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Where There is Movement
Too edged-out for the citizens of little Corvallis, Oregon, Evan Knapp writes a note to change his life. “I won’t be home for dinner.” And he is gone, teenager, aspiring dancer and now runaway. He is bound for the ballet world of Portland with $15 dollars, nowhere to sleep and a support system of exactly him. On the fringes of Portland society, he finds a grungy flop house and seeks out the studios where he can practice his art. By day and evening, a prodigy dance student and lauded performer, by midnight a careening partaker of Portland’s deep underground scene, Evan flings himself head-first toward ballet luminescence or back alley extinction. Peopled with mods and Wave-os, prostitutes and punks, the beautiful broken and happy, squatting bohemians, Evan negotiates roiling seas of counter-culture culture and mainstream art world success. A career expanding and a psyche imploding, he stalks his missing pieces with grace and fury.Told with bare-naked truth and startling humor unique, Evan Knapp’s real-life descent into the darkest corners of the 1980s resounds far beyond the last page.
71 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2015
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1709 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 29, 2020
Scratching the Surface and Cutting Deep
Evan Knapp's "slice of memoir", Where There Is Movement, is an amazingly deep cutting memoir that reads like a dance piece... It can move you to tears with only a few deftly chosen movements.
The way Knapp tells his coming of age story was conversational and gritty. His narrative was crafted so well, I felt like I was being told a story from an uncle who lived a wild life long ago... and I swear could hear the words flutter from his lips as my eyes flew across the pages...
When I got to the end of the book... I swore aloud wishing for more to read. I hope that he finds inspiration again, because I'd love to learn more about his amazing, wild, and truly inspiring life.
One of my favorite lines was, "I am a burning double ram goat sheep."
For the record... I am a wet fish pig...
Evan Knapp's "slice of memoir", Where There Is Movement, is an amazingly deep cutting memoir that reads like a dance piece... It can move you to tears with only a few deftly chosen movements.
The way Knapp tells his coming of age story was conversational and gritty. His narrative was crafted so well, I felt like I was being told a story from an uncle who lived a wild life long ago... and I swear could hear the words flutter from his lips as my eyes flew across the pages...
When I got to the end of the book... I swore aloud wishing for more to read. I hope that he finds inspiration again, because I'd love to learn more about his amazing, wild, and truly inspiring life.
One of my favorite lines was, "I am a burning double ram goat sheep."
For the record... I am a wet fish pig...
August 18, 2020
“Dance all day, dance all night, dream about dance, smoke.”
This is a short and beautifully-written story. The story is about Evan, a young man at the beginning of its life. We see bits and pieces of Evan's life, on his journey towards self-discovery and growth. Any introvert young man could resonate with him. This is a story of following your passion. Things may not be always bright but if you know our “why” we are getting there.
The author found a very interesting, yet different, way of conveying the follow-your-dreams message. A true example of finding the purpose and meaning in life and keep on moving … direct and follow its rhythm. “There, freedom to meld with oneness; dancing is time transcendent. There was where I was meant to do.”
More book reviews on: https://www.nicojgenes.com/book-reviews
This is a short and beautifully-written story. The story is about Evan, a young man at the beginning of its life. We see bits and pieces of Evan's life, on his journey towards self-discovery and growth. Any introvert young man could resonate with him. This is a story of following your passion. Things may not be always bright but if you know our “why” we are getting there.
The author found a very interesting, yet different, way of conveying the follow-your-dreams message. A true example of finding the purpose and meaning in life and keep on moving … direct and follow its rhythm. “There, freedom to meld with oneness; dancing is time transcendent. There was where I was meant to do.”
More book reviews on: https://www.nicojgenes.com/book-reviews
December 18, 2020
A very very quick read. A tiny story within a much much larger story of Evan Knapp's life. Yes there are lurid details but it's never done in any way but simply stating what happened. It doesn't boast about "content" related details, it just tells his story in a way that doesn't make you feel worse off having read it. In fact, it's written beautifully and openly and you're better for having read it just to know one man's story. I also love the title
February 1, 2020
A truly remarkable and timeless tale of the very human struggle with identity in a harsh world of judgement. Evan Knapp takes us into the dark yet hopeful world of a young soul grappling with not only his sexual identity but his artistic one as well. His story takes place in the eighties, a decade of excess that, yet, was as constricting to individuality as it was permissive. We are instantly drawn into his personal journey of separation from family, pursuit of his intrinsic and desperate need to dance, and finding himself in the process. I am blown away by his vivid prose and ability to take us deep into the turbulence of just one slice of the timeline of his life's journey.
