Thursday, March 7, 2013

Giveaway and Interview: Dancing in the Dark by Robyn Bavati


Dancing in the Dark by Robyn Bavati
He tossed her into the air as if she were weightless, and just for a moment she seemed suspended there, defying gravity. I couldn't take my eyes off her. I knew what she was feeling. It was in every movement of every limb.
Here was a power I had never seen before, a kind of haunting loveliness I had never imagined. Seeing it made me long for something, I didn't know what . . .
Ditty was born to dance, but she was also born Jewish. When her strictly religious parents won't let her take ballet lessons, Ditty starts to dance in secret. But for how long can she keep her two worlds apart? And at what cost?
A dramatic and moving story about a girl who follows her dream, and finds herself questioning everything she believes in.
Read my review HERE
Publishes in US: Feb 8th 2013
Genre: contemporary
Source: Flux via Netgalley





--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.
A girl starts to dance in secret when her strictly religious parents forbid her to take ballet.

--How did you get the idea for the story?
As a girl, I loved ballet, but for religious reasons wasn’t allowed to take it seriously. Years later, I asked myself whether it would be possible for a girl raised in an orthodox Jewish home to become a ballerina, and if so, under what circumstances. The story is my answer.

-Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?
I’d love to have dinner with Linda because she’d make me laugh. I’d hope never to have dinner with Yitzchok.

--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?
Pirouette, which will be out in November. It’s another ‘dance’ book but it’s not a sequel. It’s about identical twins, separated at birth and adopted out to different families; they meet years later at a dance school. It’s a fast-paced read with drama, fun, and a touch of romance.

--What book(s) is your book’s “cousin”? (Similar kind of read, set-up or style)
Hmm! Interesting question! Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta. It has nothing to do with dance, but it’s similar in its exploration of culture clash, and the fact that it’s narrated by a seventeen-year-old, female protagonist.

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?
I never have as much time to read as I’d like, and my taste is eclectic. I like contemporary fiction, historical fiction, dystopian fiction, and some non-fiction. I like the occasional romance novel, and generally enjoy family dramas.

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)
I need to concentrate while I write, so what I really need is silence and solitude.

--What is one thing you would tell your 15 year old self?
Believe in yourself and follow your dreams.

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?
You are full of potential. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Persevere, and you will achieve your goals. Also know that you are wonderful, just as you are.



-hard copy, open to US only
-Fill out Rafflecopter to enter
-Ends on 3/28/2013 11:59 pm EST
-If you win a review on your blog and/or amazon is appreciated but not required.

*If, for whatever reason, the Rafflecopter widget does not appear, you can click on the link and it will show up, sorry for the inconvenience.)
a Rafflecopter giveaway


16 comments:

  1. Sounds really interesting! If I was really passionate about something I would probably sneak and do it too! In fact I did that in high school a lot but my passion was partying LOL I love books about dance. I only took lesson when I was really little but it's something I still enjoy. Nice interview!

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  2. Pirouette sounds really interesting-I love dance books and am excited to read more of Bavati's writing.

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  3. Great interview and what lovely advice for any young person.

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  4. Great interview. This was a really good book too.

    Jenea @ Books Live Forever

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  5. Great interview!

    No, that's not really all. I think it's interesting that she lists Looking for Alibrandi as the book's cousin - the only Marchetta contemp book that I haven't read. But from what I know about it, I can see the similarity in themes.

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  6. I like your attitude and will be checking out your stories

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  7. From the little blurb I read by the author, it sounds like this book is a more classical version of 'Footloose.' The town I live in actually forbade dancing until about eight years ago... ridiculous.

    mestith at gmail dot com

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  8. I have always been a horrible dancer, but the grace of the art fascinates me. Plus, I love hearing about someone overcoming cultural or religious views and doing what they love. The question about which book is this one's cousin was an excellent question! Great interview, Brandi :D Jaclyn @ JC's Book Haven

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  9. I have to say that the angle the girl is at on the book turned me off from wanting to read this one. She looks like she's broken to me. I thought this was a murder mystery. That'll teach me to read the book description, won't it! I love the describe your book in a Tweet. I'd never be able to do that. If I ever get published and you interview me, I'm just letting you know, I'll need at least two tweets.

    Heather

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    1. LOL, I will keep that in mind Heather.
      Funny about the angle, I didn't think about it that way.

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  10. I had never heard of this book until now and I am so surprised and happy to find out that Robyn is an Aussie (the reference to Alibrandi is what made me wonder!)

    I have just ordered myself a copy!

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    1. Yep, I have found some great Aussie writers lately

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  11. Ah, I love the art of ballet. It is so beautiful and graceful to watch, but is in fact such a difficult art that is so hard on the body. I love books/movies and even TV shows like Breaking Pointe, which I am so excited it is returning this summer to CW about ballet because I like to know more about the dancers themselves and their struggles. Thanks for the wonderful interview and giveway! Crossing my fingers I win this one!

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I would love to hear from you! (I always try to visit your blog back) I love links, so feel free to link to your blog or a post you like.
Sorry, but I am award and tag free zone, I do not have the time to return. Comments are reward enough :)