I must admit it was the cover that initially drew me in and made me pick this book. However, after reading the book I can say that it is not just the cover that makes this book stand out. Brave Enough is a heartbreaking story of Cason - an extremely talented prima ballerina with a great future ahead of her, who is suddenly diagnosed with cancer. The story is focused primarily on Cason and a boy called Davis who is a former drug addict and a cancer survivor.

I think what is remarkable about this book is the fact that it was written based on the author's own experience with cancer which made the story more authentic and real for me. What I also like about this book is the raw emotions and strength of the main characters - Cason overcoming the tragedy of the loss of her leg and Davis fighting his drug addiction.

The reason I'm giving it only 3 stars, despite loving the storyline, is because the writing style felt a bit rushed in some places, it was too much dialogue driven with little background story. The characters were also lacking in depth for me, I would welcome some more detail to get to know them better.

Overall, a very positive review, this is a great YA debut novel that I would recommend, especially to younger readers.

***The copy of the book was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***

So I have to start by saying I am obsessed with the cover of this book. It drew me in right away and made me want to immediately start reading! The cover did not disappoint. When you hear its a book about teenagers with cancer, it's easy to assume it will be a two teens who have cancer, fall in love, they struggle through chemo together, and either one or both dies in the end. This book was very different from the norms.

I loved that each character had their own struggle. I loved that struggled together, and at certain times they struggled on their own. It felt like a much more realistic story as you felt their pain, loss, disappointments, gains, and happiness. I am a sucker for books involving ballet (not sure why, I don't have a graceful bone in my body!) but I really enjoyed seeing Cason blossom through her difficulties.

It's easy to tell a story where the addict quits and never touches drugs again, never thinks about it, is just done completely the second they decide to be sober. It's easy to tell a story where the ballerina who succumbs to cancer in her leg falls into a depressive mess. I loved the author's take on leading these characters through their individual issues and letting their emotions feel realistic instead of picture perfect.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

A promising ballerina has to put her dreams on hold due to a diagnosis of bone cancer.

Davis, a cancer survivor almost loses his new license on life due to a drug addiction.

This story is when their paths cross.

This book was great- a story about cancer, drug addiction and of course, love. It was a relatively "feel good" young adult novel that was cute and quick. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book as an ARC.

Brave Enough tells the story of Cason and Davis. Cason is the youngest ballerina in the Atlanta Ballet Conservatory, and was hiding her injury while doing an audition. But after her audition, everything changed… Davis is a cancer survivor, but his drug addiction almost killed him. But his addiction is still taking its toll.

Brave Enough was such a beautiful book about friendship, love, cancer and addictions. I don’t always know whether I’m going to like or hate a book about cancer because my grandma died because of cancer. However, Brave Enough was such an inspiring book and I couldn’t stop reading!

I really wanted to read this book because I’ve always been fascinated by ballet, probably that fascinated because my parents didn’t let me do ballet because of my mum’s physical illnesses she got because of ballet. The doctors thought I was going to inherit them if I would start practising myself. I’ve always been sad about that because I think that ballet is so beautiful (but, of course, also hard work!). Too bad that this book wasn’t really about ballet that much but more about cancer.

The story itself was really good, I kept on reading because I wanted to know how it was going to end. To be honest, the end was a bit abrupt. I expected more chapters than the story had. The characters were also really enjoyable. I really liked Cason and Davis, they’re so cute together and they don’t want to give each other more pain.

I really liked Brave Enough and I cannot wait to discover more books written by Kati Gardner!

Really great book that I absolutely adore. Had a great message and characters that just made you smile sometimes. Development of the story was also good.

The Cover:

Let's go ahead and state the obvious here, the cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous. It's what drew me to the book in the first place. It's simple but also exquisite and that's what I love about it.

