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lurker_stalker's review against another edition
2.0
It wasn't awful or anything but I just couldn't care about the characters or solving the crime. There wasn't a single character I could say I liked or related to and kind of wished they could all either die or be thrown in prison. Overall, one big meh.
sasha_is_reading's review against another edition
dark
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
rebelkiss's review against another edition
3.0
An incredibly boring book with sociopathic characters. Devon is horrible and her parents are worse for protecting her
holl3640's review
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
3.25
marieintheraw's review against another edition
3.0
I felt like I was going to like this Megan Abbott book the most out of all of them. I really liked the gymnast aspect of this book, but I figured out what was happening before the big reveal and that's always disappointing.
pannemak's review against another edition
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I picked it because it's about gymnastics but it was really a very sad take on it. It made me never want my kids to do any sports. It was crazy too the way it ended and that no one had to pay for it.
cgharbison's review against another edition
3.0
3.5. Definitely worth the read. Not my favorite book I've read lately but certainly entertaining. I love the author's writing, and plan to read more by her.
betsyparty's review against another edition
3.0
Overall, this one just didn't hit home for me.The ending felt too open ended with no justice for Ryan or his mother, and the reveal of Devon felt predictable. Despite the content, this book didn't have quite the same intriguing darkness as The Turnout, which I have grown to expect.
That being said, it certainly has its suspenseful moments. The second half of the book made up for the slow beginning.
That being said, it certainly has its suspenseful moments. The second half of the book made up for the slow beginning.
mbkarapcik's review against another edition
4.0
Family dynamics are explored within the framework of a singleminded girl, her family, and the gymnastics community in a small town. One tragic accident threatens to pull apart the whole community. Now, I read a review that states that the nature of the accident was easily figured out, which rendered it dull, but I do not totally agree. It's not really a mystery in the traditional sense.
Throughout the book, you do not know who is lying and who is innocent and who is not. The book plays tricks on your loyalties to the characters and who you believe and trust. And the incident is a major plot point, but how it upends the family and their pursuit of this one goal plays the most important part. Any parent or family who has sacrificed even a small amount of time and effort on a child and the desire to help them reach a seemingly impossible goal may relate to some extent. It consumes the entire family in this book and makes you ponder how far a family should go to reach it. It also makes you wonder if the person who actually performs really wants it or doesn't know any other way or fixates so much on the goal that the person loses their humanity in the process.
Throughout the book, you do not know who is lying and who is innocent and who is not. The book plays tricks on your loyalties to the characters and who you believe and trust. And the incident is a major plot point, but how it upends the family and their pursuit of this one goal plays the most important part. Any parent or family who has sacrificed even a small amount of time and effort on a child and the desire to help them reach a seemingly impossible goal may relate to some extent. It consumes the entire family in this book and makes you ponder how far a family should go to reach it. It also makes you wonder if the person who actually performs really wants it or doesn't know any other way or fixates so much on the goal that the person loses their humanity in the process.