Review of Arabesque

[Esther Deekor]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Arabesque" by Cherie Magnus.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Cherie harbored the desire to become a professional dancer and actively sought audition opportunities at a young age. Despite her parents dealing with their own challenges, they supported her dance aspirations, with her mom chauffeuring her to auditions in her early years. Opting for dance as her major at UCLA, even though she wasn't enthusiastic about the modern dance curriculum, Cherie, an avid reader, chose this path. Her college experience took a new direction when she crossed paths with Paul, a graduate student majoring in engineering. While she had previous boyfriends in high school, her connection with Paul was exceptional.

Arabesque: Dancing on the Edge in Los Angeles, authored by Cherie Magnus, unfolds as a non-fictional narrative and memoir, offering a tumultuous journey through the author's life, encompassing dreams, passions, romantic experiences, decisions, childhood, and family dynamics. At times, it seemed surreal, resembling the romantic narratives typically found in movies and fantasy novels. The book was narrated from the first-person point of view and was meticulously crafted and structured, facilitating easy navigation through its pages. The narrative remains engaging throughout, characterized by vivid descriptions that evoke emotions and passion in the reader. I resonate with the author's perspective on music existing for dance, aligning with my own love for music. Despite not being a dancer, I feel compelled to dance when immersed in good music.

I found a strong connection with some of the author's experiences, especially when she described the frustration of repeatedly reading paragraphs in her physiology text amid constant arguments, a situation I empathize with. However, my only reservation about the book pertains to the untranslated words in languages other than English, such as French. Understanding the meanings of these words in context would have enhanced my reading experience. The book offered valuable lessons, notably from the author's moment of epiphany, witnessing Santa Monica Bay, Palos Verdes, and Malibu bathed in a heavenly light. It reminded me that amid our hectic pursuits, we often overlook the essence of life and fail to savor each moment, missing out on the limitless possibilities that unfold when we do.

Hence, I rate this book five out of five stars, notwithstanding the mentioned reservation, as it doesn't constitute a substantial reason for a deduction. While reading, I noticed a few errors, suggesting that the book underwent professional editing.

I suggest this book to enthusiasts of romantic fiction, non-fiction, and historical novels, as it will captivate them, and I eagerly anticipate additional works from the author.

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Arabesque
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[Clauson Justin]

I believe readers will find this book inspiring. The support of the author's mother shows just how far a person can go with the support of the right individuals. I would love to see how her meeting with Paul affects her life.

[Sunday N Florence]

The narrative is vivid and engaging, offering insights into Cherie's passion for dance, her romantic experiences, and her struggles with family dynamics. Despite some language barriers, the book resonates with readers through its relatable moments and valuable life lessons.

[Mark M Maxwell]

Cherie Magnus' "Arabesque: Dancing on the Edge in Los Angeles" offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of dance and personal growth. Cherie's pursuit of her passion for dance, coupled with her romantic experiences and family dynamics, promises an engaging and relatable memoir.

[Abel Timothy]

The book offered valuable lessons, notably from the author's moment of epiphany, witnessing Santa Monica Bay, Palos Verdes, and Malibu bathed in a heavenly light.