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A review by heidirgorecki
The Happiest Girl in the World by Alena Dillon
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.