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A Time to Dance
Padma Venkatraman’s inspiring story of a young girl’s struggle to regain her passion and find a new peace is told lyrically through verse that captures the beauty and mystery of India and the ancient bharatanatyam dance form. This is a stunning novel about spiritual awakening, the power of art, and above all, the courage and resilience of the human spirit.
Veda, a classical dance prodigy in India, lives and breathes dance—so when an accident leaves her a below-knee amputee, her dreams are shattered. For a girl who’s grown used to receiving applause for her dance prowess and flexibility, adjusting to a prosthetic leg is painful and humbling. But Veda refuses to let her disability rob her of her dreams, and she starts all over again, taking beginner classes with the youngest dancers. Then Veda meets Govinda, a young man who approaches dance as a spiritual pursuit. As their relationship deepens, Veda reconnects with the world around her, and begins to discover who she is and what dance truly means to her.
Veda, a classical dance prodigy in India, lives and breathes dance—so when an accident leaves her a below-knee amputee, her dreams are shattered. For a girl who’s grown used to receiving applause for her dance prowess and flexibility, adjusting to a prosthetic leg is painful and humbling. But Veda refuses to let her disability rob her of her dreams, and she starts all over again, taking beginner classes with the youngest dancers. Then Veda meets Govinda, a young man who approaches dance as a spiritual pursuit. As their relationship deepens, Veda reconnects with the world around her, and begins to discover who she is and what dance truly means to her.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2014
About the author
Padma Venkatraman
19 books520 followersAmerican author, Padma Venkatraman, has worked as chief scientist on oceanographic ships and spent time under the sea, directed a school, and lived in 5 countries. Her 5 novels, BORN BEHIND BARS, THE BRIDGE HOME, A TIME TO DANCE, ISLAND’S END and CLIMBING THE STAIRS, were released to multiple starred reviews (22 as of 8/30/21), and won numerous honors and awards (e.g. WNDB Walter Award 2020; SCBWI Golden Kite Award 2020; Paterson Prize; Julia Ward Howe Young Readers Award; South Asia Book Award; ALA, IRA Notable; Booklist, Kirkus, NYPL, Yalsa BBYA; CCBC choice; IBBY outstanding etc.). Her latest novel, BORN BEHIND BARS, a JLG selection, is available for order. She provides keynote addresses and commencement speeches, travels to international author festivals, serves on panels, does author visits and conducts workshops. Visit her at www.padmavenkatraman.com and follow her on twitter @padmatv or ig/fb venkatraman.padma
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 722 reviews
July 25, 2015
The simplest words are the most beautiful.
Padma Venkatraman has introduced a new writing-style to me that's allowed the simply beautiful story of Veda to dance into my life and enter her dauntless journey of pain, growth, acceptance, and spirituality.
❃ Namaskaram ❃
I am absolutely speechless.
Veda's story is like a whimsical melody on a loop page after page. Each page opening our eyes to the beauty of Indian culture and Hinduism as she expresses her passion for Bharatanatyam dance, a classical Indian dance form she is determined to pursue. After a tragic accident, her fiery spirit only kindles even brighter in the darkest of nights.
"He who resides within every being in the universe;
who speaks the universal language;
whose ornaments are heavenly spheres;
Him we worship,
Shiva, the serene one."
This has been the most unique and inspiring books that I have ever picked up. I can't wait for readers all over the world to read A Time to Dance!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=modXb...
^^"Dance Dance Dance" by Lykke Li
Padma Venkatraman has introduced a new writing-style to me that's allowed the simply beautiful story of Veda to dance into my life and enter her dauntless journey of pain, growth, acceptance, and spirituality.
❃ Namaskaram ❃
I am absolutely speechless.
Veda's story is like a whimsical melody on a loop page after page. Each page opening our eyes to the beauty of Indian culture and Hinduism as she expresses her passion for Bharatanatyam dance, a classical Indian dance form she is determined to pursue. After a tragic accident, her fiery spirit only kindles even brighter in the darkest of nights.
"He who resides within every being in the universe;
who speaks the universal language;
whose ornaments are heavenly spheres;
Him we worship,
Shiva, the serene one."
This has been the most unique and inspiring books that I have ever picked up. I can't wait for readers all over the world to read A Time to Dance!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=modXb...
^^"Dance Dance Dance" by Lykke Li
October 20, 2020
Read this two years ago and still memorable. Underrated memoir in verse 👍
Biographical fiction in poetry!
Loved it.
The book talks about how she began dancing inspite of the opposing gestures of her mother.
Her only strong support being her 'Paati' her grandma.
Tragedy struck with one of her legs getting amputated.
This is a story about grit, self respect and finding love.
Love the way it was written👍
Biographical fiction in poetry!
Loved it.
The book talks about how she began dancing inspite of the opposing gestures of her mother.
Her only strong support being her 'Paati' her grandma.
Tragedy struck with one of her legs getting amputated.
This is a story about grit, self respect and finding love.
Love the way it was written👍
Read
January 18, 2019This is my third novel!
September 5, 2014
This is only the 2nd verse novel I've ever read, and what a good one! Not only did it introduce me to the art of Bharatanatyam dance, but I loved the very real struggles Veda has as dancer, artist, amputee, daughter, and friend. I especially love the way this book explored dance as a spiritual (as well as artistic) form.
