A Time for Dancing

A Time for Dancing #1

by Davida Wills Hurwin

Samantha and Juliana. Sam and Jules -- they've been best friends forever. Now, in the summer before their senior year, they're ready for whatevers coming. College? Professional dance careers? They'll share the triumphs and face the tears together. But neither of them are prepared for what does happen next. Jules is diagnosed with cancer. And there is no cure. "An unforgettable debut by a writer to watch. The novel is beautifully composed, with dialogue that never falters, characters who are fully realized, and plotting to make readers turn the pages through their tears." -- Kirkus Reviews, pointer review

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary, Friendship, Teen, Illness

272 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1997

About the author

Davida Wills Hurwin is the author of A Time for Dancing (an ALA Best Book for Young Adults) and The Farther You Run. She teaches theater at Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences and lives in Southern California with her husband, Gene, and their daughter, Frazier Malone.

Reviews

[☮Mary☮ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the greatest books i have ever read in my life. it had meaning to it. It wasn't just made up. This happens to real people. I cried at the end, and hoped like the characters that the ending would be different. I felt like I was the one who was dying and the one who had to watch. This book had emotion behind, and only a truely great author could write something like this. The story of Samantha and Julie, Sam and Jules, day and night, life and death, is one I won't soon forget. It teaches a lesson, a lesson that all must learn on their own, a lesson that oen won't truely understand until someone touches their lives and leaves a mark so deep, that you don't know how truely important they are until they're gone. And they can't come back. This is a story of gains and loss. But most importantly, this is a story of true friendship.

[Sara Shalash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book awhile ago, but I still find myself thinking about it. A Time for Dancing is one of my all time favorite books. Centered around two inseparable best friends I(Samantha and Julia) who share the love of dancing. Out of the blue one Julia become diagnosed with cancer. The moment Julia discovers she has cancer, their lives are turned upside down. Alternating between the views of the two friends, you see both sides of the story. I didn't know much about cancer, after reading the book, I could feel the pain Julia went through. A Time for Dancing is an unforgettable book that really touches the soul. Filled with sadness, , the importance of friendship, and happiness. I'm warning you, have a box of tissues nearby.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book more stars, I would.
This book is amazing. By far one of the best books I have ever read.
And I read a lot.
This book is about two best friends and their battle when one is diagnosed with cancer.
A MUST READ!!!!!

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when you best friend is dying?

--

This was a GREAT book...it manages to break your heart, mend it, and break it again.
Told in a way that makes you both frustrated and sad at the same time, it’s one of those reads you can help but love in a terrible way...:)

[Luna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel bad rating this book so low. It's such a depressing subject, and I'm not ashamed to admit that I got teary towards the end. And really, Davida Wills Hurwin made the whole story quite believable. Jules didn't get better.

But somehow, I just couldn't get into it. The writing lacked something for me. It didn't grab me like I hoped, and the plot moved slowly. Now, admittedly cancer can grow slowly and it takes a while to truly developed in most cases. But it wasn't until the last fifty or so pages that anything truly happened.

I also didn't get the feeling this book was really about friendship. Yes, it did deal with the struggle of Sam and Jules' friendship, and how the cancer strained it, but I kept thinking this was more about the cancer itself. I do find this book to be incredibly touching, though, and I think it would be a very good read for young adults in similar situations.

[Zev · Rating 5 out of 5]

2020 review: Sam, Jules, Jack, and Rachel all go to the same private performance academy for teens, I realized upon one of my many rereads. Sam and Jules are semi-professional ballet dancers and have been since they were young children. Jack and Rachel are successful visual artists. It's not mentioned if they've been exhibited or had gallery openings yet. Teens and kids can. Private arts academies are competitive and students must perform to certain standards every semester so they can stay. This is hinted at.
I first read this book when it came out in 1998. IIRC, my aunt gave it to me. I'm--not sure why she thought a book about dancing or cancer would be a good fit for me. I hadn't started my own semi-professional career in youth musical theater yet, so I didn't have the scant background paired with the adoration and deep respect of dance I have today. I've never had cancer, knock wood. So I'm left to think she knew how much I'd treasure a story about intense friendship, and she trusted I'd be smart enough to read this book so young. The girls in this book are sixteen. I was nine. I was way above the reading level of my age group, so she was right on both counts.

