Bunheads

As a dancer in the corps de ballet of the prestigious Manhattan Ballet Company, 19-year-old Hannah is living her dream. Although she still has a long way to go before she makes prima ballerina, she is gradually working her way up the ranks, managing a punishing schedule of intense rehearsals, performances, training and competing with the other 'bunheads' in the company to stay on top.

But devoting herself so completely to ballet leaves little time for anything else, even family and friends. Hannah doesn't mind sacrificing a normal life for her art until, on a rare night out, she meets Jacob, a handsome musician and the two are instantly drawn to each other. Soon, Hannah finds herself reconsidering everything - does she really want to continue to battle with the other dancers for a star soloist spot, or will she drop everything to strike out on her own outside the world of ballet?

Far from the high drama of Black Swan, Bunheads is a gentle and thoughtful coming-of-age story. The debut novel from a well-known former dancer, it provides an intriguing behind-the-scenes insight into the world of ballet that is sure to fascinate fans of dance, but whether you're interested in ballet or not, this readable story of self-discovery is absorbing and well-observed.