The Characters:

From the beginning, I felt like the characters in the story were written as older than they actually are but I guess a lot of growing up happens when you're diagnosed with cancer. They are meant to be high school students but sometimes I felt as if they carried themselves as someone who might be in their early years of college, especially when one main character is recovering from a narcotic addiction. I felt as if Davis's ex girlfriend, Alexis, was way too over dramatic in her scenes during the beginning and that distracted me from the point of the story, but I soon got used to it. Other side characters, such as Davis's friends and the professionals taking care of Cason, were really well written and likeable. I was able to relate to just about every character in this book at one time or another. I love that there is a small bit of romance in this novel and feel like it would have just been a very sad story if this aspect was not present. The relationship between Cason and Davis was very well written and felt very realistic in terms of how things would have played out between a girl with cancer and a recovering addict.

The Writing:

The descriptions throughout this book are extremely detailed and really allowed the reader to empathize with Cason and Davis in their journey. They made everything feel real. Sometimes the chapters felt very short and usually ended quite abruptly and left me feeling like I needed more from a particular scene. Occasionally, there were gaps between chapters where weeks had passed and that made the story feel like there were holes in the plot and made me wonder what happened during that time and how the characters's relationships with each other evolved.

The Plot:

The actual plot in this book is very subtle and not clear at times. I kept waiting for a clear plot line to be established or for something big to happen to define the plot but unfortunately that never happened. I didn't understand what the plot was until I was about 75% into the book. I wish the plot was more interesting and delved deeper into the possible struggles Cason faced. This story is very much driven by the characters and learning about their struggles and how they are learning to deal with them. If you like books that are plot heavy then this isn't the book for you. The plot revolves around Cason trying to grasp the fact that she may never dance again due to her cancer and the new circumstances she is forced to live with. The plot also ties in Davis and his continued recovery from his narcotic addiction and how he's constantly fighting everyday to stay sober.
Overall, this is a well written first novel from Kati Gardner. Although it may not be everyone's cup of tea, I do recommend this book to anyone who enjoys character driven stories especially when they deal with cancer and/or recovering drug addictions.

The Quick Cut: A ballerina's life is shattered when she's given the devastating news of her diagnosis with bone cancer. In the process of treatment, she becomes increadibly close to a guy volunteering at the clinic she receives chemo at - a boy who was cured of his cancer a year ago. As their lives get complicated, they lean on each other for help.

A Real Review:
Thank you to Flux for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I would like to preface this review with the fact that I have never had cancer, so I cannot say i have any clue what its like. I've watched an aunt die of brain cancer, family friends, but that's the closest its touched my life. So when this book came across my desk, I was intrigued by the premise knowing that the subject would touch many lives along with having the opportunity to better see what its like being in a cancer kid's shoes.

Cason was born to be a ballerina. With a mother as her artistic director and her natural talent, there is nothing that can stop her from reaching her dreams of working for the American Ballet Theater. However, when a pain in her left leg turns into something far more serious - a hidden strain suddenly becomes bone cancer and her life becomes changed forever. All her ballet dreams are permanently ripped away as all those skills that made her better than anyone are taken from her body piece by piece. Even her own mom Natalie is in total denial of the truth in the beginning, refusing to admit just how sick her daughter truly is.

Davis survived cancer, but he barely survived the aftermath. Becoming a drug addict in the aftermath - he struggles everyday to keep clean and repair the life he's let fall apart. This is made even harder by the ex-girlfriend who continues to harass him for her next high that he got her hooked on and the dealer that continues to attempt to get him addicted once again. Everything is a balancing act that seems to be a struggle well known until he meets a new cancer patient named Cason.

Cason and Davis from the outside don't make sense, but once you're a cancer patient things change. Although everyone wants to see you as special, the book makes a point of stating you're really nothing more than fighting for your next day of living. These two fighting for their next day learn to fight together and depend on each other as their separate, fragile worlds fall apart and they cannot handle it on their own. Cason learns to let others in when she has been so used to only living in her ballerina world while Davis finally sees that he isn't the one to blame for every terrible thing and through action, learns to move forward.

Although the thing that brings these characters together is cancer, the story is about so much more than that. It is about how they adapt to their changing situations and learn to dream after what they used to live for is gone. When the world sees you as a diagnosis, how you do see yourself as anything but that? They may be talking about cancer survivors and the scars they carry for their lives, but this is a life lesson that can be applied to many areas beyond it. My only minor complaint is the ending - although its pretty, its not very satisfying to me. I was hoping for something a little more poignant and lasting. This felt more like the end of a chapter than the end of the book.

FYI - The author lets you know at the end of the book in a note that her story is very much our heroine's story Cason's. She also had the same bone cancer as a kind and just like Cason - she grew close to a boy and ended up at a cancer camp that saved her life. This book was touching on its own but reading that note and knowing just how personal this story is to her? It adds another layer to the tale that hits you right in the heart. She also adds links and organizations for childhood cancer if you want to know more or would like to help. Its a phenomenal touch which provides resources for anyone looking for a lifeline in the same shoes she was once in or for anyone looking to donate to the cause.

A book about two kids learning to embrace life as it changes drastically around them, this story will leave you smiling and wishing there was more in a hopeful tale about cancer.

Wow. I just finished this book a few minutes ago, and I'm sitting here in a puddle of tears! I was so incredibly moved by this powerful tale of two young people, Cason and Davis, who are trying to put themselves back together after life-changing events--cancer and drug addiction. The heart of this book is truly the journey the characters go on, the struggles they endure, and their fight for survival. I was blown away by this raw and realistic look at how we all get dealt bad hands in life, and we all have to decide if we're going to be brave enough to keep on fighting. I think a lot of teens will really relate to this book and I whole-heartedly recommend it! A gorgeous debut by Gardner!

I was very happy to read this book, which has many qualities of authenticity.

Indeed the author has chosen a subject that matters a lot to her, as she’s directly concerned. She explains, in the end of the book, that she had the same cancer as her heroine as a child, and have lost her left leg as a result. The story and its characters are the product of her imagination, but all the facts, the details, the emotions are quite true.

I’ve got ambivalent thoughts about the actuel tendency of presenting more and more teenagers with various illnesses in YA books. In a way it’s really great, giving information to readers, encouraging them to understand, to be tolerant, to show that a person is a person no matter what, and never their illness. But on the other hand I’m always suspicious. Some authors, even motivated with the best intentions, even concerned by the difference, sometimes instrumentalise it, using the dramatics of an illness or neurological difference to create high emotions. I’m not sure it’s a bad thing, especially if the result is wholesome for the readers, but I can’t feeling the process sometimes a little dishonest… In « Brave enough », I was quite happy, all was perfect in my point of view.

I was very happy to read this book, which has many qualities of authenticity.

Indeed the author has chosen a subject that matters a lot to her, as she’s directly concerned. She explains, in the end of the book, that she had the same cancer as her heroine as a child, and have lost her left leg as a result. The story and its characters are the product of her imagination, but all the facts, the details, the emotions are quite true.

I’ve got ambivalent thoughts about the actuel tendency of presenting more and more teenagers with various illnesses in YA books. In a way it’s really great, giving information to readers, encouraging them to understand, to be tolerant, to show that a person is a person no matter what, and never their illness. But on the other hand I’m always suspicious. Some authors, even motivated with the best intentions, even concerned by the difference, sometimes instrumentalise it, using the dramatics of an illness or neurological difference to create high emotions. I’m not sure it’s a bad thing, especially if the result is wholesome for the readers, but I can’t feeling the process sometimes a little dishonest… In « Brave enough », I was quite happy, all was perfect in my point of view.

I read this book very easily, it was a good story, with strong message about illness, family and drugs. I applaud the author to have managed to write a very positive story without letting the reader forgot about the realities of cancer and addiction. Some children and some teenagers die of cancer, even with good treatments. Some people aren’t able to overcome their addiction, even with the best help. And still, hope is bright, as so many courageous people – patients, their families, doctors, hospital workers, volunteers – do their best, always.

Withstanding the gravity of the themes, the story was pleasant, with good characters, and the two stories intertwined of a teenage girl, a professional dancer, and a teenage boy, who was a « cancer kid » and is now cured but had also been using drugs. Their psychological evolution is a little bit rushed but sound and optimist, with a positive ending, which is a beautiful message!

