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anjamsl's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mcmoon's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed the verse novel style of this book. Also liked the setting. The delicate subject matter is handled poetically. I wanted a bit more detail on the world inhabited by this character, meaning the scenery and characters around her. But nonetheless, a lovely meditation on art, suffering, resilience, and passion.
soumitareads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
Veda has been studying classical dance with a master in Chennai India. She lives and breathes dance. She is dedicated and works hard, but her mother feels she should be applying herself to a goal of being an engineer or doctor. When a devastating injury requires the amputation of her leg Veda is at first defeated and angry, but soon vows to learn again how to use the gifts she has. With renewed determination she begins again, following her dream to become the best interpreter of the Bharantanatyam style.
This is a novel, told entirely in verse, about personal growth, courage, resilience, and the power of art. Venkatraman packs a lot of emotion into a few words. It is an inspiring story of one young woman’s courage, grace and spiritual awakening. Veda is a wonderful heroine. Yes, she is young and given to the usual self-absorbed anxieties of teens around the world. But over the course of the novel she comes to realize the true meaning of friendship, love, and sacrifice. She comes to value the gifts she has and learns to share her gifts generously.
I really liked how Venkatraman portrayed the relationships Veda had with family, friends, and teachers. The cultural framework may be very different, but the interpersonal dynamics are universal. I especially loved her grandmother, Paati. I recognized my own contentious relationship with my mother in the way that Veda and Ma interacted. I was reminded of the way my best friend and I would obsess over boys or fashion, or would squabble and make up. I also appreciated that Venkatraman showed us Veda’s self-realization and growth, rather than simply tell us about it.
This is a novel, told entirely in verse, about personal growth, courage, resilience, and the power of art. Venkatraman packs a lot of emotion into a few words. It is an inspiring story of one young woman’s courage, grace and spiritual awakening. Veda is a wonderful heroine. Yes, she is young and given to the usual self-absorbed anxieties of teens around the world. But over the course of the novel she comes to realize the true meaning of friendship, love, and sacrifice. She comes to value the gifts she has and learns to share her gifts generously.
I really liked how Venkatraman portrayed the relationships Veda had with family, friends, and teachers. The cultural framework may be very different, but the interpersonal dynamics are universal. I especially loved her grandmother, Paati. I recognized my own contentious relationship with my mother in the way that Veda and Ma interacted. I was reminded of the way my best friend and I would obsess over boys or fashion, or would squabble and make up. I also appreciated that Venkatraman showed us Veda’s self-realization and growth, rather than simply tell us about it.
priyanka13's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
stephbeaudoin20's review
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatraman
This book is written in verse and I LOVE that about it! Veda is an aspiring dancer, she wins a competition, and on the way home she is in a car accident that makes her a below the knee amputee. She spends the rest of the book learning to walk again, getting a prosthesis, learning to dance, finding the dancer within, and coming to love her changed body. There are so many important themes and conversations and ideas throughout the book. This book is truly special.
This book is for #ReadDisabled2024 prompt of Young Adult, Middle Grade, or Children's Book with a Disabled Main Character
This book is written in verse and I LOVE that about it! Veda is an aspiring dancer, she wins a competition, and on the way home she is in a car accident that makes her a below the knee amputee. She spends the rest of the book learning to walk again, getting a prosthesis, learning to dance, finding the dancer within, and coming to love her changed body. There are so many important themes and conversations and ideas throughout the book. This book is truly special.
This book is for #ReadDisabled2024 prompt of Young Adult, Middle Grade, or Children's Book with a Disabled Main Character
tmathews0330's review against another edition
5.0
Written in poetic form, the language is simplistic and brief. However, Venkatraman did not leave me wanting a single thing. It was sparsely beautiful.
ainay's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lsparrow's review against another edition
3.0
A YA novel written in poetry form - I felt the concept of the form lent a lot to the theme of classic Indian dance and spiritual traditions although the actual poetry was more in the style of stream of conciousness which I found less enthralling. An easy to read story.
dancingbibliophile's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5