Reviewed by Dana Tousignant

Joan Ryan takes the reader into the world of elite gymnastics and figure skating through examining the coaches, parents, routine schedules, training, and the consequential health issues of these young athletes. She writes in a documentary style focusing in on a number of athletes and their struggles, triumphs and failures by dividing the chapters in categories such as coaches, parental influences, financial costs and health risks.

What kept my attention was the anticipation of what she would reveal next about the behind the scenes life of young elite athletes, things no one sees or hears about when the Olympics are running. This book would be particularly of interest to those involved in sports such as gymnastics or figure skating or even any sport that has the Olympics as the ultimate goal achievement. It is interesting for anyone to actually read the truth about certain sacrifices and risks these young girls take for themselves and for others. Parents of young athletes, after reading this book, would gain an understanding of the physical, mental and emotional consequences and challenges that come from elite sports.