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The Other Side of Perfect

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( 1,901 ratings, 392 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Other Side of Perfect by Mariko Turk follows the story of a young ballet dancer, Alina, who faces an unexpected injury that disrupts her dreams of a professional career. Thrust into a world without ballet, Alina must navigate her high school life while grappling with identity and passion. This heartwarming tale explores themes of resilience, friendship, and self-discovery.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this heartwarming tale if you love stories about overcoming adversity and finding one's true identity. Packed with emotion, it portrays a young dancer's journey as she navigates the challenges of injury, explores new passions, and discovers what truly defines her. It's perfect for those who appreciate narratives of resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power of art.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A stunning and unique story about healing that offers a gentle hand to anyone who struggles with perfectionism, competition and an all-or-nothing mindset, as well as those who don't understand ambition.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

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

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Other Side of Perfect by Mariko Turk has received glowing reviews for its nuanced exploration of themes such as resilience, cultural identity, and systemic racism in the arts. The protagonist, Alina, embarks on a compelling journey of acceptance and personal growth after her ballet dreams are derailed. The story blends the world of musical theatre with heartfelt moments and offers a fresh perspective on confronting racial tensions and finding one's voice.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781760526252

Publisher: A&U Children's

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 18 May 2021

Country: Australia

Imprint: A&U Children

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 292g

Pages: 336

About the Author

Mariko Turk grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a BA in creative writing. She received her PhD in English from the University of Florida, with a concentration in children's literature. Currently, she works as a Writing Center consultant at the University of Colorado Boulder. She lives in Colorado with her husband and baby daughter, where she enjoys tea, walks, and stories of all kinds. The Other Side of Perfect is her debut novel.

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