I think the verse format helped tell the story, focusing us in on specific moments, images, and emotion. Venkatraman does much with few words, painting vivid pictures of Veda, her friends and family, and her neighborhood. I often felt transported, and I could almost hear the feet of the dancing god beating in my own chest.
If you're looking for a book about growing up, the transcendental and transformative power of art, about adapting to what life hands you, and about graciousness, check this one out. It'll lift you up.
I think the verse format helped tell the story, focusing us in on specific moments, images, and emotion. Venkatraman does much with few words, painting vivid pictures of Veda, her friends and family, and her neighborhood. I often felt transported, and I could almost hear the feet of the dancing god beating in my own chest.
If you're looking for a book about growing up, the transcendental and transformative power of art, about adapting to what life hands you, and about graciousness, check this one out. It'll lift you up.
September 29, 2019
Achingly beautiful and all about the beauty and art of bharatanatyam, an Indian form of dance.
- Follows Veda, an Indian teen living in India whose passion is to dance. When an accident results in her getting a below-knee amputation, she reconnects and searches for the meaning and reason for why she dances.
- This is a story written in verse, and there were so many beautiful lines and moments where the intersections of religion, culture, and tradition meet.
- Not only is the story about Veda finding herself and rediscovering her love for dance, there are also many moments where Veda is a vulnerable and flawed person with messy feelings (including Veda's infatuation and idolisation of a White-American doctor, which I think the storytelling challenges in a subtle way). I really loved this.
- I really loved the exploration of dancing to compete and be good vs. dancing as an expression of spirituality and feeling.
- I liked that this book didn't have an abled-centered narrative. It explores disability and the experiences of being an amputee, but in a way that is humanising and explores other aspects of her life as well.
Trigger/content warning:
- Follows Veda, an Indian teen living in India whose passion is to dance. When an accident results in her getting a below-knee amputation, she reconnects and searches for the meaning and reason for why she dances.
- This is a story written in verse, and there were so many beautiful lines and moments where the intersections of religion, culture, and tradition meet.
- Not only is the story about Veda finding herself and rediscovering her love for dance, there are also many moments where Veda is a vulnerable and flawed person with messy feelings (including Veda's infatuation and idolisation of a White-American doctor, which I think the storytelling challenges in a subtle way). I really loved this.
- I really loved the exploration of dancing to compete and be good vs. dancing as an expression of spirituality and feeling.
- I liked that this book didn't have an abled-centered narrative. It explores disability and the experiences of being an amputee, but in a way that is humanising and explores other aspects of her life as well.
Trigger/content warning:
February 24, 2017
One of the most beautiful verse novels I've ever read.
Read
July 17, 2017"Veda isn’t a two-dimensional disabled vehicle for the able-bodied reader’s gaze. Yes, amputation takes a toll and Venkatraman explores that, but she goes beyond that too. Veda is a fully formed, likeable, realistically flawed teenager, building and navigating complex relationships with family and friends, dealing pretty well with an awful situation, and having all kinds of normal teenager-y experiences.
The parts of the book that do explore losing a leg were difficult for me to read, but very realistic. This is easily the best representation of an amputee’s experience that I’ve ever come across in fiction."
Read contributor Jessica Walton's full review at Disability in Kidlit.
The parts of the book that do explore losing a leg were difficult for me to read, but very realistic. This is easily the best representation of an amputee’s experience that I’ve ever come across in fiction."
Read contributor Jessica Walton's full review at Disability in Kidlit.
July 9, 2014
The priest's laugh rumbles up into my ears.
"Place a hand on your chest.
Can you feel Shiva's feet moving inside you?"
I press on my chest. Feel bony ribs. Under them, thumping,
faint echoes of a dance rhythm.
A Time to Dance tells the story of Veda, who lives for Bharatanatyam, the classical Indian dance form she excels at. Her rising talent is starting to draw in all sorts of challenges: rivalry with other dancers, distance from her friends, and anger from her mother, who wants her to be an engineer. But none of these can compare with the shock and horror Veda feels when she wakes up hospitalized after her van crashes - and her lower right leg is gone.
How many times did I cry? Well, a couple. And by "a couple," I mean 20.
Through short chapters of free-verse poetry, Padma Venkatraman does more than tell the story of a girl named Veda. Through her first-person stanzas and the way Venkatraman describes her thoughts, I felt like I was Veda. And Veda is a character so real that a story that could be clichéd - a girl with one leg learns the power of perseverance and starts to dance again - is believable, inventive, and powerful.
I could really relate to Veda - and a few chapters in I realized that it wasn't even because the author was attempting to make her "relatable." Most YA books feature female protagonists who are a dichotomy of "striking" but also "painfully average" along the lines of "she'd never been pretty" and "I'm not beautiful", as if being as average and universal as possible were enough to make a protagonist realistic. But this book was remarkable in that it skipped all that. Veda doesn't look in the mirror and lament about herself in the first chapter. Venkatraman focuses instead on making Veda REAL - conflicted, flawed, determined, and most of all herself - and the "relatability" takes care of itself.
One of the poses Veda does - representing how Shiva, when he dropped his earing, picked it up between his toes and brought it back up to his ear. Holy crap.
