"How it Feels to Fly" was a worthwhile read dealing with some serious teenage issues. Sam was an interesting character struggling with body image and anxiety, both of which were portrayed realistically. She hated herself for her failings and her inner voice constantly dragged her down. In this way the book reminded me of "Skinny" by Donna Cooner.

Overall, I liked all the characters at Perform at Your Peak camp, each one with their own strengths, but all struggling their inner demons and anxiety. Zoe, who started out as a bit of a pain in the neck, became one of my favourite characters with her quirky, no-nonsense attitude, and I loved how the group's dynamics changed from a bunch of strangers to a supportive, little family.

The only thing that spoilt the book for me was the 'romance'. It never felt right and I thought it was unnecessary. In fact, the only times I felt frustrated with Sam were when she was around (or dreaming of) Andrew.

Many teenagers will identify with one or more of the characters in this book. Even though the author hasn't attempted to offer all the answers or provide a quick-fix remedy for Sam's issues, she did finish "How it Feels to Fly" on a positive note showing the importance of living, and enjoying, the now rather than fixating on the past or future. ( )

Source: Harper Teen via Edelweiss
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.

I wanted to read this one because I am drawn to books about anxiety, body image as well as dancing. Sam is the main character, a ballerina who is at summer camp that claims to help with anxiety in elite teen athletes.

Sam has a hard time at camp since none of the others seem to want to make new friends and that just adds to her anxiety. She has an inner monologue going about how she is too curvy, that others are judging her, that she isn't good enough. I did like how they began to open up to each other, and gain the confidence to share what they are going through and help one another.

Andrew is older, one of the camp counselors and she feels a connection to him despite their slightly rocky meeting. The romance was there but as synopsis suggests it might not play out the best. It gives the appearance of forbidden love but I did like how it turned out, and it made a lot of sense to me. It was one-sided, and I think I can say this without being spoilery. I can see where she gets the idea as well as how Andrew is trying to be there and boost her confidence, but that he overstepped.

The counseling and strategies they used seemed to be very well thought out and realistic. I liked the main woman in charge, and how she draws them out and helps Sam even if using not so traditional seeming methods to get through to her.

Bottom Line: Emotional look at anxiety and working through it to do what you love. ( )