A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatraman {REVIEW} - Tuma's Books

A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatraman {REVIEW}

Representation: Indian 🇮🇳, Disability ♿
In A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatraman, Veda is a talented dancer of traditional Bharatanatyam dance, the oldest style of Indian dance. However, when she is in an unfortunate bus accident and loses her right leg below the knee, she has to fight her way back to what she loves most - dance. 

Told in beautiful verse, I fell in love with Veda's strength and determination. She's both a typical teen yet pretty mature and strong-willed for her age. 

It was so endearing and heart warming watching Veda find her way back to dance in a different and more meaningful way.

Veda's different relationships throughout the story were also interesting and each teaches her something important about herself. 

Overall, I highly recommend this novel-in-verse if you love poetic language, dance, and want to be immersed in a traditional Indian dance style you likely know little-to-nothing about. 

*Look up "Bharatanatyam" videos on YouTube while you're at, it was so compelling to watch. 

CW: Slight depression 

Order your copy from Tuma's Books and support this small bookstore. 💕 Or borrow from your public library. 

Have a wonderful day!
~ Tuma 
Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

  • [REVIEW] Plantains and Our Becoming, Poems by Melania Luisa Marte (Afro-Latina/Dominican Rep) - Tuma's Books

    [REVIEW] Plantains and Our Becoming, Poems by M...

    One of Tuma's Books Diverse Reads picks for September, Plantains and Our Becoming is a wonderful poetry collection by fellow New Yorker Melania Luisa Marte. Perfect for Latiné/Hispanic Heritage Month,...

    [REVIEW] Plantains and Our Becoming, Poems by M...

    One of Tuma's Books Diverse Reads picks for September, Plantains and Our Becoming is a wonderful poetry collection by fellow New Yorker Melania Luisa Marte. Perfect for Latiné/Hispanic Heritage Month,...

  • International Day of Literacy! Literacy begins ...

    International Day of Literacy aims to promote literacy initiatives for the millions lacking in basic literacy skills. We share some tips for instilling love of books from the very beginning,...

    International Day of Literacy! Literacy begins ...

    International Day of Literacy aims to promote literacy initiatives for the millions lacking in basic literacy skills. We share some tips for instilling love of books from the very beginning,...

  • Diverse Books for First Day of School for K-12 - Tuma's Books

    Diverse Books for First Day of School for K-12

    Happy First Day of School to NYC Public Schools! 🥳  For everyone else who has been back at school for WEEKS, hope it's going AWESOME! Teachers, hope your admin is supporting...

    Diverse Books for First Day of School for K-12

    Happy First Day of School to NYC Public Schools! 🥳  For everyone else who has been back at school for WEEKS, hope it's going AWESOME! Teachers, hope your admin is supporting...

1 of 3