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emmaheinonen28's review
4.0
I spotted this book after listening to her armchair expert interview. I grew up watching the olympics and it’s always been a dream of mine to do a backflip (I’m ok with not achieving this dream, I learned how to juggle instead). I was intrigued to learn about the Olympic experience but what this book really drove home is that the Olympics are only a small part of an elite gymnast’s journey, although it is a very important part. It took my a couple chapters to get into the writing style but then I was hooked! I also enjoyed watching the performances she writes about while I was reading and seeing (or not seeing) the emotions she was feeling at the time. Aly Raisman is an inspiration to all! Peace out, gotta go work on my back flip.
srwbos's review
3.0
3.5
This was better than I thought it would be -- I had a copy out from the library and predicted I wouldn't make it through the whole thing but instead read it in two or three days. The writing was just okay (perhaps better than other ghost co-written celeb autobiographies?) but there was more depth than one might expect. Since I couldn't remember her various competition highlights the middle 50% of the book was a page turner and I found myself not wanting to put it down as she narrated the ups and downs of her athletic career. Also, she did not shy away from describing her own devastating part in the "me too" movement and I think this book could be of benefit to other young people who might be in an abusive situation.
This was better than I thought it would be -- I had a copy out from the library and predicted I wouldn't make it through the whole thing but instead read it in two or three days. The writing was just okay (perhaps better than other ghost co-written celeb autobiographies?) but there was more depth than one might expect. Since I couldn't remember her various competition highlights the middle 50% of the book was a page turner and I found myself not wanting to put it down as she narrated the ups and downs of her athletic career. Also, she did not shy away from describing her own devastating part in the "me too" movement and I think this book could be of benefit to other young people who might be in an abusive situation.
unicorn23's review against another edition
4.0
Aly is a true inspiration and a great role model for young and old alike. It's admirable how she leads by example and is just not saying something or supporting something just for the sake of it. She really follows through.
I loved reading her gymnastics journey from when she was very little and making it two Olympic Games and winning all those medals. She has become my favorite gymnast and I couldn't be more proud to call myself a fan. She makes me want to be a better person.
I loved reading her gymnastics journey from when she was very little and making it two Olympic Games and winning all those medals. She has become my favorite gymnast and I couldn't be more proud to call myself a fan. She makes me want to be a better person.
markilee7's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. There were a few moments that made me tear up, both out of happiness for her accomplishments and sadness about the abuse of her and others. She is a very empowering, enlightening and kind soul. It felt as though she wrote it as if she were telling stories to a friend. It was personal and beautiful. I’m in awe of her strength both physically and mentally, she is an amazing woman.
kerrisbooks13's review against another edition
4.0
This was such a cool insight into the world of elite gymnastics. Aly gets real about a lot of topics from her training to her eating habits/body image, her confidence and even being a survivor of sexual abuse. Definitely worth a read