Reviews

Head Over Heels by Hannah Orenstein

margaridamlopes's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I followed the Olympics very attentively this year, particularly gymnastics, so I was very interested in this book. It touched on very hot topics of this world, particularly sexual and mental abuse (even though not that deeply), and I just couldn't put it down. Also very weird to read about a fictional Tokyo 2020 without a pandemic that in reality made it happen in 2021!

mary00's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

With the Olympics coming up, I thought this would be a fun read. I did enjoy it, especially the parts that focused on the gymnastics world. The love story felt a little clunky to me.

car3war's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I honestly really enjoyed this read. Yes it was a romance book but also showed the dark sides of gymnastics that have been really brought to light in recent years. Body and mind sport.

taylorlechat's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Update: I still love gymnastics.

Also this is like barely a romance and mostly about gymnastics and the dirty politics of the sport which is EXACTLY what I was hoping for.

kellyjanis's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

melanie_books's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

At age 19, Avery was a dedicated, talented gymnast and an Olympic hopeful. But when her career ended suddenly, she's understandably devastated. Now, seven years later, she returns home to Massachusetts following a bad breakup. Shortly after arriving, Ryan, another former gymnast working at Avery's home gym offers her a job coaching Hallie, a promising young gymnast. As she slowly works to get back on her feet, she realizes the potential that Hallie has and enjoys a burgeoning relationship with Ryan. But when a scandal breaks and disrupts the world of elite gymnastics, Avery must face her own hurts and the effects she deals with still.

I've always been fascinated by gymnastics - the beauty, the power, the grace. But lurking beneath the sparkly leotards and cool flips is a dark side that has come to light more in the real world over last couple of years. I liked that this story addressed some of the skeletons in the closet without being super depressing, even highlighting ways that gymnasts were reaching out and supporting one another. And while the book doesn't shy away from the sad parts of the sport, it does an amazing job with describing the complexity and artistry of gymnastics and how tough these athletes must be to compete. Overall, it gave me a new appreciation for the sport and will make me enjoy watching in a whole new way.

abbbyyya's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

With Hannah Orenstein's latest novel we have yet another story of how important it is to maintain your relationship with yourself while creating relationships with others. Avery grew so much from the start of the novel to the end and it was so uplifting, motivating, and encouraging to follow along her journey. I truly felt at the end that she was her truest form of self, alongside being in a happy relationship and having a successful career. Talk about goals! Books like this are so helpful in my quest to find the same thing and I am so happy that more authors seem to be writing books like this. Avery is the kind of female lead I looveeee. This was my first Hannah Orenstein book and I do think her writing is solid. Some sections felt a little drawn out and I found myself skimming through large chunks of descriptions. Apart from that, the story flowed well and came together beautifully

pixiepages's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

This was an easy light read. I didn’t really vibe with any of the characters. I will say it reminded me of an extra cheesy hallmark movie. Avery, who is a gymnast but not any type of gymnast, she's an olympic level one. She gets injured and loses everything she knew in her life. How do you find your way back …. You obviously move back to your hometown because isn't that where everything always begins.

clareobrien92's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Read this during the Olympics and it was a good one to get me in the mood. For what it is, it’s pretty successful, but it’s by no means a jaw-droppingly great romcom. The chemistry is decent but not sizzling or great. What stands out is the authors ability to capture what it feels like to be lost in your 20s, with a really believable Olympic twist.

niclow_'s review against another edition

Go to review page

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

4.0