The cover is elegant. It's one where two young women dance on a beach in Northern California at sunrise. It's had a profound impact on me. As an adult, I'm a sucker for book covers with sunrises on beaches. As a child, I didn't know about the concept of cover models, which is probably not what they're actually called. Models were often photographed for book covers. I'm not sure how widespread it is now, but it was common for a few decades. The young women dancing on the cover look to be in their early-to-mid 20s, way older than Sam and Jules, yet I've imagined them to be one and the same when I read this. It's quite a spectacular cover. The paperback I got as a child had feathered edges, so the pages were difficult to turn and I thought something was wrong with the book. The hardback copy I got as an adult has the wonderful cover and regular pages. I'm so pleased. This is a dual POV book, with the girls' names ostensibly handwritten every chapter change. If you look closely at the tops of each page, the handwritten motif continues, with a sun drawn near Sam's name, and a crescent moon drawn near Julie's. This is fantastic and such a simple touch. It connects to the times Sam and Jules refer to themselves as Sun and Moon since they are the same in height and weight, but different in complexion and hair texture. It's hinted several times that Sammie is white, but Julie isn't. This was profound for its time.

When I first reread this book as an adult, I gulped back tears and needed a hug. I was alone at the time and finished the book at ten at night or something, so instead I put on headphones and listened to 90s songs--my childhood--about death, plus sad love songs and maybe one happy one. As always, I understood the book entirely differently as an adult, and the messages so clearly resonated. They still do.

Sam and Jules have been best friends since they were nine and danced together in a recital, thus ending a brief animosity between the two due to competition that comes with the dance world. Now they are sixteen. Jules is trying to get over her asshole ex-boyfriend. Sam remains deeply affected by her father's horribly poor treatment of her after he cheated on her mother so he could become a dedicated husband and father to a new wife and baby. I hated those two whenever they were on the page. I do not care that they are probably cliches; I have seen real-life examples and considering how invested I am in Sam and Jules, of course I'm furious. Jack is a passive-aggressive boy. He cheated on Jules with Rachel for awhile and skillfully lied about it. Now they're inseparable. Ugh. I sided with Sam when she said her bit in the car and every time she talked poorly. My language would be a lot louder and more pointed. Jack never again speaks directly to Jules, instead bothering Sam regularly to do it for him. He acts so wounded that she won't do it, and she calls him on it regularly. I wouldn't be surprised if he whined about all the time Jules spent with Sam before he cheated. He acts like Sam and Jules are so cruel for not playing his childish games. Ew.

Sam's father is awful in an entirely different way: he can't stand to see her ever again, canceling left and right because of his new wife and daughter. He has the utter nerve to follow up one of his cancellations with, "Listen, when do I get to see you?" You're the one who just cancelled on her yet again, you fucking bastard, and -you act like Sammie canceled on you.- I fucking hate you. Sam's mother is also not amazing to me. The divorce was hard on her, and she got a new date, and acts not great to Sam. Sam's boyfriend Paul is a huge douchebag. I realize all these characters I don't like are devices to push Sam and Jules closer together, and to make William and Sandra shine in comparison. It's effective. Rosie was vaguely annoying since I don't like kids, but the times she was on the page, it was for a good reason. I thought Brooke's relationship to Sam was interesting. I liked Linda, too. The only man I felt attached to was William. Dr Jerestin is heading a huge scam. What immediately tipped me off was that the fake institute was pay what you will. I respected Dr Connor and was glad for her until she yelled at Sandra and Jules. They made what they thought was an educated choice at the time. Don't yell at them for being scammed.

I loved reading about dance, dance classes, and the effect it had on the girls' lives. I thought the scene with the psychic was interesting, especially how it factored in later. There were dozens of clues, some big but many subtle, that Sam and Jules were in love with each other. -That- was what I really connected with as a kid. I didn't have the words, but I knew I was queer. They both have boyfriends but so what. I could write more on it but I want to address Dr Connor again. I lost all respect for her and go through this every time I read the book, when she lied to Jules about her hair to get her back on chemo. I truly wonder if she lost her license or something. Still frustrates me.

