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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
I loved this book and could not put it down!
I 'm a gymnast and so this book really appeals to me. All the friendship and family and suspense mixed together made this the best book ever!
I 'm a gymnast and so this book really appeals to me. All the friendship and family and suspense mixed together made this the best book ever!
If I had read this book when I was about 14 I'm pretty sure it would have been one of my favorites! Pretty much read this because it was by Shawn Johnson...love her. It is definitely meant for a younger audience but it was a really cute story.
Reading from: physical book; library borrowing
Plot: 6.3/10
Character: 7.4/10
Writing: 7/10
Font: 6.9/10
Buy it? Nope. But I had so much fun!
It was enjoyable read. Speaking of gymnastic and our main character was aiming for Olympic I can't help myself remembering how I used to watch gymnastic in Olympic because it's only time they show gymnastic competition on my tv screen at home lolz
Plot: 6.3/10
Character: 7.4/10
Writing: 7/10
Font: 6.9/10
Buy it? Nope. But I had so much fun!
It was enjoyable read. Speaking of gymnastic and our main character was aiming for Olympic I can't help myself remembering how I used to watch gymnastic in Olympic because it's only time they show gymnastic competition on my tv screen at home lolz
The plot is neither bad nor good. The book to me, as someone who hasn't tried gymnastics, was interesting. The language used in the book is quite simple, which can make it easier to read.
Here's what I disliked, throughout the book there's this tone held by many of the different characters about how Charlotte is different, special, extraordinary and how she should try to hold on to that. Now, there's nothing wrong with being "different", the point is how everyone else was portrayed as "ordinary" just to try to emphasize the uniqueness of Charlotte because she's an athlete. That's not only lazy writing but it's also condescending to many other people who withold different goals in life.
Everyone is unique, everyone has struggles, everyone has to give up things because of various reasons. Yes, being an athlete makes you different as do many diverse situations people find themselves into. I was constantly tired of reading how different Charlotte was from everybody, yes, she has exceptional skills when it comes to her sport but that does not make the life she's living any more worthy than anyone else's.
I like romance so I was not mad when the relationship began, but I think it could've been more interesting and profound.
Here's what I disliked, throughout the book there's this tone held by many of the different characters about how Charlotte is different, special, extraordinary and how she should try to hold on to that. Now, there's nothing wrong with being "different", the point is how everyone else was portrayed as "ordinary" just to try to emphasize the uniqueness of Charlotte because she's an athlete. That's not only lazy writing but it's also condescending to many other people who withold different goals in life.
Everyone is unique, everyone has struggles, everyone has to give up things because of various reasons. Yes, being an athlete makes you different as do many diverse situations people find themselves into. I was constantly tired of reading how different Charlotte was from everybody, yes, she has exceptional skills when it comes to her sport but that does not make the life she's living any more worthy than anyone else's.
I like romance so I was not mad when the relationship began, but I think it could've been more interesting and profound.
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Kind of boring, the writing isn't great, and I'm not seeing the point in Charlie's big secret. It just seems like unnecessary drama because she's full of herself. I get her not wanting gymnastics to rule her life, but the way she acts like a celebrity in hiding is ridiculous and pretty conceited. She honestly seems to think that she'd never get a moment's peace if word got out that she did gymnastics. Aside from a few close friends, I sincerely doubt many people would care much at all. And keeping her supposed best friend in the dark is just stupid. Just a way to add a lot more unnecessary drama that you know will blow up in her face at some point.
I went into this book blindly, like an often do, and it was a pleasant surprise to discover that this too was a sports-related book. I love the fact that Charlie, the main character leads a double life because I immediately knew that was going to add to the plot, and it was going to make it more interesting. Charlie herself is very relatable in the way that she's sort of desperate to get a boyfriend and she often discusses this issue with Gwen, her best friend from gymnastics. I think this book showed different aspects of being an aspiring Olympian, you know? Like, Charlie had to fight for her chance to live a normal life and to balance it with her training and competitions.
