I started out fairly strong with this book but really lost interest about 40% in. Several things felt "off" for me - I couldn't understand the connection with the best friend, the love interest, her dad,
I appreciate that there were several topics touched on in the book that are "hard-hitting" and would be very relevant to teen readers today, but mostly it just felt like the author was trying really hard to hit EVERY tough scenario teens face today.
I ended up DNFing the book and won't be posting a review anywhere publicly.
Thank you though for letting me try it.
P.S. Love the cover!

**Title: When It All Syncs Up - A Solid Effort with Room for Growth**

Maya Ameyaw's "When It All Syncs Up" is a novel that ambitiously aims to blend contemporary themes with a heartfelt narrative, and while it does achieve some success, it leaves room for improvement.

The story revolves around the challenges and triumphs of the protagonist as she navigates the complexities of modern life. Ameyaw's writing style is engaging and offers a genuine glimpse into the character's emotional landscape. The dialogue feels authentic, and the character development is solid, allowing readers to connect with the protagonist on a personal level.

However, the plot can feel a bit predictable at times. While the themes are relevant and resonate with current societal issues, the storyline occasionally follows familiar tropes that may not offer much in terms of surprises. Additionally, the pacing sometimes falters, making parts of the book feel drawn-out.

On the positive side, Ameyaw's descriptive prose and attention to detail are commendable. The book's setting and secondary characters are well-crafted, adding depth to the narrative. The author also excels in exploring the nuances of personal growth and relationships.

Overall, "When It All Syncs Up" is a commendable effort that provides a thoughtful read. It may not break new ground, but it offers enough insight and emotional resonance to be worth the read. If you're looking for a novel with relatable characters and meaningful themes, this one is worth checking out.

I wasn't in love with this book. I understood the message the author was trying to convey, but she turned down so many avenues that it was mental overstimulation. Some of the topics she touched on dealt with peer pressure, alcoholism, racism, microaggression, body dysmorphia, and parental pressure. Many problems were presented, and I felt that when we were about to dive deep into one of the subjects, Ameyaw switched it up and went to the next issue. With that being said, you can take this as a mental health kind of book.

Aside from the mental health issues, I wasn't tuned in with the characters either. I wish that the author delved more into the main character, Aisha. It felt surface level and not cave-deep diving.

It was an okay story, not particularly outstanding.

I really liked the premise of this book but at times I found that the pacing of it was a little too slow for me. It was a constant struggle between "I want to know what happens next" and "how long is it going to take to get there". I'm glad I stuck the story out in the end. The characters were interesting and easy to root for but it was definitely a struggle.

I'm upset that I didn't like this as much as I wanted to, as it was highly anticipated for me. There was just something about it that just didn't click for me while reading.

Thoughts and Themes: I had started reading this one last year through e-book but had to put it down because of the heavy themes. I decided to give it another shot this year and listen to it by audiobook. I was very glad that I decided to give this book another try. I really did like that this book covers so many topics, from racism, alcoholism, mental health issues, and eating disorders.

I thought it was important to point out the lack of diversity in ballet and how that affects youth. I liked that we got to see how Aisha is struggling with this and what ballet means to her even as she knows that her chances of success are low because of her skin color.

Something that I really enjoyed in this book was the message that it's okay to get help and you don't have to do everything alone. I liked seeing that the characters struggled to get help from others even when knowing that they had support because that was a very relatable feeling. I did like that they ultimately accept the help and the difference that it makes for them and how important it is to lean on others during trying times.

Characters: In this book you get to meet our main character, Aisha and several of her friends. I like getting to know each of the characters on their own but also through Aisha's interactions with them. It was hard to really care for the characters in the beginning but once you learn more about them it's hard not to care.

I like that we get to see how Aisha's friends support her and how she then supports them. I like seeing how this is something that is interchangeable between the two of them. I like seeing how these relationships shift and change over time.

Writing Style: This book is written in first person through the perspective of the main character, Aisha. I like that we got to see everything through Aisha's perspective and be in her head throughout the story. I think it was important to see her feelings throughout the story and how everything was affecting her.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review. This book didn’t sync up for me. I tried to engage and commit, but the writing and storyline wasn’t for me.