The supporting characters are just as fascinating as Veda - my favorite was Paati, Veda's grandmother, who's always there for her and insists on doing all she can, even though she's aging. Veda's relationship with her mother is mostly nonverbal, but I think half my cries were from a moving scene involving Veda's humiliation at being an amputee, and how her mother There's a mind-blowing plot twist involving Veda's formal rival, Kamini. And Veda has an awkward crush on Jim, the American prosthetics doctor who makes her a new leg to dance on, who's "like 30."
But in the end she falls for a boy closer to her age, Govinda. Unlike the typical YA love interest, who tends to a tattooed vampire badass, Govinda is deeply spiritual, and devoted to teaching kids at the Bharatanatyam school Veda starts to attend. Govinda and Veda clash when Veda wants to re-learn difficult moves as fast as possible and thinks Govinda holds her back, but they bond over their love of dance and the spirituality of Bharatanatyam. "When I dance," Govinda tells her, "....I feel I'm in the presence of something large and good. It doesn't give me answers. But I don't need them." Also, he's pretty hot, so there's that. :P
This book is light-years beyond normal YA fare in terms of maturity, quality of writing, and realistic characters, and it inspired me to learn about Bharatanatyam too. In her acknowledgements Padma Venkatraman lists all the people she consulted in her process of researching - dance artists, medical professionals, and differently abled persons.
Sudha Chandran, Bharatanatyam dancer and one of Veda's inspirations, performing with a prosthetic Jaipur foot.
This book deserves praise and a big readership. It's a great story, fast read, and made me feel uplifted at the end. In a time when, as Kate Hart points out in this study, YA covers overwhelmingly feature beautiful white models in gorgeous dresses, often in the arms of shirtless hunks, I hope that people will seek out this book - whose cover shows am Indian dancer, kneeling in traditional skirts, offering a prayer.
December 29, 2018
I've only read a few novels written in verse but this is by far the best one I have read. The writing style is so lyrical and moves so nicely. I had such a great time reading this and learning about Indian culture, which was very interesting. This book is so unique and inspiring.
I really enjoyed this book. 5 stars.
I really enjoyed this book. 5 stars.
August 14, 2014
Veda has been studying classical dance with a master in Chennai India. She lives and breathes dance. She is dedicated and works hard, but her mother feels she should be applying herself to a goal of being an engineer or doctor. When a devastating injury requires the amputation of her leg Veda is at first defeated and angry, but soon vows to learn again how to use the gifts she has. With renewed determination she begins again, following her dream to become the best interpreter of the Bharantanatyam style.
This is a novel, told entirely in verse, about personal growth, courage, resilience, and the power of art. Venkatraman packs a lot of emotion into a few words. It is an inspiring story of one young woman’s courage, grace and spiritual awakening. Veda is a wonderful heroine. Yes, she is young and given to the usual self-absorbed anxieties of teens around the world. But over the course of the novel she comes to realize the true meaning of friendship, love, and sacrifice. She comes to value the gifts she has and learns to share her gifts generously.
I really liked how Venkatraman portrayed the relationships Veda had with family, friends, and teachers. The cultural framework may be very different, but the interpersonal dynamics are universal. I especially loved her grandmother, Paati. I recognized my own contentious relationship with my mother in the way that Veda and Ma interacted. I was reminded of the way my best friend and I would obsess over boys or fashion, or would squabble and make up. I also appreciated that Venkatraman showed us Veda’s self-realization and growth, rather than simply tell us about it.
This is a novel, told entirely in verse, about personal growth, courage, resilience, and the power of art. Venkatraman packs a lot of emotion into a few words. It is an inspiring story of one young woman’s courage, grace and spiritual awakening. Veda is a wonderful heroine. Yes, she is young and given to the usual self-absorbed anxieties of teens around the world. But over the course of the novel she comes to realize the true meaning of friendship, love, and sacrifice. She comes to value the gifts she has and learns to share her gifts generously.
I really liked how Venkatraman portrayed the relationships Veda had with family, friends, and teachers. The cultural framework may be very different, but the interpersonal dynamics are universal. I especially loved her grandmother, Paati. I recognized my own contentious relationship with my mother in the way that Veda and Ma interacted. I was reminded of the way my best friend and I would obsess over boys or fashion, or would squabble and make up. I also appreciated that Venkatraman showed us Veda’s self-realization and growth, rather than simply tell us about it.
January 13, 2021
this was such a stunning novel written in poetry, and the desi rep made my heart happy!! i would recommend this to everyone, honestly - it's such a poignant and powerful book about healing, dance, and more.
4 stars
4 stars
September 28, 2016
WOAH. Beautiful. I loved how it talked about dance because that's how I feel about when I act. Awesome. I'm recomending everyone read this especily if theyre a creative person.
March 14, 2022
Beautifully written book. It just stirs so many emotions. Reminded me of the joy of reading about people like me, from the same place I hail from, with traditions I follow too.
This is a book about overcoming a tragedy, learning to dream, hope and live again through the medium of dance.
Veda is a teenager for whom classical dance(Bharatnatyam) is everything. Despite her mother's disapproval, the pain of hours of practice, all she cares about is perfecting her stance and movements. Losing her leg in an accident shatters her. She has to learn to live all over again, without the comfort of her biggest passion. For a child who was moving her legs in rhythm even before speaking her first words, this seems like the end of the world.
With the support of her parents and her paati(grandmother) who is herself a strong woman and Veda's biggest advocate Veda takes baby steps helped by an American doctor who designs a prosthetic leg and encourages her to aim to continue dancing.
