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Ballet Trilogy #1
84 Ribbons: A Dancer's Journey
Seventeen year old Marta Selbryth realizes her dream of becoming a professional dancer when the Intermountain Ballet Company in Billings, Montana invites her to join their 1957 season. As Marta's new life unfolds, she must learn to face not only the successes of dancing in the corps de ballet, but the challenges and setbacks that might crush the dream she's had for so long.
After a couple of mishaps, Marta settles into life in a boarding house located near the ballet company. Her landlady, Mrs. B., is friendly, reduces her rent when Marta's offers to bake for the boarder and later allows her to use the basement as a practice studio. The two male boarders are supportive; Carol, a fellow boarder, ignores her.
Marta spends her free time practicing when she's not spending time with her new friends Lynne and Bartley,her fellow corps dancers. Their time together becomes an important lifeline through their first year.
Madame Cosper, the artistic director, is a demanding woman. Marta begins their association poorly when shemakes a disastrous choice. Expecting expulsion, Marta receives a second chance in the form of dancing the unpopular character roles during the fall and winter performances.Marta determines to dance every role with confidence in hopes of proving to Madame that she's up for every challenge.
Steve, a young college man and a reporter, spots Marta when he's assigned to write an article about ballet for the local paper. He's attracted to her and begins his pursuit.Over the months ahead, he becomes her tour guide of the area and attempts to convince Marta to be his girl. But her steadfast focus is ballet and some of her adventures with him lead to problems with Madame Cosper.
Shortly after Christmas, everything changes for Marta, Bartley and Steve. Significant events permanently influence their lives. Each must deal with exhilaration and heartbreak as well as frustration and changes that test their ability to cope.
After a couple of mishaps, Marta settles into life in a boarding house located near the ballet company. Her landlady, Mrs. B., is friendly, reduces her rent when Marta's offers to bake for the boarder and later allows her to use the basement as a practice studio. The two male boarders are supportive; Carol, a fellow boarder, ignores her.
Marta spends her free time practicing when she's not spending time with her new friends Lynne and Bartley,her fellow corps dancers. Their time together becomes an important lifeline through their first year.
Madame Cosper, the artistic director, is a demanding woman. Marta begins their association poorly when shemakes a disastrous choice. Expecting expulsion, Marta receives a second chance in the form of dancing the unpopular character roles during the fall and winter performances.Marta determines to dance every role with confidence in hopes of proving to Madame that she's up for every challenge.
Steve, a young college man and a reporter, spots Marta when he's assigned to write an article about ballet for the local paper. He's attracted to her and begins his pursuit.Over the months ahead, he becomes her tour guide of the area and attempts to convince Marta to be his girl. But her steadfast focus is ballet and some of her adventures with him lead to problems with Madame Cosper.
Shortly after Christmas, everything changes for Marta, Bartley and Steve. Significant events permanently influence their lives. Each must deal with exhilaration and heartbreak as well as frustration and changes that test their ability to cope.
345 pages, Paperback
First published December 17, 2013
11 people are currently reading
715 people want to read
About the author
Paddy Eger
20 books22 followersPaddy Eger loves to write. She focuses on writing YA novels about ballet as her first series in production.
Book 1 84 Ribbons is the award-winning debut book released in 2014.
Book 2 in the ballet trilogy, When the Music Stops , continues to follow Marta's journey into adulthood.She returns home to recover and decide her future as a dancer and an adult.
Book 3 Letters to Follow- A Dancer's Adventure, moves to explore the career of Marta's best friend, Lynne Meadows. Alone and lonely with Marta gone from Billings, Lynne becomes a thorn in the ballet company director's life. When an opportuity to dance in France arrives, Lynne jumps at i and staayas after but faces challenges she'd never expected she'd face.
Book 4 Act 4- The Continuing Friendship of Lynne and Marta, follows the young women as they step into adult lives. Will thy be able to continue dancing and being active in ballet? What obstacles as well as successes await? Read this final book in the series.
Paddy Eger loves books! She reads picture books to primary classrooms, enjoys YA books and finds the process of learning to read intriguing. "As a person who learned I was dyslexic when I started teaching, I'm proud that my teachers gave me coping skills when they didn't even know I needed them."
Paddy Eger loves writing materials for schools and homeschooolers alike. She's successfully written and sells numerous math games and activities for grades 2-8 and enjoys training classroom assistants.
Book 1 84 Ribbons is the award-winning debut book released in 2014.
Book 2 in the ballet trilogy, When the Music Stops , continues to follow Marta's journey into adulthood.She returns home to recover and decide her future as a dancer and an adult.
Book 3 Letters to Follow- A Dancer's Adventure, moves to explore the career of Marta's best friend, Lynne Meadows. Alone and lonely with Marta gone from Billings, Lynne becomes a thorn in the ballet company director's life. When an opportuity to dance in France arrives, Lynne jumps at i and staayas after but faces challenges she'd never expected she'd face.
Book 4 Act 4- The Continuing Friendship of Lynne and Marta, follows the young women as they step into adult lives. Will thy be able to continue dancing and being active in ballet? What obstacles as well as successes await? Read this final book in the series.
Paddy Eger loves books! She reads picture books to primary classrooms, enjoys YA books and finds the process of learning to read intriguing. "As a person who learned I was dyslexic when I started teaching, I'm proud that my teachers gave me coping skills when they didn't even know I needed them."
Paddy Eger loves writing materials for schools and homeschooolers alike. She's successfully written and sells numerous math games and activities for grades 2-8 and enjoys training classroom assistants.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 47 reviews
October 13, 2014
Seventeen year old Marta Selbryth accomplishes a lifelong goal when she is offered a position with a dance company. She leaves home and moves to Billings, Montana to pursue her dream. Once there, she must deal with the intense physical and emotional stress of a dance career while attempting to maintain a personal life as well.
Author Paddy Eger realistically portrays the daily life of a professional ballet dancer in this wonderful coming of age novel. The setting of 1950’s America adds to the appeal of the story. Challenges, setbacks and joys combine to make this a book that is hard to put down. Adults and young adults who are interested in dance would enjoy reading this novel.
Thank you to Net Galley and Tendril Press for providing me with the opportunity to read the advanced copy of 84 Ribbons.
Author Paddy Eger realistically portrays the daily life of a professional ballet dancer in this wonderful coming of age novel. The setting of 1950’s America adds to the appeal of the story. Challenges, setbacks and joys combine to make this a book that is hard to put down. Adults and young adults who are interested in dance would enjoy reading this novel.
Thank you to Net Galley and Tendril Press for providing me with the opportunity to read the advanced copy of 84 Ribbons.
October 5, 2021
It was a eye-opening book. When we look at a ballet performance , most of us seldom look at the dancers as people. We dont see the hardships they go through , the hard work they put in , their tears, sweat and stuff they give up to dance.
Marta is a 17 year old girl, mature for her age ,who just got into a ballet company in Billings. She moves there to pursue her career. We see her as she goes to her first practise in her new company, makes friends, gets a boyfriend and navigate life in a new place away from her mother.
Paddy Edgar opened up the backgate to the world of ballet. That world is brutal and unyielding. Paddy didnt shy away from showing us the ED and mental agony that ballet dancers under go..
On a brighter note, I loved all the characters - Lynne, Mrs.B, Steve.
Marta is a 17 year old girl, mature for her age ,who just got into a ballet company in Billings. She moves there to pursue her career. We see her as she goes to her first practise in her new company, makes friends, gets a boyfriend and navigate life in a new place away from her mother.
Paddy Edgar opened up the backgate to the world of ballet. That world is brutal and unyielding. Paddy didnt shy away from showing us the ED and mental agony that ballet dancers under go..
On a brighter note, I loved all the characters - Lynne, Mrs.B, Steve.
June 12, 2014
84 Ribbons is one of the best books I've read in a while. I love ballet and think it is beautiful so I thought this would be a light summer read. It wasn't but it was a really beautiful,heartbreaking story.