As a former pre-professional ballet dancer, I was thrilled – and a little hesitant – to jump back into that world explored in When It All Sync Up by Maya Ameyaw. Aisha’s story starts intensely and immediately reels you in. I was instantly brought back to being 17 and that ferocity I felt about ensuring dance was my future – and my utter fear it might not be.

While I cannot relate entirely to Aisha’s story (I’m white and thus never had to experience first-hand the impacts of the strong colorism undercurrents in the traditional ballet world), it wasn’t hard to empathize with her. I have such a hate-love relationship with dance (much like Aisha). Dance can be very releasing, but it can also be very constricting. It’s a unique kind of vulnerability when your art form is your literal body. It’s impossible to separate yourself from art – and the critiques.

And the rules of traditional dance are very rigid. So if you don’t physically fit that mold, it can be a difficult battle.

While my relationship with dance has changed as I’ve gotten older, it still holds a very dear, bittersweet, place in my heart. I really enjoyed revisiting both the joy and pain through Aisha’s journey of growth. When It All Syncs Up doesn’t shy away from that duality, and its raw honesty is powerfully moving. I felt a real connection with Aisha, Neil, and Ollie. They felt like real people I could have known, like long-lost friends I want to check in on. I genuinely wish them all the best.

I can’t recommend this book highly enough! ❤️

When It All Syncs Up is a YA Novel about an aspiring ballerina, Aisha, who has to face the struggles of being the only black girl in her dance company.

This book covers a lot of very serious topics such as racism, alcoholism, mental health issues, and eating disorders. It is written in such a beautiful way and really shines a light on these topics.

I spent 8th grade through my senior year of high school dancing competitively at a predominantly white studio, and though everyone was so sweet and accepting, it was quite obvious that I was different. Every year costumes were always picked to match the dance and give the group a cohesive look, but I couldn’t help but notice that my costumes never fit the same as everyone else’s. My tights would rip at the thigh inseams every competition, and I had to use butt glue for leos so that everything wasn’t hanging out, doubling up on bras. I remember doing a dance one year titled “Girls with All the Booty”. I was front and center for the whole dance, which I appreciated a lot, but I also understood why. During my time as a dancer, I struggled with an ED, and though I am happy and healthy now, I still suffer the effects of it to this day. Over the years I have learned that my body type is completely normal and it is okay to not look exactly like other people.

All this to say, though I didn't face the exact same struggles as our FMC Aisha, this book hit very close to home and brought out a lot of emotion in me while reading. This was an overall amazing book and I would definitely read more books from this author.

Thank you Netgalley and Annick Press for an ARC of When It All Syncs Up.

I loved how this book captured so many important topics. It not only discussed multiple mental illnesses and the harsh reality that being involved in athletics can have on young adults, but also discussed the bias and racism that is also integrated into these fields. I enjoyed reading this book and seeing Aisha step outside of her comfort zone, stand up to those around her, and finding her own passion while taking care of her mental and physical well-being. This was a great debut book.

Thank you Annick Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own!

Ballet is everything for Aisha. Her dream is to perform in college and professionally. Yet each rejection feels worse and worse. According to these rejections Aisha does not have "the look" they are looking for. After the last rejection she realizes that something has to change. So she decides to switch schools to her best friends art school in hopes it will be different. However, instead she is met with racism and bullying. As past trauma's, best friend distance, a new romance, pressure from friends and family, and questions about her future in dance surface. Aisha must find the strength within herself to face them all.

I really liked this one. I thought it had great mental health representation and discrimination representation , especially in the world of dance. I thought it was such a real story. I enjoy books that give us new perspectives and challenge what we believe to be true. I really liked the character development in this one.

Content: bulling, racism, swearing, drug use

Read if you enjoy:
Dance/ Ballet
Conquering racism and bullying
Romance
Mental health representation
Diversity

3.5 stars, but I'll round up to 4. I found the story enjoyable, and liked all the characters. However, it was very easy to get the many side characters and plot points muddled.