Overcoming self pity, looks of pity from others, taunts and questions and her own lack of confidence, Veda gradually gets to the stage where she can think of dancing again.
This is an ode to believing in oneself as well as being thankful for what we have every single day. It's about the power of family and friends, the ability of laughter to lessen pain and also accepting a new reality and adapting to it without losing spirit.
The question of faith has been handled very poignantly here as has Veda's relationships with her parents, grandmother and the new dance teacher she has feelings for but is unsure about. It's written with so much clarity in such simple language. What dance means and the lessons it imparts is very insightful.
It's one of those books where you really feel the characters and go through every feeling with them. Though it has sad moments, it is told really wonderfully in verse. Veda's journey of healing is not only physical but emotional and spiritual as well as she understands the world around her and matures and works through the grief of her loss with the help of her family, friends and dance. There are as many kinds of reactions to her as there are people. While she faces unexpected disappointment at the hands of those she trusted before her accident, she discovers others who are unreservedly by her side.
A delight to read such an impactful story by an Indian author.
This is a book about overcoming a tragedy, learning to dream, hope and live again through the medium of dance.
Veda is a teenager for whom classical dance(Bharatnatyam) is everything. Despite her mother's disapproval, the pain of hours of practice, all she cares about is perfecting her stance and movements. Losing her leg in an accident shatters her. She has to learn to live all over again, without the comfort of her biggest passion. For a child who was moving her legs in rhythm even before speaking her first words, this seems like the end of the world.
With the support of her parents and her paati(grandmother) who is herself a strong woman and Veda's biggest advocate Veda takes baby steps helped by an American doctor who designs a prosthetic leg and encourages her to aim to continue dancing.
Overcoming self pity, looks of pity from others, taunts and questions and her own lack of confidence, Veda gradually gets to the stage where she can think of dancing again.
This is an ode to believing in oneself as well as being thankful for what we have every single day. It's about the power of family and friends, the ability of laughter to lessen pain and also accepting a new reality and adapting to it without losing spirit.
The question of faith has been handled very poignantly here as has Veda's relationships with her parents, grandmother and the new dance teacher she has feelings for but is unsure about. It's written with so much clarity in such simple language. What dance means and the lessons it imparts is very insightful.
It's one of those books where you really feel the characters and go through every feeling with them. Though it has sad moments, it is told really wonderfully in verse. Veda's journey of healing is not only physical but emotional and spiritual as well as she understands the world around her and matures and works through the grief of her loss with the help of her family, friends and dance. There are as many kinds of reactions to her as there are people. While she faces unexpected disappointment at the hands of those she trusted before her accident, she discovers others who are unreservedly by her side.
A delight to read such an impactful story by an Indian author.
February 5, 2018
This is a novel in verse, so I was hoping to continue my streak of finishing a book a day. However, despite being much easier to read, it took me about a week to finish because the verse itself was not really enticing as poetry. I was missing the kind of dripping imagery and crafted rhythm that pulls me into poems in the first place. This felt more like simple sentences and straight story telling broken up to look like poetry based on the length of the sentences on paper.
What intrigued me about this book was the chance to really experience a different topic - the power of bharatanatyam, and all dance, but especially this eastern Indian dance, to heal what is inside of Veda once she is broken. Once Veda had her accident, the story got more readable because of her raw emotion and new understanding of what this dance could do for her. I'm glad I stuck it out, but it could have just been written in prose.
What intrigued me about this book was the chance to really experience a different topic - the power of bharatanatyam, and all dance, but especially this eastern Indian dance, to heal what is inside of Veda once she is broken. Once Veda had her accident, the story got more readable because of her raw emotion and new understanding of what this dance could do for her. I'm glad I stuck it out, but it could have just been written in prose.
May 8, 2014
I just read the most quiet, sweet novel, my friends. A Time To Dance by Padma Venkatraman is a young adult verse book that doesn’t loudly declare itself, but kind of whispers. As weird as that sounds, it makes sense when you read it. Venkatramana’s book explores dance, growing up, and India. It’s a book that does not feel over the top at all, but rather subdued in a calming kind of way. I know I am being super cryptic, but A Time To Dance was really a peaceful kind of read for me. Don’t mistake that for being boring, because it’s not. There’s actually a rather interesting plot in Venkatraman’s A Time To Dance.
Read the rest of my review here
Review goes live 5/23/14
Read the rest of my review here
Review goes live 5/23/14
December 20, 2016
A Time to Dance is an amazing novel. This teenage girl named Veda is an amazing dancer, the best in her class in fact. But, one day she experiences a terrible accident that could ruin her dance career forever. So many bad experiences turn the course of her life. Will she fight through the pain? And will she reach back to her full potential? Or will she suffer?
March 1, 2022
"Art should be about something larger and deeper than self." - Dr. Dhanam
"To me, Karma isn't about divine reward or retribution. Karma is about making wise choices to create a better future. It's taking responsibility for your actions. Karma helps me see every hurdle as a chance to grow into a stronger, kinder soul. -Paati
Let me begin by saying that this book written by Padma Venkatraman is an amazing and passionate love story on so many different levels. It is a story with a taste of the exotic, dazzling, and lyrically versed speaking of loss, rediscovery, and resiliency. Padma's characters give such a breath of fresh air through her native India's artistic and ancestral cultural experiences. I appreciate that. Now, on to the review.
Veda loved dancing and won a Bharatanatyam dance competition. On the way home, she is a passenger on a bus as the driver is speeding. As expected, an accident occurs when the bus hits a tree. The driver is killed, and Veda is taken to the hospital with serious injuries causing the doctor to amputate her leg. Has her hope of becoming a great dancer come to an end?
After Veda gets well and goes home, an American doctor she calls Jim makes a prosthesis, tweaks and adjusts the trial limb for her final prosthetic leg. She falls for Jim, but to her disappointment, Jim, who is older, is flattered but does not feel the same way. After receiving her prosthetic leg, Jim leaves for his next assignment.
Her current teacher Uday anna, doesn't want to teach her anymore. When she tells Paati about this, her grandmother's response is, "Good." She tells Veda about another dance teacher, Dr. Dhanam. Veda goes to see her and explains why she wants to join her dance school. The dance instructor told Veda that she can call her Dhanam akka. She also advises Veda that she has to unlearn what she's learned. She told Veda that Bharatanatyam is not about winning or losing. Competition distracts dancers into thinking this art is about them.
So, she's starting over again in a class with a young man named Govinda, the student who teaches the beginners. When Veda attends Govinda's class, she is disappointed that she is among little kids learning to dance. As Govinda coaches Veda she becomes frustrated by not being able to push the limits to be a good dancer. Govinda reminds her that being a good dancer is more than mastering every pose. He urges her to embrace her uniqueness within.
Veda falls for Govinda but is uncertain if he feels the same way. Govinda is used to doing everything his parents ask of him, but he wants to dance, and his parents insist that he goes to college and forget about this nonsense of dancing.
Finally, Govinda tells Veda that he found a way to get a scholarship to dance, and after facing his parents with his decision, they support him. Govinda reveals his feelings to Veda and tells her how much he really likes her.
Veda goes on to perform on an outdoor stage. This isn't a competition. Music fills and lifts her body.
"To me, Karma isn't about divine reward or retribution. Karma is about making wise choices to create a better future. It's taking responsibility for your actions. Karma helps me see every hurdle as a chance to grow into a stronger, kinder soul. -Paati
Let me begin by saying that this book written by Padma Venkatraman is an amazing and passionate love story on so many different levels. It is a story with a taste of the exotic, dazzling, and lyrically versed speaking of loss, rediscovery, and resiliency. Padma's characters give such a breath of fresh air through her native India's artistic and ancestral cultural experiences. I appreciate that. Now, on to the review.
Veda loved dancing and won a Bharatanatyam dance competition. On the way home, she is a passenger on a bus as the driver is speeding. As expected, an accident occurs when the bus hits a tree. The driver is killed, and Veda is taken to the hospital with serious injuries causing the doctor to amputate her leg. Has her hope of becoming a great dancer come to an end?
After Veda gets well and goes home, an American doctor she calls Jim makes a prosthesis, tweaks and adjusts the trial limb for her final prosthetic leg. She falls for Jim, but to her disappointment, Jim, who is older, is flattered but does not feel the same way. After receiving her prosthetic leg, Jim leaves for his next assignment.
Her current teacher Uday anna, doesn't want to teach her anymore. When she tells Paati about this, her grandmother's response is, "Good." She tells Veda about another dance teacher, Dr. Dhanam. Veda goes to see her and explains why she wants to join her dance school. The dance instructor told Veda that she can call her Dhanam akka. She also advises Veda that she has to unlearn what she's learned. She told Veda that Bharatanatyam is not about winning or losing. Competition distracts dancers into thinking this art is about them.
So, she's starting over again in a class with a young man named Govinda, the student who teaches the beginners. When Veda attends Govinda's class, she is disappointed that she is among little kids learning to dance. As Govinda coaches Veda she becomes frustrated by not being able to push the limits to be a good dancer. Govinda reminds her that being a good dancer is more than mastering every pose. He urges her to embrace her uniqueness within.
Veda falls for Govinda but is uncertain if he feels the same way. Govinda is used to doing everything his parents ask of him, but he wants to dance, and his parents insist that he goes to college and forget about this nonsense of dancing.
Finally, Govinda tells Veda that he found a way to get a scholarship to dance, and after facing his parents with his decision, they support him. Govinda reveals his feelings to Veda and tells her how much he really likes her.
Veda goes on to perform on an outdoor stage. This isn't a competition. Music fills and lifts her body.
April 8, 2019
it was amazing to see my culture represented through this book. it carried the grace of dance along veda's journey, and though I'm not a dancer, I felt deeply invigorated by veda's pain and inner peace. now I wish I hadn't given up my carnatic music class on my sixth year. this book spoke to my heart.. now what are you still doing here? read it!
January 12, 2017
A beautiful and very spiritually uplifting novel in verse featuring a differently abled protagonist and set in contemporary India.
April 18, 2024
I listened to this on audiobook and give this 4.5 stars. Padma's voice is sooooooo soothing. Seriously, if she reads this review, please make a relaxing podcast and I just listen to you tell me to breath and relax. Some awful things happened in this book, and I'm like...ohhhh that's so nice.
The premise was great, and I loved learning about the dances in Indian culture. I wasn't expecting the love story, but at the same time, it wasn't really much of a love story. It was more about the dancing. My only gripe was that I don't know if the main character learned as much as she claimed in her thoughts. I get it at the beginning right after the accident, but later, I'm like okay, give that girl a chance and stop yelling at the poor boy. She does come around, and I loved her helping the little girl and a begger child at the end.