The book is set in the 50`s and Marta is a very dedicated and quite mature 17 year old perusing a ballet career. Her dream since a young girl. She is not your average teenager wanting to go to the mall. Her commitment and love for ballet is serious. She chases a dream and goes to extreme lengths pushing herself to her limit to get what she's been wanting forever. Keeping herself slim and purposely dieting to look like a true ballerina. Hitting some small bumps along the way and a few major ones, she still keeps her dream in sight. This is an inspirational, educational, beautiful story. It's also sad. It made me smile, laugh and almost cry a few times. It made me sigh from the beauty of the visions of her dancing but then had me huffing over her misfortune. Marta is a strong young woman. I was always keeping hope up for her.
I needed some time after reading this to sit back and think. Not because I didn't know how to rate it but because it made me really think beyond "that was good". I could see the whole thing unfold in front of me like a movie. Beware this is not a fairy tale with a happy ending but that's part of what makes it so real. It gives a backstage look into a dancers life and their outrageous expectations. Despite that it is sad and I felt bad for Marta, as I've grown to like her character, it was a coming of age type of book and the end kept me thinking. I see there are more books following this one that continues this story and one that focuses on Lynne, a friend she made at the Intermountain Ballet Company. You better believe I will be reading both of them as soon as they are available. I will continue to think about this story for a good while, it's just one of those books.
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest opinion.
The book is set in the 50`s and Marta is a very dedicated and quite mature 17 year old perusing a ballet career. Her dream since a young girl. She is not your average teenager wanting to go to the mall. Her commitment and love for ballet is serious. She chases a dream and goes to extreme lengths pushing herself to her limit to get what she's been wanting forever. Keeping herself slim and purposely dieting to look like a true ballerina. Hitting some small bumps along the way and a few major ones, she still keeps her dream in sight. This is an inspirational, educational, beautiful story. It's also sad. It made me smile, laugh and almost cry a few times. It made me sigh from the beauty of the visions of her dancing but then had me huffing over her misfortune. Marta is a strong young woman. I was always keeping hope up for her.
I needed some time after reading this to sit back and think. Not because I didn't know how to rate it but because it made me really think beyond "that was good". I could see the whole thing unfold in front of me like a movie. Beware this is not a fairy tale with a happy ending but that's part of what makes it so real. It gives a backstage look into a dancers life and their outrageous expectations. Despite that it is sad and I felt bad for Marta, as I've grown to like her character, it was a coming of age type of book and the end kept me thinking. I see there are more books following this one that continues this story and one that focuses on Lynne, a friend she made at the Intermountain Ballet Company. You better believe I will be reading both of them as soon as they are available. I will continue to think about this story for a good while, it's just one of those books.
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest opinion.
December 9, 2013
As the author,I'm excited to learn what readers think of Marta's story. She's a teenage dancer who realizes her life long dream: to dance professionally. Marta steps into the world of ballet and her first year of independence. She works to balance her career with a budding romance, and to deal with successes, mishaps, misunderstandings and injuries along the way.
Much has changed since the 1950s setting of the novel yet many life situations remain the same across the decades. Step back in time. Follow Marta's journey. Let me know what you think.
Thanks!
Much has changed since the 1950s setting of the novel yet many life situations remain the same across the decades. Step back in time. Follow Marta's journey. Let me know what you think.
Thanks!
November 13, 2014
I received this book free from NetGalley for an honest review. This does not influence my opinions or the review of the book.
84 Ribbons by Paddy Eger is a great contemporary read. It isn’t in my normal reading comfort zone but it sounded good so I decided to give it a try. I am glad that I did because I enjoyed it thoroughly. The author paints a vivid behind the scenes picture of the ballet world. I loved the cast of players and the plotline of the story. 84 Ribbons is Marta’s story. It is about her struggles, triumphs, and the in between.
Marta is a young ballet hopeful who doesn’t have all that many resources. She is thrilled when she gets the invitation to join the Intermountain Ballet Company, a boarding school for dancers. The only thing that isn’t so great about it is the fact it will take her away from her mother and the only home she has ever known. She must learn to navigate her new world on her own. She doesn’t start off too well especially since she shows up late. She was unaware of the change made in their schedule. To make matters worse she is caught imitating one of the instructors. Things seem to calm down except for the fact that she is given all the parts that no one wants. Things get more complicated when she meets Steve and he wants to use her as one of his sources. She must navigate the school, both her and her instructors’ expectations, a budding romance, and the friendships she has made. When life gets tough she is going to have to rely on more than just her strength to get through. Will her dreams be realized? Or will she end up falling flat on her face?
I really liked 84 Ribbons and I look forward to reading more books more of Marta’s story in the future. I liked the fact that this wasn’t a rags to riches or emerging dancer gets her big chance and rises to fame and fortune quickly. I liked that there was a true struggle and one that the reader could identify with even if you are not immersed in the dance world. I liked the characters especially Marta. I like how she rises to the occasion or buckles down when she needs to. She is tenacious and isn’t going to let her dream go. I also like that there is struggle there it shows the nasty underbelly of the world. It shows a dancers struggle to remain perfect in every aspect of their lives. It even touches on the struggle to be a certain weight. It has some true to life examples of dieting, anorexia, diet pils, and bulimia. There is joy and triumph, sadness and pain, and everything in between. I found 84 Ribbons to be an engaging read. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good contemporary read
84 Ribbons by Paddy Eger is a great contemporary read. It isn’t in my normal reading comfort zone but it sounded good so I decided to give it a try. I am glad that I did because I enjoyed it thoroughly. The author paints a vivid behind the scenes picture of the ballet world. I loved the cast of players and the plotline of the story. 84 Ribbons is Marta’s story. It is about her struggles, triumphs, and the in between.
Marta is a young ballet hopeful who doesn’t have all that many resources. She is thrilled when she gets the invitation to join the Intermountain Ballet Company, a boarding school for dancers. The only thing that isn’t so great about it is the fact it will take her away from her mother and the only home she has ever known. She must learn to navigate her new world on her own. She doesn’t start off too well especially since she shows up late. She was unaware of the change made in their schedule. To make matters worse she is caught imitating one of the instructors. Things seem to calm down except for the fact that she is given all the parts that no one wants. Things get more complicated when she meets Steve and he wants to use her as one of his sources. She must navigate the school, both her and her instructors’ expectations, a budding romance, and the friendships she has made. When life gets tough she is going to have to rely on more than just her strength to get through. Will her dreams be realized? Or will she end up falling flat on her face?
I really liked 84 Ribbons and I look forward to reading more books more of Marta’s story in the future. I liked the fact that this wasn’t a rags to riches or emerging dancer gets her big chance and rises to fame and fortune quickly. I liked that there was a true struggle and one that the reader could identify with even if you are not immersed in the dance world. I liked the characters especially Marta. I like how she rises to the occasion or buckles down when she needs to. She is tenacious and isn’t going to let her dream go. I also like that there is struggle there it shows the nasty underbelly of the world. It shows a dancers struggle to remain perfect in every aspect of their lives. It even touches on the struggle to be a certain weight. It has some true to life examples of dieting, anorexia, diet pils, and bulimia. There is joy and triumph, sadness and pain, and everything in between. I found 84 Ribbons to be an engaging read. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good contemporary read
January 18, 2015
One of the themes that I love to read about in Books is Ballet and Dance. When I saw that I had 84 Ribbons to read and I was in the mood for a ballet novel, I opened it up on my kindle and started reading. The book starts with Marta auditioning for a part in an International Ballet Troupe and finally after many rejections , she finally gets accepted and moves to the Billings, Montana where she has been given a spot at the Intermountain Ballet Company. At first, I was under the impression that this book was contemporay set but it wasn't until I saw the line-up for the ballet performances throughout the year that I discovered I was reading a historical set novel. 84 Ribbons is set during the time period of 1957-1958. Marta's dream is to earn her 84 Ribbons which represent the amount of ballet shoes she has worn out as she once read that once someone has reached 84 ribbons, you are now considered a professional ballet dancer. During this time, Marta finds herself at odds with the Ballet teacher known as Madame Cosper and she wonders if she will ever be able to achieve her dreams as for some reason, the Madam has it in for her. This year though, will open Marta's eyes into a new world - a world where diet pills are considered an option to stay thin as no-one wants a fat dancer , a life where she will discover dating and what it's like to have someone love you no matter what and friends and foes - what its like to live with people who either love you or hate you. This book does touch on the dark side of Ballet and what some girls do in order to win. In 84 Ribbons, when tragedy strikes Marta not once but three times , she must face the hardest decision in her life - to dance or to simply move on and face reality that she may never reach her goal of becoming a famous ballerina .
