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sweetbabyray1's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
melissa_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
TW: sexual assault, domestic violence (verbal)
I've never read a gymnastics story (I might have watched a few Katelyn Ohasi floor routines after reading a bit about it haha). As mentioned in the authors note, it would have been a timely novel if the Tokyo olympics weren't postponed because of COVID. Super quick and easy read.
I've never read a gymnastics story (I might have watched a few Katelyn Ohasi floor routines after reading a bit about it haha). As mentioned in the authors note, it would have been a timely novel if the Tokyo olympics weren't postponed because of COVID. Super quick and easy read.
epwilliams13's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this book. I enjoyed the dynamic between Avery and Hallie and how Avery was a great roll model to her. I liked how Avery and Ryan’s relationship wasn’t cheesy or far fetched. This book is about perseverance and accepting that your path in life can change. Solid book.
oliviapkay's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
rachels_booknook's review against another edition
4.0
Head Over Heels follows Avery Abrams, a former competitive gymnast who blew her chance at making the Olympic team. Seven years later she’s reeling from a breakup and unsure of what to do with her life. She moves back to her parent’s house and begins working with her former gymnastics crush, Ryan, to train Hallie, a promising young gymnast with Olympic aspirations. Just before the Olympic tryouts, a shocking scandal breaks and has shattering effects not only on the sport, but also on Hallie, Avery, and Avery’s former best friend and Olympic gymnast, Jasmine.
Unlike Avery, Jasmine did make the Olympic team, and then married their verbally and emotionally abusive older coach. Avery was jealous of Jasmine for years over the Olympics but Jasmine had her own struggles and unhappiness. I liked reading the juxtaposition of two elite gymnasts, one who made the Olympic team and one who did not, along with Hallie’s drive to make the upcoming Olympic team.
Head Over Heels released in 2020, a few years after the Larry Nasser scandal broke. For 18 years, Larry Nasser was the team doctor for the US women’s national gymnastics team, where he used his position to exploit and sexually assault hundreds of young athletes. Hannah Orenstein writes about this in her author’s note at the beginning of her book.
Like Hannah Orenstein’s other books, I loved this one. I think the world of competitive sports is a fascinating setting for a book. The way Ryan and Avery coach Hallie demonstrates the priority on physical, mental and emotional well-being of competitive athletes, for those that have coaches and families that care, but Avery and Jasmine’s experience, as well as the scandal, shows there is more work to be done.
kaulhilo's review against another edition
3.0
an (almost) olympic gymnast? a side character named jasmine? we all know where my brain went<3
(3.5 stars)
(3.5 stars)
evarano's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this book, I couldn't put it down and I don't think I have one complaint about it! Must read!
Avery was an elite gymnast, a sport that lead her entire life for many years until a tragic accident ended everything in a second. Avery spent many years lost, partying, attempting college and getting into a relationship with a famous football player, never finding her purpose or passion. After her famous boyfriend dumps her, Avery moves back home and stumbles upon a coaching job. Ryan, another former gymnast who Avery always had an eye for, is coaching the impressive Hallie in hopes of making the olympics-and he needs Avery's help. Avery, Ryan and Hallie quickly become a team, and through this Avery begins to find not only her purpose, but herself.
I have zero criticism for this book. I thought Avery was likeable, relatable and was an extremely honest/human character. I thought her traits and her thoughts, her actions all perfectly reflected her past, her age and her position in life. I loved the supporting characters, Ryan and Hallie, Sara and Jasmine. Avery's relationship with each character was special and well-developed. Her growth throughout the story was amazing to read and I was interested the entire time. I thought the book had just enough gymnastics talk to really give an essence and proper description of what was happening, I was able to easily Google moves that were mentioned which made it easy to picture. I just want to rave about this story forever, it touched on many important topics that have been circulating in recent years in the gymnastics world in particular, which I appreciated. The relationship between Avery and Ryan was so enjoyable to read, I think it was realistic and very human. This story has so many different elements, there's romance, friendship, tragedy, hard work and perseverance, growth and more. Everything was interweaved perfectly. Read this book!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free preview in exchange for an honest review!
Avery was an elite gymnast, a sport that lead her entire life for many years until a tragic accident ended everything in a second. Avery spent many years lost, partying, attempting college and getting into a relationship with a famous football player, never finding her purpose or passion. After her famous boyfriend dumps her, Avery moves back home and stumbles upon a coaching job. Ryan, another former gymnast who Avery always had an eye for, is coaching the impressive Hallie in hopes of making the olympics-and he needs Avery's help. Avery, Ryan and Hallie quickly become a team, and through this Avery begins to find not only her purpose, but herself.
I have zero criticism for this book. I thought Avery was likeable, relatable and was an extremely honest/human character. I thought her traits and her thoughts, her actions all perfectly reflected her past, her age and her position in life. I loved the supporting characters, Ryan and Hallie, Sara and Jasmine. Avery's relationship with each character was special and well-developed. Her growth throughout the story was amazing to read and I was interested the entire time. I thought the book had just enough gymnastics talk to really give an essence and proper description of what was happening, I was able to easily Google moves that were mentioned which made it easy to picture. I just want to rave about this story forever, it touched on many important topics that have been circulating in recent years in the gymnastics world in particular, which I appreciated. The relationship between Avery and Ryan was so enjoyable to read, I think it was realistic and very human. This story has so many different elements, there's romance, friendship, tragedy, hard work and perseverance, growth and more. Everything was interweaved perfectly. Read this book!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free preview in exchange for an honest review!
dgodek's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Not a rom com, it’s barely a rom.
It’s more about the gymnastics, but not detailed enough to make you care.
It’s more about the gymnastics, but not detailed enough to make you care.
sarahebooks's review against another edition
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
4.25