It was a great listen, especially for the author's voice. I think it's a great book to read and recommend it.
The premise was great, and I loved learning about the dances in Indian culture. I wasn't expecting the love story, but at the same time, it wasn't really much of a love story. It was more about the dancing. My only gripe was that I don't know if the main character learned as much as she claimed in her thoughts. I get it at the beginning right after the accident, but later, I'm like okay, give that girl a chance and stop yelling at the poor boy. She does come around, and I loved her helping the little girl and a begger child at the end.
It was a great listen, especially for the author's voice. I think it's a great book to read and recommend it.
October 22, 2014
I plucked this book off of a shelf at my local library because of the cover. The title didn't seem interesting to me but I thought it was intriguing that the book was such a warm color and that the girl on the cover wasn't white and that she was dressed in very cultural clothing. The synopsis didn't appeal to me, either, because this trope in books about someone with a disability finding the will to live their lives despite that injury or defect is overused and worn out. Yet. Something about this book called me to it, so I checked it out and when I started reading it at four in the afternoon, I didn't put it down for three hours when I finished it. And I am so glad I read it.
My thoughts on the characters:
I have such complicated feelings towards the main character Veda. She is problematic, but she is written with so much humanity that I couldn't feel like I disliked her. She has wonderful moments and the way she sees the word is fantastic. Her actions are so true to what I would imagine she would feel and how she would react and I love her for who she is.
I thought Jim was such a great character to help further Veda's complexity. He was great but it still felt uncomfortable for him to be there just because of how Veda felt towards him.
Govinda started off amazing, but towards the end I wished Veda would express her thoughts towards him about the way he was treating her and I didn't like how she accepts him and understands him when he does have some pretty big faults. I have to say that I was a bit disappointed, too, about how his issues were resolved because it didn't feel real, almost like Venkatraman (the author) didn't want to bother with him anymore but she needed to wrap up his story.
The other girls that Veda interacts with are so essential to her story that I cannot fathom how this book would have worked without those personalities. Veda needed them to show all sides of her story and I'm glad for every single one of them.
I liked the family complexities that Venkatraman wrote for Veda's family. I loved how genuine they were and the attitudes they created, especially her mom, with the way that Veda lives her life. Her grandmother was phenomenal and I feel like I learned the most from her story in this novel.
My thoughts on the plot:
Even though I read this book in one sitting, I had trouble getting into it in the beginning. The style in which Venkatraman writes makes reading this novel much easier (it's structured almost like poetry), so I read through the first hundred pages without realizing it. It doesn't take long to see how important dance is to Veda, but I felt like her feelings towards dance dragged on in. This was on purpose and I'm grateful that Venkatraman wrote it like this because it really has much more of an impact when you understand completely just how important and essential dance is to Veda and then her accident takes that all away from her. It almost felt like she had become a part of the air I breathe and then her accident cut off that air supply. I loved the direction that this story went into after that. I'm so accustomed to reading books that are linear, but this novel almost had like three stories that had separate climaxes but the resolution of one was the rising action of the next one. I loved it. I loved how this story takes place over the time span of about a year or more and it shows you exactly how life can change in such little time. I especially loved the ending because it felt complete, like the air that was cut off in Veda's accident was returned to my lungs.
Overall, this book turned out to be a much more important and life-changing story than I had initially anticipated. I would recommend that anyone who enjoys raw emotion and a serious look into personal beliefs and philosophies should read this book. It truly shifted something inside me that can only work out for the best.
My thoughts on the characters:
I have such complicated feelings towards the main character Veda. She is problematic, but she is written with so much humanity that I couldn't feel like I disliked her. She has wonderful moments and the way she sees the word is fantastic. Her actions are so true to what I would imagine she would feel and how she would react and I love her for who she is.
I thought Jim was such a great character to help further Veda's complexity. He was great but it still felt uncomfortable for him to be there just because of how Veda felt towards him.
Govinda started off amazing, but towards the end I wished Veda would express her thoughts towards him about the way he was treating her and I didn't like how she accepts him and understands him when he does have some pretty big faults. I have to say that I was a bit disappointed, too, about how his issues were resolved because it didn't feel real, almost like Venkatraman (the author) didn't want to bother with him anymore but she needed to wrap up his story.
The other girls that Veda interacts with are so essential to her story that I cannot fathom how this book would have worked without those personalities. Veda needed them to show all sides of her story and I'm glad for every single one of them.
I liked the family complexities that Venkatraman wrote for Veda's family. I loved how genuine they were and the attitudes they created, especially her mom, with the way that Veda lives her life. Her grandmother was phenomenal and I feel like I learned the most from her story in this novel.
My thoughts on the plot:
Even though I read this book in one sitting, I had trouble getting into it in the beginning. The style in which Venkatraman writes makes reading this novel much easier (it's structured almost like poetry), so I read through the first hundred pages without realizing it. It doesn't take long to see how important dance is to Veda, but I felt like her feelings towards dance dragged on in. This was on purpose and I'm grateful that Venkatraman wrote it like this because it really has much more of an impact when you understand completely just how important and essential dance is to Veda and then her accident takes that all away from her. It almost felt like she had become a part of the air I breathe and then her accident cut off that air supply. I loved the direction that this story went into after that. I'm so accustomed to reading books that are linear, but this novel almost had like three stories that had separate climaxes but the resolution of one was the rising action of the next one. I loved it. I loved how this story takes place over the time span of about a year or more and it shows you exactly how life can change in such little time. I especially loved the ending because it felt complete, like the air that was cut off in Veda's accident was returned to my lungs.