If you love Ballet Novels , then 84 Ribbons is the perfect book to have you "reading" in circles.
If you love Ballet Novels , then 84 Ribbons is the perfect book to have you "reading" in circles.
May 1, 2015
Following a young ballet dancer as she sets her heart on joining a corps and dancing her way up to solo, 84 Ribbons is immersive and strong.
Aged 17, Marta from Seattle has few life choices in 1957, so dancing is not only her passion but her way out of the humdrum store clerk jobs. With her mother's full support she takes the brave step into the unknown. Life is vigorous and tough as dancers need to train every day. Girls may not get tall and well-developed - not mentioned is that the men would be unable to lift them. Rather the girls are told that costumes are fitted once a year and the audience would not like to look at hefty dancers. So this amounts to a life of discipline, responsibility, and living alone, with body image issues and near starvation as well as autocratic trainers. No wonder the pressures mount up.
Paddy Eger is bringing her own experiences to the page and we have no doubt that this is how it felt to be a young dancer. Teen readers and interested adults will find this memorable book a fine read, with much of relevance to our current lifestyle.
Aged 17, Marta from Seattle has few life choices in 1957, so dancing is not only her passion but her way out of the humdrum store clerk jobs. With her mother's full support she takes the brave step into the unknown. Life is vigorous and tough as dancers need to train every day. Girls may not get tall and well-developed - not mentioned is that the men would be unable to lift them. Rather the girls are told that costumes are fitted once a year and the audience would not like to look at hefty dancers. So this amounts to a life of discipline, responsibility, and living alone, with body image issues and near starvation as well as autocratic trainers. No wonder the pressures mount up.
Paddy Eger is bringing her own experiences to the page and we have no doubt that this is how it felt to be a young dancer. Teen readers and interested adults will find this memorable book a fine read, with much of relevance to our current lifestyle.
May 29, 2019
Some nice things to distinguish this from other ballet fiction I've read: this is a historical piece, set in 1959. Marta's daily life has some basic but significant differences compared to a contemporary heroine (starting with the fact that she lives in a boarding house). She lands a spot in the corps of a dance company, but this isn't a race to the top of a major NYC company: she's in Missoula, Montana, struggling (and often failing) to gain the director's approval. And, in fact, Marta never rises to the heights that your average ballet-novel heroine dreams of. She's plagued by injuries and relegated to unpleasant roles, and touring with the ballet company has none of the glamour she'd hoped for. All of that's great: it makes for more interesting conflict than we'd have otherwise, and it also feels more realistic.
What I'm not as keen on: Marta develops a perfect boyfriend who is perfect, and that's fine and all, but perfect characters are not very interesting. There's a mean girl who is mean living in her boarding house, which...could be fine if the mean girl who is mean were given any other characterisation/plot points, but she's not. And there's an eating-disorder plotline with an end point straight out of every 80s teen eating-disorder 'issue' novel ever, which is to say that . It's not that it's handled poorly, but it's been done before. To death, if you will. Still...if I remember to do so, I wouldn't mind hunting down the next book in the series.
What I'm not as keen on: Marta develops a perfect boyfriend who is perfect, and that's fine and all, but perfect characters are not very interesting. There's a mean girl who is mean living in her boarding house, which...could be fine if the mean girl who is mean were given any other characterisation/plot points, but she's not. And there's an eating-disorder plotline with an end point straight out of every 80s teen eating-disorder 'issue' novel ever, which is to say that . It's not that it's handled poorly, but it's been done before. To death, if you will. Still...if I remember to do so, I wouldn't mind hunting down the next book in the series.
June 16, 2014
Ballet books are like crack to me! As soon as I get a sniff of a ballet storyline, I’m one-clicking as fast as I can. But all too often the book doesn’t deliver. Often there isn’t enough actual ballet in the story or an insta-love ruins it or it’s clichéd. But 84 Ribbons delivered exactly the kind of ballet book I love.
First Line of 84 Ribbons:
“Marta circled the narrow corridor outside the Olympic Hotel’s Grand Ballroom.”
My Thoughts on 84 Ribbons:
I read this on a sunny Saturday afternoon in my back garden, with Clair de Lune playing on my ipod and it was a perfect timeout after a hectic week. This book is set in 1957 which I hadn’t realised before I started but was something I really enjoyed. It added to the nostalgic, old fashioned charm that just jumped off the pages of this book.
This isn’t a fast paced book and it took a little while for me to really get a feel for the main character Marta. But when I did, I thought she was full of vitality and I admired her tenacity and dedication to her beloved dance world. She isn’t without her flaws though and this helps her feel really developed as a character.
The ballet setting is spot on. This isn’t just a book with token ballet shoes on the front, this is a realistic look at the ballet world and how it demands blood, sweat and tears if you are to ever succeed. It is also a coming of age book as Marta (age 17) has moved away from home and is learning to survive on her own in a new town where her ballet company is located.
It portrays all the fears and insecurities that dancers must feel. At times even when Marta is making short-sighted, dubious decisions, I could totally understand why she was choosing to make them. I didn’t agree but I did empathise with how she felt. The themes of fear of rejection, pushing your body to its limits, injury and the expectation for perfect bodies are all well explored and I felt I lived through the persistent pressure that Marta was under.
To balance that out, there is a lovely warm family feel to the book. Marta is close to her mother despite the physical distance between them and she also builds up sweet relationships with her soft-hearted landlady and the other borders in the house. She does feel isolated and alone at times but in reality she has a huge support cast.
One problem with ballet books is that they tend to focus on the competiveness and inevitably there is one spiteful ballet person out to get the main character. It was refreshing not to have that stale storyline delivered here. Instead we got to see a close bond between three of the new ballet members. And most of Marta’s competiveness was shown through her dedication to her work and her excessive high standards for herself.
There is also a romance in the book. It isn’t a huge part of the storyline but it is always present in the background waiting for its time to flourish. Like the book, the romance is old-fashioned and engaging and overtime I was a believer in it.
Overall, this book was a pleasant surprise. It is the best ballet book I have read in a long, long time and I’m excited to see that Paddy Eger has a follow up planned as I’m keen to see what happens next.
Who should read 84 Ribbons?
I’d highly recommend this to all who love books with a strong ballet setting and also to those who like an old-fashioned nostalgic feel from their reads. If you liked the Drina books by Jean Estoril or Girl in Motion by Miriam Wenger-Landis; then I’d also recommend this book to you.
Thanks to Netgalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
First Line of 84 Ribbons:
“Marta circled the narrow corridor outside the Olympic Hotel’s Grand Ballroom.”
My Thoughts on 84 Ribbons:
I read this on a sunny Saturday afternoon in my back garden, with Clair de Lune playing on my ipod and it was a perfect timeout after a hectic week. This book is set in 1957 which I hadn’t realised before I started but was something I really enjoyed. It added to the nostalgic, old fashioned charm that just jumped off the pages of this book.
