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A review by amy_sutt
Break the Fall by Jennifer Iacopelli
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This story is about the US Olympic team from the time they win their spots to go to the Tokyo Olympics to just after they compete. They are rocked by a scandal right from the very get-go when one of the gymnasts is dropped from the team after an alleged positive drug test. Shortly thereafter, there is a further scandal and this results in the entire coaching staff being barred from the gymnasts as well as some other impacts.
This story rotates around a Sexual Abuse scandal, I'm saying that up front so no one is surprised. I didn't know it was going to be such a foundation of the story and, while I'm not triggered by this topic, I know many are.
The gymnasts face many challenges and their ability to focus on their gymnastics and mental preparation is really tested in the weeks leading up to the Games. All of the things that led them to be talented enough to make the team, may not be enough to succeed at the games.
I was emotionally invested in the journey these girls went on. At times, yes, I was annoyed about the emotions but remembering that even elite athletes can just be emotional teens sometimes too. Once it got to the Olympics, it was really dramatic and kept me up past bedtime to finish the story.
The gymnasts face many challenges and their ability to focus on their gymnastics and mental preparation is really tested in the weeks leading up to the Games. All of the things that led them to be talented enough to make the team, may not be enough to succeed at the games.
I was emotionally invested in the journey these girls went on. At times, yes, I was annoyed about the emotions but remembering that even elite athletes can just be emotional teens sometimes too. Once it got to the Olympics, it was really dramatic and kept me up past bedtime to finish the story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
There is an ongoing thread about sexual abuse by the coach on teen gymnasts. Generally, there are no descriptions of specific acts, except in one small note within a scene between 3 other gymnasts in Tokyo. There is a lot of the emotional follow-up of one of the victims as well as the team splitting after in how they react to the allegations (some victim shaming).