The Ring is the debut Young Adult novel by Bobbie Pyron, part time librarian for the Salt lake County library system. The main character Mardie is 15 and on a path to self destruction. She feels as if she is living in the shadow of her successful older brother and seeks attention in negative ways until she discovers boxing. This book is about how boxing saves her.
As the story begins, Mardie’s grades are slipping. She has the attention of one of the most popular guys in school and finding ways to party with him consumes most of her time.
Life is becoming a series of lies told to her father and stepmother. Lies that leave her stranded at parties, and grounded with lost cell phone privileges. Shoplifting is her new high but when she gets caught with $93 worth of merchandise the courts come down hard.
The punishment is 100 hours of community service and the loss of her parents trust. She is even expected to hang out at the gym while her step-mom works out. But that is when she stumbles across a girls’ boxing workout. Encouraged to join in by the instructor, Kitty, she’s hooked. Convincing her father that it’s a good idea is a bit difficult, but with the help of her stepmother, she succeeds.
The book did a good job explaining the misunderstood sport of women’s boxing. The characters were all well developed and the life lessons weaved into the coaching effortless. Author Pyron also catches the emotional turmoil of the average teen girl well.
The various storylines throughout the book ask the reader to accept each of the characters for who they are; whether it be female boxer, gay brother, or handicapped horseback rider.
The Ring is a quick read that might open up new possibilities for those looking for something out of the ordinary. There is quite a bit of language peppered throughout the book but all the “scenes” handled sensitively. Definitely not appropriate for younger readers.
Since being published, it has been nominated for the American Library Association’s Rainbow Project list and author Bobbie Pyron has written her second novel, A Dog’s Way Home.
GENRE: Realistic Fiction
Link here to read an excerpt!
Tags: Boxing, Homosexuality, Shoplifting, Sports Fiction, Young Adult