This isn’t a fast paced book and it took a little while for me to really get a feel for the main character Marta. But when I did, I thought she was full of vitality and I admired her tenacity and dedication to her beloved dance world. She isn’t without her flaws though and this helps her feel really developed as a character.
The ballet setting is spot on. This isn’t just a book with token ballet shoes on the front, this is a realistic look at the ballet world and how it demands blood, sweat and tears if you are to ever succeed. It is also a coming of age book as Marta (age 17) has moved away from home and is learning to survive on her own in a new town where her ballet company is located.
It portrays all the fears and insecurities that dancers must feel. At times even when Marta is making short-sighted, dubious decisions, I could totally understand why she was choosing to make them. I didn’t agree but I did empathise with how she felt. The themes of fear of rejection, pushing your body to its limits, injury and the expectation for perfect bodies are all well explored and I felt I lived through the persistent pressure that Marta was under.
To balance that out, there is a lovely warm family feel to the book. Marta is close to her mother despite the physical distance between them and she also builds up sweet relationships with her soft-hearted landlady and the other borders in the house. She does feel isolated and alone at times but in reality she has a huge support cast.
One problem with ballet books is that they tend to focus on the competiveness and inevitably there is one spiteful ballet person out to get the main character. It was refreshing not to have that stale storyline delivered here. Instead we got to see a close bond between three of the new ballet members. And most of Marta’s competiveness was shown through her dedication to her work and her excessive high standards for herself.
There is also a romance in the book. It isn’t a huge part of the storyline but it is always present in the background waiting for its time to flourish. Like the book, the romance is old-fashioned and engaging and overtime I was a believer in it.
Overall, this book was a pleasant surprise. It is the best ballet book I have read in a long, long time and I’m excited to see that Paddy Eger has a follow up planned as I’m keen to see what happens next.
Who should read 84 Ribbons?
I’d highly recommend this to all who love books with a strong ballet setting and also to those who like an old-fashioned nostalgic feel from their reads. If you liked the Drina books by Jean Estoril or Girl in Motion by Miriam Wenger-Landis; then I’d also recommend this book to you.
Thanks to Netgalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
January 5, 2015
This could technically be a DNF review but I ended up skimming the last hundred or so pages so I knew how it ended.
Three words to describe this book. Monotone. Tedious. Boring. Everything is awash with superfluous descriptions of Marta’s daily life and activities.
The book is, in short, a fantastic description of every menial task a person will perform in a day.
Want to know what Marta does when she wakes up? How about every single freaking date that she has with Steve? What about her dinner? What about the amount she sews? You get everything and it’s too much.
Marta is without a doubt, the most flat character I have ever read about. I can’t even begin to try to describe her well because I have no concrete idea of what her personality is like. I can try with the words whiny, weak, and defensive. But her solution to everything is to whine, rock, cry, or starve herself. She isn’t realistic in any way. She doesn’t act like a teenager chasing her dreams. The love interest, Steve, is the same in terms of development. He’s portrayed as a Gary Stu, a “perfect” boyfriend that Marta can’t accept.
They have no chemistry. The entire time I was reading the book, they felt more like acquaintances than anything else.
The dialogue is also extremely unrealistic.
Clearly, this is a book about anorexia and the hardships of a “professional” ballet dancer (Marta is NOT a pro). But everything is glossed over. The blame for Marta’s struggles in the dance company is placed on Madame, a lady who is strict and gives Marta the character roles (often comedic roles with more acting than dance). Apparently Marta thinks that she can waltz into the studio and get a solo. I think not. Her anorexia is treated as no more than a fit or a refusal of food. I never felt the desperation of losing weight or always feeling like you aren’t good enough. By the end of the novel, the focus wasn’t on dance, but on Marta’s struggles with anorexia. The problem with this is that this part of the plot was already flimsy.
I also feel like this isn’t an accurate portrayal of dancers. I guarantee you that I haven’t met a single person who substitutes derriere for butt in everyday conversation. Some of the ballet technique was also wrong although I will credit Eger with the correct use of the terms. However, the idea that 84 ribbons is enough to get a solo is also laughable.
84 Ribbons = 21 Pairs of pointe shoes
The # of pairs of shoes a ballerina will go through in one year at a pro studio = 21+ pairs of point shoes
Let’s be honest. Some professional dancers go through 1-2 (or more) pairs a week. Multiply that by four and they use anywhere from 4-6+ pairs per month. Divide 21 by that and you get 4-5 months. There is no way that a corp newb would get a solo in half a year or less.
My face when I read that 84 ribbons equated a solo.
Rookie dancers almost never get solos within a year of dancing in the corps. The industry just isn’t that easy.
Three words to describe this book. Monotone. Tedious. Boring. Everything is awash with superfluous descriptions of Marta’s daily life and activities.
The book is, in short, a fantastic description of every menial task a person will perform in a day.
Want to know what Marta does when she wakes up? How about every single freaking date that she has with Steve? What about her dinner? What about the amount she sews? You get everything and it’s too much.
Marta is without a doubt, the most flat character I have ever read about. I can’t even begin to try to describe her well because I have no concrete idea of what her personality is like. I can try with the words whiny, weak, and defensive. But her solution to everything is to whine, rock, cry, or starve herself. She isn’t realistic in any way. She doesn’t act like a teenager chasing her dreams. The love interest, Steve, is the same in terms of development. He’s portrayed as a Gary Stu, a “perfect” boyfriend that Marta can’t accept.
They have no chemistry. The entire time I was reading the book, they felt more like acquaintances than anything else.
The dialogue is also extremely unrealistic.
Clearly, this is a book about anorexia and the hardships of a “professional” ballet dancer (Marta is NOT a pro). But everything is glossed over. The blame for Marta’s struggles in the dance company is placed on Madame, a lady who is strict and gives Marta the character roles (often comedic roles with more acting than dance). Apparently Marta thinks that she can waltz into the studio and get a solo. I think not. Her anorexia is treated as no more than a fit or a refusal of food. I never felt the desperation of losing weight or always feeling like you aren’t good enough. By the end of the novel, the focus wasn’t on dance, but on Marta’s struggles with anorexia. The problem with this is that this part of the plot was already flimsy.
I also feel like this isn’t an accurate portrayal of dancers. I guarantee you that I haven’t met a single person who substitutes derriere for butt in everyday conversation. Some of the ballet technique was also wrong although I will credit Eger with the correct use of the terms. However, the idea that 84 ribbons is enough to get a solo is also laughable.
84 Ribbons = 21 Pairs of pointe shoes
The # of pairs of shoes a ballerina will go through in one year at a pro studio = 21+ pairs of point shoes
Let’s be honest. Some professional dancers go through 1-2 (or more) pairs a week. Multiply that by four and they use anywhere from 4-6+ pairs per month. Divide 21 by that and you get 4-5 months. There is no way that a corp newb would get a solo in half a year or less.
My face when I read that 84 ribbons equated a solo.
Rookie dancers almost never get solos within a year of dancing in the corps. The industry just isn’t that easy.
July 3, 2014
I have joined the Net Galley world! I'm love with it! Check it out!
84 Ribbons was my first accepted book request. I can honestly say it was an absolute pleasure reading this book!
84 Ribbons is about 17 year old, Washington State native Marta traveling to Billings, Montana to fulfill her dreams as a professional ballerina. While there she makes life long friendships, finds love, looses herself and begins the journey of finding out who she is. As a child she figured that it would take her 84 worn pointe shoe ribbons for her to be ready to dance her first solo piece professionally. The story takes you through her many trials and tribulations in an attempt to meet this goal.
There are 3 things that this book contained that I personally thoroughly enjoyed.
1. Ballet. I myself danced a number of years as a child. Though I stopped taking lessons I continued to dance in school musicals. I have always been fascinated and enjoyed the world of ballet. Paddy did an exquisite job of helping her readers enter the prestigious ballet world. The physical and mental struggles as a dancer as well as the interpersonal struggles that can occur when stakes are high and everyone is vying for their place center stage.
