Bunheads by Sophie Flack

Bunheads by Sophie Flack
Release Date: October 10, 2011
Publisher: Poppy
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 304


Summary: 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?

My Thoughts: Why, oh why did I wait so long to read this novel? I’m not sure because I ended up eating it all up in two days. I loved it.

We are introduced to Hannah, who is part of the Manhattan Ballet Company.  She loves what she does but she’s no famous ballerina. She’s more like on the level with everyone who is ordinary. She’s not famous, she’s not popular, she’s just average.

But she wants to be famous, she wants everyone to know her name, she wants everyone to come watch her perform.  Hannah suffers through everyday with sore feet, sore muscles and bones, all so she can do what she loves, and work her way to the top.  

Hannah left her parents when she was 14 years old, to follow this dream. She wanted it so bad she would let nothing get in her way.

Hannah has two love interests throughout the novel, a rich guy Matt and a musician named Jacob. I always liked Jacob more even though Matt knew more about what she was going through. He understood it. He could feel her love for it.  But Jacob, was just ordinary and he showed Hannah that there is so much more to the world than just one thing.

I loved this novel. I loved how it took place in New York City. I love reading about NYC because it makes you feel like you are there, you are enjoying walking Times Square or walking down a crowded street. Or riding the subway.  Hannah’s journey became my own and I wanted to see what this world was all about.

Hannah was a likable character but at times she could get annoying. I think that happens with every character. While reading a novel, we see the good and the bad usually.   I loved seeing her go through her days and spending the evenings in her apartment with her best friend. I loved seeing her get excited when she got a part.

I also liked meeting all of her friends and fellow dancers. They each had their own personality and I enjoyed seeing who each one really was. I liked all their attitudes and how they present themselves.

Bunheads is a charming story that will wow any girl who ever imagined being famous or even a ballerina. Or even a dancer at all.  Bunheads was such an interesting honest true story.

Overall: Awesome novel.  Loved every single minute of it. Loved seeing firsthand what it could be like to be a dancer/ballerina. I really enjoyed Bunheads and I think you will too if you like reading novels about dance or YA Contemporary. And sweet Jacob is a plus too.

Cover: Like it! Like how there is a girl all over it, in a dress! Its cute.

What I’d Give It: