WILL U READ’s Reviews > It's All or Nothing, Vale > Status Update

I feel her acknowledgment that competition is how Vale strives and moves in the world. She wonders if she isn’t worth it if she isn’t the best. She has been holding onto the sadness and when she dances and doesn’t think about “swords”. Things are looking up but she notices how her parents had dancing but they never did any thing else with it- perhaps for fun. She had fun but with the disability it was less.

Her heart needs mending… this scene with her dad is a moment that must be felt and honored as one of the best verses in the book for what is implied, said and what it means. It’s like it’s getting to the end of the story where things will definitely take a turn.

The indentation of the text being more important and subtle was when Vale is told by Amanda that sometimes adults don’t see the dreams we carry because we are so young. But adults have been worn by time and what I love about Andrea’s books are the MC’s friends can help with those deep, private and often intimate yet vulnerable parts. This book really highlights the importance of change that wasn’t asked.

So yeah, I love that Coach is giving her a role where she can teach because she is best of the best despite her injury. She realizes she isn’t disabled enough to do wheelchair fencing but this begs the question of where is the grass greener. It’s never greener just different circumstances. I made long notes that will be included and enmeshed in my review. Really focusing on how comparison and competition yikes

Val is struggling with ego,is trying to wrap around the idea of disability. She pushes her training and that does not cure her ever growing jealousy towards kind and friendly Cuban girl, Myrka. It is very funny to see her inner thoughts and how everyone misreads her intense nature around Myrka as a crush.IT IS not lol. Valentina researches her-insane perfectionism behavior.But when tries salsa-growing elation- w/ dad

Vale is struggling to realize that maybe fencing isn't all of her yet it is her true identity. The thrill of it, the difficulty has increased. Her brother Luis or short Manu urges her to do coloring to help herself self care. Vale's core values/mindset is focused- fencing. She also struggles to share her pain. I sincerely love how her actual friends Amanda and Manu decide to let her take her mind off of the tragedy.

Wow. This is such a fantastic novel that really delves deep on purpose especially in regards to performance and being authentically you, on living life as it is without attachments. It’s so fascinating. Myrka enjoys the fence without the sentiment of pride. Fun. Vale has a deep inner critic. The reader will experience psychology in such a cool way. This is making me reflect lol.

Myrka is genuinely the nicest, kindest, bubbly girl ever and Vale is just sharp, tough girl. Ambitious versus a relaxed girl aka Myrka. Myrka is so humbled and excited to be friends with Vale instead Vale sees everyone as competition because the aspect of sports regarding that. Myrka is having fun with no care on ideal expectations. Just living. The italics on the realization that Vale smiles at Merenguito (a cat)

I noticed that Vale is awfully dependent on fencing that she wants to do it so much but when has serious trouble with the withdrawal. I hear it’s good to have a healthy balance. She notices her brother Luis has plenty of hobbies that are varied. She’s frustrated and apathetic maybe? Vale is way too obsessed; with winning too even at a social ice cream with fellow fencers at the academy. Vale= try hard. Pains me!

Her mentality and beliefs are based on a version of her that doesn’t exist anymore. We change as people and sometimes the circumstances change and Vale is confused. Vale’s personality is fiery, energetic and fast YET her body is completely different from her ideal expectation. I love the bold lettering, the fencing movement on display. The way someone’s words spaced on the page HAVE magic!