2. It's a time period piece. I know the late 50s really weren't that long ago as far as time period pieces go HOWEVER it did make an impact on the overall feeling of the book. Everything from the cars to the fashion were subtly mentioned. 84 Ribbons could have easily been written from a current point in time. I thoroughly appreciated the bit of extra time and effort into making it a time period piece.
3. It was relatable. Again, this book could have been written from a current time point of view. I think removing it from now made it more relatable. One of those moments where you realize that in many cases, people struggle and succeed today just as people decades ago. One of the big focuses of the book is weight issues. As ballerinas it is their job to be thin, toned and beautiful. No one wants to watch a fat dancer on stage. What's more is Paddy Eger did not shy away from the realities of such struggles, but took them head on. I loved "watching" the relationship between Marta and Steve blossom. The friendship between Marta and her two best friends Bartley and Lynne was reminiscent of my own friendships. The relationship between Marta and her mother was one very near and dear to my heart, being that my mother and I are best friends. :)
Overall I would definitely recommend this book. It was a relatively easy read. I know a number of my students that would enjoy this book. I can't wait to read the next 2 installments of the series as it follows Marta and Lynne on their continuing journies!
84 Ribbons was my first accepted book request. I can honestly say it was an absolute pleasure reading this book!
84 Ribbons is about 17 year old, Washington State native Marta traveling to Billings, Montana to fulfill her dreams as a professional ballerina. While there she makes life long friendships, finds love, looses herself and begins the journey of finding out who she is. As a child she figured that it would take her 84 worn pointe shoe ribbons for her to be ready to dance her first solo piece professionally. The story takes you through her many trials and tribulations in an attempt to meet this goal.
There are 3 things that this book contained that I personally thoroughly enjoyed.
1. Ballet. I myself danced a number of years as a child. Though I stopped taking lessons I continued to dance in school musicals. I have always been fascinated and enjoyed the world of ballet. Paddy did an exquisite job of helping her readers enter the prestigious ballet world. The physical and mental struggles as a dancer as well as the interpersonal struggles that can occur when stakes are high and everyone is vying for their place center stage.
2. It's a time period piece. I know the late 50s really weren't that long ago as far as time period pieces go HOWEVER it did make an impact on the overall feeling of the book. Everything from the cars to the fashion were subtly mentioned. 84 Ribbons could have easily been written from a current point in time. I thoroughly appreciated the bit of extra time and effort into making it a time period piece.
3. It was relatable. Again, this book could have been written from a current time point of view. I think removing it from now made it more relatable. One of those moments where you realize that in many cases, people struggle and succeed today just as people decades ago. One of the big focuses of the book is weight issues. As ballerinas it is their job to be thin, toned and beautiful. No one wants to watch a fat dancer on stage. What's more is Paddy Eger did not shy away from the realities of such struggles, but took them head on. I loved "watching" the relationship between Marta and Steve blossom. The friendship between Marta and her two best friends Bartley and Lynne was reminiscent of my own friendships. The relationship between Marta and her mother was one very near and dear to my heart, being that my mother and I are best friends. :)
Overall I would definitely recommend this book. It was a relatively easy read. I know a number of my students that would enjoy this book. I can't wait to read the next 2 installments of the series as it follows Marta and Lynne on their continuing journies!
June 25, 2014
Marta Selbryth has been dancing ballet since she was 5 years old. At the age of 7 her ballet teacher told her about a famous ballerina and how she wore out hundreds of pointe shoes in her first 12 years of her career. Marta decided right then that she would save the ribbons of every worn out pair of pointe shoes starting with the very first pair she just received. Her goal was to collect 84 ribbons. Marta had calculated and decided that 84 would be how many she needed before she was ready to earn a solo at the dance company she would be dancing for.
Marta is now 17 and has finally been accepted to the intermountain dance company in Billing, Montana after many rejection letters from other companies. Leaving home for the first time she is learning that not everything goes as planned. Her baggage didn’t make the trip with her, She can’t seem to get a hold of the greeter in charge of helping her settle in, her acceptance letter had the wrong information on it, which caused her to be several days late showing up at the dance company and now she has to struggle to make up for the lost time. This dance company is her only chance to fulfill her dreams of dancing for a professional company and earning a solo and so far it’s not looking good for Marta. Having secured a home for herself, Marta is still completely alone without her friends or mother’s guidance to help her through this journey she will have to face life head on or fail and go home.
What else could go wrong for Marta? Does she really have what it takes to be a professional dancer? What other obstacles stand in her way of her dreams?
Author Paddy Eger takes readers into the real life world of ballerinas. Young readers will get a first hand look at the excitement, hard work, and sacrifice it takes to reach their dreams. The characters are also right on the edge of starvation to maintain a certain weight. This book may seem to be directed at an all female audience but young men who are aspiring to dance may also be interested. Vivid imagery fills these short chapters with character and emotional that will keep any reader engaged and connected.
Marta is now 17 and has finally been accepted to the intermountain dance company in Billing, Montana after many rejection letters from other companies. Leaving home for the first time she is learning that not everything goes as planned. Her baggage didn’t make the trip with her, She can’t seem to get a hold of the greeter in charge of helping her settle in, her acceptance letter had the wrong information on it, which caused her to be several days late showing up at the dance company and now she has to struggle to make up for the lost time. This dance company is her only chance to fulfill her dreams of dancing for a professional company and earning a solo and so far it’s not looking good for Marta. Having secured a home for herself, Marta is still completely alone without her friends or mother’s guidance to help her through this journey she will have to face life head on or fail and go home.
What else could go wrong for Marta? Does she really have what it takes to be a professional dancer? What other obstacles stand in her way of her dreams?
Author Paddy Eger takes readers into the real life world of ballerinas. Young readers will get a first hand look at the excitement, hard work, and sacrifice it takes to reach their dreams. The characters are also right on the edge of starvation to maintain a certain weight. This book may seem to be directed at an all female audience but young men who are aspiring to dance may also be interested. Vivid imagery fills these short chapters with character and emotional that will keep any reader engaged and connected.
April 12, 2015
What young girl doesn't want to be a ballerina but does not realise all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes well this book deals with the trials and tribulations of an aspiring ballet dancer.
The dancer encounters an acerbic ballet mistress and is unprepared for the stress of constant classes and/or rehearsals resulting in over work. There are also the issues of competition for roles, the need to be the best and the need to push one’s body to its limits. The author shows how this one particular dancer deals or rather does not deal with stress, disappointment and overwork. All this is set in the back drop of the 1950's – a simpler time. This is also the ideal setting for a budding romance between a potential news reporter and a budding dancer. The dancer has to question her loyalty – her beau, her health or the dance. The ending felt unfinished and this reader will not be purchasing the second or any subsequent instalment.
The author is courageous enough to deal with two taboo subjects - related to a dander’s world – depression and eating disorders which both occur following a silly injury the protagonist encounters. The author handles these subjects on the correct level for the audience of this book. She deals with the subject sensitively but without going into too much detail.
Although aimed at a female audience this book should not be ruled out by aspiring male dancers too.
I found it difficult to like the main character in this book and thought the story line lacked real depth. I think this is why I had to stand back before giving my review of this book or even to decide the rating. The book is targeted at young adults who may appreciate the level of this book but this reader requires more depth to her characters and story-lines.
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from Netgalley for an honest review
The dancer encounters an acerbic ballet mistress and is unprepared for the stress of constant classes and/or rehearsals resulting in over work. There are also the issues of competition for roles, the need to be the best and the need to push one’s body to its limits. The author shows how this one particular dancer deals or rather does not deal with stress, disappointment and overwork. All this is set in the back drop of the 1950's – a simpler time. This is also the ideal setting for a budding romance between a potential news reporter and a budding dancer. The dancer has to question her loyalty – her beau, her health or the dance. The ending felt unfinished and this reader will not be purchasing the second or any subsequent instalment.