Something that bothered me a tiny bit, and that caused me not to give this book a five-star rating, is the fact that the beginning was super slow. I understand that we're being given the whole description of Charlie's two lives and how she manages do deal with both of them, but honestly I just wanted interesting things to start happening, and so when Bobby was introduced I was super happy because I knew he would help change the story and spice it up.
Now Bobby is a sweetie and a total catch, but Charlie was overanalyzing her situation with him a bit too much. I mean, after the first time they hung out together, which was sort of a double date, she started thinking about how a boyfriend could affect her career. Relax, girl, you just met the guy, and I know he's perfect and you're desperate, but come on, let things naturally unfold and don't start stressing too early on in the game.
The fact that Charlie systematically rejected Bobby because she had to focus on training and trials and stuff was unnerving. There was a point where I got sort of desperate and just wanted her to stop lying to Bobby and tell him who she really was because he just kept trying to do things with her and she always said she had something else to do.
Maybe it's because Charlie is super young, but I felt that this book wasn't really intended for young adults, but rather plain teenagers. I'm sure my thirteen-year-old self would've enjoyed this book way more than I did, even though I really liked it.
Another reason why I related to Charlie is the fact that she cherishes her time with friends and family. Charlie enjoys spending time with her parents and her friends, and I like reading a story that shows that. I'm genuinely a family person, so novels that are always showing a bad relationship with parents are not my cup of tea. I also love the relationship Charlie has with her brother, Josh, because it's not forced, like you can tell they love and respect each other, and Josh takes care of her younger sister. Again, it's nice to see that kind of dynamic between siblings in a book intended for teenagers and young adults.
Something that bothered me a tiny bit, and that caused me not to give this book a five-star rating, is the fact that the beginning was super slow. I understand that we're being given the whole description of Charlie's two lives and how she manages do deal with both of them, but honestly I just wanted interesting things to start happening, and so when Bobby was introduced I was super happy because I knew he would help change the story and spice it up.
Now Bobby is a sweetie and a total catch, but Charlie was overanalyzing her situation with him a bit too much. I mean, after the first time they hung out together, which was sort of a double date, she started thinking about how a boyfriend could affect her career. Relax, girl, you just met the guy, and I know he's perfect and you're desperate, but come on, let things naturally unfold and don't start stressing too early on in the game.
The fact that Charlie systematically rejected Bobby because she had to focus on training and trials and stuff was unnerving. There was a point where I got sort of desperate and just wanted her to stop lying to Bobby and tell him who she really was because he just kept trying to do things with her and she always said she had something else to do.
Maybe it's because Charlie is super young, but I felt that this book wasn't really intended for young adults, but rather plain teenagers. I'm sure my thirteen-year-old self would've enjoyed this book way more than I did, even though I really liked it.
Another reason why I related to Charlie is the fact that she cherishes her time with friends and family. Charlie enjoys spending time with her parents and her friends, and I like reading a story that shows that. I'm genuinely a family person, so novels that are always showing a bad relationship with parents are not my cup of tea. I also love the relationship Charlie has with her brother, Josh, because it's not forced, like you can tell they love and respect each other, and Josh takes care of her younger sister. Again, it's nice to see that kind of dynamic between siblings in a book intended for teenagers and young adults.
Review posted on Fafa's Book Corner !
Beware spoilers ahead!
I received this E-ARC via Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
DNF
This book was recommended to me by my dear GR friend Lola ! Click on her name to read her review.
I had heard about this book through Lola's review. It sounded pretty good and I was in the mood for something light to read. I requested it on Netgalley and much to my delight (and surprise) I got it! Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this.
The book begins with Charlie day dreaming about a competition. Reality comes back when her teacher makes a comment on her lack of knowledge on the government. Much to her dismay the lesson she day dreamed in will be coming in the test.
Her best friend suggests they study together. But that weekend Charlie will be having a competition. She tells said friend that she'll be visiting her grandmothers and won't be able to meet her and study.
When Charlie first got into gymnastics it was easier. Her schedule was more flexible and she didn't have to worry about a thing. As she got older and enrolled into a different gymnastics course she started getting homeschooled. Charlie wanted a normal life. She wanted to go to high school and make friends. So her parents talked to the school and it was arranged. Charlie keeps her other life a secret so that they don't clash. She finds it overwhelming to balance the two. Which is why she lies to her best friend about her plans.