January 8, 2020
I read this memoir in on sitting as it is quite short. I loved the pace and the author's phraseology. I also connected with the time period in which the story was set, the references to certain bands, fashions etc.
The reason I gave it four stars was because it seemed to end quite abruptly and therefore felt a little unresolved. Having said that, it was clear that the writer eventually found his way in a life that might otherwise have been self destructive, and for this I was glad, as all the way through I found myself rooting for him.
The reason I gave it four stars was because it seemed to end quite abruptly and therefore felt a little unresolved. Having said that, it was clear that the writer eventually found his way in a life that might otherwise have been self destructive, and for this I was glad, as all the way through I found myself rooting for him.
January 25, 2020
Beautifully written! definitely related to the bullying in the early part of the book. I don’t usually do memoirs. But this one is right on the mark for people in entertainment fields. Will be an even better read for people specifically in dance and theatre! Was worried about the length. I found it to be just right for the subject.
February 21, 2020
An effective and beautifully written memory of life as a runaway and struggling dancer in the 1980s.
October 10, 2020
Though I feel there is a point in the way the story ended (a comment on the continuous movement/struggle of life maybe?), its ending was my only complaint. Not because it was bad, but because I felt like there was so much more to be told. That being said, the author has packed a LOT into this little story.
It is a unique tale of a young man's transition into adulthood that becomes mesmerizing upon knowing it's a memoir. I would have otherwise assumed it was simply clever circumstances concocted by a creative writer. I found myself relating to Evan on several levels. Namely his relationship with his parents which I think is something many of us can relate to. They aren't awful people, but some of the things they do, including the way they seemed mostly unprepared for parenthood, had ill effects on their son.
As a student desperately trying to maintain his grades, his job, and not succumb to the cruel bullies around him, Evan is determined to make it as his own person, as a ballet dancer. Even as he comes into adulthood where he struggles with homelessness, poverty, and substance use, that determination still drives him. Alongside this, he maintains a longing to be a good son to parents whose responses toward him nurtures toxic feelings.
Though the story is largely a narrative (the character telling us what happened), the author was able to keep my attention by intermittent dialogue and acting out memories of interest. Would definitely love to read a follow up to this story or even a full length novel that details more of what Even went through.
It is a unique tale of a young man's transition into adulthood that becomes mesmerizing upon knowing it's a memoir. I would have otherwise assumed it was simply clever circumstances concocted by a creative writer. I found myself relating to Evan on several levels. Namely his relationship with his parents which I think is something many of us can relate to. They aren't awful people, but some of the things they do, including the way they seemed mostly unprepared for parenthood, had ill effects on their son.
As a student desperately trying to maintain his grades, his job, and not succumb to the cruel bullies around him, Evan is determined to make it as his own person, as a ballet dancer. Even as he comes into adulthood where he struggles with homelessness, poverty, and substance use, that determination still drives him. Alongside this, he maintains a longing to be a good son to parents whose responses toward him nurtures toxic feelings.
Though the story is largely a narrative (the character telling us what happened), the author was able to keep my attention by intermittent dialogue and acting out memories of interest. Would definitely love to read a follow up to this story or even a full length novel that details more of what Even went through.
May 28, 2020
I wouldn't call this piece of writing a book exactly, not even a novella; it's more of a stream-of-consciousness, short memoir. It reads almost like a transcript from a long session with the writer's analyst. It's an interesting, gritty read.
The writer is articulate, obviously intelligent, and brutally honest about his family, the hurt he harbors from lack of acceptance by his family because he is gay, and his life choices both good and unwise. His passion is dance; his reason for staying alive is dance, but he also fought some of the constraints (dress/hair codes) one has to observe to be integrated into the world of professional ballet. Part of Evan's time was spent on the fringes of the legit dance world, living on the street, hanging with the party crowd. He goes into detail about the dark and seamy side of Portland in the '80s. His memories seem to be more cynical than bitter; he is very accepting and non-judgmental about his own life choices.
