Bunheads by Sophie Flack

Publisher: Poppy
Age Group: YA
Rating: 5/5
Source: Publisher

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?

I've always been amazed by the life of a ballerina, but I never thought it was as hard as it was descibed in this book. Throughout the book, I could see Sophie throwing in bits of her life and I could see her come through Hannah. Being a pretty ballerina isn't easy, especially if you're a professional one. The story flowed and I became more interested in Hannah's world. I wanted to be there and see if she would get the part or if she was just going to another dancer.

I also thought the term "bunheads" was an interesting way to call a ballerina. I love watching ballets, but this book showed me how much hard work the ballerinas put into the performance and how they have no life besides ballet. They have to be one weight and I thought gym class was a burden at times.

This book was a great escape from everything usual and we get the experience of something  that happens behind closed doors. I loved watching Hannah evolve and change from this girl who ballet was her only world to someone who wanted to get out there and realize life is more than ballet.