and talking about this summer in Norwich. I love seeing what teens think about the books they're reading. This week, they're talking about fun fiction... And this is the last week of Teen Reviews - until next summer.

Bunheads: 4 stars

Even regardless of the focus on ballet, I think "Bunheads" was a wonderful novel. I'm not a dancer, but Hannah's struggle shows the importance of pursuing your dreams and listening to your heart. The book also gives great insight about the huge effort it takes to be a dancer, which I never considered before reading this novel. I would recommend it to anyone, especially those who are interested in dancing, sports, etc. because most likely you'll make a big connection to the main character.

The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight: 4 stars

One of my main concerns about reading this book was off the bat, the fact that Oliver's mystery study was no mystery at all. After all it is the title of the book itself.

But as you read, you follow the life of Hadley who is having a hard time dealing with her father's new marriage. She is sent away to be a bridesmaid in England which she abosutely dreads until she meets cutie Oliver, an English student at the airport and who she instantly has this sort of connection with.

The two of them end up sitting next to each other on the plane and speak for hours.

It's a nice quick read for those who enjoy the "fluffy" romance scene. It takes place over a course of 24 hours.

The story is pretty short and the reading level isn't that high. If you'd enjoyed a novel similar to the Notebook, this would be for you.

Book Character Outfits: Dancers Among Us

As long as I can remembers, I've always wanted to be a ballerina. I never look lessons, but it's always looked fun. Over BEA last year, I heard about Dancers Among Us and wanted to read it and soak in the pictures. I finally have a copy. It's a book about ballerinas and dancers posing in the normal world. Of course, if it was me, I'd like to pose in a library reading a book, or in field of flowers, or under the night sky...

Here's my sample outfit:

The pin will also go up on my Library Pinterest Board

Review: Bunheads

Hannah's life isn't normal. She's a dancer. She's never had a life outside of ballet. At the age of 14, she moved to New York City alone to dance.

From that moment, dancing has been her life. Lately, she's wondering if it's all worth it. She's never been to prom, never had a real boyfriend, and never had friends who are pedestrians (non ballet girls).

When she meets Jacob, she realizes that in 5 years, she knows nothing about the city she calls home.

Hannah works out hard hoping to move from a senior corps dance to a soloist. Her next change could be just around the corner. But with the rigorous training, her constant diet, and the jealous friendships, she wonders if her sacrifice is worth it.

Hannah feels free while she's dancing, but has dancing stopped being fun?

My Thoughts: I was sold on this book from the moment I heard about it at a Little Brown event. I've always wanted to learn how to dance. I ADORED this novel. I loved the peek into the ballet world. I loved seeing the differences in friendship, food, freedom, and happiness. The work ethic seems crazy, the diet crazy, and all the injuries crazy. It's not a world I understand, but its fascinating. I loved Hannah's inner struggle. I love the passion for the dance and the questions it raises about one's future. I read this book weeks ago, and I'm still thinking about it...

Cover Thoughts: LOVE IT! It's unique and refreshing.

Source: Little Brown

Fun Fact: In the book, Hannah visits a museum with Jacob and is drawn to this painting, which was quite shocking at the time it's debut in 1884. Being fascinated with art (Art History minor), I looked up the piece.


I like it, but I think this is more my style:

I LOVE it when a book makes me look up something - it rarely happens.

Watch It: Center Stage shows off a love for dancing.