The author is courageous enough to deal with two taboo subjects - related to a dander’s world – depression and eating disorders which both occur following a silly injury the protagonist encounters. The author handles these subjects on the correct level for the audience of this book. She deals with the subject sensitively but without going into too much detail.
Although aimed at a female audience this book should not be ruled out by aspiring male dancers too.
I found it difficult to like the main character in this book and thought the story line lacked real depth. I think this is why I had to stand back before giving my review of this book or even to decide the rating. The book is targeted at young adults who may appreciate the level of this book but this reader requires more depth to her characters and story-lines.
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from Netgalley for an honest review
May 21, 2014
84 Ribbons is an alluring story about the roller coaster known as life and the struggle to find that special niche that ends in happiness.
Marta is a ballerina and has been dancing since she was a little girl. She has dreamed of the chance to dance as a professional. Now, at the age of 17 she is given the opportunity of a lifetime, she has been selected to travel to Billings, MN to dance with the Intermountain Ballet Company. Marta is eager and nervous as she begins the next chapter of her life. Marta finds a place to live, begins her rigorous dance practices, meets a handsome journalist, and makes two new best friends. Her life seems to be unfolding better than she had hoped. But, life has a funny way of taking it's own path and Marta soon discovers that the best laid plans don't often end the way we had hoped. Will she ever earn the 84 ribbons she longs for?
84 Ribbons is a well written coming-of-age story that delves into the demanding world of dancers. Set in the 1950's, readers learn of the struggles dancers face to stay on top, the stress they encounter in being chosen for roles, and the often times unhealthy self-images they develop of themselves as they strive to achieve perfection. I have never danced, nor do I know much about the ballet, but I was immediately drawn to Marta and her struggles to achieve her dream. Paddy Eger has a gift and the rhythm of her story elegantly flows across the pages just as a beautiful ballerina flows across the stage. I like the realism of the story, in that life is filled with disappointment, but the story also reminds us that we have a choice and we don't have to let failure cloud our future. As Marta eventually learns, the show must go on.
I highly recommend picking up a copy the the young adult story, 84 Ribbons.
Marta is a ballerina and has been dancing since she was a little girl. She has dreamed of the chance to dance as a professional. Now, at the age of 17 she is given the opportunity of a lifetime, she has been selected to travel to Billings, MN to dance with the Intermountain Ballet Company. Marta is eager and nervous as she begins the next chapter of her life. Marta finds a place to live, begins her rigorous dance practices, meets a handsome journalist, and makes two new best friends. Her life seems to be unfolding better than she had hoped. But, life has a funny way of taking it's own path and Marta soon discovers that the best laid plans don't often end the way we had hoped. Will she ever earn the 84 ribbons she longs for?
84 Ribbons is a well written coming-of-age story that delves into the demanding world of dancers. Set in the 1950's, readers learn of the struggles dancers face to stay on top, the stress they encounter in being chosen for roles, and the often times unhealthy self-images they develop of themselves as they strive to achieve perfection. I have never danced, nor do I know much about the ballet, but I was immediately drawn to Marta and her struggles to achieve her dream. Paddy Eger has a gift and the rhythm of her story elegantly flows across the pages just as a beautiful ballerina flows across the stage. I like the realism of the story, in that life is filled with disappointment, but the story also reminds us that we have a choice and we don't have to let failure cloud our future. As Marta eventually learns, the show must go on.
I highly recommend picking up a copy the the young adult story, 84 Ribbons.
November 26, 2014
really truly enjoyed this book. I liked observing Marta, she's driven, talented, and intelligent. She is so focused on her goal that she refuses to let anything be more important than dancing. It's why she makes some of the decisions that she does. Because she need to have some semblance of control, when it seems like everything is going wrong.
This book talks about addiction, and weight issues in a very real way. It shows that anyone can have problems. Even if someone insists that they're fine, they may not be, if you never see them eat.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest review.
This book talks about addiction, and weight issues in a very real way. It shows that anyone can have problems. Even if someone insists that they're fine, they may not be, if you never see them eat.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest review.
September 20, 2014
Given To Me For An Honest Review
84 Ribbons by Paddy Eger gives us a great coming of age story set in the world of ballet. It tells us about addiction and weight issues. Showing everyone that we all have problems. The main character is Marta. Marta will do anything will do anything to reach her goal. In doing this, she finds herself making some big mistakes. Many young people will be able to relate to Marta's struggles. I enjoyed reading this book and I think others would too. I recommend it. I look forward to more from Paddy Eger.
84 Ribbons by Paddy Eger gives us a great coming of age story set in the world of ballet. It tells us about addiction and weight issues. Showing everyone that we all have problems. The main character is Marta. Marta will do anything will do anything to reach her goal. In doing this, she finds herself making some big mistakes. Many young people will be able to relate to Marta's struggles. I enjoyed reading this book and I think others would too. I recommend it. I look forward to more from Paddy Eger.
February 5, 2017
This book began so nicely, I was enjoying it for the first 20% and then it just became worse and worse as it progressed.
Marta is not a likable character, she is a boring cut-out of a character who makes terrible choices regarding her health and refuses to listen to the people around her who are only trying to help.
She is a girl who can't go 5 minutes without doing something stupid to hinder her chances at the dancing school or injuring some part of herself.
Steve her 100% super duper perfect boyfriend is the most boring and annoying person in the book, he really turned me off this book, whenever he showed up I could just feel my interest in the book vanishing.
The overall plot, again I liked the beginning section of the book and the times when we actually got to read about ballet dancing and the performances. But those felt few and far between and the rest of the book is devoted to Marta and her terrible life choices.
The only likable character in this book was Lynne, because she's the only one that actually behaves like a normal human being.
Would not recommend this to anyone.
Marta is not a likable character, she is a boring cut-out of a character who makes terrible choices regarding her health and refuses to listen to the people around her who are only trying to help.
She is a girl who can't go 5 minutes without doing something stupid to hinder her chances at the dancing school or injuring some part of herself.
Steve her 100% super duper perfect boyfriend is the most boring and annoying person in the book, he really turned me off this book, whenever he showed up I could just feel my interest in the book vanishing.
The overall plot, again I liked the beginning section of the book and the times when we actually got to read about ballet dancing and the performances. But those felt few and far between and the rest of the book is devoted to Marta and her terrible life choices.
The only likable character in this book was Lynne, because she's the only one that actually behaves like a normal human being.
Would not recommend this to anyone.
July 29, 2018
I wish I could be more positive about 84 Ribbons. I really wanted to like it. To begin with I thought it was going to be a mixture of some of my favourite dance movies – Centre Stage and Save the Last Dance – and to some extent it was but I could not warm to our protagonist Marta Selbryth. Rather than feeling sorry for her when things went wrong in her life I found myself getting more and more frustrated with how she responded. She came across as petulant and whiny. I felt sorry for her boyfriend and best friend who had to put up with her outbursts.
84 Ribbons had promise but needed a more likeable protagonist to really have made an impact.
84 Ribbons by Paddy Eger is available now.
For more information regarding Paddy Eger (@PaddyEgerWriter) please visit www.paddyeger.com.
For more information regarding IBPA (@ibpa) please visit www.ibpa-online.org.
84 Ribbons had promise but needed a more likeable protagonist to really have made an impact.
84 Ribbons by Paddy Eger is available now.
For more information regarding Paddy Eger (@PaddyEgerWriter) please visit www.paddyeger.com.
For more information regarding IBPA (@ibpa) please visit www.ibpa-online.org.
October 27, 2017
This was surprisingly good! Very deep plot and characters are well developed. Liked how she delved deeper than just the dancing and into a darker place concerning eating disorders and awareness. Really impressed!
