Paula Leland is an exceptional writer. She immediately grasps the readers' attention and takes them on a journey through the life of the main character, a young girl named Patrice, who dreams of one day becoming a professional dancer. She is determined to make her dreams come true through hard work and dedication. Her journey is not easy and there are many ups and downs that she experiences.
Ms. Leland makes the reader feel as if they are in the story with Patrice as she maneuvers through family dynamics when dealing with her siblings, interacting with friends, classmates, and teammates, and the anxiety she feels when confronted by everyday challenges. The reader will laugh, cry, applaud, and yearn right along with Patrice as she shares the triumphs and obstacles she faces in her life. The dialogue between the characters is so natural and very engaging. It's almost as if the readers are watching a movie.
The author successfully uses imagery to weave an interesting storyline with her choice of words that paint a beautiful and very vivid picture of living in the city of Chicago. She addresses real-life situations that all people can relate to, whether they have experienced the events or just heard about them. However, she does not shy away from allowing her characters to deal with some of the brutal and harsh realities that city living brings-robbery, gun violence, loss of life, etc.
This book will appeal to teens and women of all ages. It will leave you wanting more.