Tuesday 19 June 2012

Summer's Dream by Cathy Cassidy (Children's, 9 years +)


7th June 2012, Puffin
282 pages, Hardback
Review copy

Themes: life in a big family, trials of divorce & step-families, sisterhood, obsession, taking comments & concepts too far, anorexia, ballet school, harsh realities of competition & mental stability in the ballet world, losing yourself, new friendship from unexpected people, some teen romance, few occasions of drinking & smoking, lots of tissues needed

Summary from Puffin

Summer has always dreamed of dancing, and when a place at ballet school comes up, she wants it so badly it hurts.

Middle school ends and the holidays begin, but unlike her sisters, Summer has no time for lazy days and sunny beach parties. The audition becomes her obsession, and things start spiralling out of control . .


Nayuleska's thoughts
Although I've read books by Cathy, I hadn't read any of the Chocolate Box series. It's incredible! Seriously, there are so many issues covered in the bool in a realistic fashion. Summer's family life isn't easy. There are all personality types in it. Honey is quite a madam but her love is shown at the end. I wanted to hug Skye for being such a sweetheart with Summer, for understanding how hard food is for her.

Often I'm not interested in the romance side of books, but I feel the one who ends up with Summer is perfect for her. He's astute, is always around especially when she wants to be alone. The gifts he gave her in several places made me cry, because he proved he really knows and cares for her. I was surprised 2/3 through the book by an event, so was relieved when it worked out for the best. Having had a burn out in life several years ago, I empathised with the pressure Skye put on herself. I'm eager to read more about these sisters, whose stories have made this book a 10/10 read.

You can find out more on Cathy's website.


Suggested read

Definitely check out other books by Cathy, such as Angel Cake

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