Above all, what I recently noticed about the book is that while it follows cancer and its effects in broad strokes, it's still romanticized. I had to suspend a lot of medical disbelief when reading this, but do it every time. This is my favorite book, and it's sick lit. It's more than that, but still. A huge realization happened a few rereads ago: Jules could have had a heart condition instead. Her pacemaker could malfunction, or she could be on a transplant list and not make it, and everything would still fit. There's even a ballet with a lead character with a heart condition: "Giselle." While these girls are dancers, they don't talk about future dance plans in any solid way. I was a child actor and wow, did I have solid if un-reached goals. So I think about this.
I still love the book and am so glad it's part of my life.

A quick note on the movie: IT IS AWFUL. IT IS THE WORST ADAPTATION I HAVE EVER SEEN AND I FEEL SO BAD FOR THE AUTHOR. Stick to the book instead.

[Caterina Montebello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Non voglio girarci intorno, ho davvero avuto grosse difficoltà ad approcciare il libro e adesso a scrivere questa recensione.
In questo romanzo si parla di una malattia che è la bestia nera del secolo nel quale viviamo, quella contro la quale, non sempre fortunatamente ma spesso, ci sentiamo inermi.

Milioni di persone ogni giorno affrontano la lotta contro il cancro, e veramente pochi di noi non hanno vissuto sulla propria pelle la sofferenza di avere una persona alla quale si vuole bene alle prese con questo male terribile.
Faccio questa premessa perché ritengo sia importante che chi legge sappia a cosa va incontro: la lotta di una ragazza forte e all'apparenza sanissima, una ballerina quasi professionista, alle prese con una malattia che la porterà a non avere più il controllo del suo corpo, del quale era abituata ad avere la padronanza totale.
L'autrice è veramente molto brava, la scrittura, il flusso di informazioni e il tema difficile da digerire vengono ben dosati e accompagnati da un rapporto di amicizia molto intenso, del tipo che si incontra una volta nella vita e solo se si è molto fortunati.
La danza e quello che significa per un ballerino professionista è uno degli altri temi che si vanno a intrecciare nella narrazione.

Il libro descrive la vita di due adolescenti, Sam e Jules che sono migliori amiche dall'età di 9 anni. Adesso ne hanno 16 e hanno in comune la passione per la danza, frequentano la stessa scuola e passano tantissimo tempo insieme.
A Jules viene diagnosticato un linfoma diffuso. Da qui naturalmente inizierà la sua lotta e il suo calvario, che le impedirà di continuare a frequentare i suoi amici, di ballare e persino di andare a scuola, tutte quelle cose che si danno per scontate soprattutto a quell'età.
Viviamo con lei le sedute di chemioterapia, il suo mondo di mezzo, le sue speranze e le sue paure, le sue vittorie e le sue sconfitte, il suo rapporto con la famiglia che tenta di supportarla anche psicologicamente in tutto quello che sta vivendo e soprattutto la normalità che è rappresentata dalla sua amica Sam che le rimane sempre vicina, la cerca e la sprona in tutti i modi possibili continuando a comportarsi come ha sempre fatto e volendole bene. L'autrice riesce a descrivere perfettamente l'intensità del legame tra le due. Sam è forse l'unica che riesce a mantenere con Jules il suo rapporto di sempre, tra loro non mancano i confronti tipici di quell'età e le piccole gelosie o i momenti di stanchezza aggravati dall'impatto psicologico che la malattia sta avendo su Jules o i problemi familiari che Sam sta vivendo.
Una splendida normalità all'interno del caos.
Tutto però inizia a precipitare nel momento in cui Jules si scopre senza speranze. Le due ragazze a questo punto si allontanano.

