Reviews

Head Over Heels (LP) by Hannah Orenstein

libraryladys's review against another edition

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4.0

I assumed this would be a cute romance, and was pleasantly surprised to find more substance. It gives details about the intense world of gymnastics and issues surrounding body image.

gwalt118's review against another edition

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2.0

Head Over Heels by Hannah Orenstein is one of those books that I can appreciate for the attempt, while also acknowledging that the execution didn't work for me. In this novel, Orenstein tries to humanize the elite sport of gymnastics in light of the Larry Nassar scandal and the postponed 2020 Olympics.

The problem is that, at its core, this is a romance novel...and I didn't buy into the romance. Avery & Ryan's relationship always felt forced to me. Ryan is a jerk to her more than once, but she always circles back to him. Things never felt plausible to me, and there were a few moments that were supposed to be romantic but just felt cheesy to me. Avery & Ryan are supposed to be in their late 20s and they act like teenagers.

The writing is not vivid, and a lot of the descriptions fell flat. I don't want a character to tell me that a gymnastics arena is huge and flashy. I want the author to describe a huge and flashy gymnastics arena to me.

The characters, the writing, the romance plotline -- it all just frustrated me. Oh well. To the little free library she goes.

jesstandrews's review against another edition

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lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

angelica_elle_reads's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

saral27_'s review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

bookedbaby's review against another edition

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4.0

This book started out a little dark. I couldn’t even imagine working my whole life for something only for it to disappear in a flash from one mistake. No wonder she was depressed for so long. This book was so important for gymnasts. I’ve never been one but if I ever had a daughter that wanted this dream, I’d make her read it. It’s a lesson on mental health for these young ladies. The main love interest Ryan was interesting but I had a hard time loving him after not taking her word for the emotional abuse she went through. He didn’t believe her and I just think it’s so hard to come back from something like that. I like the fact that he knew a simple apology was never going to be enough and he had to SHOW her that he understands how wrong it was. This book was great but honestly she could have even made it more dramatic. It could have been intense and messy but it was very simple. Which was nice too. I just always felt like it could have had more.

katieniegos's review against another edition

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3.0

This book was cute. It wasn’t literary genius by any means and some of the details were highly lacking and sloppy. But the characters were fun to follow and you found yourself rooting for them the whole time.

kareymckay's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

readfrenzy's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5 stars

I’ve been obsessed with the Olympic games – gymnastics, in particular – since I was a young girl. Every four years, I find myself glued to my television, cheering on Team U.S.A. When I found out Head Over Heels was a romance centered around a gymnast training for the Olympics, reading it was a no-brainer.

With some sports romances, the sport is barely tangential to the plot. This book, however, immerses the reader in the world of competitive gymnastics – the training regime, techniques, rules, equipment, and competitions. It’s a well-researched subject that’s a dream for super fans.

Despite the cute cover, this isn’t a fluffy contemporary romance. Avery is burdened with depression and the lingering effects of emotional abuse. It’s tangible. However, deep down is a fighting spirit that I admired. I liked the way Avery bonds with Ryan over their shared experiences as former elite gymnasts. I also enjoyed how they work together as a team to train Hallie. Theirs is a sweet, although not necessarily electric, attraction. This is mainly due to the indecisive nature of their romance. It feels forced.

In Hallie, we see a teenager with great ambition and grit. She is able to take on the grueling physical and mental demands required of athletes competing at her high level, while still maintaining a sweetness that’s endearing. I celebrated every accomplishment and mourned each setback.

I would have rated the book higher, but some developments in the latter half are too rushed. Ryan’s decision-making is questionable and hasty. Avery’s reunion with her former best friend, Jasmine, needs finessing; although, I did enjoy their relationship. The drama lover in me wanted to see additional interactions with Avery’s former coach and a more satisfying resolution.

Overall, I enjoyed this book more as a work of contemporary women’s fiction than as a romance. Head Over Heels definitely renewed my love for gymnastics and my appreciation for athletes who train most of their lives for one shot at grabbing the ultimate gold.

Recommended for fans of:
Gymnastics
The Olympics
Second chances
Cooking
*I received an early copy of this book to voluntarily read.*
Reading Frenzy Book Blog

jessiehulk98's review against another edition

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5.0

Highly recommend this book for lovers of gymnastics! Absolutely adored this story with all of its ups and downs. Also nearly made me cry, if that's saying anything!!