Horrible, insufferable characters that quite frankly I hated from the get-go and my opinion didn't change. Sadly yet another instance where the book cover art gained 5 stars and the book did not. Very disappointing

Okay, so I may have accepted this book at first because the authors name is spelt the same as mine and that alone is a rare thing. But also because I read a few reviews and descriptions of this book and all came back as amazing! Then I got the book and by goodness this book is fantastic. I could not stop reading it. The characters are fantastic. I connected very well with Cason. Although yes I do kind of hate her name. This book is absolutely amazing and I loved it. Seriously I recommend picking it up and giving it a chance even if your heart may break a little.

I'll be honest, when I first read the description of this one, I was afraid it was just another version of The Fault in our Stars... I was happily surprised that it was not. This wasn't just another teen romance (although there was some romance - and I was definitely rooting for Cason and Davis!!!). This is a story about perseverance and redemption. The story is told through the perspective of Cason, who has just been diagnosed with cancer and had her life turned upside down, and Davis, who is struggling with his sobriety & also a cancer survivor. The emotions felt very raw and real - I've never been through either situation personally, but I felt like I understood exactly how each character felt. I attribute this to the author's note at the end - the author never read a story about a girl who survived cancer, so she wrote one. It was a beautiful story that really inspired me to be brave.

Thank you to Kati Gardner, the publisher, Flux, and NetGalley for providing me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC to review.*

"I want to be brave."

This story is one you don't often hear - the story of a girl who had cancer and lived. The story of a girl who suffered unfairly, lost things that were important to her, because of cancer. This story details the anguish of losing your dream, the struggle to accept what you can't change, the need to exercise your passion and the fear that you might never be able to. It is also the story of a boy who struggled with drugs, who took everything from himself willingly.

It's so easy to give away your life. It isn't easy to take it back.

Brave Enough is a quick but emotional read, and the story is strong. The dialogue is great, but something about the narration just irked me. The writing feels like a report rather than a narrative, and the sentences seem kind of clumsy. However, this is an ARC, so it might be polished up before publication. The romance is slight and definitely not steamy at all - it's real-life and sweet.

Overall, this is a great story and I'd recommend it to anyone, especially for kids who struggle with identity after being diagnosed with a life-changing disease or similar scenario.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Flux for hooking me up with this beautifully depressing ARC.
This is a two POV story told through the alternating eyes of Cason and Davis.
They are both dealing with extreme hardships in life and find comfort in a new friendship with each other.
The bulk of the story if magnificently honest and painful and yet so lovely.
I wish there were more, I wanted more with the two of them. I wanted to know what was next for them and see them out in the world.
Unfortunately it would be near impossible to tell you what I liked about this book without giving away too much. so I will just say....
The author deals with some difficult subjects with honesty, tact and grace.

Brave Enough

Brave Enough by Kati Gardner

Published by Flux

August 21 2018

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dance is Cason's life; she eats, sleeps and breathes it. So naturally she ignores pain and pushes past it. It's part of what makes her great. Until it's what changes her life. Davis can relate to life altering circumstances. He beat cancer but his drug addiction almost beat him. Cason doesn't just walk into Davis' life, she barrels head first and at a time when they both need a friend the most. Can these two beat the odds and be just brave enough to overcome their personal and collective battles?

I generally, as a rule of thumb, steer away from anything where the "c word" is involved. Cancer is a pure evil that took my dad from me just after his 50th birthday. The wounds are still fresh, tearing away at me at unexpected moments. However, I felt ready to tackle Brave Enough. I mean, just take a look at that cover!
I took today to sit with my pain, unsure of the effect this book may have on me. Kati Gardner created a beautiful story of pain, unknowing and fear coupled with love, longing and bravery. While I didn't quite "connect" with the characters - the note the author left at the end of the book should be taken into account. "When I was a teenager and reading every book I could get my hands on, I was desperate for a girl that looked like me. For a girl who had cancer and lived. And it was really hard to come by. So, I wrote one." After reading that, I believe this book could indeed help the person who needs it most.


