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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
Little Bee was so good, I couldn't wait to read more by Chris Cleave. It's taken me a while to get this book from my local library, but it was worth the wait.
Zoe and Kate are vying for a cycling spot at the 2012 Olympics; their friendship is uncertain at best for most of the novel, and often cruel and competitive. I wasn't sure I'd like a book that focused so much on cycling (a sport I'm not into at all) but the characters' passion is easily relatable. I found myself rooting for Kate — the more naturally talented rider, who put family and friendship ahead of the gold medals — and at times, hating Zoe, a beautiful and cold champion.
Cleave forces his characters to make heartbreaking decisions, and I think I appreciate that, because it forces the readers to confront how they'd respond in a similar situation. I kinda figured out how Gold would play, and the root of the central conflict, but I still enjoyed the story. I'd recommend the book, and I look forward to reading more from Cleave.
Zoe and Kate are vying for a cycling spot at the 2012 Olympics; their friendship is uncertain at best for most of the novel, and often cruel and competitive. I wasn't sure I'd like a book that focused so much on cycling (a sport I'm not into at all) but the characters' passion is easily relatable. I found myself rooting for Kate — the more naturally talented rider, who put family and friendship ahead of the gold medals — and at times, hating Zoe, a beautiful and cold champion.
Cleave forces his characters to make heartbreaking decisions, and I think I appreciate that, because it forces the readers to confront how they'd respond in a similar situation. I kinda figured out how Gold would play, and the root of the central conflict, but I still enjoyed the story. I'd recommend the book, and I look forward to reading more from Cleave.
Real rating: 4.5 stars
Gold follows Zoe Bergren and Kate Argall, a pair of Olympic cyclists who are at once best friends and bitter competitive rivals. The story explores their complex, hopelessly complicated relationship as events hit a breaking point qualifying for the 2012 Olympics in London.
The character development was amazing. Though the two did fit into familiar roles (Zoe = The Wild One Who is Careening Out of Control, Kate = The Goodhearted, Likeable One Who Can Be Sort of Boring), Cleave really brought the characters to life as real, believable, flawed humans. It is obvious he is a talented writer. You spend the book inevitably comparing the girls, thinking through what motivates them, switching allegiances and switching back, wanting to flip back and reread old sections as more of their painful past is revealed. And then there's Sophie, Kate's little daughter sick with Leukemia, who adds drama to the whole mess, but ultimately is so loveable in her concern for her parents and her Star Wars obsession that all her sections just tug at your heart strings. Really all the characters were incredibly sympathetic in their own ways, even bitter and brutal Zoe.
Fantastically done, though I do feel the ending came somewhat abruptly.
Gold follows Zoe Bergren and Kate Argall, a pair of Olympic cyclists who are at once best friends and bitter competitive rivals. The story explores their complex, hopelessly complicated relationship as events hit a breaking point qualifying for the 2012 Olympics in London.
The character development was amazing. Though the two did fit into familiar roles (Zoe = The Wild One Who is Careening Out of Control, Kate = The Goodhearted, Likeable One Who Can Be Sort of Boring), Cleave really brought the characters to life as real, believable, flawed humans. It is obvious he is a talented writer. You spend the book inevitably comparing the girls, thinking through what motivates them, switching allegiances and switching back, wanting to flip back and reread old sections as more of their painful past is revealed. And then there's Sophie, Kate's little daughter sick with Leukemia, who adds drama to the whole mess, but ultimately is so loveable in her concern for her parents and her Star Wars obsession that all her sections just tug at your heart strings. Really all the characters were incredibly sympathetic in their own ways, even bitter and brutal Zoe.
Fantastically done, though I do feel the ending came somewhat abruptly.
I thought I'd be clever and read this during the Olympics and then write up a little review, saying that I'd been clever and read it during the Olympics, and be done with it. But I'm scalded. Scorched. Drained. Breathless. Crossing the finish line won't be that simple.
This book quite literally explodes with metaphor, narrative, and fascinating, technical information. There isn't a reason in the world not to read this, unless you are (a) have ever been a parent; or (b) you are currently under the care of a cardiologist .
What the hell. Take a chance. Push yourself. Read it.
This book quite literally explodes with metaphor, narrative, and fascinating, technical information. There isn't a reason in the world not to read this, unless you are (a) have ever been a parent; or (b) you are currently under the care of a cardiologist .
What the hell. Take a chance. Push yourself. Read it.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Cleave spins a propulsive story about three young world class cyclists as they work toward Olympic bid while they try to carve out lives for themselves. There is a lot of intense description of training and the mindset each carries through their race. A love triangle complicates things, as does a friendship that is brutally tested. When two of the trio marry and raise a baby who develops leukemia things get extremely tense. Well written, emotional, exciting, hopeful.
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot-wise, the book was very good! I've become a bit of a sports' narrative junkie, and this hit the spot so satisfyingly. I've read some of the reviews and don't disagree that the characters are more archetypes than fully-fleshed out, but I don't think it affected the book at all for me. Cleave has a way of weaving words together in a way that tugs at your heartstrings, and this book definitely did that.
medium-paced
Happy Olympics! This was a fun read while I watched the actual Olympics unfold. Cleave tapped into the commitment and sacrifice Olympic athletes have to have. I didn't know about Sophie's battle before I started reading, so trigger warning there. A really enjoyable read.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes