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“Gold” is the the Olympic year reading experience I didn’t know I needed.
I loved it for its refreshing premise (two female speed cyclists fighting over an Olympic berth instead of over a man) and its plucky supporting characters, including a Star Wars-obessed girl with leukemia, and an aging coach with an unbearable decision to make.
Having been, once upon a time, a Level 10 gymnast and, later, a Division 1 high jumper, I identified with the book’s themes of ambition and sacrifice as readily as I did with the layered relational dynamic between the athletes and each other, and the athletes and their coach.
In weaker hands, the story’s twists and emotional turns could feel contrived, but Chris Cleave’s trademark ability to make us care deeply for his characters lends itself to a memorable, satisfying ride.
I loved it for its refreshing premise (two female speed cyclists fighting over an Olympic berth instead of over a man) and its plucky supporting characters, including a Star Wars-obessed girl with leukemia, and an aging coach with an unbearable decision to make.
Having been, once upon a time, a Level 10 gymnast and, later, a Division 1 high jumper, I identified with the book’s themes of ambition and sacrifice as readily as I did with the layered relational dynamic between the athletes and each other, and the athletes and their coach.
In weaker hands, the story’s twists and emotional turns could feel contrived, but Chris Cleave’s trademark ability to make us care deeply for his characters lends itself to a memorable, satisfying ride.