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eileenmullin's review against another edition
2.0
I just lost interest in these characters, even though they included Olympic athletes (including, in part, a storyline about the 2012 summer Olympics, coincidentally enough), a cute little girl with leukemia, etc. I rarely stop reading a book without finishing it, but this was one of them...
mtolivier's review against another edition
3.0
This story of three world-class athletes (cyclists) and their quest for the Olympics was fascinating. Seeing what it really takes to achieve that kind of elite status in a sport is interesting and rather mind-blowing, but it also leaves you wondering if it is worth the sacrifice. I liked Tom, the coach, and Sophie, the little girl with leukemia. Her coping mechanisms of placing herself in the midst of Star Wars are quite endearing.
The language never lets you forget this is written by a Brit.
Good book club discussion.
The language never lets you forget this is written by a Brit.
Good book club discussion.
wasupe12's review against another edition
4.0
"Gold," like Chris Cleave's other novels, is intense and full of emotion. It is about two women who share the quest for gold in track cycling and spans three Olympics. It depicts the commitment required to win and the associated costs. It is about love, loyalty, sacrifice and deceit. Cleave does an excellent job at showing how the choices we make affect our future.
Once again, Cleave delivers.
Once again, Cleave delivers.
katiegood_'s review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyed this one! Read for book club. Fun to get inside the mind of Olympic athletes and the dedication they put in to have a chance at winning every 4 years. At times a little predictable/overly maudlin
jdgcreates's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. I almost didn't read this, thinking it would be too much like Little Bee or too fluffy, but I was wrong on both accounts. It's a well-written and compelling novel about how hard it is to live an ordinary life as an extraordinary athlete; humans are messy and complicated and the relationships in this story are very much reflective of that. Though I will never understand why people torment their bodies like professional athletes do, it was a pretty fascinating inside-look at the day-to-day struggles they meet and overcome once their choice is made, but that is really a backdrop for the intense relationships that spring from an intense way of life.
uniquelyerica's review against another edition
2.0
I don't know if it's that I don't care for the writing but this book was so hard to get through. I would not recommend it.
netflixandkell's review against another edition
5.0
I love all of CC's books, but this one is my favorite (so far!)... The other two were a bit too dark with terrorism and much darker topics. Minus one twist, I could actually see this story happening. I love how he integrates well-known stories (Batman, Star Wars) into life situations, which is completely realistic if you have children in your life at all. Also very timely, ending with the Olympics that are happening today. Loved it!
jennsie's review against another edition
4.0
Wow, ok, now I see why everyone's been reading this book. Stunning, and really addictive - I definitely stayed up too late last night finishing it.
maryjohanna's review against another edition
3.0
First Reads Advanced Reader's Edition: Gold begins as the three main characters, competitive track cyclists in their early 30s, train for what would realistically be their last chance at an Olympic medal. Jack, Kate and Zoe met at the British National team trials when they were 19yrs old and their lives have been enmeshed ever since.
Worth reading for Sophie, their 8yr old daughter, who is battling Leukemia (and Imperial Stormtroopers). The rest of the characters were not completely fleshed out or believable.
Worth reading for Sophie, their 8yr old daughter, who is battling Leukemia (and Imperial Stormtroopers). The rest of the characters were not completely fleshed out or believable.
labeet's review against another edition
3.0
I was not disappointed, neither was I elated as I was by Incendiary. But it's still a brilliant book and I believe that anybody who is an athlete on a serious level, be it professionally or "only" as an eager amateur, I think a lot can be learned from this book.
Cleave's writing is compelling, his language elegant and his turn of a storyline always very impressive.
Listening to books rather than reading them adds or detracts something to/from them. In this case, Emilia Fox' excellent narration certainly added to the pleasure.
Cleave's writing is compelling, his language elegant and his turn of a storyline always very impressive.
Listening to books rather than reading them adds or detracts something to/from them. In this case, Emilia Fox' excellent narration certainly added to the pleasure.