Book Review: House of Dance by Beth Kephart

Title: House of Dance

Author: Beth Kephart

Published: May 2008

Source: The Library

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Rosie and her mother coexist in the same house as near strangers. Since Rosie's father abandoned them years ago, her mother has accomplished her own disappearing act, spending more time with her boss than with Rosie. Now faced with losing her grandfather too, Rosie begins to visit him every day, traveling across town to his house, where she helps him place the things that matter most to him "In Trust." As Rosie learns her grandfather's story, she discovers the role music and motion have played in it. But like colors, memories fade. When Rosie stumbles into the House of Dance, she finally finds a way to restore the source of her grandfather's greatest joy. 

Eloquently told, National Book Award finalist Beth Kephart's House of Dance is a powerful celebration of life and the people we love who make it worthwhile. 

House of Dance was a quick read with a lot of heart. Rosie's grandfather is dying, and it's up to her to take care of him, since her mother is practically out of the picture. Rosie learns a lot about her grandfather, and about herself as she takes care of him. I really liked Rosie's relationship with her grandfather, as well as the scenes set at his house. I felt that Rosie and her grandfather both grew a lot and that it was very sweet. 

Outside of Rosie and her grandfather, there really wasn't much character development at all. Actually, there really weren't any other main characters. I felt a bit disconnected from the actual story because of this, but I was very connected to Rosie. It was odd, and I would have liked to know a bit more about some of the characters.

I had been hoping that the House of Dance was going to have a bigger part in the story than it did, so I was a bit disappointed. I felt that the people there could have been explored a lot more, because even though they were physically different, I never really connected their personalities.

Overall, I thought that this book was very touching and sweet. I'll be checking out more by Beth Kephart!

Characters: 7/10
Writing: 9/10
Plot: 8/10
Originality: 9/10
Ending: 10/10
Overall: 43/50 B