Overall, this book turned out to be a much more important and life-changing story than I had initially anticipated. I would recommend that anyone who enjoys raw emotion and a serious look into personal beliefs and philosophies should read this book. It truly shifted something inside me that can only work out for the best.
March 9, 2016
I read this in three sittings because I could not put it down. I love this book because it is like nothing I have ever read before. It took a deeper look into something magical that I really enjoyed and understood. I've never read a book where the main character was so passionate and ambitious about what they wanted to do and it was highly inspiring. The author crafted the story really well and she used a great way of writing. I hadn't read a poetry story before this one but I quite enjoyed the style of writing. It's different, but in a good way. Some people thought the story was unfinished but I thought it ended perfectly; every knot tied up. I think I mainly connected to this book so well because I learn Odissi, although it is not Bharatanatyam, it is still one of the 7 classical indian dances. I've seen people perform Bharatanatyam on stage and I now feel as though there is more I understand about this dance. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to get out of their comfort zone and read something different.
I decided to to read this again for my essay in English. Pretty good decision :)
I decided to to read this again for my essay in English. Pretty good decision :)
May 31, 2022
I don't know why I liked this book so much more the second. Maybe I was more sympathetic? Or maybe I picked up on the emotional nuances more. Either way, I appreciate the growth and determination so much more this time around.
Notes in updates.
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Ugh. I don't even feel like reviewing this book. I don't even know what I didn't like about it. Everything was just bland. I didn't relate to the Veda. Not because she's Indian or because of her accident. I just don't feel like the author went that in-depth with the story. Honestly, I was just bored most the time. We get it. She wanted to dance. She wanted her leg back. We know. But I felt like every chapter was a repeat of the previous one. And I am a romance person. I ship everybody. But I just didn't care about Veda and Govinda. They did nothing for me. Overall, a waste of time.
Notes in updates.
-------------------
Ugh. I don't even feel like reviewing this book. I don't even know what I didn't like about it. Everything was just bland. I didn't relate to the Veda. Not because she's Indian or because of her accident. I just don't feel like the author went that in-depth with the story. Honestly, I was just bored most the time. We get it. She wanted to dance. She wanted her leg back. We know. But I felt like every chapter was a repeat of the previous one. And I am a romance person. I ship everybody. But I just didn't care about Veda and Govinda. They did nothing for me. Overall, a waste of time.
October 24, 2021
This novel in verse was even better as an audiobook (I read parts of both formats). There's no way that my own inner reading voice could have captured the onomatopoeic sounds that the dancers use in class and in their minds, and the Indian accent along with the poetry is beautiful music.
I have this in both the high school and middle school libraries, and that is perfect because this novel works for both audiences. Readers are immersed in Hindu culture along with traditional dance practices and will learn as much as relate to Veda's experiences and feelings. My comprehension was enhanced by a morning spent watching videos of traditional Indian dancers. An inspiring book and highly recommended.
I have this in both the high school and middle school libraries, and that is perfect because this novel works for both audiences. Readers are immersed in Hindu culture along with traditional dance practices and will learn as much as relate to Veda's experiences and feelings. My comprehension was enhanced by a morning spent watching videos of traditional Indian dancers. An inspiring book and highly recommended.
December 26, 2014
Sweet story
Told in free verse
A girl, a boy. Tragedy and joy.
A few moments where the words dance
But
I miss the rhythm and structure of classic poetry
Told in free verse
A girl, a boy. Tragedy and joy.
A few moments where the words dance
But
I miss the rhythm and structure of classic poetry
June 1, 2023
Veda's tale is awe-inspiring. The world of folk dance is truly to be mesmerized with.
June 27, 2018
So lovely
Read
February 8, 2019Every book I read leaves me with some kind of impression. I frequently read novels that leave me bubbly with enjoyment or make my mind race as I analyze every praise-worthy aspect, but it is rarer for me to finish a book and feel struck with a sense of utter beauty. Going beyond gorgeous prose, the novels that make me feel this way tell tales with rich settings and vivid emotions. A Time to Dance is one of these books, and every aspect shines, from its backdrop to its story to its writing.
One of this novel’s major sources of beauty is its location. Set in Chennai, India, A Time to Dance made me a vividly picture its vibrant setting even though I have never been there myself. While reading this book may not immerse readers in culture the way a trip to the Asian nation would, it provides the next best experience. As I read, I could practically see the city and taste the food, and as a US-based reader, I emerged with a better understanding of contemporary India’s society.
Even more breathtaking than the setting is this book’s subtle spiritual quality. Venkatraman does not try to convert readers to any religion, but she weaves spirituality into Veda’s journey to recovery, making it an integral and fascinating part of the character. The protagonist’s loss of her limb takes away the thing that matters most to her—competitive dance—but in doing so, it makes her ponder what is truly important. Watching Veda decide what her Hinduism means to her and discover that dance can be spiritual rather than cutthroat can only be described as magical.
