Audition by Stasia Ward Kehoe

Source: Publisher
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.

Sara was a very hardworking character, that even with all of her dedication to dancing, she was full of self-doubt. She doesn't feel that she is worth it. She also couldn't tell anyone about her choices and actions. I found her relationship with Remington to be complex and hard. At times, the relationship was creepy and I didn't enjoy it.  While this book is centered around dancing, it is mostly about Sara trying to discover who she is. The plot was relatable and interesting. I think that it is something that anyone can relate to. There was a lot of originality in the story. I liked the hope that was infused in the novel. Kehoe is an amazing writer, but I feel like the word choice could have been better in a few place. At the same time, it was gorgeous and thoughtful in other places. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys verse, especially, if you are a fan of Ellen Hopkins or Amanda Grace. I am excited to see what Kehoe will write next.