Publishers Weekly , 10/26/15 "[Kessler] inspires readers as she realizes that 'you can't feel the thrill unless you take the risk.'" People , 12/7/15 "[Kessler's] book is eloquent, funny and so inspiring that readers might want to 'attempt the impossible' too." Eugene Weekly , 11/19/15 "With a funny and warm writing style, Kessler describes a history of doubts, from the poking comments of her early dance teachers to her powerful drive to succeed in Eugene Ballet Company's performances -- by any means necessary." Kirkus Reviews , 10/15/15 "Kessler has a wonderfully self-conscious mettle as well, not to mention a deft hand with the evocative expression of her inner feelings. She provides a useful vest-pocket history of ballet, and The Nutcracker in particular, and she ably captures the abundant physical punishment.An amusingly shrewd memoir of following a lifelong dream." END Library Journal , 12/4/15 "This delightful story of one woman's personal quest will be enjoyed by anyone who thinks age is just a number, but Nutcracker fans will find it especially appealing." PBS's Next Avenue , 12/8/15 "Kessler brings the reader along on a 250-page journey that's brutally challenging, hilariously funny and incontestably inspiring as she tries to morph from fit-but-not-ballet-fit mother and writer to lithe and limber Aunt Rose.
" Washington Post , 12/11/2015 "Breezy.Inspiring.Kessler's experience.will resonate with lots of readers.Self-reflective and funny, Kessler has an infectious enthusiasm, and her struggle to balance family, work and her time on social media will be amusingly familiar to many." Oregon ArtsWatch , 12/10/15 "[An] adventurous immersion into the subculture of ballet, this is a great, inspirational story for someone who is looking for a push to take that leap and do that thing they have been putting off for a really long time. If Kessler can do it, you can do it." Mediander, 12/17/15 "Kessler's book is well structured, generates suspense and culminates with amusing stories of performance mishaps and the rigors of touring.
" "The Bookworm Sez" syndicated column, 12/18/15 "[A] slice-of-life story.Raising the Barre is a nice surprise.Kessler proves that ballet -- and, really, seizing any dream worth having -- isn't as easy as it looks. You may even see yourself in what she endures: the doubts, aggravations, and triumphs, especially, but also in the journey itself. And for sure, you'll laugh, too, because Kessler keeps readers on their toes with plenty of self-depreciating humor. You don't need to be an aspiring ballerina to love this book.Raising the Barre is a book to leap for." Oregon Arts Watch, 12/17/15 " Raising the Barre is not unlike The Nutcracker itself: a delicious confection, a fast-paced romp.
" Providence Journal , 1/3/16 "Kessler's overall message about The Nutcracker will appeal to the hundreds of thousands who saw one of the many productions this holiday season.As a model then for trying different things in the New Year, Raising the Barre , gets a standing ovation.".