By his bio, it looks like no matter how rough his start, he's carved out a respected career path in the dance world and beyond. Honest memoir. A very fast read.
The writer is articulate, obviously intelligent, and brutally honest about his family, the hurt he harbors from lack of acceptance by his family because he is gay, and his life choices both good and unwise. His passion is dance; his reason for staying alive is dance, but he also fought some of the constraints (dress/hair codes) one has to observe to be integrated into the world of professional ballet. Part of Evan's time was spent on the fringes of the legit dance world, living on the street, hanging with the party crowd. He goes into detail about the dark and seamy side of Portland in the '80s. His memories seem to be more cynical than bitter; he is very accepting and non-judgmental about his own life choices.
By his bio, it looks like no matter how rough his start, he's carved out a respected career path in the dance world and beyond. Honest memoir. A very fast read.
June 10, 2020
Where There is Movement is raw, punchy, and memorable.
Evan provides an insight into the turbulent and touching journey that helped make him who he is today, and his story certainly carries you along with him. I've not read many books like this, that so quickly and clearly bring you close to the author, sharing in his fears and joys. The story is compelling, and full of heart, though at times heart-breaking.
My one complaint is that it was over too fast. The rapid sequence of sensory stimuli that build vivid memories pull you into Evans world, spinning you through his story. I would have loved to spend even longer there, but it's hard to be disappointed when you feel like you've been gifted with insight into so many important memories. Thank you for sharing.
Evan provides an insight into the turbulent and touching journey that helped make him who he is today, and his story certainly carries you along with him. I've not read many books like this, that so quickly and clearly bring you close to the author, sharing in his fears and joys. The story is compelling, and full of heart, though at times heart-breaking.
My one complaint is that it was over too fast. The rapid sequence of sensory stimuli that build vivid memories pull you into Evans world, spinning you through his story. I would have loved to spend even longer there, but it's hard to be disappointed when you feel like you've been gifted with insight into so many important memories. Thank you for sharing.
August 20, 2020
With only a few words, Knapp lays out a compelling and intimate portrait of a moment as much as of a person. His personal account of pursuing artistic success during the punk scene of the 1980s immersed me in a way that felt so familiar it made even the most tense moments not comfortable, necessarily, but comforting.
It is Knapp's humility, honesty and humour that really sets the tone of this memoir, but if I had one criticism it would be the length. Even so, I am torn reluctant to label it as such. It is a short work, yes, and it left me wanting more. But isn't that always the job of the entertainer?
It is Knapp's humility, honesty and humour that really sets the tone of this memoir, but if I had one criticism it would be the length. Even so, I am torn reluctant to label it as such. It is a short work, yes, and it left me wanting more. But isn't that always the job of the entertainer?
May 10, 2020
Entirely blown away at the descriptions, the sadness and loneliness, and the rawness of this memoir. It hit me in the gut and just kept going. Absolutely beautifully written, like nothing I've read before. Heartbreaking and hopeful!
May 10, 2020
This was a beautifully written memoir. I really enjoyed reading every page. The author really has a way with words and packed this little book full of finesse and style. Well worth the read.
February 25, 2020
While it says there are 69 pages in this book the copy i received is only 46. I did enjoy the book, i wish it was longer.
I enjoyed that some things were explained, though i did get confused and felt like the story was sidetracked at times. I would have liked to have known more in some of the situations explained, and to have learned more about his personal life.
As far as memoirs go, this is the first full one that I've read. I did enjoy it, and would love to read his other work.
I enjoyed that some things were explained, though i did get confused and felt like the story was sidetracked at times. I would have liked to have known more in some of the situations explained, and to have learned more about his personal life.
As far as memoirs go, this is the first full one that I've read. I did enjoy it, and would love to read his other work.
February 8, 2020
A little joy of a book. Evan Knapp takes us through from his childhood in Oregon, through his adolescence and dreams of becoming a dancer, all the way through to the day he left home (with fifteen dollars in his pocket and a note left for his parents) and into the mixed-up, eighties, no-holds-barred world in which he found himself.
An absolute delight. I smiled, I teared up, I felt very deeply for the young Evan, and it was fascinating for me (a child of the eighties) to see the age in which he grew up from a different perspective - one that actually lived it and doesn’t seek to romanticise it.
A quick read, I wished it had been longer but I have only myself to blame. I devoured it.
Recommended.
An absolute delight. I smiled, I teared up, I felt very deeply for the young Evan, and it was fascinating for me (a child of the eighties) to see the age in which he grew up from a different perspective - one that actually lived it and doesn’t seek to romanticise it.
A quick read, I wished it had been longer but I have only myself to blame. I devoured it.
Recommended.
October 28, 2019
A pleasure to read. The storytelling is unguarded and welcoming. On more than few occasions I stopped, grabbed a pen, and underlined a sentence to go back and enjoy later on it's own. A blurb on the cover says "it's bound to resonate with anyone who ever felt like they were on the outside looking in"... I say the author's reflections transcend the circumstances and resonate on a deeper level. If the writing is honest there will be universality in it, no matter how specific the story. Where There Is Movement is that kind of writing.
February 15, 2020
Anyone who has run away (or wanted to) and launched themselves into the unknown will empathize with the protagonist in this book. Things don't always go smoothly, but there's a beauty in the discovery of self and in the surrounding world. The author captures the essence of striking out on one's own in all of its adventure and messiness. I never ran away, but when I was younger, I packed up everything and moved to a separate state on my own. There's a certain gravitas and the need to surrender with a process like that.
December 24, 2019
Incredible imagery
I so admire a writer who can concoct incredible analogies from unexpected imagery. These you want to savor. The poignancy of this sliver of life is exquisite, vulnerable, brave. The 80s came crashing back in tiny snippets and memories, captured with perfect sensory detail. I so wanted to care for this narrator, tell him was a great kid, feed him, root for him. Bravo!
I so admire a writer who can concoct incredible analogies from unexpected imagery. These you want to savor. The poignancy of this sliver of life is exquisite, vulnerable, brave. The 80s came crashing back in tiny snippets and memories, captured with perfect sensory detail. I so wanted to care for this narrator, tell him was a great kid, feed him, root for him. Bravo!
December 30, 2019
WHERE THERE IS MOVEMENT by Evan Knapp (@MovementWhere) is a riveting memoir and gritty coming-of-age story. Knapp’s dance expertise translates beautifully into his poetic mastery of language, and the words leap off the page with elegant finesse. He regales us with lurid vignettes of his desperate longing to carve beauty from movement as he finds his truth and his freedom through his art. The book is fantastic, and I highly recommend it.
October 27, 2019
I found this book very entertaining and would tell anyone to read it .. it was very well written and kept me reading .. i think this author is one that i will keep my eye out for and will read more books done by him .. i am thankful that i got to read this one and give the author a thumbs up on a very good book.
December 4, 2019
*I won this book as a Goodreads Giveaway
Gritty short memoir of a teen ballet dancer who runs away from home in the 80's and turns to life on the streets to survive. His life is filled with dance, drugs, alcohol and prostitution.
Not recommended to young readers. Not a story that I would truly recommend to others.
Gritty short memoir of a teen ballet dancer who runs away from home in the 80's and turns to life on the streets to survive. His life is filled with dance, drugs, alcohol and prostitution.
Not recommended to young readers. Not a story that I would truly recommend to others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2019
I don't usually read autobiographies but the description somehow intrigued me in knowing more. The way every scene and characters were described caught my attention. I could manifest them in my head which is a rare ability seen in authors of this age. Hats off to him!
October 22, 2019
Love to read biographies. Interesting to read about other people's life growing up.
Want to read
November 11, 2019Thank you for the opportunity to review this book as a giveaway recipient. I am excited to read it and will update my thoughts on this book soon!
December 27, 2019
Nice coming of age short story. Definitely an interesting read from the eyes of a young man as he struggles pursue his dreams. A little short but overall a good read.
December 31, 2019
What a brilliant little gem of a book! My only complaint is that this slender "slice of memoir" left me wanting more.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews