Good Reads Summary
When Chloe Pierce’s mom forbids her to apply for a spot at the dance conservatory of her dreams, she devises a secret plan to drive two hundred miles to the nearest audition. But Chloe hits her first speed bump when her annoying neighbor Eli insists upon hitching a ride, threatening to tell Chloe’s mom if she leaves him and his smelly dog, Geezer, behind. So now Chloe’s chasing her ballet dreams down the east coast—two unwanted (but kinda cute) passengers in her car, butterflies in her stomach, and a really dope playlist on repeat.
My thoughts
Ok, let me confess that I had not heard anything about this book before I saw it on the table at a book festival. I was attending a YA panel discussion and Kristina Forest was one of the panelists. So before the talk, I like to roam around the book sale table so that I can beat the rush that will follow the discussion. I am not going to lie, the cover was so pretty and I picked it up. Then I put it down then I picked it up and read the description and thought to myself this would be a good opportunity to support this black debut author so I bought it and headed into the discussion. I was satisfied with my purchase as I heard her speak and answer audience questions. So yes, the cover spoke to me first but the author vindicated the purchase.
This book was easy to slip into and it was a pleasure witnessing the main character Chloe navigate her insecurities throughout the book. It also dealt with the death of a loved one and it impacts on the people left behind. The struggles Chloe faced in the dance world were reminiscent of the obstacles Misty Copland discussed in her debut book, “Life in Motion : An Unlikely Ballerina”. The book, of course, dealt with a love interest and it was sweet to watch.
I think this was a fantastic debut novel and look forward to her next book “Now That I Found You” that is coming out June 2, 2020.
