Finding Balance by Kati Gardner, 320 pages. Flux (North Star Editions), 2020. $12.
Language: R (117 swears, 10 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
High school is difficult enough to navigate with two legs and a healthy body, but Mari, a junior, and Jase, a senior, are pressing forward the best they can despite their trials. However, lies, secrets, and betrayal hurt the same for those people who don’t look like everyone else -- something Mari and Jase are learning the hard way.
Finding Balance is a cancer romance book, like a light-hearted The Fault in Our Stars. I discovered after reading it that this book is a sequel, but the first book is not required to understand Mari and Jase’s story. While there are some noticeable inconsistencies, I did my best to overlook those in favor of choosing to enjoy the story. I love the message of self-acceptance woven from Mari’s and Jase’s differing points of view. This life is about being you and being happy with that and about becoming the you you want to be by using your struggles as springboards. I’m not sure how I feel about the way the romance ended in the last couple chapters, though, which, unfortunately, marred my feelings about this book. The mature content rating is for underage drug and alcohol and for mentions of genitalia.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

AD | This advance copy was kindly gifted by NetGalley
and North Star Editions for an honest review.

Prior to reading Finding Balance, I hadn’t actually read of Kati Gardner’s books or heard of her work!

That has definitely changed now I’ve read this book and fallen in love with the characters she has created. When I saw this up for grabs on NetGalley, I knew I had to request it. It had such a intriguing plot and unique compared to most books out right now.

You not only have characters who have been through cancer, but you also have the main character Mari who lost a leg to it. It always makes me super happy when I see a disabled character leading the plot and I just loved the determination of Mari. She didn’t let missing a leg stop her from getting around. You felt enraged with her when she gets targeted for being different.

I related to this so much!

I also related with Jase as well in the fact that he tries to hide his differences and seem ‘normal’. I can safely say that being normal is over-rated! Finding Balance literally had me hooked from the first page and I had no problem at all reading the entire book in one day. I couldn’t put it down!

I’ll be making sure to find the first book in the series so I can be up-to-date.

Everyone should pre-order this book, especially if you’ve been through similar situations. You’ll find all of the characters really developed and that all of them have a vital role to the plot! Finding Balance will be released on 5th May so check it out!

Finding Balance is a YA cancer book, but there is something different about reading it. It gave me a different perspective of people that are cancer survivors. Being a cancer survivor is part of a person's story whether they want to accept that or not, and the characters show us that. I honestly enjoyed this book so much because it was so unique in the story and the feelings of the characters.

Mari develops strong relationships with other cancer survivors that she meets at the camp and one of them is Jase. Their relationship is filled with a lot of ups and downs. This book shows how they both grow together with the challenges of cancer being part of their story. Both Mari and Jase are characters that you can relate to and see their struggles.


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But the one thing that really bugged me about this book at times was Jase. At times his character acted like an immature 3rd grader that was chasing around and bullying his crush, instead of just being nice. The thing about Jase is, he would know what he was doing when he said something mean, but he did it anyway. I think that is what drove me the most insane about this book. That's why I'm giving this book a slightly lower rating.

That being said, Mari's character brought new life into the cancer story genre. She has her problems, but she also has a full life. She's a cancer survivor that has a quiet strength about her. Not that she is always quiet, far from it actually. She's not afraid to stand up for herself and her friends. Her character gave me a new light on what it means to deal with a disability.

For me, this book was an exciting read that brought a breath of fresh air to the YA genre. It is a cancer read that is both full of hope and life. If anything it is the happiest of any book that covers cancer that I have read. Even though it is happy at times, that doesn't mean it doesn't cover hard issues. These teens are facing a challenging life after having to deal with one of the worst diseases.

