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A review by melanie_books
Head Over Heels by Hannah Orenstein
3.0
At age 19, Avery was a dedicated, talented gymnast and an Olympic hopeful. But when her career ended suddenly, she's understandably devastated. Now, seven years later, she returns home to Massachusetts following a bad breakup. Shortly after arriving, Ryan, another former gymnast working at Avery's home gym offers her a job coaching Hallie, a promising young gymnast. As she slowly works to get back on her feet, she realizes the potential that Hallie has and enjoys a burgeoning relationship with Ryan. But when a scandal breaks and disrupts the world of elite gymnastics, Avery must face her own hurts and the effects she deals with still.
I've always been fascinated by gymnastics - the beauty, the power, the grace. But lurking beneath the sparkly leotards and cool flips is a dark side that has come to light more in the real world over last couple of years. I liked that this story addressed some of the skeletons in the closet without being super depressing, even highlighting ways that gymnasts were reaching out and supporting one another. And while the book doesn't shy away from the sad parts of the sport, it does an amazing job with describing the complexity and artistry of gymnastics and how tough these athletes must be to compete. Overall, it gave me a new appreciation for the sport and will make me enjoy watching in a whole new way.
I've always been fascinated by gymnastics - the beauty, the power, the grace. But lurking beneath the sparkly leotards and cool flips is a dark side that has come to light more in the real world over last couple of years. I liked that this story addressed some of the skeletons in the closet without being super depressing, even highlighting ways that gymnasts were reaching out and supporting one another. And while the book doesn't shy away from the sad parts of the sport, it does an amazing job with describing the complexity and artistry of gymnastics and how tough these athletes must be to compete. Overall, it gave me a new appreciation for the sport and will make me enjoy watching in a whole new way.