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En Pointe
“Have you ever had an addiction? An obsession? Have you ever wanted something so much that you can’t imagine your life without it? For me, that’s dance.”
This is a story about never giving up on your dreams, no matter what life throws at you.
Chloe Bayliss was born to perform and thanks to a lot of hard work and determination, she’s on her way to being a ballerina. At sixteen, she gets accepted into an international dance school and everything she dreamed of is about to come true.
But then overnight a mystery illness takes Chloe from starring in Swan Lake to clinging to life in a hospital bed.
Never in her wildest dreams could she have imagined the hurdles she would face – but also how she would eventually triumph. Against all odds, she finds a whole new way to flourish, and despite the challenges she faces, Chloe never stops dreaming big.
En Pointe is the real-life story of how an aspiring ballerina became an inspiring young actor after overcoming a life-threatening illness.
Miracles really can happen, even if they’re not the ones you asked for.
This is a story about never giving up on your dreams, no matter what life throws at you.
Chloe Bayliss was born to perform and thanks to a lot of hard work and determination, she’s on her way to being a ballerina. At sixteen, she gets accepted into an international dance school and everything she dreamed of is about to come true.
But then overnight a mystery illness takes Chloe from starring in Swan Lake to clinging to life in a hospital bed.
Never in her wildest dreams could she have imagined the hurdles she would face – but also how she would eventually triumph. Against all odds, she finds a whole new way to flourish, and despite the challenges she faces, Chloe never stops dreaming big.
En Pointe is the real-life story of how an aspiring ballerina became an inspiring young actor after overcoming a life-threatening illness.
Miracles really can happen, even if they’re not the ones you asked for.
- GenresNonfiction
244 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2019
6 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 6, 2019
Absolutely loved this book it was a great story about Chloe’s journey would reckon mend this book to anyone going through something or even if you are wanting a good book.
October 2, 2019
There is absolutely nowhere to hide in a biography. In a fictional novel you can adjust the story to peak the readers interest, kill off a character here, insert a tsunami there. But in a true story you can’t do that unless it actually happened (well, I suppose you could, but family members might not take too kindly to being killed off in a ‘true story’).
This means that the story you’re telling has to be interesting, it has to be something that people want to read. Chloe doesn’t struggle to do this as she walks us through the awe inspiring details of her life from her extreme love and commitment to dance from an early age, to the long and winding medical journey that she’s faced with, and everything along the way.
Chloe’s story is relatable because it’s real. She doesn’t try to hide her emotions or pretend that they don’t exist, even when they’re hard. She tells her story exactly as it happened, making us feel every high and every low as if the story was our own.
What I love most about this story isn’t just that she had a sickness that rocked her life and that she was able to overcome it, but that she admits that the trails that she’s faced and the medical hurdles that’s she’s jumped have provided her with a shiny new perspective on life. Before falling sick dance was her entire world. She couldn’t afford distractions such as boys or going out with her friends on weekends and didn’t have much time for her family.
And then her whole life is suddenly put on pause and she is opened up to the fact that there is a life outside dance and it’s definitely worth living.
I connected with this story on so many different levels.
I loved Chloe’s determination and passion and her unfailing ability to never give up, but it actually wasn’t Chloe’s story that affected me the most- it was her mums. As a mum myself, it was easy to step into her shoes and see Chloe’s journey from her gut wrenching perspective. *cue tears*
And again from another angle, the student nurse in me was fascinated with the medical part of the book, including how the hospital reacted, her diagnosis and the different treatments she was given.
So although written for young adults, this book manages to appeal to people of all ages.
It takes a whole community of people to overcome a battle like this as well as one courageous and tough spirited ringmaster at the very centre.
Chloe’s story will hit you right in the feels with the perfect combination of inspiration, love, story telling and unbelievable persistence.
This means that the story you’re telling has to be interesting, it has to be something that people want to read. Chloe doesn’t struggle to do this as she walks us through the awe inspiring details of her life from her extreme love and commitment to dance from an early age, to the long and winding medical journey that she’s faced with, and everything along the way.
Chloe’s story is relatable because it’s real. She doesn’t try to hide her emotions or pretend that they don’t exist, even when they’re hard. She tells her story exactly as it happened, making us feel every high and every low as if the story was our own.