I think the conversation about the lack of diversity in ballet is a very important one to have, especially when it come to easy things like offering different satin colors for pointe shoes. I wish eating disorders didn't still have to be part of the conversation, but unfortunately it is. I think her dad did a great job navigating it all with her.

A HUGE Thank you to Maya Ameyaw, NetGalley and Annick Press for this amazing opportunity to read this amazing book!

"When It All Syncs Up" is a dazzling and impactful debut that dives deep into the world of a Black teen ballet dancer, Aisha Bimi, tackling issues of racism, bullying, mental health, and self-discovery. Maya Ameyaw's storytelling is both raw and hopeful, weaving a narrative that is as poignant as it is personal.

From the opening pages, Ameyaw captures the reader's heart, introducing not only the resilient Aisha but also compelling characters like Neil and the quietly captivating Ollie. The struggles faced by these characters are palpable, and as their stories unfold, the narrative becomes a powerful exploration of identity, acceptance, and the resilience of the human spirit.

The novel deftly addresses mental health issues, racism, and the harsh realities of the ballet world, providing a rich and immersive reading experience. The inclusion of subtle references to LGBTQ+ themes adds another layer of depth, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and embracing one's true identity.

Ameyaw's writing is both evocative and honest, touching on themes that resonate deeply with readers. The book's connection to real-world figures, like Michaela DePrince, adds a layer of authenticity, grounding the story in a broader cultural context.

The author's adept handling of complex topics and the richly developed characters make this book a standout in contemporary YA literature. "When It All Syncs Up" is not just a novel; it's a journey—a journey that challenges, inspires, and lingers in the reader's mind long after the last page.

Kudos to Maya Ameyaw for this outstanding debut! This is more than a book; it's a must-read experience that will leave readers eagerly anticipating what Ameyaw will bring to the literary world next.

-I received this ARC from NetGalley and Annick Press in exchange for an honest review, and I can confidently say this gem deserves a place on every reader's shelf. Highly recommended!

4.25 Stars

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book, as this book has already been published, I will not share my review on Netgalley at this time.

When It All Syncs Up is a story which begins with ballet. With the racism within the dance community and the pressures of success. The costs, secrets, and the disordered eating in the community. It's also a story focused on friendship and control. When It All Syncs Up showcases the secrets we keep from the ones we love, the support we have around us - and struggle to accept - and finding our place.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

I really enjoyed this book. It included some heavy topics but the story still flowed well and was an easy read. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

This was an emotional and intriguing read. Aisha has been in a boarding school for dance, far from her family and friends, after a previous incident with her mother. At the same time, she is struggling to keep in touch with her best friend, Neil and feels like she is competing with his new friend, Ollie. When she does not get a part in the school's dance company, she leaves and enrolls in Neil's regular school. There, she learns what Neil has been struggling with, as well as faces some of her struggles. This deals with suicidal thoughts, depression, perfectionism, eating disorders and many other mental health factors in general.

- thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc to review!

- a aching story of dance, struggles of mental health, and finding who you are. Ameyaw conveys a story of pain and belonging, with a protagonist whose struggles are relatable, yet saddening to watch her struggle with. a story you wouldn't want to miss.

*Thank you to NetGalley, Annick Press Ltd., Annick Press, and TBRBeyond Tours for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review*

This book was so good I couldn't put it down at all. It was an inspiring story about a black ballerina, trying to make it out to a ballet company. I was afraid that it would have racism but it was done beautifully. The writing is really raw at some points but it didn't make me uncomfortable in any way.

I can't wait to read more from this author.

This was a heartfelt, YA debut that tackles some tough issues as aspiring Black ballet dancer Aisha comes to terms with not getting a prestigious apprenticeship position and decides to enroll in public school instead.

Aisha also reconnects with her former dance partner and friend as he goes through his own battles with alcoholism. Part YA coming of age story, part romance, this book was certainly heavy at times. Aisha deals with racism in the dance industry, an eating disorder, mental health problems (dissociative identity disorder) and hard to please parents.

Good on audio narrated by Max Amani and perfect for fans of books like The turning pointe by Vanessa L. Torres or Until we break by Matthew Dawkins. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!