The Other Side of Perfect

The Other Side of Perfect by Mariko Turk is a compelling tale of dreams, resilience, and self-discovery.

Alina Keeler was destined to dance, but a terrifying fall shatters her leg—and her dreams of a professional ballet career along with it.

After a summer of healing (translation: eating vast amounts of Cool Ranch Doritos and binging ballet videos on YouTube), she is forced to trade her pre-professional dance classes for normal high school, where she reluctantly joins the school musical. However, rehearsals offer more than she expected—namely Jude, her annoyingly attractive castmate she just might be falling for.

But to move forward, Alina must make peace with her past and face the racism she experienced in the dance industry. She wonders what it means to yearn for ballet—something so beautiful, yet so broken. And as broken as she feels, can she ever open her heart to someone else?

Touching, romantic, and peppered with humour, this debut novel explores the tenuousness of perfectionism, the possibilities of change, and the importance of raising your voice.

'A captivating story of love, loss, identity and rediscovering your truth. Perfectly en pointe!' — Wai Chim, author of The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling

'A nuanced exploration of shattered dreams and new beginnings. Full of pain and beauty, like the best ballet.' — Jenna Guillaume, author of What I Like About Me