What I love most about this story isn’t just that she had a sickness that rocked her life and that she was able to overcome it, but that she admits that the trails that she’s faced and the medical hurdles that’s she’s jumped have provided her with a shiny new perspective on life. Before falling sick dance was her entire world. She couldn’t afford distractions such as boys or going out with her friends on weekends and didn’t have much time for her family.
And then her whole life is suddenly put on pause and she is opened up to the fact that there is a life outside dance and it’s definitely worth living.
I connected with this story on so many different levels.
I loved Chloe’s determination and passion and her unfailing ability to never give up, but it actually wasn’t Chloe’s story that affected me the most- it was her mums. As a mum myself, it was easy to step into her shoes and see Chloe’s journey from her gut wrenching perspective. *cue tears*
And again from another angle, the student nurse in me was fascinated with the medical part of the book, including how the hospital reacted, her diagnosis and the different treatments she was given.
So although written for young adults, this book manages to appeal to people of all ages.
It takes a whole community of people to overcome a battle like this as well as one courageous and tough spirited ringmaster at the very centre.
Chloe’s story will hit you right in the feels with the perfect combination of inspiration, love, story telling and unbelievable persistence.
April 15, 2020
This autobiography came to me at the perfect time during my social isolation. I needed something that encompassed gritty-determined perseverance, all-consuming doubt, pit-in-your-stomach-gnawing worry and unstoppable hope – and this book literally jumped out at me from my shelves! (No seriously, I was at my bookshelves trying to pick my next read, and I accidentally bumped the case!)
Bayliss conveys her life story to the reader through simple prose. And my oh my, it was effective. She doesn’t try to hide behind flowery writing – instead, she states the obvious truth – with a conviction that seems to say what is the point of hiding from reality.
Though I have read more sophisticated autobiographies before, I found that the simplicity and the diary-style layout allowed me to more fully appreciate the trials and successes in more of a first-hand way.
I devoured this autobiography in one day. And I am certain, that if you were so inclined, that you would too!
Thank you @panterapress and @lifeofinkandwords for the giveaway prize!
Bayliss conveys her life story to the reader through simple prose. And my oh my, it was effective. She doesn’t try to hide behind flowery writing – instead, she states the obvious truth – with a conviction that seems to say what is the point of hiding from reality.
Though I have read more sophisticated autobiographies before, I found that the simplicity and the diary-style layout allowed me to more fully appreciate the trials and successes in more of a first-hand way.
I devoured this autobiography in one day. And I am certain, that if you were so inclined, that you would too!
Thank you @panterapress and @lifeofinkandwords for the giveaway prize!
June 15, 2020
I read this book in a day as I was on my way interstate for a funeral. Bayliss tells her story well, and her harrowing experiences in the hospital were very impacting. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the world of dancing, and admired Bayliss for her determination in never giving up. She is truly a testament to the power of family, love, hard work and a positive outlook. Amazing story.
September 14, 2020
Highly Recommend this book, based on a true story and how you can overcome any issues that have arisen. Would recommend this book for people who are going through things and want to hear an inspirational story.
October 23, 2020
This is one of the best books I've ready for ages. It was such a gripping story and an emotional read. It is definitely a winner for anyone who loves dance stories, medical dramas, and a tale about never giving up. I loved everything about this book.
September 25, 2019
Full review to come tomorrow. Follow my blog so you don’t miss out!
3.5/5
3.5/5
March 6, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a free Advanced Copy of this book from the publisher, Pantera Press. This in no way effects my review and all views expressed are my own.
This young adult contemporary follows a true story of dance, tragedy and strength. Chloe has always strived to be a professional dancer, training intensely from a young age and transferring to a dance-focused high school. But suddenly small aches and tiredness turned into a serious illness that not only threatened her life but her dreams.
Now we follow Chloe through her harrowing diagnosis and treatment, all while being a ‘prisoner’ in the hospital. The author’s incredibly painful experiences comes through with every word, it’s clear that this was particularly agonising for someone who’d been such a high-level athlete. Everyone constantly tells her that she should give up on her dancing dream, yet Chloe is determined to get better so she can return to her goal of going onto a pre-professional dance school then onto a career as a dancer. Her strength is impressive and should be an inspiration for everyone.
Throughout her health treatments Chloe continues to grip onto life; her family, her friends and even the possibility of love. Chloe has many close friends, most of whom are dancers like her, and I am impressed that she is able to hold onto these friendships. Many young people can’t deal with serious health issues (I myself lost quite a few friends this way). Meanwhile, despite being trapped in the hospital and tubes sticking out of her chest, Chloe continues to look for love, just like a regular teenage girl. It’s great to see her continue to be a regular girl despite everything.
