Tour: Audition by Stasia Ward Kahoe
Audition
Stasia Ward Kahoe
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Release Date: October 13, 2011
Pages: 464
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 stars
When high school junior Sara wins a coveted scholarship to study ballet, she must sacrifice everything for her new life as a professional dancer-in-training. Living in a strange city with a host family, she’s deeply lonely-until she falls into the arms of Remington, a choreographer in his early twenties. At first, she loves being Rem’s muse, but as she discovers a surprising passion for writing, she begins to question whether she’s chosen the right path. Is Rem using her, or is it the other way around? And is dancing still her dream, or does she need something more? This debut novel in verse is as intense and romantic as it is eloquent.
I have grown up dancing, since I was four years old, so when I found out Audition was a story of dance, I was ecstatic. I somehow missed that it was a book in verse in my excitement over dance, and I am happy that I did, or I may have passed up this brilliant novel.
Stasia Ward Kahoe’s writing in Audition is just beautiful. It flows together, like the notes of music. Generally speaking, I’m not super crazy about verse, but I could read Stasia Ward Kahoe’s writing all day long.
I really enjoyed the characters – Sara was a great main character, I loved the complexity of her and her world. I liked the other dancers as well, but I didn’t find them very distinct from one another besides Lisette and Bonnie. Julio was one of my favorite characters of the book, he was just so fun and sweet. I absolutely loved every scene he made an appearance in.
I loved the plot, especially the scenes at the studio. Everything about dance fascinates me, so I loved this fictitious story. I wasn’t as crazy about some of Sara’s choices near the end of the book, I wanted her to realize what was around her and take advantage of it.
I would really recommend this one. If you love dance and the arts, read it. If you don’t think you do, read this one anyways. Stasia Ward Kahoe is a radiant new voice in YA. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.
I'm 'picky' about novels in verse myself, but this one's got such a great premise, I was hooked even after I realized it'd be poetry. I think it will work though – in my mind, poetry reads like ballet, haha :o)
I'd love to give this one to some of my students who are in dance! Thanks for the review of it.
I've never read a novel in verse. I can't usually get on board with books that deviate from the normal format, but maybe I could try it again with this one. It seems to be getting fantastic reviews :]