Marie's Nutcracker

by Margaret Marie Klenzing

Marie’s Nutcracker is a new young-adult novel by up-and-coming author Margaret Marie Klenzing. It is fully illustrated with nineteen original drawings by Rori Alexander.

Marie’s Nutcracker tells the charming story of a seventeen-year-old dancer on the cusp of becoming a professional ballerina. Marie is a good dancer, one of the best in her local dance studio. Yet she often feels insecure, particularly around Jasmine, a self-centered prima donna who has the starring role in the yearly production of the Nutcracker. Surprisingly, a Hollywood movie company comes to town to film its own production of the Nutcracker at the local mall. Many dance school students, including Marie, are hired as extras for the film and are delighted to be cast. During filming, Marie bonds with Whitney, a teenage popstar hired to sing in the film production of the Nutcracker. As friends, they find a path toward reinforcing the love of their art.

Exciting behind the scene action with many new twists and turns make Marie’s Nutcracker relevant to today’s teenagers. It is written for general audiences and contains no strong language or sexual situations. Fun and enjoyable and focused on dance.

276 pages, Paperback

Published October 30, 2022

Reviews

[Rosie Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maria’s Nutcracker is a modern story around the performance of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. This story is set in an American town where Maria attends the ballet school run by her mother. As the school prepares for its annual Christmas performance of the ballet, there is news of a film company coming to town to make a different version of the same dance.

It’s an exciting time at the ballet school as some of the pupils will get to be extras in the film and the ballet studio is giving rehearsal space to the dancers. Maria and her fellow students are allowed to train with and watch the seasoned performers.

I liked the idea of this story and the opening pages were encouraging. Bringing classical ballet to the attention of modern-day audiences and performers was interesting to read about. There are also attempts to talk openly about several stigmas that have been associated with ballet over many years.

Sadly the writing style let this story down, I felt it needed a good polish, something that advice from an experienced editor could sort out.

[D.G. Farnsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to be utterly captivated by the enchanting illustrations that grace the pages of this book. While the story primarily targets teenagers, its appeal knows no bounds, making it a delightful tale for audiences of all ages. This narrative weaves a compelling journey, filled with unexpected twists and turns, creating an experience that is nothing short of enthralling. At its heart, this book is a profound exploration of conquering insecurity and discovering the art of shining brightly. Through the lens of ballet, it delves into the love for this art form, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between dance and fine art. It sheds light on the emotional and physical challenges that dancers bravely confront, offering readers newfound empathy and admiration for their dedication. This novel serves as a gateway to a deep comprehension of the essence of art and dance, touching upon the very core of life's meaning. It ignited a deep reflection within me, unveiling the intricate layers of dance in a way I had never before considered. If you've ever harbored a desire to dance, the author's words are akin to a gentle yet compelling invitation, urging you to explore this world of movement and expression. The book emphasizes that ballet belongs to all, and should be accessible to everyone, breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity. It commendably spotlights racial diversity, a facet often overlooked in other ballet-themed literature. As the narrative unfolds against the backdrop of The Nutcracker Ballet, a beloved performance cherished by many, it evokes a sense of nostalgia and fondness for this holiday tradition. The author's writing is not only well-crafted but also highly engaging, painting vivid and illustrious descriptions that immerse you in the story, leaving you yearning for more. One of the book's remarkable qualities is its ability to maintain a swift pace, ensuring that readers remain thoroughly engaged throughout. Time seems to slip away as you delve deeper into this beautiful and elegant tale, and you may even find yourself contemplating a second reading, especially during the winter holiday season.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up as the daughter of a ballet instructor is not easy for seventeen-year-old Marie, especially during the busy Christmas season. In addition to her mother’s annual Nutcracker production, a film crew is creating their own version of the iconic ballet using the same rehearsal spaces. Marie is as immersed in ballet as she has ever been, but as the pressure of the two performances continues to build, she must dig deep to remain true to the spirit of the season and her own love of the dance. This story is well-designed for young adults with a passion for ballet because of the frequent scenes surrounding dance, the use of ballet terms throughout the narrative, and the friction that can sometimes occur with people outside the realm of ballet. Additionally, the spirit of the Nutcracker comes through both in the amateur production and in the more polished, professional one, which amplifies the fact that this story can be told in any number of ways. Additionally, occasional black and white illustrations depict scenes from the Nutcracker, and these add an important visual quality to the book. Marie narrates the story in the first person, but there is additional character information inserted, as well. This unfortunately detracts from the strength of Marie’s voice and makes her individual story arc less clear, though it does provide insight into other characters’ internal feelings. Despite this narrative ambiguity, the writing is clear and guides readers through the story, placing the creation of the Nutcracker performances as its primary focus. Though Marie is a teenager, the narrative is accessible to a wide range of readers thanks to its generally family-friendly storytelling style. Readers who enjoy both ballet and the traditional story of the Nutcracker will appreciate this novel, especially as the holiday season quickly approaches.

[Quinlyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the premise of this book, and the characters are likeable. The book is not as well-written as it could be and has several flaws:

-The author is obviously very out of touch. People don't talk like that and YA novels don't usually use the type of formal language she uses. Also what teenager refers to their parents by their first names?
-Long monologues with no point
-Redundancy
-The book claims to be written for dancers, yet explains a lot of simple concepts and traditions that dancers would already understand
-Characters talk a lot about how they are special because they don't care about what other kids their age care about
-Characters are very one-dimensional and there is no character development for any of them; the ending is virtually the same as the beginning except the characters are older
-Lack of drama and interesting plot points

[Heather Barksdale · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Marie’s Nutcracker” introduces Marie, a seventeen-year-old dancer. Marie’s grown up in her mother’s shadow and under her thumb as Barbara was a great ballerina in her own right and now owns the dance studio where Marie trains and performs.

Overall, I enjoyed this story. I mean, who doesn’t love to read a Christmas story around the holidays? One of my favorite memories is going to see the Nutcracker Ballet with my mom when I was young and getting to pick out a little ballerina ornament when it was over. So, yes, I am familiar with the ballet and was eager to read this modern take. The story did not disappoint. The main protagonist of Marie, is a sweet and vulnerable young woman. Find the full blog post at heatherlbarksdale.com

I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.

[Divina Zape · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marie’s Nutcracker is a beautifully written and illustrated coming-of-age story that immerses readers in the enchanting world of ballet. Margaret Marie Klenzing skillfully explores themes of insecurity, rivalry, and friendship, making Marie’s journey relatable and inspiring. The detailed scenes of the dance studio, the Hollywood filming, and holiday magic add depth and realism. Marie’s bond with pop star Whitney and her romantic feelings for Peter add emotional layers that will resonate with teen readers. This heartfelt story celebrates perseverance, diversity, and the love of art, making it a perfect read for anyone who dreams of dancing and believing in themselves.

[Ruffina Os · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Marie’s Nutcracker, Margaret Marie Klenzing creates a captivating story about a young dancer’s pursuit of her dreams amid challenges and rivalry. The illustrations by Rori Alexander beautifully complement the story, capturing the magic and energy of ballet. Marie’s struggles with self-doubt and her blossoming friendship with Whitney add emotional depth, while the Hollywood film backdrop offers exciting behind-the-scenes intrigue. This inspiring tale emphasizes that passion, friendship, and authenticity can overcome obstacles. It’s a joyful celebration of dance, dreams, and perseverance, ideal for teens who love stories about overcoming adversity and following their art.

[CR · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. Especially, because you could tell that the author had a great grasp on the world of dance. I love stories that coincide with the authors background. My own children loved dancing, so this was a nice return to those days. I think this one would suit anyone who wishes to have a light story with good humor and banter between siblings as well as those who enjoy a light read. The story takes you on a nice ride through ballet and a movie production, with friends, and family and more!! Great for this upcoming holiday season.

[Destiny Bridwell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I am going to say that I did not enjoy this book. I know it is a YA book and read a lot of YA, but the pacing, the formal way of speaking and some of the long speaking parts just kind of put me off this book. I know it was a book that was supposed to be written for dancers. I just felt is was flaws. The concept was what got me to read and review it. Just not for me.