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A review by nattyc96
The Happiest Girl in the World by Alena Dillon
5.0
What was your Olympic dream growing up? I always thought something like gymnastics or figure skating would be amazing, and each Olympic year I would watch in awe (okay, but let’s be real that kind of dedication is insane, I prefered my books). “The Happiest Girl in the World” by Alena Dillon follows Sera Wheeler, gymnast and Olympic hopeful, through the ups and downs of rigorous training and the scandal that rocked the USA Gymnastics program.
Wow. This book. Dillon creates a beautiful character in the form of Sera Wheeler. Sera is flawed by desire and drive. A willingness to do almost anything to get ahead. Sera is so painfully real, that it’s almost curious how by the end I still liked her. I think that as humans we crave to see people do something amazing. To watch Sera’s dream felt worthy and satisfying, even when she was making massive mistakes.
I found it very interesting to read a fictional take on Larry Nassar from Sera’s perspective. She was close enough to feel the shock waves, without being directly involved. Dillon’s use of Sera felt like a smart move so as to not overshadow the true victims, but rather to shed light on the others involved- the people who knew what was going on and said nothing.
Overall, this book was a solid 5 stars for me. I couldn’t put it down and mentally cheered every time someone stuck a landing (someone please bring back the Olympics, I’m dying to watch impressive people do impressive things). I think there are valuable lessons about hiding dark secrets, but more importantly listening and doing something when we see wrong in the world.
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC in exchange for my honest review! Pub day is today, be sure to check it out!
Wow. This book. Dillon creates a beautiful character in the form of Sera Wheeler. Sera is flawed by desire and drive. A willingness to do almost anything to get ahead. Sera is so painfully real, that it’s almost curious how by the end I still liked her. I think that as humans we crave to see people do something amazing. To watch Sera’s dream felt worthy and satisfying, even when she was making massive mistakes.
I found it very interesting to read a fictional take on Larry Nassar from Sera’s perspective. She was close enough to feel the shock waves, without being directly involved. Dillon’s use of Sera felt like a smart move so as to not overshadow the true victims, but rather to shed light on the others involved- the people who knew what was going on and said nothing.
Overall, this book was a solid 5 stars for me. I couldn’t put it down and mentally cheered every time someone stuck a landing (someone please bring back the Olympics, I’m dying to watch impressive people do impressive things). I think there are valuable lessons about hiding dark secrets, but more importantly listening and doing something when we see wrong in the world.
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC in exchange for my honest review! Pub day is today, be sure to check it out!