Venkatraman accompanies her intricate dance of a plot with rhythmic writing that flows as mellifluously as music, perfectly accompanying the story’s subject matter. I know that novels in verse do not appeal to some readers, but because this book’s poetic writing fits the dance-centric story so well, I recommend it to verse-lovers as well as readers who are wary of the writing style. The beat created by the broken lines makes the words feel like effortless footwork, pulling readers into the story more effectively than a normal narrative could have.
As much as I have tried to capture and describe this book’s pure beauty, I have not even come close to doing it justice. All I can say is this: readers who like cultural stories, lyrical verse, or tales about people gaining strength from tragedies have to read this book. I loved A Time to Dance, and I can nearly guarantee that anyone who appreciates the above elements will love it too.
This review originally appeared at www.litup-review.com.
One of this novel’s major sources of beauty is its location. Set in Chennai, India, A Time to Dance made me a vividly picture its vibrant setting even though I have never been there myself. While reading this book may not immerse readers in culture the way a trip to the Asian nation would, it provides the next best experience. As I read, I could practically see the city and taste the food, and as a US-based reader, I emerged with a better understanding of contemporary India’s society.
Even more breathtaking than the setting is this book’s subtle spiritual quality. Venkatraman does not try to convert readers to any religion, but she weaves spirituality into Veda’s journey to recovery, making it an integral and fascinating part of the character. The protagonist’s loss of her limb takes away the thing that matters most to her—competitive dance—but in doing so, it makes her ponder what is truly important. Watching Veda decide what her Hinduism means to her and discover that dance can be spiritual rather than cutthroat can only be described as magical.
Venkatraman accompanies her intricate dance of a plot with rhythmic writing that flows as mellifluously as music, perfectly accompanying the story’s subject matter. I know that novels in verse do not appeal to some readers, but because this book’s poetic writing fits the dance-centric story so well, I recommend it to verse-lovers as well as readers who are wary of the writing style. The beat created by the broken lines makes the words feel like effortless footwork, pulling readers into the story more effectively than a normal narrative could have.
As much as I have tried to capture and describe this book’s pure beauty, I have not even come close to doing it justice. All I can say is this: readers who like cultural stories, lyrical verse, or tales about people gaining strength from tragedies have to read this book. I loved A Time to Dance, and I can nearly guarantee that anyone who appreciates the above elements will love it too.
This review originally appeared at www.litup-review.com.
March 21, 2014
Despite her mother's disapproval, Veda lives to dance. She shares in an apartment with her parents and her grandmother. Gram was widowed early and at a time when Indian women had a hard time working, she went back to school and became a teacher. Veda's parents bucked tradition, too. Her mother came from a wealthy family, but was disowned when she married someone from a different caste. Dad is a librarian, Mom works in a bank. They aren't rich, but are happy, even though Mom struggles with Veda's love of dance, because she wants her to have a career as an engineer or something similar.
Veda's riding home after winning a dance competition when a truck hits their van, killing the driver and crushing one of her legs below the knee so badly it has to be amputated. At first, Veda is devastated, unable to imagine life without dance. Two things happen that set her on a new and ultimately exciting path. Her grandmother tells her about Akka, a woman who was an amazing dancer, specializing in the same kind of dance as Veda was doing before the accident, but who focused on the spiritual aspect. The second is the interest an American man takes in working with Veda to create an artificial limb that will be custom designed so she will be able to dance again.
Her road back is anything, but easy. Veda has a crush on Jim, the American, and must deal with feelings of anger and embarrassment when she realizes her mistake. She is accepted by Akka, but has to start by dancing with little kids while she regains balance and flexibility. Her chagrin is tempered by the interest and spirituality of Govinda, the boy who is about her age and teaches her class.
As the story moves to its conclusion, Veda must come to grips with a completely new way of dancing, how to look at her world and those in it through fresh eyes, the loss of a loved one and the difficulty of waiting for someone she cares about a lot, working through his own fears and need to be strong in the face of other's expectations.
This is a wonderful book for younger teens. Those interested in other cultures, spirituality and dealing with loss and having to make a major life change will certainly like this book. It's an excellent choice for both school and public libraries.
Veda's riding home after winning a dance competition when a truck hits their van, killing the driver and crushing one of her legs below the knee so badly it has to be amputated. At first, Veda is devastated, unable to imagine life without dance. Two things happen that set her on a new and ultimately exciting path. Her grandmother tells her about Akka, a woman who was an amazing dancer, specializing in the same kind of dance as Veda was doing before the accident, but who focused on the spiritual aspect. The second is the interest an American man takes in working with Veda to create an artificial limb that will be custom designed so she will be able to dance again.
Her road back is anything, but easy. Veda has a crush on Jim, the American, and must deal with feelings of anger and embarrassment when she realizes her mistake. She is accepted by Akka, but has to start by dancing with little kids while she regains balance and flexibility. Her chagrin is tempered by the interest and spirituality of Govinda, the boy who is about her age and teaches her class.
As the story moves to its conclusion, Veda must come to grips with a completely new way of dancing, how to look at her world and those in it through fresh eyes, the loss of a loved one and the difficulty of waiting for someone she cares about a lot, working through his own fears and need to be strong in the face of other's expectations.
This is a wonderful book for younger teens. Those interested in other cultures, spirituality and dealing with loss and having to make a major life change will certainly like this book. It's an excellent choice for both school and public libraries.
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