In the Ring by Sierra Isley

Bibliographic Information:

Title: In the Ring

Author: Sierra Isley

Narrator: Lauren Ezzo

Publisher: Blackstone Publishing

Copyright Date: September 2023

ISBN: 9798212413466

Format: Audiobook

Genre: Romance/Sports/LGBTQIA+/ Contemporary Fiction/ Neurostransmittal Atypicality

Running Time: 9 Hours 10 Minutes

Awards: Book All Young Georgians Should Read- 2024

Interested Level: Age 14-18 (Little Shop of Stories)

Plot Summary:

Since her mom's suicide Rose sees her everywhere largely in her self. Mixed with Rose's significant anxiety, it's no wonder she had an episode in class last year. Her classmates think she's a "psycho" and she is so frustrated she can't control anything that goes on in her life especially in her mind. After her therapist recommends she start a sport to help channel her anxiety and is assaulted by the quarterback at school, Rose decides to join Midtown Boxing Gym. When her and the school bad boy, Eliott King, are forced to spend more time together at boxing practices, she discovers an underground fight club at their gym. As Rose attempts to balance life as a teen, an athlete, and a budding relationship she can't seem to keep control of her hallucinations, fearing she'll end up just like her mom. Can Rose manage to preserve her mind and the safety of her loved ones?

Author Background:

In the Ring is Sierra Isley's first novel. Sierra graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Editing, Writing, and Media. Like the setting of In the Ring, Sierra grew up in Atlanta, Georgia working on film making. Sierra enjoys writing novels regarding mental health and LGBTQIA+ characters.

Critical Evaluation:

I really wanted to like this book. The idea is creative, fun, and purposeful, but I am not entirely sure the execution matched. While fun, I had a hard time believing the storyline, especially the speed at which Rose picks up the nuances of boxing. This novel is a collection of questionable decisions and bad judgment calls by every character, teen and adult. I think that teens will enjoy reading this book, it is written in a way that entices attention and teens may not acknowledge the lapses in logic. If I were to recommend this book I would warn teens to be prepared for some absurdity. However, I may not recommend the audiobook to teens. The narrator has a mature voice and tone, one that doesn't fit the voice or age of Rose. The performance feels forced and overdone in places, but if you speed up the audio it is less cringy. Overall this story is amusing and captivating, teens will probably also enjoy it and relate to the feelings of the main character. It is absolutely written for a teen audience because an adult would cringe through the bad parenting, destructive tendencies, and utter poor judgment that takes place in the novel.

Creative Use for Library Program:

Boxing Bag Art Piece- Librarian sets up a punching bag in the Young Adult space at the library as an interactive art exhibit. Next to the punching bag is a display for In the Ring along with a sign inviting teens to "Write down something you wish you had control over in your life. Punch It!" Once the punching bag is full, display it in the main area of the library.

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:

Having a background in coaching and having participated in multiple sports, I found the descriptions of the boxing practice and other boxing related scenes to be unrealistic. I am not a boxer but the dynamics described seemed inaccurate or unbelievable. This may be an issue for people who do box. Or I could be totally wrong. This novel contains many references to alcohol and drug abuse, suicide, and abusive relationships. While these themes are important ones to be discussed, in young adult literature it is necessary to write about them purposefully.

Speed Round Book Talk:

Rose Berman feels pummeled by so many things in her life, her crippling anxiety, the death of her mother, and her attacker, Harris Price. Will becoming a star boxer like her schools bad boy Elliott King teach her to win the fight over her mind? Or will she lose her balance and take an uppercut to her sanity?

Reason for Inclusion:

I saw this book on Libby and the cover caught my eye. After reading the plot summary the storyline sounded very unique and exciting to me. This is an interesting take on a sports romance in young adult literature, a genre that is taking adult romance by storm. I also appreciated the bisexual representation as well as the neurotransmittal atypicality and sexual assault victim visibility.

Check Out:

Excellent Fan Art by Cassy Fallon posted by Sierra Isley on her twitter page!

References:

Fallon, C. (2024, February). In the Ring Fan Art. [Post]. @sierraisleyy. X. https://x.com/sierraisleyy/status/1757767616007987404

Isley, S. (n.d.). About. Accessed June 2024 from https://www.sierraisley.com/about-5

Isley, S. (n.d.). In the Ring. Accessed June 2024 from https://www.sierraisley.com/itr

Libro.fm. (n.d.). In the Ring. Accessed June 2024 from https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9798212413466-in-the-ring

Little Shop of Stories. (n.d.). In the Ring Accessed June 2024 from https://www.littleshopofstories.com/book/9781956378146