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dariamorgendorffer's review
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
brianna_4pawsandabook's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars rounded up!
I'm very conflicted about the rating of this book. On one hand, it's pulled straight from real life and the story is quite literally the same story as what happened with USA gymnastics, Larry Nassar and the Kayroli ranch. It was a weird blend of reality, using the names of actual olympic team members and what was happening in the world (including COVID conversations and quarantine lockdown), but at the same time, this book was so readable and I sailed through this book. I was invested in the characters and while some of the choices the author made may not have been the choices I would have made, I get it and it's a careful balance the author had to walk between bringing these issues to light, while not stepping on toes and telling a story that isn't there, and I think the author did a good job of that. If you are interested in what has happened in USA Gymnastics, I recommend this book.
I'm very conflicted about the rating of this book. On one hand, it's pulled straight from real life and the story is quite literally the same story as what happened with USA gymnastics, Larry Nassar and the Kayroli ranch. It was a weird blend of reality, using the names of actual olympic team members and what was happening in the world (including COVID conversations and quarantine lockdown), but at the same time, this book was so readable and I sailed through this book. I was invested in the characters and while some of the choices the author made may not have been the choices I would have made, I get it and it's a careful balance the author had to walk between bringing these issues to light, while not stepping on toes and telling a story that isn't there, and I think the author did a good job of that. If you are interested in what has happened in USA Gymnastics, I recommend this book.
denaiir's review against another edition
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I love books about strong women who battle really hard to achieve their dreams. It reminded me a bit of The Unravelling of Cassidy Holmes and the parts about the Nassar-like doctor plunged me back into the podcast "Believed" which was excellent. I couldn't put the book down and held my breath a few times
gotabookforeverysituation's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cs_the_librarian's review against another edition
dark
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
heidirgorecki's review against another edition
4.0
As a mother of girls, this was both hard to put down and yet difficult to read. While it’s a fictional story, I realize so much of the realities of the professional/elite gymnastic world - and some aspects also in other professional sports - is accurately portrayed in the book. How much the girls destroy their bodies as a requirement, how coaches, doctors, etc take advantage of them and abuse them is horrifying, parents become as much of the obsession as their kids... and all especially because you know it really does happen.
As a mom, you want the best for your daughters and while you want to teach them determination and perseverance and commitment, there can become this fine line that quickly blurs into obsession and unhealthy ambition. And as with Sera’s mom, not only in gymnastics but life in general, too many parents to try to live vicariously thru their kids instead of helping them find that balance and identity in who they are and not what they do. The author brought valuable focus on aspects like how much kids need honest and open conversations with their parents as well, and what happens when that’s lacking; how much friends need to have each other’s backs; and the value of integrity even at your own risk.
I loved how the author showed the dangers but also the intense effort and skill these girls put into it, while bringing to light the horrific dark side of the gymnastic world. Well written and great story.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As a mom, you want the best for your daughters and while you want to teach them determination and perseverance and commitment, there can become this fine line that quickly blurs into obsession and unhealthy ambition. And as with Sera’s mom, not only in gymnastics but life in general, too many parents to try to live vicariously thru their kids instead of helping them find that balance and identity in who they are and not what they do. The author brought valuable focus on aspects like how much kids need honest and open conversations with their parents as well, and what happens when that’s lacking; how much friends need to have each other’s backs; and the value of integrity even at your own risk.
I loved how the author showed the dangers but also the intense effort and skill these girls put into it, while bringing to light the horrific dark side of the gymnastic world. Well written and great story.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
justab00kl0v1ngg1rl's review against another edition
3.0
I got this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.Good story but a little lengthy worded.
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
The Happiest Girl in the World by Alena Dillon is an engrossing novel about the perils of children and sports.
Sera Wheeler is gifted gymnast who works hard to achieve her dream of competing in the Olympics. She and her best friend Lucy are inseparable from a young age as they train and attend training camps together. As the years pass, Lucy attracts the attention of USA Gymnastics doctor Eddie Levett. Will Sera put her own goals ahead of supporting Lucy when her friend works up the courage to speak up about Dr. Eddie’s inappropriate touching?
Sera’s mom Charlene is determined to do whatever it takes to pay for Sera’s training. Sera genuinely loves the sport but as the years pass, she becomes obsessed with making the Olympic team. She powers through injuries and puts herself at risk as she follows one of her coach’s dubious instructions. Sera’s father Bob is not always in favor of Charlene’s decisions, but she has her ways to overcome his objections.
After Lucy’s revelation about Dr. Eddie, Sera is torn between loyalty to her friend and her own dreams. She wrestles with whether or not Lucy’s accusations are true and eventually asks her parents’ advice. When Lucy finally tells someone in charge of their training, Sera knows what will happen if she backs up her friend. But what is more important: her friendship or her Olympic dreams?
The Happiest Girl in the World is a captivating novel that does not downplay the darker side of gymnastics. Sera’s drive to succeed is often at odds with what is best for her health. The Dr. Eddie story arc is a cautionary tale of predatory men in respected positions preying on children in the sports world. Alena Dillon provides an in-depth and detailed behind the scenes look at the physical toll that competitive sports takes on young athletes. A highly informative and enjoyable novel that I recommend to readers of the genre.
The Happiest Girl in the World by Alena Dillon is an engrossing novel about the perils of children and sports.
Sera Wheeler is gifted gymnast who works hard to achieve her dream of competing in the Olympics. She and her best friend Lucy are inseparable from a young age as they train and attend training camps together. As the years pass, Lucy attracts the attention of USA Gymnastics doctor Eddie Levett. Will Sera put her own goals ahead of supporting Lucy when her friend works up the courage to speak up about Dr. Eddie’s inappropriate touching?
Sera’s mom Charlene is determined to do whatever it takes to pay for Sera’s training. Sera genuinely loves the sport but as the years pass, she becomes obsessed with making the Olympic team. She powers through injuries and puts herself at risk as she follows one of her coach’s dubious instructions. Sera’s father Bob is not always in favor of Charlene’s decisions, but she has her ways to overcome his objections.
After Lucy’s revelation about Dr. Eddie, Sera is torn between loyalty to her friend and her own dreams. She wrestles with whether or not Lucy’s accusations are true and eventually asks her parents’ advice. When Lucy finally tells someone in charge of their training, Sera knows what will happen if she backs up her friend. But what is more important: her friendship or her Olympic dreams?
The Happiest Girl in the World is a captivating novel that does not downplay the darker side of gymnastics. Sera’s drive to succeed is often at odds with what is best for her health. The Dr. Eddie story arc is a cautionary tale of predatory men in respected positions preying on children in the sports world. Alena Dillon provides an in-depth and detailed behind the scenes look at the physical toll that competitive sports takes on young athletes. A highly informative and enjoyable novel that I recommend to readers of the genre.
southernbellebooks's review against another edition
3.0
This book was easy to read and written well but I think it followed too closely to the actual USA Gymnastics scandal with Larry Nasser. I thought it was interesting to read about what the girls possibly went through behind the scenes, especially with their parents. I thought it offered a fresh perspective but felt like I had read this exact thing in other books already. I think this book is coming out two years too late, if that makes sense. I would definitely read more from this author though.