“‘I don’t do the impossible,’ she whispered hotly. ‘I live life as someone who is disabled. That is not worthy of any praise.’”
I received this copy as an e-arc from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Mari has lived with one leg for a few years now, after contracting an infection after a limb-sparing surgery - an attempt to remove the cancer without taking the limb. During summer, she spends a week each year at Camp Chemo; a place where kids who have or have had cancer can be just kids. At Camp Chemo, her best friend is Jase. While they don’t keep in contact during the school year, each summer they settle back into familiar patterns. When circumstances necessitate that Mari change schools, she is excited that she will get to see Jase daily, but when she arrives at her new school, Jase - sorry, Jason - pretends not to know her. He has a secret to protect, after all: No-one at his school knows he had cancer as a child.
This book was great. OK, sure, Jase was a bit of a dick, but who isn’t? Having cancer, trying to be a “normal” teenager when you have a history of being bullied because of being “diseased”, going to an upper class school where looks and money matter more than who you are; who wouldn’t be worried about what people think?
I won’t try and excuse the way Jase - sorry, Jason - acted. He was a prick, and he treated Mari absolutely awfully. However, you’re not meant to like all the characters! I bet you a million that you do not get along with every single person that you meet. It’s just not how life works, and I have to say that I appreciate authors who put characters who are not perfect in their stories. I understand some people chose to stop reading because of Jason, and his behaviour, but personally, it was a non-issue for me. I liked that we left things not in the perfect happily-ever-after-all-is-forgiven stereotype that we so often find in books for children and teens. The messages we get from the media and movies where everything is perfect at the end - think every Disney movie, ever - is more harmful than helpful as we grow. Kati Gardner has done a wonderful service by writing characters who are flawed.
I read the acknowledgement at the back of this book. I love that the author acknowledges that she is not the be all and end all of being an amputee; that she took the initiative to have the story checked by others despite being an #ownvoices cancer amputee. I also love love love the cover; it's so rare to see a person with a disability visibly portrayed on a cover.
As someone with a medical background, I really appreciated the medical words without info - emesis, not puke; cardiomyopathy. It felt to me like a good way to potentially stretch the reader without being too overwhelming.
This book had me reaching for my highlighter (digitally, not on my actual book - I know some people would think I was a monster for writing in actual books… but that’s another post!). The author touched on many issues that able-bodied persons may not understand, including
“‘You know, the ‘the only disability is a bad attitude’ person.’ Mari rolled her eyes. ‘To quote Stella Young, ‘No amount of a positive attitude has turned a set of stairs into a ramp.’ ‘Inspiration porn,’ Paige interjected.’”
“‘I have a very different story as a mom of a cancer survivor, but I can never understand what it’s like to be a cancer survivor. I can never speak for you.’”
“It’s his story.’ She shrugged.’ I don’t mind you asking me questions; it’s how you learn. It only bothers me when strangers demand to know something really intimate’”
Content Warning: Medical discussions, hospital scenes, ableism
#ownvoices - Cancer Survivor, amputee
Rating; 5/5

An incredibly sweet story of love of all kinds, and a fantastic ownvoices portrayal of cancer and disability. The main characters have great chemistry, and Mari’s voice is unflinchingly strong. Sweet and steely all at once.

~~I have received the ARC thanks to NetGalley in exchange for my honest review~~

This is my first ARC copy I have received, and it was a book I have read that was going to come out this year and I wanted to read it, so I was excited.

While reading the book midway through it I was thinking how detailed the description of the amputation and the knowledge about how she manages in her life. So I checked to see the background of the author and discovered she herself is an amputee and cancer survivor I just understood and started reading the book with a complete point of view, and just took it as a life experience of a real individual not just another book about an illness.

The book gives you a perspective to how life for them is. I learned that they don’t want to be an example, and I myself am guilty of just placing them as a life example, this changes my whole perspective. I liked how it show two different point of view of two types of cancers and how it affected their life’s in different ways. It mentions the struggles of Health Care and the costs of it, touching the reality of so many people out there in the United States and other countries that have the same issues.

Regarding the love story it does have some clichés but it’s pretty warm and it does have self-love making the female protagonist have independency and not agree on all of what the male says even do she is completely in love of him.

In resume I loved this book it was a nice warm book and I am eager to read Brave Enough that is the previous saga book. I give this book 4 stars

This is an enjoyable read, despite the dark themes within. Being able to move on is a luxury that Jase has and wants to keep. Mari was not so lucky and has a constant physical reminder of what she has been through. Despite their different experiences love blossoms and changes them both. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC egalley.

Finding balance by Kati Gardner .

Mari is an adolescent cancer victim attending High School. Due to her illness she has had a leg amputated but due circumstances her choice is not to wear a prosthetic limb and she copes really well with the every day life of a teenager . She is knocked over by 2 boys fighting in the corridor, then later that day slipped on a grape dropped on the floor. The school tell her she must wear a prosthetic or leave the school & all her friends. She leaves having obtained a scholarship to a private high school . On arriving there she sees an old friend who didn’t know they attended the school, who ignores her & she doesn’t know why. It transpires that Jase is also had cancer & is in remission but no one knows. It’s a journey about friendship and Mari's fight not to be treated with pity and seen as a victim.

A very well written book about adolescence and it’s hidden pitfalls and a journey of friendship.

Loved it and it makes you think about society & how we treat people who are slightly different through no fault of their own. Very enjoyable

3.5 Stars

Wow, Finding Balance has a lot going on throughout.
I found the writing of her amputation to be handled with understanding, care, and compassion.
I personally learned a lot too, as I know nothing about that type of amputation.
The author excels in the descriptions of how it effects everyday life.
As for the relationship, wow. This is a tough one.
I wanted to kick Jace's ass a lot of times, but I also understand where he was coming from.
Jace and Mari are both complex characters and their relationship is extremely complicated.
Their story is emotional and will take the reader throw the ups and downs.
It's a meaningful story and I definitely enjoy it.

Wait, before you close out of this tab, you need to know that this isn't your typical cancer story. It is so much more. It is a story of overcoming your past. It is a story of choosing how to see life. It is a story I won't forget.
The characters were fantastic. Their thoughts and emotions were expressed so clearly and I felt like I knew them in real life.
One thing that I loved seeing was the Bible verses subtly woven throughout.
My only complaint about this book is the language. It could have easily done without it.
This book is technically the second book of the series but works well as a standalone.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to find the first book of the series.

Rating: 5 Stars
Content: 2 Stars

*I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.

It is an incredible book. Each page is filled with raw emotions. My stomach was in knots the whole time I was reading it. The novel makes a reader feel everything as if it all was happening with him/her.
Finding Balance shows us how the main characters deal not only with cancer but also with stupidity, ugliness, hardheartedness and ignorance of real world.
Moreover, it is a very beautiful love story. Not easy, not predictable, without any cliché manwhore-billionaires and damsels in distress.
In my opinion, it is a must-read for everyone and one of the best emotional books of 2019.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

I liked this book!

Overall, it was a great read. I think Mari is a cute protagonist, and her quirks and wit were delightful. Admittedly, I think the romance was a bit problematic as Jason was not always kind and has some aggression there.

The mean girls also were a little TOO over the top and cliche to enjoy reading about.
All in all, though, I enjoyed this read.

This was a really sweet and at the same time heartbreaking and empowering story. Although it is fiction, it still felt real because these are real-life struggles. I am sure the author used many of her personal experiences to inform the story and that gave it a rich depth.
Mari was a champion of a character. Despite the fact that people continued to degrade her for her physical appearance, she kept her pride and continued to soldier on. In the book, she keeps saying how she’s not some sort of hero, but I think this previous fact makes her a hero. At times, even those with less challenging situations are not as strong as her.
At the beginning, I totally disliked Jase. However, I did eventually warm up to him. I think, though, that the transition from them being hostile to liking each other was a little quick. Suddenly, they were totally in love and I still had 30% of the novel to go. With that said, I did find that there was a good deal of unnecessary dialogue and this made the story drag. Other than that, though, the plot was fairly solid.

Unfortunately, this was not a clean read. There was a fair amount of coarse language.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

There was a lot to like about this book. It deals with two different experiences of being a cancer survivor which is not something I've seen in a book before.

Mari can't hide the fact she's had cancer. It took one of her legs and because of the nature of her amputation, a prosthetic leg isn't comfortable or the best option for her. She's used to people looking at her as she navigates the world on her pink crutches, and even deals with the odd fall now and then with humor and grace.

Jase had leukemia as a young child and barely remembers the experience. When he started high school, he made the conscious decision not to tell anyone about it after dealing with some vicious bullying in middle school. The only time he ever really thinks about being a survivor is at the summer camp for cancer survivors he's been going to for years. A summer camp where he and Mari are best friends.

When Mari transfers to Jase's school, he's terrified their cancer connection might be discovered and his secret revealed. So instead of helping Mari settle in, he's a jerk to her. But he can't deny the attraction he feels for her.

Mari is hurt by Jase's attitude to her, and further humiliated by his girlfriend's ignorant and insensitive remarks. She and Jase were so close at camp. What happened to change that?

The book navigates these two survivors' stories as they struggle to understand their feelings for each other and a world that sees each of them differently.

I liked the way this book explored the idea of visible and invisible disability and how people view them differently. It's not a subject I've seen covered often in YA books and it's something so many people deal with every day. Jase was a jerk through a lot of the book, but I felt like this behavior was realistic given his past and his desire not to been seen through the cancer lens. His growth through the book was the most significant and it was gratifying to see the way his friendship with Mari changed his perspective on the world and his place in it.

