Theo is better now.
She's eating again, dating guys who are almost appropriate, and well on her way to becoming an elite ballet dancer. But when her oldest friend, Donovan, returns home after spending four long years with his kidnapper, Theo starts reliving memories about his abduction—and his abductor.
Donovan isn't talking about what happened, and even though Theo knows she didn't do anything wrong, telling the truth would put everything she's been living for at risk. But keeping quiet might be worse.
(Summary from GoodReads)
Pointe is one of the best books I've read in 2014 so far and is a book that made me incredibly proud to be an avid read of young adult fiction. It's the type of book that you'll read in a sitting or two and take so much away from. Colbert tackles a lot of tough subject matter in her debut, yet it never feels like too much.
Theo is not a conventionally likable character, and a lot of people may consider not finishing this book because of that. Some of the choices she makes about who spends her time with are a little painful to read about, but the thought process Theo went through in order to make her decisions always felt genuine to me. If you pick up this book, it needs to be read to the very end, because it's largely about Theo's emotional and sexual development. The reader watches Theo learn to make her own decisions and the best part is that even though Colbert gives us a concrete ending to the story, it’s clear that Theo’s story isn’t over.
Colbert nails her prose and her atmosphere throughout this entire story. I was really impressed by how ballet was woven into the story as a whole. It was the perfect reminder that Theo had a life outside of the bad things that happened to her, but also that those bad things could permeate so deeply. Throughout the story, we see how Theo interacts with Ruthie, who’s a weird mixture of competition and friend, and their relationship was handled perfectly. It was just the right balance of mean girls, awkwardness, and compassion. Other details are nicely woven in that make this more genuine—Theo and her friends smoke pot, and that’s just that. It’s something real teenagers do, and it was nice to see Colbert address every day aspects of teenage life in a way that felt non-judgmental.
Pointe had me weepy eyed and thinking "Damn" just about the entire time I was reading. It is an important book, yet not didactic. It's a story that I hope lots of people read and discuss over and over again. Colbert has given us an exceptional debut that will inspire passionate feelings and discussion while leaving us all yearning for more from her.
Disclosure: I borrowed an ARC of this book from a friend and plan to buy a hardcover soon.
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I like spreading the love, so I've decided to give one hardcover of Pointe away to one of you. Here are the rules:
*One winner will receive a hardcover of Pointe by Brandy Colbert. The winner will receive his or her copy of the book by April 17th.
*Open to U.S. readers only.
*Entries will close next Tuesday April 8th at 11:59 p.m.
Happy Birthday! I'm excited to read Pointe. Even though it hasn't released yet, I feel like it's been on my TBR list a long time.
ReplyI am dying for this book, I just found out that it is out and I love ballet books!
ReplyI know I just told you this, but happy birthday!! Also, I so appreciate how vague your review is because I want to go in completely blank but I also wanted to know what you thought about it, so good job! I seriously can't wait to read this one.
ReplyCan't wait for this book! Thanks for running a giveaway, can't wait to read!
ReplyThanks for the contest! It's totally out of my wheelhouse and that's a good thing!
ReplyHappy birthday! I was excited for Pointe already but reading your review makes me want to read it now, thanks!
ReplyI've been looking forward to this book forever and I'm so excited I'll finally get to read it. I feel like this one will affect me the same way it affected you. I'm excited (and maybe a little scared) to read it.
ReplyThis review perfectly summed up the book. I just finished it last night and was waiting to read your thoughts until I was done and you nailed it. Also I really liked Theo and felt bad for her. Her self worth was just horrible. I definitely recommend this book.
ReplyBy the way, Happy Belated Birthday. :-)
This book sounds fantastic. When I was younger I read every book I could get my hands on that had dance in it, and I still feel that way not. But I'm interested because it sounds like it's much more than just dance.
ReplyThanks for the giveaway!
ReplyI'm SOSO excited for this book! Can't wait to read it.
I finished Pointe this weekend & couldn't wait to read your review today. Woo. I agree with you on everything and I'm still falling over myself with how utterly remarkable the writing was. I liked Theo a lot, and I related to so many of her feelings that it was almost painful. The journey she went on this book was so subtly done & I'm not sure how to write a review of it so I'm glad that you did. haha. Because this means I can too! YAY
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