The Ring

I really liked Bobbie Pyron's THE RING. What I especially appreciated about Ms. Pyron's storytelling was her commitment to truth-telling. She pulled no punches when it comes to real struggles that teens are facing, both with their peers and as family members. Families are not perfect and the author does not shy away from it. Kudos to Ms. Pyron as well for touching on a sport that is not well-known for female participation-- I think it's cool that she raises awareness of amateur boxing for girls-- and the benefit that becoming physically strong can have on mental health, too. Highly recommended. A solid story with engaging characters. Beth Fehlbaum, author Courage in Patience: A Story of Hope for Those Who Have Endured Abuse

Originally posted at [...]. The image of a girl in a plain white tank top with a pair of tomato-red boxing gloves trimmed in satiny black-the simple title, The Ring, placed directly in the center of her chest. Simplistic yet somehow provocative; her arms are up, her chin is tucked to her chest, and though you can't see her eyes, you can perceive her readiness to take on the world. This was my first impression upon opening Bobbie Pyron's inspiring and unforgettable coming of age story The Ring, and I'm delighted to report that much like the image that engaged my attention, I couldn't put this fantastic tale of teen angst, love, forgiveness, acceptance, and learning to believe in yourself while getting comfortable in your own skin, down. The troubled young woman presented in the beginning of The Ring is not a pretty sight, and at times, you won't like our misunderstood heroine very much. Mardie isn't perfect by any stretch. She's selfish, she's rude, and she's hateful to those that love her most. But ultimately, that's what makes her so real. Because really, what teenager doesn't strike out at those closest to them in an effort to gain notice? Are Mardie's parents really so bad? No. But she truly believes that they are, to the extent that she continually lashes out and makes the entire family miserable. No one is safe from her rage. Not her idealistic father, her understanding step-mother, or her "perfect" brother who just so happens to have a weighty secret of his own. In her quest to eradicate the emptiness that is consuming her, Mardie attempts to drain away the happiness of those around her, even as the guilt of doing so devours her soul. The story isn't always easy to read, especially when Mardie is at her worst. But there is a beauty in the darkness of the material, and by the end of the first page, I was transfixed. By peeling off the taint that shrouds Mardie slowly, Ms. Pyron allows us to witness her gut-wrenching decline and consequent rebirth. The bitterness that blankets her is stripped away layer by layer, revealing an insecure girl who is desperate to be loved and praised. It is then that you learn Mardie's choice of company and thoughtless actions are fueled by her intense desire to belong. In her journey to self-discovery, Mardie introduces the reader to a dazzling and memorable cast of characters. You'll love Mardie, her parents, her brother, and the exceptional supporting cast that make The Ring so much more than your average uplifting tale. So many individual stories are entwined, and in a six-degree kind of way, come together perfectly at the story's conclusion. I can't reveal too much, but as I went into the story blind, I can honestly say I feel that is the best way to experience it. This is only the beginning of a bright and amazing future in author Bobbie Pryon's career. The Ring is a definite must read that no one should miss.

I enjoyed The Ring. It brought me back to the trails I fought with when I was young, confused and needed something to pull me back out of my shell. This book will help young people take a look inside the heads of the adults they find so hard to understand and help themselves find that they do have a place in this world. I highy recommend this novel as a great read for all ages.

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Ring". The author has a good understanding of and insight into a teenager's world. The main character Mardie is a likable girl, and you can't help rooting for things to go well for her. Character development is very strong, and at the end of the book you definitely want to know more about the characters and their lives. I'd gladly buy a sequel!