Scan barcode
mrskoefoe's review
3.0
Interesting read. Not the best memoir I've ever read, but certainly fascinating about her sister. I would have liked for her to dig deeper into some of the specifics of her story, especially where it may have been uncomfortable. Much of it seemed a little "safe."
twhittie's review
4.0
So interesting to hear things from her perspective. Timely, too, considering all the scrutiny USAG is getting with the sex abuse done by one of their doctors. This book gives an insight into the world of elite gymnastics and all the politics and frustrates me with how young, impressionable girls are treated. I hope her words and many others from this sport feel like they have a voice in getting USAG to reshape their system.
christiebk's review
3.0
This was a book I added to my library request list around the time of the London Olympics. I wasn't sure what to expect and was actually pleasantly surprised. It was nice having a shorter book I could finish in 2 days.
Dominique Moceanu shot to fame at a 14 years old as the youngest gymnast on the US Olympic team, and brought home a gold medal. Behind the smile was a young girl who had tough coaches, parents who pushed her hard, but even then, she loved the sport. The following years lead to emancipation from her family, experimenting with drugs, and the discover of a sister who was put up for adoption.
I appreciated that the book didn't wind up becoming a pity party for her, but she writes of her ups and downs in a straight forward way, focusing on the positive. She still loves gymnastics, coaches and writes children's books about gymnasts.
Dominique Moceanu shot to fame at a 14 years old as the youngest gymnast on the US Olympic team, and brought home a gold medal. Behind the smile was a young girl who had tough coaches, parents who pushed her hard, but even then, she loved the sport. The following years lead to emancipation from her family, experimenting with drugs, and the discover of a sister who was put up for adoption.
I appreciated that the book didn't wind up becoming a pity party for her, but she writes of her ups and downs in a straight forward way, focusing on the positive. She still loves gymnastics, coaches and writes children's books about gymnasts.
hbrown's review
3.0
9.5 on the story, 7.5 on the writing. It is chilling to read about the Karolyi’s abuse as far back as the 90s in the wake of the current events in USA Gymnastics.
sarah_reading_party's review
4.0
I've always been a fan of gymnastics, and watched the 1996 Olympics in awe as an 11 year old when Team USA won gold. So now, as I have read news accounts and this autobiography detailing how harsh the gymnastics world can be for the girls competing I do feel some sadness regarding those memories. Though parts of Moceanu's story are heartbreaking and hard to read, her overall triumph and positive attitude towards the future are inspiring.
Some reviews harp on how unbelievable this story must be, or that she's complaining, is spoiled, etc. I didn't get that at all. It sounds as if a child has been manipulated by adults who should have cared for her, and didn't. Sure, Dominique Moceanu is well known and hasn't experienced the same type of hurt as others (i.e. Penn State kids) but still, that shouldn't discount her story. She isn't asking for sympathy, just change in gymnastics. Pretty admirable, I think!
Some reviews harp on how unbelievable this story must be, or that she's complaining, is spoiled, etc. I didn't get that at all. It sounds as if a child has been manipulated by adults who should have cared for her, and didn't. Sure, Dominique Moceanu is well known and hasn't experienced the same type of hurt as others (i.e. Penn State kids) but still, that shouldn't discount her story. She isn't asking for sympathy, just change in gymnastics. Pretty admirable, I think!
daniellearider's review
3.0
Three stars is probably generous and solely due to my love of the Olympics and appreciation of the dedication and sacrifice it takes to achieve that dream. This memoir is raw and full of heart ache and not nearly enough celebration of her triumphs and victories, reflective of the struggles she endured under abusive parents and coaches. But the writing itself was, well, a bit off balance and could have benefited from some generous editing.
meleficent929's review
4.0
An interesting read on the life of a talented gymnast. I wonder if other former students of the Karoli's would say the same thing about their training techniques. Very educated thoughts and arguments about the current state of US Gymnastics.
heatherhill's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
3.0
It was interesting. I understand finding out about her sister was life changing for her, but I wanted to hear about the gymnastics. The writing was just okay. I'm shocked at what she went through and admire her determination to make a better place for future gymnasts. I'm sad for her that her comeback was crushed. The injustice of it was very wrong. I think parts of it felt repetitive. I did gain a great appreciation for her and what she went through.
brendaclay's review
4.0
Dominique Moceanu was the youngest member of the Magnificent Seven women's gymnastics team that won gold in Atlanta in 1996. Her talent and determination caught everyone's attention. But behind that facade, she was enduring constant abuse at the hands of her father and coaches, under a level of stress no child should have to experience. Now an adult, happily married to another gymnast and a mother of two, Dominique is clearly coming from a healthier, more confident place. She tells her story honestly, without sugarcoating past events OR demonizing those who harmed her. That's a hard line to walk. Especially when she finds out, shortly before the birth of her first child, that she has another sister whom she never knew existed. Some reviewers are skeptical whether a lot of these events really happened, but sadly, it all seems pretty believable to me. I don't know Dominique, but I'm proud of and inspired by her.
mokey4's review
3.0
This was an interesting read about Dominique Moceaunu's experience as an elite level gymnast, winning the team gold as part of the magnificent 7 in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, her relationships with various coaches including the notorious Karolis.
The book would have benefited from a good editor- there is a lot of gushing, rambling, and repetition. It's not well-written, but I found it readable. It feels straight from Dominique's heart and her experience- some parts seem more well thought out than others.
The book would have benefited from a good editor- there is a lot of gushing, rambling, and repetition. It's not well-written, but I found it readable. It feels straight from Dominique's heart and her experience- some parts seem more well thought out than others.