E' una storia di coraggio, di tradimento, di compassione, non riuscirete a interrompere la lettura perché sarete totalmente coinvolte, come si dice, ed è vero, la speranza è l'ultima a morire. Le uniche interruzioni a cui sono stata obbligata mentre leggevo erano perchè a causa dei singhiozzi non riuscivo più a mettere a fuoco le parole.
La storia è vista da più prospettive e riusciamo chiaramente a rilevare i cambiamenti psicologici che inevitabilmente le ragazze subiscono, l'una a causa della malattia, l'altra come riflesso degli atteggiamenti dell'amica.
Ad ogni capitolo Sam e Jules sono diverse ed è così che deve essere, è quello che accadrebbe nella realtà.
Malgrado l'argomento, la storia risulta molto scorrevole pur essendo emotivamente molto impegnativa, e arrivati alla fine senti il bisogno di sapere cosa succede dopo, quali saranno i risvolti di tutto ciò nella vita di Sam.
PER CONTINUARE A LEGGERE LA RECENSIONE CLICCA QUI: http://newadultedintorni.blogspot.it/...

[Claire Epperson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is literally my all time favorite book in the history of ever. And I'm only 13. I have read it countless times and I never tire of the story.

It is about Sam and Jules, the inseparable best friends. Every time I read this book I picture myself and MY other self, Amiritha. I am Sam, and she is Jules, that's just the way it is. They match our personalities. Sam is sarcastic, protective, daring and willing to do the crazy things, cause hey, life like there's no tomorrow. Jules is the smart (pretty) practical and sensible one that still has a wild side. So the story had that much more meaning for me right off the bat. The characters were so real, I could picture exactly what they looked like, and they just came to life. I don't know how to explain this, other than when stuff happened to Jules.......I just felt it. I literally felt like I was Sam going through all this because metaphorically (that seems to be my favorite word lately) I was Sam.

OK, so you better call this review quits unless you plan on having the book spoiled

I am not ashamed to say I cried when Jules died. And not a few quiet sobs like they do in movies (you know when the tears roll gently down their face as they quietly heave). No. I mean like gut-wrenching legit waterfalls. I soaked my shirt and eventually my bed with tears and I had to stop to clear my eyes because it got to the point where I couldn't see the book. I was a mess and was eternally grateful I wasn't reading it in public. And the last line of the book? It killed me. KILLED ME! It was so freaking beautiful and I was such a tearful mess and I just completely lost it. I broke down crying and was still crying after the book ended. For like 10 minutes.

No book has ever toyed with my emotions like this book. In my life. So please read this book, if its the last thing you do. READ. THIS. BOOK.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I’ve been a kid, I’ve had what I consider a practically obscene interest in reading about cancer patients, particularly young cancer patients. My interest apparently continues.

This is one of the good ones. For me that means it feels as if it’s an honest account about what it’s like to have cancer and what it might be like to have someone close to you have cancer. It’s the story of two girls, who narrate alternating chapters. They’re in high school and have been best friends for nearly half their lives. They met in dance class and dance is a passion for both of them. One of them is diagnosed with stage four lymphoma, and her illness is a major focus in this story.

I inhaled the book in one day. (It was a welcome break from my book club group and a good book in which to immerse myself before I dive into various group books, non-fiction and fiction books I want to read for just me, and my last 2011 continuing ed class.) I got invested in the characters. They were so frustrating, but they seemed authentic and the various situations and arc of the story seemed, for the most part, authentic.

This was published in 1995 and parts do seem like a period piece; for instance, there are no cell phones, but this is a character driven story so I just noticed such things in passing. It’s not a perfect book but the fact that I read it in one day, didn’t want to put it down, and was completely engrossed earns it four stars from me. According to my book there was a sequel being written; I might check it out although I suspect I won’t rush to read it.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I read this book ages ago, it stuck with me and is unlike any other teen-gets-cancer/terminal/chronic illness story I've read.