March 8, 2017
When seventeen-year-old Marta finally enters the world of professional ballet in 1957, it is not what she expects. And when she walks in late without her clothes or bags because the train lost them, Madame Cosper, from the Intermountain Ballet Company, seems to hate her from the start. Despite her many setbacks, she befriends two fellow dancers as well as gets herself into a deeply complicated yet fun relationship with a college reporter. As her friendships grow and her life becomes dramatic, can she stay on track and continue to dance safely and keep her boyfriend from leaving her? Read more in Paddy Eger's 84 Ribbons.
Opinion:
I found this book intriguing, but it was slow at times. There was no clear rise and fall of the plot, however, there were a number of small conflicts and confrontations that kept the story moving forward. The characters were very well developed and continued to surprise me throughout the story. There was some underlying suspense, which made up for the lack of plot. I found the amount of detail put into the story fantastic, and I gained a whole new understanding and respect for what it takes to be a dancer.
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age:13
Opinion:
I found this book intriguing, but it was slow at times. There was no clear rise and fall of the plot, however, there were a number of small conflicts and confrontations that kept the story moving forward. The characters were very well developed and continued to surprise me throughout the story. There was some underlying suspense, which made up for the lack of plot. I found the amount of detail put into the story fantastic, and I gained a whole new understanding and respect for what it takes to be a dancer.
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age:13
December 30, 2020
This review originally appeared on my blog, Leeanna.me.
==
In 84 RIBBONS, Marta’s dream of becoming a professional ballerina comes true. But realizing her dream comes with a number of challenges, from living on her own to struggling with weight and injuries. The book, set in the late 1950s, follows Marta’s journey, and manages to be both nostalgic and relatable.
I generally like books set in the ballet world, so 84 RIBBONS was a good book for me. But it’s more than just a ballet book. Yes, Marta’s dream is to dance professionally and she does, but this book is also a coming of age story. Issues that were ignored at the time, such as depression and eating disorders, are worked into the book. Marta deals with a lot in her first year of independence, and I think a lot of readers will find something to relate to even if they have no interest in ballet.
If you do have an interest in ballet, then I think you’d really enjoy 84 RIBBONS. It’s a realistic look into the struggle of making it dancing professionally, including the pain, blood, sweat, and tears required, as well as the devotion to perfection. Marta doesn’t have an easy ride at the Intermountain Ballet Company, but she’s determined to prove herself and succeed.
At first I didn’t realize the book was set in the 1950s, but as I read more, I liked the time period. A few of Marta’s problems come from not having the type of communication we do today, and it was a nice throwback to remember how people used to have to do things. Life’s a lot different when you don’t have a smartphone to find out information or get you out of an emergency.
The 1950s time period also allowed for a slow-burn romance between Marta and Steve, a journalism major. Steve tried to kiss Marta their first time out, and she pushed him away because it wasn’t a date in her mind, and because she wasn’t ready for that. I liked how Marta stood up for herself with Steve, because let me tell you, that boy pushes a bit, and she doesn’t give in when she doesn’t want to. Their relationship is far from perfect, but I found it way more believable than a lot of the relationships in YA fiction.
I’m not going to spoil the ending, but boy did it leave me wanting more of Marta’s story.
==
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews:
==
In 84 RIBBONS, Marta’s dream of becoming a professional ballerina comes true. But realizing her dream comes with a number of challenges, from living on her own to struggling with weight and injuries. The book, set in the late 1950s, follows Marta’s journey, and manages to be both nostalgic and relatable.
I generally like books set in the ballet world, so 84 RIBBONS was a good book for me. But it’s more than just a ballet book. Yes, Marta’s dream is to dance professionally and she does, but this book is also a coming of age story. Issues that were ignored at the time, such as depression and eating disorders, are worked into the book. Marta deals with a lot in her first year of independence, and I think a lot of readers will find something to relate to even if they have no interest in ballet.
If you do have an interest in ballet, then I think you’d really enjoy 84 RIBBONS. It’s a realistic look into the struggle of making it dancing professionally, including the pain, blood, sweat, and tears required, as well as the devotion to perfection. Marta doesn’t have an easy ride at the Intermountain Ballet Company, but she’s determined to prove herself and succeed.
At first I didn’t realize the book was set in the 1950s, but as I read more, I liked the time period. A few of Marta’s problems come from not having the type of communication we do today, and it was a nice throwback to remember how people used to have to do things. Life’s a lot different when you don’t have a smartphone to find out information or get you out of an emergency.
The 1950s time period also allowed for a slow-burn romance between Marta and Steve, a journalism major. Steve tried to kiss Marta their first time out, and she pushed him away because it wasn’t a date in her mind, and because she wasn’t ready for that. I liked how Marta stood up for herself with Steve, because let me tell you, that boy pushes a bit, and she doesn’t give in when she doesn’t want to. Their relationship is far from perfect, but I found it way more believable than a lot of the relationships in YA fiction.
I’m not going to spoil the ending, but boy did it leave me wanting more of Marta’s story.
==
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews:
January 5, 2015
This book was a fairly quick read, IF you take the time to sit down and read, which I did not. Once I actually got going, it went pretty fast.
The book follows a young girl, Marta, as she gets her first position as a professional ballet dancer, moves away from home, makes new friends, starts dating, and faces any number of challenges. It was interesting to get a tiny glimpse into the world of ballet, though I didn't know what any of the ballet terms meant, having never danced myself, and I did not take the time to look any of them up.
The book is written for a young audience and may be better loved by young girls, especially those interested in ballet. While the story wasn't bad, I felt that the author tried to tackle too many issues, and Marta was just kind of along for the ride, bouncing from one problem to another. I never developed any kind of emotional connection with the characters and partway through caught myself wondering what Steve (the guy Marta started dating but wasn't ready to commit to) saw in Marta - or for that matter what she saw in him except that he was the first and only boy to show her any attention. I also had a hard time believing the close friendship between Marta and her two "best friends" Lynne and Barley. Except for the fact that they were all the new dancers with the company and made a pact to stick together, there was no real development of the friendship. Lynne did stick with Marta through her injury, even when Marta didn't make it easy, so there is some promise in that relationship in future books.
My favorite character in the book was Mrs. B. She felt genuinely warm and caring.
This is not a "must read" but it was a decent read, albeit with no real emotional attachments.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley
The book follows a young girl, Marta, as she gets her first position as a professional ballet dancer, moves away from home, makes new friends, starts dating, and faces any number of challenges. It was interesting to get a tiny glimpse into the world of ballet, though I didn't know what any of the ballet terms meant, having never danced myself, and I did not take the time to look any of them up.
The book is written for a young audience and may be better loved by young girls, especially those interested in ballet. While the story wasn't bad, I felt that the author tried to tackle too many issues, and Marta was just kind of along for the ride, bouncing from one problem to another. I never developed any kind of emotional connection with the characters and partway through caught myself wondering what Steve (the guy Marta started dating but wasn't ready to commit to) saw in Marta - or for that matter what she saw in him except that he was the first and only boy to show her any attention. I also had a hard time believing the close friendship between Marta and her two "best friends" Lynne and Barley. Except for the fact that they were all the new dancers with the company and made a pact to stick together, there was no real development of the friendship. Lynne did stick with Marta through her injury, even when Marta didn't make it easy, so there is some promise in that relationship in future books.
My favorite character in the book was Mrs. B. She felt genuinely warm and caring.
This is not a "must read" but it was a decent read, albeit with no real emotional attachments.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley
June 9, 2015
Featured in "Reading on a Theme: Young Dancers" on Intellectual Recreation.
Set in 1957, 84 Ribbons stars 18-year-old Marta Selbryth who joins the Intermountain Ballet Company. Upon her acceptance into the company, Marta moves far from her family and must establish herself in Billings, Montana.
A professional ballet career is challenging in any era, and Marta struggles with self-confidence, injury, and eating disorders (I could have done without that last one). She also must navigate a budding relationship with a handsome young newspaper reporter.
