Fierce: How Competing for Myself Changed Everything

By Aly Raisman

Book Overview

Discover Aly Raisman's inspiring story of dedication, perseverance, and learning to think positively even in the toughest times on her path to gold medal success in two Olympic Games--and beyond.

Aly Raisman first stepped onto a gymnastics mat as a toddler in a "mommy & me" gymnastics class. No one could have predicted then that sixteen years later, she'd be standing on an Olympic podium, having achieved her dreams.

Aly's road to success was full of hard work, perseverance, and victories, but not without its hardships. Aly faced many obstacles, from naysayers who said she'd never make it in gymnastics to classmates who shamed her for her athletic body to a devastating betrayal of trust. Through it all, Aly surrounded herself with supportive family, friends, and teammates and found the inner strength to remain positive and believe in herself. Now, in her own words, Aly shows what it takes to be a champion on and off the floor, and takes readers on a behind-the-scenes journey before, during, and after her remarkable achievements in two Olympic Games--through her highest highs, lowest lows, and all the moments in between.

Honest and heartfelt, frank and funny, Aly's story is enhanced with never-before-published photos, excerpts from the personal journals she's kept since childhood that chronicle memorable moments with her teammates, and hard-won advice for readers striving to rise above challenges, learn to love themselves, and make their own dreams come true.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0316472700
• ISBN13: 9780316472708
• Release Date: November 2017
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.8" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 12 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 7 to 12

Customer Reviews

Not perfect, but still fun and entertaining!

I loved hearing the story of one of my favorite gymnasts. Her and my morals didn't always align, and, though her diet is very important, I feel she didn't have to spend pages talking about it. She keeps out the details but talks a bit about Larry Nassar (which is, one one hand, interesting, and on the other, CREEPY). All the same, I liked hearing about how she had more skill than talent (in other words, she worked hard!), having a peek into her Jewish life, hearing hilarious stories that I read aloud to the family, being touched a few times, and learning a bit about other Olympians. Although I'll probably skip a few preach-y parts, not to mention the long parts about what and what not to eat, but I'm definitely going to re-read this!