I'll get right into it: this book feels REAL. Sam and Jules are two distinct, well-developed characters, and the impact of Jules' cancer diagnosis is anything but formulaic. Already on the cusp of adulthood, these two pass from childhood into reality as they grapple with the unknown - will cancer take Jules' dreams, her life? - as well as the unexpected. This is a beautiful, honest, and heart-wrenching (You WILL cry, and I mean ugly cry) story of friendship. And I don't mean any corny, fluffy "the power of friendship" stuff - I mean real-life, navigating hard shit together friendship. As much as they try, Sam and Jules can't face this together, not completely. Although cancer is the common foe, these girls are facing two very different prospects: Sam faces losing her closest friend, but Jules faces losing her health, her dreams, and possibly her life.

Read this book. Just do it.

[Alanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Time for Dancing is in the top five books I've ever read in my life. It is about two best friends Sam and Julie who dance together. I loved it because of the way the perspective changes, the story line, and every other part of the 257 pages. It shows you their relationship's strength, then how the paths split and they are forced to go separate ways. The way Sam cares for Julie when she becomes deathly ill with leukemia is heartwarming.Sam tries to maintain her tough-love relationship after Julie gets her diagnosis. This novel will grip your emotions in the and will leave you crying after the end. Have a box of tissues ready. and begin reading. I would recommend this book to anyone, mostly. The language is sometimes bad, but I love it regardless.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept of this book intrigued me...everyone wonders what their reaction would be if someone they loved became ill. But...the writing was bad. I actually found noticable mistakes (i.e. character thankfully finished her homework at the library, then later that night finished it AGAIN.) I don't know...I just wasn't all that impressed.

[Erin Epperson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It's about two best friends who adore dancing. But one of them gets cancer. Her sassy best friend tries to support her and fight her battles for her. Jules, (the one with cancer) suffers hair loss, boy and relationship trouble, and the fear of dying. I give this book a 5 star rating.

[Valery Tikappa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Presente quei libri che già dal titolo sai che ti faranno male, ma sono troppo belli per lasciarli non letti quindi li divori?
Ecco. Questo è "A time for dancing", libro da cui è stato tratto l'omonimo film del 2002.
Jules e Sam sono due adolescenti come tante, il cui sogno è ballare. Jules è la Unica e Sola di Sam e Sam per capire Jules ha a malapena bisogno di uno sguardo. Sono cresciute insieme e insieme hanno affrontato tutto... finchè Jules non scopre di avere il cancro. Costretta a smettere di ballare e perdendo completamente la cognizione del tempo nella battaglia contro il suo aggressivo tumore, Jules comincia a capire cosa vuol dire sentirsi isolate dal mondo e Sam, dal canto suo, comprende cosa vuol dire sentirsi esclusi ed escludere.
Insomma, la storia di Sam e Jules non è per niente facile ma rientra in quella categoria di libri che, pur essendo adolescenziali, almeno una volta nella vita si dovrebbe leggere.
Il fatto che sia stato usato uno stile semplice e scorrevole, un linguaggio adatto ai giovani lettori, non esclude che "A time for dancing" sia un libro duro, pieno di significato e che apre gli occhi su un argomento delicato e doloroso come il cancro.
Jules è una ragazzina che vive di danza finchè non può più e si trova a fronteggiare qualcosa più grande di lei. Il lettore così segue ogni sua singola caduta, ogni speranza di poter recuperare e di sopravvivere a un male che si nutre del corpo senza ritegno.
Ciò che colpisce della narrazione è il profondo realismo che si percepisce; Jules ha l'appoggio della famiglia e di Sam ma, di fatto, è sola nella battaglia. Solo lei sa cosa vuol dire vivere con dentro delle macchie nere che si allargano, solo lei sa cosa vuol dire sopportare la chemio. E spetta a lei e solo a lei fissare il limite oltre il quale non può più sopportare questo dolore.
L'autrice, però, va oltre e decide di dare un punto di vista differente, oltre a quello di Jules. Così non solo seguiamo lei, ma anche chi tenta a tutti i costi di starle al fianco. Sam, la sua Unica e Sola, è l'altra voce narrante. Lei rappresenta tutti i familiari che hanno un caro malato di cancro. Rappresenta la forza, ma anche la paura e la giovinezza, alla pari di Jules.
Questo è un libro che fa male, un libro su cancro, amicizia, amore, forza, lotta e limiti.
C'è tutto, in uno stile che non pesa mai ma commuove a ogni rigo.