Personally, I suffer from a chronic pain condition which started off similarly – with tiredness and aches – and I am very familiar with the frustrating unknown, stolen dreams and dramatic change in lifestyle. Thankfully my condition isn’t as extreme or life-threatening as Chloe’s. This made the novel incredibly close to home and painful for me, I even had to skip over the deeply painful hospital periods because it had me in tears. The strength Chloe showed during her self-rehabilitation was truly inspiring and has reinvigorated my desire to work on my own rehabilitation. Very few books have been so close to my own situation and so have affected me this deeply.
At the end, the author added a note on what happened to her after the end of the book. It helped centre it in the real world and I even searched for her on IMDB. It was so fascinating, especially since I had actually some of the shows Chloe was in. It was a wonderful display of how a love of the arts, not just one, can enrich someone’s life no matter their situation.
If it wasn’t clear this book is easily 5/5, it was full of emotion, strength, determination and love of family. Anyone and everyone should read this book, it is a great display of the hardship some people face in there life and can help everyone appreciate their own (and how worse life can always get).
This young adult contemporary follows a true story of dance, tragedy and strength. Chloe has always strived to be a professional dancer, training intensely from a young age and transferring to a dance-focused high school. But suddenly small aches and tiredness turned into a serious illness that not only threatened her life but her dreams.
Now we follow Chloe through her harrowing diagnosis and treatment, all while being a ‘prisoner’ in the hospital. The author’s incredibly painful experiences comes through with every word, it’s clear that this was particularly agonising for someone who’d been such a high-level athlete. Everyone constantly tells her that she should give up on her dancing dream, yet Chloe is determined to get better so she can return to her goal of going onto a pre-professional dance school then onto a career as a dancer. Her strength is impressive and should be an inspiration for everyone.
Throughout her health treatments Chloe continues to grip onto life; her family, her friends and even the possibility of love. Chloe has many close friends, most of whom are dancers like her, and I am impressed that she is able to hold onto these friendships. Many young people can’t deal with serious health issues (I myself lost quite a few friends this way). Meanwhile, despite being trapped in the hospital and tubes sticking out of her chest, Chloe continues to look for love, just like a regular teenage girl. It’s great to see her continue to be a regular girl despite everything.
Personally, I suffer from a chronic pain condition which started off similarly – with tiredness and aches – and I am very familiar with the frustrating unknown, stolen dreams and dramatic change in lifestyle. Thankfully my condition isn’t as extreme or life-threatening as Chloe’s. This made the novel incredibly close to home and painful for me, I even had to skip over the deeply painful hospital periods because it had me in tears. The strength Chloe showed during her self-rehabilitation was truly inspiring and has reinvigorated my desire to work on my own rehabilitation. Very few books have been so close to my own situation and so have affected me this deeply.
At the end, the author added a note on what happened to her after the end of the book. It helped centre it in the real world and I even searched for her on IMDB. It was so fascinating, especially since I had actually some of the shows Chloe was in. It was a wonderful display of how a love of the arts, not just one, can enrich someone’s life no matter their situation.
If it wasn’t clear this book is easily 5/5, it was full of emotion, strength, determination and love of family. Anyone and everyone should read this book, it is a great display of the hardship some people face in there life and can help everyone appreciate their own (and how worse life can always get).
March 8, 2021
This book really hit home for me. I used to dance, not quite at the same level as Chloe but the same, I had hopes to make it my career. But an illness, though not as serious and hopefully mine can be treated soon, I understood her not wanting to give up. The description of the stage couldn’t be more accurate. And for her writing her autobiography and not being an established author, this book was beautifully written. With collaboration with her parents and people around her at the time, as well as taking information from her diary, this seems like a perfectly accurate and full picture of the events in Ms Bayliss’ life. Heart-warming and inspiring, I loved every second of this book. This book though, for nicheness and subculture reasons, would not rate this book higher as the range of people who would understand this is relatively small, but to those people, it is incredibly powerful.
December 6, 2022
So Inspirational. Loved every single word and I loved how the story was told. I love how Chloe made a space to hear her parents side. Most times we hear from the people impacted by these life threatening illnesses but not so much the people closest to them. That was really beautiful to include their words and thoughts as well. All the very best and your bright beautiful journey Chloe ❤️
November 4, 2023
Really enjoyed this book it’s was a great biography. Read it in a few days.