If you're looking for a book with inspiration to change your circumstance or in need of a bit of hope, pick up Brave Enough. It may be just the book to uplift you.



I received a copy of Brave Enough from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I received this book for free from Netgalley and publisher/author in exchange for a honest review.

This book is about 2 young people that come together and find the strength the help each and learn to depend on one another.

This story is gripping and found it to really hit home. There are young people in life that suffer and are forced to do things they don't want to do but being young, they have to conform to those around them. True friendship is something everyone needs and they journey they go through is a story worth telling.

This author did amazing job on this book. I would highly recommend reading this book.

Thank you so much Netgalley for the ARC of Brave. This was beautifully written and heartbreaking all at the same time. Aspiring dancer Cason Martin is diagnosed with cancer and her dreams of being a professional dancer are destroyed.
It’s a coping story and a different side of cancer than what I am used to reading. Instead of focusing on the treatments , it’s focused on the emotional toll. The denial, the grief, the feeling of helplessness. But it also talks about the hope, the friendships, the relationships that are formed and even healed.
Fantastic read!

I read this book recently. and have been mulling it over in my mind trying to sort out my feelings for it like I normally do after a read, and this one has stuck with me in both good ways and bad.

I was provided this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Katie Gardner is a cancer survivor herself, and you can really see that through this book. One of my favorite lines in in the very beginning in Cason's point of view

“Until that moment she hadn’t really believed kids got cancer. She’d always thought it was a plot device.”

I can totally understand why, which makes me really sad for all of the kids and teens out there looking for representation of themselves in literature and they see their illness used as a plot device. Anyway, on to my thoughts!

Davis and Cason where very real characters to me, in that they were both imperfect on a human level. Davis is a recovering cancer survivor and addict, and Cason is coming to terms with her diagnosis and the fact that she can no longer do what she love to do: ballet.

The downside of this story is the insta-love like romance that happened between the two protagonists. I wanted there to be more build up for the budding romance, but it just sort of fell flat for me. Cason's love for dance also seemed to overshadow much of her personality, and that was really sad because I wanted to know so much more about her. I also feel like there was so much more telling instead of showing that every time I got immersed into the story, I was thrown out of it and couldn't connect with the two main characters.

All in all, it did have it's redeeming qualities, but for me it was just an okay read.

I am grateful to NetGalley for allowing me to have an advanced reader copy of this book. Kati Gardner's Brave Enough is different than anything I have read before. Brave Enough starts with Cason, a young, inspiring dancer whose knee injury turns out to be cancer. The novel tackles her treatment, struggles (both physically and emotionally), and what is means to come out the other side of an excruciating struggle.

Enter Davis, a broken, recovering drug addict. His less than perfect character makes you want to root for him and see him succeed. His budding relationship with Cason is warmhearted. The weaving of Davis and Cason's stories (and switching between each character each chapter), made for a fast and enjoyable read.

As an educator, I enjoy YA novels that tackle real life struggles. Having experience in this cancer world myself and seeing students struggle with various medical obstacles over the years, I feel this novel will speak to many of my current and future students.

Overall, I enjoyed the plot and the realness of Kati Gardner's writing. Worth the read!

#BraveEnough #NetGalley

Thank you so much to Net Galley and Nirth Star Editins for an ARC of Brave Enough in return for my honest review.

I loved this book, the characters where realistic and likeable (mostly). The plot flowed really well and recolvedanround the main themes of Teenage Cancer, Drug addiction and relationships.
I devoured this book in a day, I could not put it down. It bought me smiles and many tears as I gunned for the characters to be brave and be their best. I highly recommend this wonderful story.

Thank you so much Kati Gardner for realising a gap in teen fiction and closing that gap with your wonderful words. I am sure you will be an inspiration to many and I hope this book gets recommended far amd wide. I will be recommending that my daughters school get copies .

I give this wonderful book 4 .5 stars.