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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is gut-wrenching but so, so good! It captures the dedication and discipline of elite athletes, the trust and tension between friends who are also rivals, and the worry and wonder of everyday life. Zoe and Kate have trained together for the last 12 years, and now it all comes down to this when only one rider can compete in the Olympic Games. As Zoe battles demons from her past and Kate is weighed down by concerns of the present, each woman wants the gold more desperately than ever. Chris Cleave’s writing is so vivid and captured the layers of depth in this story so well. I think this book would be great for readers who also enjoyed Tom Lake by Ann Patchett.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Vomit, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death, Medical content, Car accident, Toxic friendship
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is one of those books that I read so quickly it never made it to my "currently reading" list.
Great drama about athletes, competition, motherhood and what it really means to be successful. I can definitely recommend. I would warn you though if characters swearing a lot bothers you, you may want to skip this one.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
endearing but simple - would work much better as a movie script
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
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
If it involves a game or physical competition, I'm usually much more comfortable losing... or at least that's what I tell myself. A novel about three Olympic bike racers isn't my usual fare - but this is a decent, if a bit eclectic, story. It's primarily about relationships - between competitors, between coach and athlete, parents and children, siblings, and friends. I could never imagine making the decisions the main characters make but then I'm not an Olympic athlete. It will be interesting to see what some real athletes think about the book.
This book went above and beyond my expectations! I have read Chris Cleave's "Little Bee" and lets just say it was not my favorite book. But "Gold" was amazing!! I loved every second i spent reading it! It had so much depth and personality. And it was really cool to get a inside view of the workings of training for the Olympics. This book was constantly throwing surprises at me and always kept me guessing. "Gold" definitely did not disappoint and should go on everyone's to-read list!! Definitely one of my favorite books!
A novel about friendship, rivalry, love and parenting all in the context of competitive of cycling. It was really interesting to get a glimpse into this world and the main characters were wonderfully real; It was great to see them and their relationships evolve over the years. There is lots of heartbreak in this book, it is very sad but also hopeful.