Author: Elodie Nowodazkij
Release Date: 26th June 2014
Publisher: -
Find on: Goodreads
Quick Review: When seventeen-year-old Natalya’s dreams of being a ballerina are killed in a car accident along with her father, she must choose: shut down—like her mother—or open up to love.
Last year,seventeen-year-old Natalya Pushkaya was attending the School of Performing Arts in New York City. Last year, she was well on her way to becoming a professional ballerina. Last year, her father was still alive.
But a car crash changed all that—and Natalya can’t stop blaming herself. Now, she goes to a regular high school in New Jersey; lives with her onetime prima ballerina, now alcoholic mother; and has no hope of a dance career.
At her new school, however, sexy soccer player Antonio sees a brighter future for Natalya, or at least a more pleasant present. Keeping him an arabesque away proves to be a challenge for Natalya and his patient charms eventually draw her out of her shell.
When upsetting secrets come to light and Tonio’s own problems draw her in, Natalya shuts down again, this time turning to alcohol herself.
Can Natalya learn to trust Antonio before she loses him—and destroys herself?
Detailed Review: <<I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review>>
This book isn't light. It's a lot to take in. It has exactly the same effect as Never Say Goodbye by Bethan Cooper, where everything builds up to an explosive climax that shatters everything you know about the characters into pieces.
The author is unforgiving when it comes to breaking your heart. She is merciless when doing so. If you ask the author to spare you the heartbreak, she'll probably add in more heartbreaking parts. Not saying she is mean or anything but all authors seem to be generally evil when it comes to this.
The characters in this book were really well thought-out, as all good books must have. Nata had lots of character development throughout the book, which I liked because it showed how she coped with her father's death, the fact that she may not dance professionally anymore and the secret and lies she unearths about the accident. You can see that through her a strong facade, is also a girl who's desperate for someone to help and protect her.
Tonio made a great pairing with Nata. They complement each other so well; you could already see the chemistry brewing between both of them from their first meeting. The romance was scrumptious, that I can guarantee. He also has some secrets that he's never told anyone; not even his family. So both of them are on the same level, making their relationship...hotter.
Tonio's sister, Karina was a cute and bubbly character. It's not hard to imagine her in real life, really. I'd wish I had a sister like that! She's just the cutest and most adorable character I've ever read.
I'd absolutely love it if I had a best friend like Becca (well, I think I do). She is the best support mechanism when you're about to fall apart. Becca's talented, caring, kind and selfless when it comes to Nata and I admire her for being such a good friend, even when Nata had pushed her away.
The story was actually quite simple, but there are layers underneath waiting to be discovered as the pages turn. It's just that the secrets are unpleasant- which is what causes Nata to lose herself to the alcohol. The author's writing style also makes the story more realistic as she hits you with sudden thoughts about the accident and basically, life.
I could also compare this book to Words And Their Meanings by Kate Bassett. Both the main characters have lost someone and something precious to them; they discover that the person who they lost is not who they seem to be. Both authors use the same concept, but their writing style is noticeably different. Nowodazkij opts for the straight-forward method where she slams something into your face and Bassett chooses to reveal the truth and secrets to you in origami cranes.
The ending was beautiful and unexpected; I totally loved that. It was an ending and also a new beginning *cries*
Brief Review: With compelling characters and sudden musings, this book is sure to break your heart and make you sing at the same time. I don't know how the author does it, but that's just talent. In One, Two, Three, the author weaves a story about the art of moving on, and to be wholly yourself to be happy and to not let something we love or do wholly define us. Overall, a very good start for Nowodazkij!
QUOTE:
To show how important family is in this book:
Family is not an important thing. It's everything---Michael J. Fox
Final Rating: 4.5/5 'Really Liked It!'
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