September 29, 2019
Originally posted here: En Pointe Review
I was chosen to review En Pointe by Chloe Bayliss as part of the AusYABloggers Review Tour.
I enjoyed reading this Young Adult autobiography by Chloe Bayliss. It was my first time reading a story like this one. As a mid-30s young woman, I found that I didn’t enjoy this autobiography as much as I could have because I felt that I was in the wrong age group to appreciate it. However, if I picture myself back in time to when I was my 14 or 15-year-old self, I believe I would have enjoyed her story more than I do now. This story was both heartbreaking and entertaining in equal measure. At the start of the story, Bayliss is a dedicated dancer whose life is dance, dance and more dance. She has no time for anything else while her family uproot their lives to accommodate her every need. But that all changes six months before Bayliss is due to graduate with her Diploma in Dance and Performance. She is rushed to hospital with acute kidney failure and spends an awful eighteen months fighting off life-threatening disease.
It was good to see that as Chloe grew up during her illness, she learns to grow up and see the world through a different lens. The sixteen-year-old Chloe realises it wasn’t just about her dancing anymore as she must lean on others to survive. Although it must have been tough to hear from various experts that Bayliss shouldn’t and wouldn’t be able to dance anymore, especially when at her lowest. She meets and spends time with her family members again and begins to have better relationships with them. Her sister is a real character, and her parents are beautiful people. I can’t imagine what they were going through and wouldn’t wish the events that happened to this family on my worst enemy.
It was heartbreaking and harrowing to read about the various experiences that happened while Chloe was in the hospital. In turn, all these experiences shape the dancer Bayliss becomes once she is strong enough to defeat her limitations and graduate finally.
By the end of the story, I was glad to know that Chloe had beaten her illness but found her to be a little selfish in the way that she made her parents relive this horrible time. I also think the ending to be overdone and inflated. The conclusion might have read better if it was divided into two chapters instead of one.
Overall, I found this book to be both inspirational and hopeful in turn. I hope teenagers read this and know that if Chloe Bayliss can defeat her illness and achieve her dreams, anyone can.
I rate this 3.5 out of 5 stars.
I was chosen to review En Pointe by Chloe Bayliss as part of the AusYABloggers Review Tour.
I enjoyed reading this Young Adult autobiography by Chloe Bayliss. It was my first time reading a story like this one. As a mid-30s young woman, I found that I didn’t enjoy this autobiography as much as I could have because I felt that I was in the wrong age group to appreciate it. However, if I picture myself back in time to when I was my 14 or 15-year-old self, I believe I would have enjoyed her story more than I do now. This story was both heartbreaking and entertaining in equal measure. At the start of the story, Bayliss is a dedicated dancer whose life is dance, dance and more dance. She has no time for anything else while her family uproot their lives to accommodate her every need. But that all changes six months before Bayliss is due to graduate with her Diploma in Dance and Performance. She is rushed to hospital with acute kidney failure and spends an awful eighteen months fighting off life-threatening disease.
It was good to see that as Chloe grew up during her illness, she learns to grow up and see the world through a different lens. The sixteen-year-old Chloe realises it wasn’t just about her dancing anymore as she must lean on others to survive. Although it must have been tough to hear from various experts that Bayliss shouldn’t and wouldn’t be able to dance anymore, especially when at her lowest. She meets and spends time with her family members again and begins to have better relationships with them. Her sister is a real character, and her parents are beautiful people. I can’t imagine what they were going through and wouldn’t wish the events that happened to this family on my worst enemy.
It was heartbreaking and harrowing to read about the various experiences that happened while Chloe was in the hospital. In turn, all these experiences shape the dancer Bayliss becomes once she is strong enough to defeat her limitations and graduate finally.
By the end of the story, I was glad to know that Chloe had beaten her illness but found her to be a little selfish in the way that she made her parents relive this horrible time. I also think the ending to be overdone and inflated. The conclusion might have read better if it was divided into two chapters instead of one.
Overall, I found this book to be both inspirational and hopeful in turn. I hope teenagers read this and know that if Chloe Bayliss can defeat her illness and achieve her dreams, anyone can.
I rate this 3.5 out of 5 stars.
March 8, 2020
Heartbreaking and amazing!
I cried all the way through this. A reminder that life is precious and should be lived fully. Thank you Chloe.
I cried all the way through this. A reminder that life is precious and should be lived fully. Thank you Chloe.
September 25, 2019
En Pointe Book Review
5 Stars 🌟
I was gifted this amazing novel by Panthers Press with thanks to AusYaBloggers for an honest review.
What an incredibly emotional journey!!
Chloe loves to dance, her life revolves around dance, she is fit, eats well, and stays positive.
When Chloe turned 17 her life was turned upside down and the possibility of ever dancing again was thin.
Following Chloe’s whirlwind life as she battles this rare disease that baffled even the doctors as they fought to find a diagnosis, was an intense read.
How Chloe was able to stay positive throughout this trying time is such an inspiration. She has the thickest skin and never backs down even when her mind tried to take her into darkness.
The Baylis family are such a united bunch. They gave each other such unconditional support, it makes my heart happy that Chloe has such a great family surrounding her.
I love dancing, it is the most beautiful artistic form that allows one to connect with their entire mind, body, and soul. When Chloe explains how she feels about Dancing it spoke to my very heart.
To be able to go through some dark times and use it through dance helps heal apart of you and I believe that is exactly what it has done for you Chloe. It helped you deal as though going to a therapist would for others.
For Chloe’s first book (non fiction) her writing is so beautiful. How she captures each scene in her life and poured the emotion she was feeling into it, I felt it to my core.
A must read for all that needs some help in their life. To help you dig deep and stand tall through your own struggles. I know this book has certainly helped me and I would love to donate blood to help others that require transfusions.
5 Stars 🌟
I was gifted this amazing novel by Panthers Press with thanks to AusYaBloggers for an honest review.
What an incredibly emotional journey!!
Chloe loves to dance, her life revolves around dance, she is fit, eats well, and stays positive.
When Chloe turned 17 her life was turned upside down and the possibility of ever dancing again was thin.
Following Chloe’s whirlwind life as she battles this rare disease that baffled even the doctors as they fought to find a diagnosis, was an intense read.
How Chloe was able to stay positive throughout this trying time is such an inspiration. She has the thickest skin and never backs down even when her mind tried to take her into darkness.
The Baylis family are such a united bunch. They gave each other such unconditional support, it makes my heart happy that Chloe has such a great family surrounding her.
I love dancing, it is the most beautiful artistic form that allows one to connect with their entire mind, body, and soul. When Chloe explains how she feels about Dancing it spoke to my very heart.
To be able to go through some dark times and use it through dance helps heal apart of you and I believe that is exactly what it has done for you Chloe. It helped you deal as though going to a therapist would for others.
For Chloe’s first book (non fiction) her writing is so beautiful. How she captures each scene in her life and poured the emotion she was feeling into it, I felt it to my core.
A must read for all that needs some help in their life. To help you dig deep and stand tall through your own struggles. I know this book has certainly helped me and I would love to donate blood to help others that require transfusions.
December 29, 2024
En Pointe: a touching glimpse into the life of a teenager grappling with the uncertainty and struggles of waiting for a lupus diagnosis. The book captures the frustration and emotional weight of delayed answers, shedding light on how illness disrupts not only physical health but also one’s sense of security and future. Through Chloe's journey, we are reminded how life can change in an instant, with the realities of living with lupus presenting new challenges and forcing difficult choices about how to move forward.
Chloe beautifully illustrates how love and understanding from family can provide the strength needed to face a life-altering diagnosis. En Pointe serves as a powerful reflection on resilience, the unpredictability of life, and the tough decisions those with lupus must confront, offering readers an honest and heartfelt portrayal of both struggle and hope.
Chloe beautifully illustrates how love and understanding from family can provide the strength needed to face a life-altering diagnosis. En Pointe serves as a powerful reflection on resilience, the unpredictability of life, and the tough decisions those with lupus must confront, offering readers an honest and heartfelt portrayal of both struggle and hope.
November 17, 2019
An interesting memoir about a promising ballerina and the awful disease Lupus that she suffered from just as she was about to graduate and had the world at her feet.
She is a very positive young lady and was lucky to have such a loving family around as well as some great friends to help her get through this terrible period in her life.
She is a very positive young lady and was lucky to have such a loving family around as well as some great friends to help her get through this terrible period in her life.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews