A Time to Dance

A lot of the time when reading about a different culture it can become overwhelming or frustrating when you don’t understand what the characters are talking about or doing. Thankfully, author Padma Venkatraman found a way to immerse me in India’s culture without completely confusing me. I did

have trouble picturing Veda dance because I had never heard of the bharatanatyman dance style before. Since Veda spends a large portion of the book dancing, I wanted to be able to see her dance in my mind, so I went on Youtube and watched a couple videos of the dance style which really helped.

Veda was a strong main character whom I admired. It would have been so easy for her to get lost in a downward spiral of depression or self-pity after the accident but not Veda. No. She only feels sorry for herself for about two minutes before deciding that she will dance again no matter how hard it is. Her fighter’s spirit and passion for dance were inspiring.

Along Veda’s road to recovery she meets two guys, Jim, the handsome doctor in charge of making her prosthetic and Govinda, also handsome and her new dance instructor. Although we were never given Jim’s age, it was obvious he was much, much older than Veda. Like 30s or 40s, so I found the whole concept of her having a crush on him and asking him out to be a bit uncomfortable. Govinda on the otherhand, was the same age as Veda and became the friend that she needed. Not only does Govinda help her learn to dance again, but he also helps her discover the true meaning of dance.

Overall, this was a beautiful story about a girl who refuses to give up on her dreams, who works hard to overcome the obstacles life has handed her, and once again finds the passion of dance within herself.

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LibraryThing member acargile

Boundless by Kenneth Oppel is steampunk tucked into an adventure novel.

The story seems to take place during the mid-1800s when trains were built to go all of the way across the continent. In Boundless, the train is an engineering marvel. Will learns of the Boundless before it's even built. His

father works for the railroad company. He's an honest man who works hard despite the very real possibility that the company will falter financially. When the last stake is hammered, Will is there. The owner, Mr. Van Horne, takes a liking to Will and has invited him to watch. After the stake is hammered, a joyous celebration ensues with gunfire, which causes an avalanche. Will's father saves Van Horne and over the next three years, Will's father advances through the company. Now his father is taking the Boundless on its maiden voyage.

Van Horne has died sometime in the last three years, and his body is in a special train car. There are riches to be found in this car, making the voyage dangerous, as people are bound and determined to steal. Will is in possession of the key that allows entry. Most of the novel entails Will barely escaping near death many times. What makes this exciting is that they are on a train. There's no where to go but be thrown onto the tracks. If the train leaves you behind, the sasquatch will get you. It's very dangerous. Only a few circus people are there to help Will as he tries to get back up to his father to warn him.

One can't help thinking of the Titanic's maiden voyage. It was a marvel as is The Boundless, which is many miles long, carrying a circus, animals, the very poor, third class, second class, and first class, along with food and other provisions needed if there is a problem on the rails. It's a moving city going through very dangerous terrain. You know those movies where it's one death-defying moment after another? There's little plot but it's fun. That's what this is--enjoy!

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LibraryThing member ewyatt

A quick read, filled with spirituality and Buddhism. This novel in verse focuses on Veda, a champion dancer who feels lost and devastated after an accident results in her having one of her legs amputated. She is called to dance but worries she will never dance again. After getting a prosthetic limb

and a new dance teacher, she connects with her art on a deeper level.
Beautifully written and a look inside another culture.

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LibraryThing member BookConcierge

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.

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LibraryThing member hopeevey

This book is the culinary equivalent of a decadent dessert that is as healthy as it is delicious. If the concept of dance as a spiritual practice speaks to you, go read this book.

LibraryThing member tldegray

A fictional story about a young Indian dancer who loses part of her leg in an accident, then, with the help of an American doctor, a prosthetic leg created specifically for her, and a new Indian dance teacher, learns to take joy in dance again. The author seems familiar with disability issues and

she treats the subject respectfully.

(Provided by publisher)

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LibraryThing member KayIS813

I read this entire book from start to finish in a little less than 3 hours. This was honestly one of the most beautiful books I've ever read. The writing style was simple yet done in such a way the scenery and characters came to life in my head. I adored all of the characters and felt myself

feeling their emotions and sympathizing with their struggles. Even though I knew next to nothing about the Hindi culture I still found all of the characters relatable and realistic. I'm probably going to read all of the other books this author has written.

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LibraryThing member reader1009

middlegrade/teen fiction (realistic fic starring Hindu amputee teen living in India; very mild romance/crush, no foul language or violence or other adult situations). Novel written in verse (but not in an annoying way; kids will like how quickly they can fly through the chapters). Very relatable

story despite all the differences between Veda and potential readers and a thoughtful, realistic portrayal of a "differently abled" person. #weneeddiversebooks #ownvoices

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