Overall, I liked Paddy Eger's story. I found the plot to be fairly compelling, and despite my reservations with the book, I kind of want to know what happens to Marta next. However, I found myself longing for a few more period details to root the story more securing in its setting. My biggest problem is that the dialog is rather stilted and didn't allow the characters to fully shine. I could never forget that I was reading about fictional people.
Review copy from NetGalley.
September 15, 2014
I received a complimentary ebook from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
Seventeen-year-old Marta leaves home to join a ballet company believing that if she can collect 84 ribbons from wearing out shoes, saving the ribbons, she'll be accomplished enough to dance a solo.
I'm not sure I've ever read a book before where I couldn't find anything positive to say, but I guess there's a first for everything. I love ballet and books about dancing. I should have loved 84 RIBBONS. Marta, the main character doesn't have much of a personality, the best word I can think of is blah, though the book didn't have much of a voice or personality. Writer Paddy Eger spend way too much time describing mundane things like a train ride, Marta calling her mother about an uneventful train ride etc. While she certainly knows her ballet, she includes information unimportant to the plot. The writing lags--too much telling, hardly any showing. I honestly wonder how this book got published. I can't see many teens having to plod through this mess.
The story finished in a manner that left open the possibility of a sequel or series.
Seventeen-year-old Marta leaves home to join a ballet company believing that if she can collect 84 ribbons from wearing out shoes, saving the ribbons, she'll be accomplished enough to dance a solo.
I'm not sure I've ever read a book before where I couldn't find anything positive to say, but I guess there's a first for everything. I love ballet and books about dancing. I should have loved 84 RIBBONS. Marta, the main character doesn't have much of a personality, the best word I can think of is blah, though the book didn't have much of a voice or personality. Writer Paddy Eger spend way too much time describing mundane things like a train ride, Marta calling her mother about an uneventful train ride etc. While she certainly knows her ballet, she includes information unimportant to the plot. The writing lags--too much telling, hardly any showing. I honestly wonder how this book got published. I can't see many teens having to plod through this mess.
The story finished in a manner that left open the possibility of a sequel or series.
October 28, 2014
Marta is a young ballet dancer in 1950s Montana, where she is starting her new life as a professional dancer. The title of the book refers to the number of pointe shoe ribbons that Marta thinks she will have to collect before she begins receiving solos with the ballet. She makes big (uncomfortably big) mistakes, and she has to fight for her position as a corps dancer. With the help of her new friends, Lynne and Bartley, Marta does her best to impress Madame and improve her dancing, but when a tragic fall breaks Marta’s ankle, all of her hard work is swept away. Depressed and unable to dance, Marta turns to diet pills to keep her in shape, and she pushes herself to the breaking point in the attempt to receive her spot back with the ballet.
I enjoyed the idea of this book, but I really wanted more about the ballet in this book! I got a lot about Marta and her boyfriend Steve and Marta's struggles with diet pills, but not a lot about the dancing itself. I hope the sequels will provide that for me!
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley.
More on my review: http://newberyandbeyond.com/review-co...
I enjoyed the idea of this book, but I really wanted more about the ballet in this book! I got a lot about Marta and her boyfriend Steve and Marta's struggles with diet pills, but not a lot about the dancing itself. I hope the sequels will provide that for me!
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley.
More on my review: http://newberyandbeyond.com/review-co...
November 12, 2014
PLEASE NOTE: This book was provided to me for free via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. References to blurb, etc, are in relation to the information provided on that site at the time of request.
If you have a personal interest in, or experience with dance, I think this will be a winner for you. It's well written (except for pacing), and a very interesting premise. It just couldn't hold my attention long enough to keep me hungry. I had to keep pushing myself to read. Which is unfortunate because I was really looking forward to this one.
In the end there were two things I couldn't get past that turned this read into a 3 star, rather than a 4:
1. I didn't know from the blurb that this was an historical setting. So I kept getting thrown out of the story by small details that didn't seem to fit what felt like a contemporary story/protagonist.
2. It was just too slow. I mean, I didn't need to see bike rides from home to the dance studio, or conversations that had no bearing on the ultimate outcome of the story.
I'm not saying "don't read it". I'm just saying, be prepared for a slow-moving and detailed read.
If you have a personal interest in, or experience with dance, I think this will be a winner for you. It's well written (except for pacing), and a very interesting premise. It just couldn't hold my attention long enough to keep me hungry. I had to keep pushing myself to read. Which is unfortunate because I was really looking forward to this one.
In the end there were two things I couldn't get past that turned this read into a 3 star, rather than a 4:
1. I didn't know from the blurb that this was an historical setting. So I kept getting thrown out of the story by small details that didn't seem to fit what felt like a contemporary story/protagonist.
2. It was just too slow. I mean, I didn't need to see bike rides from home to the dance studio, or conversations that had no bearing on the ultimate outcome of the story.
I'm not saying "don't read it". I'm just saying, be prepared for a slow-moving and detailed read.
abandoned
May 12, 2016I picked up this book because I had received an advanced copy of the second book from NetGalley. I figured I should probably read the first one before reviewing the second. And I tried. I just didn't make it very far; I think around 75 pages.
The main character was pretty whiney in her head. The dialogue, both internal and external, of all the characters was rather stilted. And I really don't think it would appeal to a broad YA audience. It would appeal to some hardcore ballet dancers. It is heavy in French dance terms and references. However, being set in the 50's with the grittier topics of eating disorders and such only being alluded to, I don't think it would go over big with todays YA primarily dystopian or edgy fiction reading crowd.
It's probably a sweet story. I wish I could have stuck it out but the characters were too annoying and the pace of the story agonizingly slow.
The main character was pretty whiney in her head. The dialogue, both internal and external, of all the characters was rather stilted. And I really don't think it would appeal to a broad YA audience. It would appeal to some hardcore ballet dancers. It is heavy in French dance terms and references. However, being set in the 50's with the grittier topics of eating disorders and such only being alluded to, I don't think it would go over big with todays YA primarily dystopian or edgy fiction reading crowd.
It's probably a sweet story. I wish I could have stuck it out but the characters were too annoying and the pace of the story agonizingly slow.
January 3, 2016
I really enjoyed the first half of this book. I found Marta's story of getting started at the ballet company fascinating. I thought there were interesting character dynamics introduced and clear descriptions of her dance experiences. However, as the story went on it seemed to drag. I realize that dealing with the stresses and injuries in ballet is an important story to tell, but I was disappointed that it no longer really seemed to be a story about dancing. The romance that had started to develop also just seemed to be on hold. Then, it seemed to turn in the direction of the seriousness of eating disorders, yet I felt like that didn't actually become the focus of the story either. Instead it glossed over Marta's struggle and actually left it feeling unresolved.
* I received an electronic copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review.
* I received an electronic copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review.
May 29, 2017
This is a coming of age story which takes place in the 1950s. Though considered a time of innocence, there were many of the same struggles and issues we face today. This story mentions some of those - loss of loved ones, financial struggles, drug use. I like that the story incorporates a lot of what was happening in the world at that time.
The thing I liked most about this story is the inclusion of strong, independent women. There's Mrs. B who runs the boarding house, Marta's mom, who works as a seamstress for the theater after the death of her husband, and Marta herself, who leaves home at the age of 17 to pursue her dream of becoming a ballet dancer.
Overall, I found this YA novel interesting, but I think someone who is interested in the ballet/theater world would appreciate and enjoy it even more than I did.
The thing I liked most about this story is the inclusion of strong, independent women. There's Mrs. B who runs the boarding house, Marta's mom, who works as a seamstress for the theater after the death of her husband, and Marta herself, who leaves home at the age of 17 to pursue her dream of becoming a ballet dancer.
Overall, I found this YA novel interesting, but I think someone who is interested in the ballet/theater world would appreciate and enjoy it even more than I did.
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