Some of the characters, particularly Jase's ex-girlfriend Lindsay and her friends were painted a little too broadly for my liking. They were too clueless and too mean to feel realistic. I mean, at seventeen you should know cancer isn't contagious...

But overall, this was an interesting book that I enjoyed reading. I didn't even realize it was the second book in a series until after I'd finished it! Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read it in advance.

I really liked this book, I think overall it was a very entertaining and fun read. It is a beautiful story of two teenagers who's lives have been forever affected by cancer. I think what was very special about this book is that it is not a cancer book, but rather a what comes next. It explores the lives of these teenagers after their battle with cancer, how they choose to live their lives, and how they choose that cancer does not define their lives. Besides the wonderful story being told, I loved the characters. The story is told in the point of views of Mari, who is a fierce cancer survivor who lost her leg in the process, but does not let that stop her from doing anything. Then we have Jase who is also a survivor of cancer, but he struggles with defining his truth and letting others know the truth about his cancer. I really enjoyed this book, so if you are looking for a heartfelt, beautiful, and fun story then this one is for you!

The Quick Cut: A teen boy finds the secret of his cancer past threatening to come out when a girl from cancer camp starts going to his school.

A Real Review:
Thank you to Flux for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cancer. It's one of a few conditions that make the general population shudder when they hear the word and if you survive it, your life is never the same again. Like a stain you can't wash away, there's just no way to rid it's influence on your life and relationships. This is the life story for Mari and Jase.

Mari enjoyed Camp Chemo, but she especially enjoyed the flirtation that she had with fellow camper Jase. Talking about her life and crying on his shoulder, she enjoyed having someone to confide in. Except when she goes back to school, an unfortunate incident forces her to switch from a public school to a private one: the same one Jase goes to. There, she sees the mean side of Jase as he pretends not to know her and treats her unfairly. Is there a reason behind it all or will her new environment be a toxic one?

This is a sequel book, but each one is a standalone story. You can easily read this one without having read the first. That being said, I can't say I'd recommend reading this one and it all is due to one reason: Jace.

I can understand and empathize with what Jace went through. Getting bullied for something you can't control can severely mess with your mind. That being said, Jace let's his fear control his life and place blame on everyone else (particularly Mari). It makes him entirely unlikeable. And the flippant back and forth in his attitude only further exacerbates how terrible he is.

Mari is hard on the outside, but life made her that way. She's so strong, fierce, and uniquely herself that it's hard not to adore her. Seeing her continue to fall for Jace's game just made me feel bad for her. Not the type of reaction you want from the reader in your main couple.

A story that turns the male lead into an unlikeable guy.

My rating: 2 out of 5

Finding balance what a great title considering it was the right balance of a terrific book. Great down to earth up lifting characters and an amazing story what’s not to like about this one. I believe it’s s story for all age groups and genders.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Mari is a teenage girl that had cancer. Jace is a fellow survivor but unlike Mari, he kept it a secret from his friends and schoolmates. They met at Camp Chemo, a summer camp where kids who have had or are going through chemotherapy can feel at home and have a normal stay with the proper care and safety precautions. Mari is also an amputee, due to an infection, which makes things harder for her. When Mari moves to the school that Jace attends he fears that she might be the thing that will reveal his secret.

I thought the way the author described the struggles both main characters go through was very appropriate and well done. The relationship between them was really cute, and even though it’s a classic trope, it felt new. The plot was interesting, but I predicted most of it and it was a little cliche. We also get to see a glimpse of the relationship that the characters have with their families and their teachers. They all felt believable and authentic, and it was also nice to see the perspective of the parents on what their children had to deal with. This book was overall diverse, had good representation and delt with difficult topics and body positivity. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and think that this story deserves to be heard.
This review was also posted on my blog. The link is included.

This was a great young adult book, it was for a younger audience though than I anticipated. It was nice to see the character development in Jason, he is a cancer survivor that has kept that part of his life a secret and does not treat his friend Mari very well in the beginning of the book. I'd recommend it!

This is an original and charming book. The main characters might not seem very relatable to a lot of readers - they are both young cancer survivors - but the emotions are well drawn, and the details are vivid. The story brings in themes of identity, class, breaking through from childhood to adulthood, body image and family.