[Chiara Hope And Paper · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://hopeandpaper.blogspot.com/201...

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super sad, super worth it.

[Sophia A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book early this morning and I only cried a little bit. And I was a little bit disappointed that I didn't?? I think that has more to do with me than with the book.

The shift from one perspective to another between chapters was done really well in this case and it's even more impactful when one of the characters is dying and the other is grieving their death... The characters actually felt like teenagers which was refreshing. I was unhappy with the use of a nuclear family. A dad who isn't good at sharing his emotions, a super mom who takes care of everything and cries herself to sleep at night, and a token little sister who serves no purpose except to be occasionally annoying.

However, the main friendship was realistic and touching and the plot flowed well. I think having a longer falling action would have made the book even sadder but apparently that wasn't what the author was going for. I think few people will read this and regret it, so give it a shot.

[Nicolette · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this book!!! One of my favorites!

[Rylie Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot Summary
Sam and Julie are average teenage best friends. They do everything together, from dance class to parties. Nothing could tear them apart, except for when Julie starts to get a horrible pain in her hip. After a couple weeks, it only got worse. They went to multiple doctors but no one could figure out what was wrong with her. Eventually she was told she has stage 4 diffuse histiocytic lymphoma, a type of cancer. After Julie starts chemo she starts to change, and her once unbreakable bond with Sam starts to dissolve.

Personal Response
I really enjoyed this book. It was realistic and didn't have the perfect ending everyone wished for. I really liked the characters in this book. By the end of the book you're hooked, and you don't want it to end. The book is so detailed in some parts you feel like you're going through what Julie was going through. I liked how the point of view switches between Sam and Julie, so you see both sides of the story.

Characterization
In the beginning of this book, Julie is a strong dancer with her biggest problem being her ex and his new girlfriend. Towards the end of the book Julie is weak because of chemo, and struggles everyday to keep her head up. At the very end Julie passed away, leaving her best friend and family behind.

Recommendations
I'd recommend this book to anyone. It really opens your eyes to what people with cancer really go through. I think anyone should read a book like this because you don't really know what is going on in their lives and the struggles they face.

[»мσяgαиα« (over the hills and far away) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A time for dancing" è un romanzo che, oltre ad ispirarsi ad una storia vera, ha visto il suo successo soprattutto a livello cinematografico con l'omonima trasposizione. Tuttavia, mentre il film ha usato la danza come perno centrale della storia, il libro si sviluppa su più livelli di cui la danza è più un contorno che il punto focale. Temi portanti sono l'amicizia, i rapporti famigliari, la presa coscienza di sé e la malattia, quest'ultima con tutte le sue conseguenze a livello personale e interpersonale.

Jules e Sam sono amiche fin da piccine, la danza le ha prima messe in competizione e poi fatto nascere la loro grande amicizia: condividono i segreti l'una dell'altra, i sogni e le speranze come una qualsiasi coppia di migliori amiche. Tuttavia la malattia minerà, fin quasi a romperlo, quel perfetto equilibrio che le contraddistingue. L'allontanamento è inevitabile così come l'incomprensione. Questo, se vogliamo, è ciò che permette ad entrambe di rivalutare loro stesse e prendere coscienza di ciò che sono e vogliono essere, portando infine ad una maturazione; tutto ciò scritto con estremo realismo nelle reazioni dei personaggi principali e secondari (cosa che ho apprezzato moltissimo!).

