Review: You Will Know Me

When three year old Devon loses part of her foot in an accident, her pediatrician suggests putting her in tumbling class to help with her balance, and her parents see that she has a natural talent for it.  Devon progresses in the sport and it becomes an obsession for the whole family.  Sacrifices are made and their lives revolve around the dream of the Olympics.  Just how far will Devon’s parents go to make that dream a reality?

I’m a huge fan of Megan Abbott‘s and couldn’t wait to pick up her latest book, You Will Know Me, and believe me when I say, this book did not disappoint.  In fact, it kept me up reading late into the night.  I think it may be Abbott’s best book yet and I feel sure it will make my list of favorites for the year.

First of all, I found the insight into the obsession with gymnastics fascinating.  Devon is good, no, make that great, at the sport and the whole family has to make sacrifices so that she can pursue her dream.  But is it really her dream?  The practices and the sacrifices put a lot of pressure on Devon to perform so that she can achieve for her family.  Is it too much for a fifteen year old girl?

There’s a mystery twist to the story that I don’t want to say too much about but, let me tell you, Abbott writes it extremely well.  The tension is taut and there’s just enough foreshadowing to drive the story line.  The story is told from Devon’s mother’s point of view and the way she solves the mystery helps fill in some backstory.

This book has intense sports, family drama, and a mystery as well – what more could you want?  I’m dying to talk to someone about You Will Know Me so I think it will make an excellent book club selection.  It doesn’t come out until July so you have plenty of time to pre-order it.  Trust me, you don’t want to miss this book!

Review copy provided by Little, Brown. I am an Indiebound Affiliate.