Review: Almost poignant
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 08 22, 2013
I received a free copy from Dailylit.com.I give this book 3-3.5 stars because the protagonist, Dinah, brought many emotions out in me.  Sympathy, anger, sadness - I couldn't make up my mind whether i wanted to hug her or shake some sense into her!Dinah is a 14 year old shy girl from the midwest sent to New York City for the summer to attend ballet camp.  Rather than thriving in the city, Dinah sort of withdraws into her shell, in part because she doesn't make any real friends amongst her ballet class, but mostly due to the lack of attention from her own relative, her rich, gay Uncle Rick.  He let's her know she is "cramping his lifestyle" so that Dinah retreats into her bedroom to read and watch movies all day and night.Dinah is the sort of girl who clings.  It was very sad seeing her become attached to any person who showed her any kindness, only to see her hurt when she is ignored by that same person later.  At the same time, I wanted Dinah to step back and look at herself.  She doesn't seem to make the effort at conversation or getting to know other people.  While I admired her choice to avoid being pressured into drinking or doing drugs, I wished she'd realize her attitude could come across as prudish and judgmental.  Then again, as and adult am I being too harsh towards this young lady?  She doesn't have the years/experience to do any sort of self reflection.The story strives to sound poignant but falls short.  Dinah's adventures are awkward and uncomfortable to read.  However, her lack of reaction to the extreme situations she encounters, and the odd "adult" voice the author gives to Dinah really didn't make Dinah an endearing character.  Sympathetic, yes, maybe a bit pathetic, too.  I wish the best for a girl like Dinah, that she will find her niche in life, but I predict there will be many more years of awkwardness to come.