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!
I knew a family like that, and it was not pretty to watch – all the pressure not to mention sport-related anorexia. Thankfully the minute the daughter graduated she was able to having anything to do with gymnastics and is much happier.
I hate seeing parents who put so much pressure on their kids. There has to be a balance.
I want to read it now!
Oh my gosh – I knew there was a new Megan Abbott coming out, but I had no idea it was about gymnastics!! I’m such a sucker for sports books and gymnastics in particular. It’s such a demented sport in a lot of ways…makes for good reading!
I just requested this book last night. It sounds fantastic! I can’t wait to read it now 🙂
It’s definitely going on my to be read list!
I’m a little reluctant to go after this one because I didn’t love The Fever. It was only a 2.5/4 for me. I liked it but didn’t love it. And with 6500 other books to read, I may skip this one – even I though I definitely trust your judgment!
As a fan of her books and a gymnast in my high school years, I will pick this one up!
I only read one other of her books and thought it was ok, but it does look like a good book club possibility!
I am usually put off by parents pushing their children in sports, even if it seems like it is beneficial for the child. I am now intrigued, as there is definitely a hint of much more to the story. Thanks for sharing…
Sounds great!
What a rave review! I haven’t read Megan Abbott yet, but I did pick up The Fever last week at our shop. I’ll move it to the top of the TBR list now.
Great review! I don’t think I’ve read anything by this author yet, so this might be a good one to start with.
Wow, I just put it on my TBR list!
Kids need balance…but that’s tough to figure out.
I could sure see the discussions here
Hi there, looks like a great book! Please do add your review to the Books You Loved: May collection over at Carole’s Chatter. Cheers
I absolutely can’t wait to read this one!!!! I love Megan Abbott’s books!
I’m intrigued. The title is really eerie!
The author was new to me so I am very intrigued.
I’m always looking for great books for my daughter to read. I think she would like this one. Believe it or not, I haven’t read any Megan Abbot books. So now I’m curious about her other books.
High praise from you tells me I’d better check this one out.
This sounds like an inspiring story. I will have to look for it.
It used to make me so mad seeing my kids’ friends being pushed into sports. I probably went the other extreme. This does sound like a fantastic book club read!
Hmm. I could use an intense sports book! I played tennis like a maniac when I was little. But I’m sure the twist will surprise me. thx