The Cranes Dance by Meg Howrey

     Two sisters, two dancers, two people living close to the same life, yet there are some unspoken truths dividing them. 

     Kate has always been a good dancer, and enjoys dancing with her sister. However, as they build and develop their skills, her sister, Gwen, has just a little bit more – more of all that makes her a better dancer, and a soloist, no less, at an early age.

     This success for Gwen is not something that seems to phase her; she adores her older sister, and believes that Kate really is the better dancer.  Yet, Gwen seems to have some demons that haunt her, and only Kate knows.  When Kate finally acknowledges the situation, and does something about it, their lives start to unravel, and Kate has to struggle with her own sense of guilt, remorse, jealousy, and the family dynamics she left long ago.  Kate faces these emotional burdens while taking on more serious dance roles – a physical demand that she forces her body to handle – and endless days practice, rehearsal, and performance.  Yet, is all this in the name of the love of dance or simply competition?

     Didn't love it. Liked it, especially based on the topics of dance, competition, and mental health.