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The Happiest Girl in the World
The Happiest Girl in the World: A Novel | Alena Dillon
5 posts | 8 read | 3 to read
From the acclaimed author of Mercy House comes a gripping new novel about a young womans dreams of Olympic gymnastic goldand what it takes to reach the top For Sera Wheeler, the Olympics is the reason for everything. Its why she trains thirty hours a week, starves herself to under 100 pounds, and pops Advil like Tic Tacs. For her mother, Charlene, hungry for glory she never had, its why she rises before dawn to drive Sera to practice in a different state, and why the family scrimps, saves, and fractures. Its why, when Seras best friend reports the gymnastics doctor to the authority who selects the Olympic Team, Sera denies what she knows about his treatments, thus preserving favor. Their friendship shatters. But Sera protected her dreamdidnt she? Sera doubles down, taping broken toes, numbing torn muscles, and pouring her familys resources into the sport. Soon she isnt training for the love of gymnastics. Shes training to make her disloyalty worthwhile. No matter the cost. The Happiest Girl in the World explores the dark history behind an athlete who stands on the world stage, biting gold. It's about the silence required of the exceptional, a tarnished friendship, and the sacrifices a parent will make for a child, even as a family is torn apart. Its about the price of greatness. .
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Megzmarie5
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“Were the accomplishments of a genius worthwhile if it meant going a little crazy? What if the insanity is only temporary?” This is such a raw and intense look in those few young athletes who give up everything they have for greatness. Is success measured by accomplishments and Olympic medals or by normalcy and happiness? Sera‘s gymnastic plight and discovery will stay with me for quite some time. Enthralling and best read I‘ve had in a while!

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GeauxGetLit
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This was the perfect read before the start of the Summer Olympics! If you love gymnastics as much as I do then this is a must read. This was a fictional novel, however it did resemble what closely happened in the real life US gymnastics. It also portrays just how much Elite athletes struggle with on a daily basis just to make it to the Olympics. There is no time to being a kid when you are an elite. Is it worth it?

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Theressadoriott
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When insomnia strikes, may as well dive into a new book right?

4 likes1 comment
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AudiobookingWithLeah
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Rating 4½⭐ | Narration😁=Very Good
A story that deals with the good, the bad, and the contemptuousness that comes with being an elite athlete in the sport of gymnastics. Highlighting the years and trials that one gymnast faces in her career. From her start in grade school to the Larry Nassar sex scandal to the canceling of the 2020 Olympics because of Covid and beyond. ⬇ ⬇

AudiobookingWithLeah The author basically takes actual events that transpired in the world of gymnastics and adds her fictional characters to them. 3y
18 likes1 comment
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kissmehardy
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Better than I expected! A very fast-moving read, which is probably good, given its horrific subject matter. If you were triggered by the Larry Nassar incident, skip this, but if you were fascinated at how it could happen, give this a shot! #contemporaryfiction

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