Scritto a due voci, viene infatti visto il POV di entrambe le ragazze, il lettore è in grado di capire e conoscere i personaggi portanti e la loro visione. Uno stile di narrazione scorrevole, per nulla pretenzioso e capace di toccare quella che è la parte che spesso teniamo nascosta per paura di essere derisi.. esatto, si tratta dell'interruttore della sensibilità, quello che ci fa commuovere e empatizzare con gli altri (persone in carne ed ossa o meno). Ammetto che inizialmente temevo di leggerlo, non volevo rovinare il "ricordo" della pellicola che ho amato.. mi sbagliavo e di grosso. Il punto di forza di questo romanzo è proprio il punto di vista delle due ragazze, Jules che affronta la malattia e Sam che cerca di starle accanto dando quella sorta di "normalità" alle loro vite ma capendo anche che le cose evolvono naturalmente e che ciò non significa necessariamente una rottura bensì il re-incontrarsi, a metà strada, di due anime affini. La storia rappresenta la vittoria dell'amicizia, quella vera, della forza di volontà e dell'amore per la vita. Consiglio a tutti coloro che vogliono una lettura capace di commuovere, far riflettere e lasciarti con quel finale dolce amaro che, nonostante sia diverso - per impostazione/gestione - da quello cinematografico, rimarrà dentro di voi per molto tempo.

[Recensione completa > http://nalie-overthehillsandfaraway.b...]

[Esty · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can read the full review on my blog Boarding with Books(:
Yes. This is a Cancer Book. But I hate that people avoid these amazing books because of the topic because 1) that's not ALL they talk about and 2) So what?? Millions of people battle this illness everyday and others refuse to even read about it?! Lastly 3) It's such a loaded subject, full of heartbreak, love and anger- and aren't those the main themes in all the books we read? The only difference is that this conflict is man vs. nature, and I guess because it hits closer to home for a lot of people...

So. The arguments above^^ come to tell you to PLEASE READ THIS BOOK. The writing, the flow, the feeling behind every word- I was close to tears in the beginning already.

Part of the beauty of this book was that it centered around dancers- but don't worry, even if you know nothing about it you'll be perfectly fine. And for those of you like me, who not only know the studio life, but live it? You'll be moved by the all-too-true descriptions of the highs and lows of proffessional dancing, the artistry behind it, and most importantly by what it means to the dancers.

And the main theme? Real friendship. These days, every fad book or epic series is accompanied by touching love story, but not enough center around a having a true and loyal friend, always there through storm or fire. Dare I compare Samantha and Jules to Will and Jem? I wasn't sobbing QUITE as much as I was in Clockwork Princess, so don't take that analogy TOO strongly, but many of the same elements were there.

Cover Comments: While some of you will think it's beautiful, others gross, I was stunned by how realistic the picture is. That's no cover model- someone took a picture of dancer after her class, no question about. Sweat, hair and all. *Respect*

[Libraryscat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Time for Dancing, by Davida Wills Hurwin, was selected as an ALA Best Book for Young Adults and I couldn�'t agree more with the ALA decision. Ballet is center stage for high school friends Julie and Samantha. They met in ballet class and have been best friends ever since. Until everything changes � changes due to cancer.[return][return]The book is written with a style that complements the content � every other chapter is told from the perspective of one of the two friends. In the beginning, it seems to be the � normal� high school story � who likes who? Who broke up with whom? What is going on this weekend? However, very quickly Jules finds out that she has an aggressive cancer. And even though she and Sam have leaned on each other for years, Jules finds that this is something she must fight alone. The chemo has devastating effects � tired, nauseous, no hair, etc. She seeks an alternate treatment, which caused me a little bit of concern at first, but the author made sure that this was only a temporary pause in approved treatment. I am a two time cancer survivor and do not regret one day of chemo � of course, I realize that my situation was much different. And of course, as the author points out, dealing with cancer is very personal and solitary.[return][return]The book touches on religion and spirituality and has many moving scenes between the girls as well as between the individual girls and their families. This would be a good book to use with high schoolers for a discussion of a number of topics. There is also a film version of the book � view information at my book blog: http://libraryscatbooks.blogspot.com/

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before TFIOS, there was A Time for Dancing. This is one of the few books that I can remember reading over and over again when I was younger; when I didn't know what else to read, I'd look for that white hardcover with the pseudo-unsaturated picture of the two girls on the beach and I'd devour it over the course of a day or so. I guess there was something about these two girls being both bonded and torn apart by tragedy that just gripped me.

