When It All Syncs Up by Maya Ameyaw (320 pages)
I really enjoyed this. I have a soft spot for books about black girls doing ballet. This one has such a simple, easygoing narrative voice.
I was invested in the tender yet tense platonic friendship between Neil and Aisha. Like, I could see they were close and not just told this. Honestly, Neil’s self-destructiveness and Aisha’s worsening mental health kept them in a tug-of-war with each other trying to see how much to divulge to the other.
The execution of disassociation was good to me. I haven’t read many stories that cover this but it explained what Aisha was going through in a way that was understandable to someone who had never heard of this. I can’t speak to the actual accuracy of the portrayal though.
In the background is subtle commentary on colorism, body image, racism, eating disorders, toxic masculinity, and abandonment issues. It is integrated so seamlessly into the story despite the heavy subjects. But the main focus is on mental health, especially as it relates to the dance world, and a sweet, gentle romance.
And it’s a breath of fresh air that the book acknowledges not every therapist will be a good fit; some will be downright patronizing. But it’s still worth it to find the right one.
Words with Destiny 