The only problem I had was the writing style. It wasn't so bad in the beginning but then it started to bother me. I actually wanted to reword some of the sentences. The plot in itself sounded interesting hence the two star.
Overall I did not like the writing style. But I still recommend it because it does sound interesting.
Beware spoilers ahead!
I received this E-ARC via Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
DNF
This book was recommended to me by my dear GR friend Lola ! Click on her name to read her review.
I had heard about this book through Lola's review. It sounded pretty good and I was in the mood for something light to read. I requested it on Netgalley and much to my delight (and surprise) I got it! Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this.
The book begins with Charlie day dreaming about a competition. Reality comes back when her teacher makes a comment on her lack of knowledge on the government. Much to her dismay the lesson she day dreamed in will be coming in the test.
Her best friend suggests they study together. But that weekend Charlie will be having a competition. She tells said friend that she'll be visiting her grandmothers and won't be able to meet her and study.
When Charlie first got into gymnastics it was easier. Her schedule was more flexible and she didn't have to worry about a thing. As she got older and enrolled into a different gymnastics course she started getting homeschooled. Charlie wanted a normal life. She wanted to go to high school and make friends. So her parents talked to the school and it was arranged. Charlie keeps her other life a secret so that they don't clash. She finds it overwhelming to balance the two. Which is why she lies to her best friend about her plans.
The only problem I had was the writing style. It wasn't so bad in the beginning but then it started to bother me. I actually wanted to reword some of the sentences. The plot in itself sounded interesting hence the two star.
Overall I did not like the writing style. But I still recommend it because it does sound interesting.
I love gymnastics and the Olympics, so when I saw this book and the fact that it was written by Gold-medal gymnast Shawn Johnson, I figured I’d give it a try.
I had low to no expectations going into this book. I assumed it would be a fluffy YA contemporary, and that’s exactly what it was. The story wasn’t anything unique, the plot formulaic. That being said, I thought it was cute. I liked her friends, family, and the love interest, and I thought the passages talking about the behind-the-scenes of the gymnastics world was really interesting.
My main critique for this book stems from the overall conflict of the book, which is that Charlie is hiding her involvement with gymnastics from everyone outside of her family and fellow gymnasts because she doesn’t want to be treated differently at school. Maybe this is something the author actually went through, but for me it felt like contrived conflict that went on far too long. At a certain point, you’d think that she would realize that she’s causing herself more upheaval by her duplicity than she would by just being open.
I also felt like the ending was a little rushed. Even so, I enjoyed this book. It’s not a new favorite or anything, but it’s a nice palette cleanser as I’ve read a lot of intense and emotional books recently.
I had low to no expectations going into this book. I assumed it would be a fluffy YA contemporary, and that’s exactly what it was. The story wasn’t anything unique, the plot formulaic. That being said, I thought it was cute. I liked her friends, family, and the love interest, and I thought the passages talking about the behind-the-scenes of the gymnastics world was really interesting.
My main critique for this book stems from the overall conflict of the book, which is that Charlie is hiding her involvement with gymnastics from everyone outside of her family and fellow gymnasts because she doesn’t want to be treated differently at school. Maybe this is something the author actually went through, but for me it felt like contrived conflict that went on far too long. At a certain point, you’d think that she would realize that she’s causing herself more upheaval by her duplicity than she would by just being open.
I also felt like the ending was a little rushed. Even so, I enjoyed this book. It’s not a new favorite or anything, but it’s a nice palette cleanser as I’ve read a lot of intense and emotional books recently.
It was a cute summer read! For Shawn's debut YA novel, I thought it was very well written and the plot really worked. I thought some of the stuff written about the gymnastics was a bit unrealistic (scores and certain skills) which I found surprising since Shawn was obviously a gymnast. I'm so glad there's a great gym novel out there now! I also happened to read it at the perfect time, during Women's Gymnastics Olympic Trials in San Jose!