So now, years later, I revisited it. This is the first novel I've bought in years, and that's really only because the library doesn't have it anymore, but I'm so glad I own it. I literally just finished it, and believe me when I say that I'm an absolute MESS right now. As in there is snot and tears all over my face and I'm going to get some nasty salt tracks down my face because I just finished SOBBING. When you've read a book so many times, you assume that it can't surprise you any more; I believed it about this book and I was naiive. It was as if I had never read it before, even though I knew exactly what was going to happen, and the reality of this book tore right through me.

Pro tip: don't read this book while listening to your saddest playlist which probably includes If I Die Young by The Band Perry and When We Were Young by Adele. It will be your undoing, I can promise you that.

Despite being published in 1995, this book is timeless. It's beautiful and heartbreaking and all sorts of honest and even more sorts of perfect, and I just want to curl up in a ball and forget everything for the rest of my life because I don't know how I'm going to recover from it this time.

[Brooke Broadhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only one book has ever touched me enough to be considered my favorite book. A Time for Dancing, is a truly inspiring story of friendship and survival that moved me like no other book has.


Samantha and Juliana. Two best friends, inseparable, each others one-and-only's. Sam and Jules have always been there for each other, at dance, at school, at life. But what will happen to their friendship when Jules is diagnosed with cancer. What do you do when your best friend is dying?

This book is beautifully written, a tragedy that changed my life. As I read it I was reminded of my own best friends, and I believe you can't appreciate something more then at moments when you are thinking of having it no longer. As you switch from the perspective of Jules with her perfect family but struggling health, and Sam with her perfect health but crumbling family, and both of their fierce desire to hold onto their passion of dancing, you can't help but be touched. This book is the only book that I have ever read and actually cried, ever. The loyalty demonstrated in this book reminds you what friendship is all about, helping each other remember who they are in the midst of the turmoil of life, and keeping hope when everything seems to be crumbling around you.

[Lianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was sweet and I thought of my bestfriend and I immeadiatly! It's sad and happy and adorable. In this book you truly know who your bestfriends are and what you would do for them when they are dying. I cried many times and I'm not crying becauue it's happy or sad, it's just the emotions of what happens just blows your mind. And some people are like shes gonna die and I'm just going to read the last page to see what happens, but you won't feel as emoitionally connected as you should. Boys might think that this book is for girls because of dancing but it's really not. It's about learning who your friends are and what they would do for you. There is a second book in the series but I'm pretty sure that is not what Davida Wills Hurwin was planning on but the book, "The Farther You Run" is coming up on my list to read. By far, this is my favorite book and there is nothing like it anywhere. It is truly one of a kind.

[Shaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Circle the Soul Softly before reading this and was much more impressed with that book of Davida Wills Hurwin.

The basic storyline is that two friends, Jules and Sam, have been best friends for a long time. They dance at the same studio, take many of the same high school classes, go to parties together, and are very close friends. Then Jules gets cancer and everything changes.

A Time For Dancing was good not amazing. It's a fast read. The perspective switches between Jules and Sam. I think that aspect worked well even though I was confused once or twice whose perspective I was reading from. The book is a good reminder that tragedies and illness that affect one person also affect their family and friends.

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

* 3.5 * I found this book at Goodwill and only paid 99¢ for it. The cover (which is different then the one shown here) drew me in. It's hard to really review a book about such real and heart wrenching things, the emotional toll it takes on you will sometimes cloud your judgment on the actual writing. While I do think it could have been more detailed because at times it felt like the author skimmed the top of the story... but other than that I definitely liked this book, it was short and easy read but it still packed a heavy punch of emotions and inspiring tale of 2 girls friendship

[Ashley Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most memorable books I've ever read. I can't tell you how long I cried during the ending and even after I closed it. I think I even called my boyfriend (now husband) and told him how I couldn't stop crying, that it was so sad! The crazy part is that shortly after I finished that book, my husband's brother had to fight with cancer again and lost this time around. Profoundly meaningful to me and, I know, to many others.

[Kaitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read My Review At BookLikes

Read My Review At Leafmarks

[Stephanie A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply affecting story of love, best friendship, illness and heartbreak. I latched onto these two SO HARD that it felt like I was losing my own best friend. To date, I believe it is also the best YA novel featuring cancer I've ever read.