Landing on My Feet: A Diary of Dreams [Paperback]

Kerri Strug (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1998

Kerri Strug comes to life as the brave young gymnast who secured her place in the Olympic pantheon for her brilliant success under fire. The 88-pound, 4-foot 9-inch Strug seems larger than life as she follows her personal dream-from her home in Tucson, Arizona to years of tenacious training with several different coaches, and finally to her amazing vault at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

At the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, 18-year-old gymnast Strug performed the landing heard 'round the world. In this book, she chronicles her life up to that point: her budding talent as a four-year-old, imitating her gymnast sister; her years of competition leading to the 1992 Olympics, where she was the youngest Olympians ever; leaving home at 13 to train with controversial coach Bela Karolyi; and her constant aches and injuries. Her love of gymnastics and her intense drive kept her going when others quit. She comes across as an intensely shy person trying hard to stop comparing herself badly with others. Well written and interesting, her story provides insights into a gymnast's tortuous training regimen, which didn't even allow a home visit at Christmas because of upcoming world championships. Recommended for all public libraries.?Kathryn Ruffle, Coll. of New Caledonia Lib., Prince George, B.C.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Andrews Mcmeel Pub (October 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0836269446
• ISBN-13: 978-0836269444
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #870,166 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #73 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Individual Sports > Gymnastics

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!, January 26, 2005

By 

Olivia Quinn (Colorado, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Landing on My Feet: A Diary of Dreams (Hardcover)

This is definitely the best gymnasics biography I've read! In this book, published right after the 1996 Olympics, Kerri really opens her heart to the reader...we learn about her passion for gymnasics which started at a VERY young age, her progression through the sport, what it was really like training under Bela Karolyi, and about her family. One thing that impressed me about Kerri was how she is truly self-motivated...I think many gymnasts are pushed by parents living their own dreams through their children, but this was NOT the case with Kerri. It was refreshing to read of the loving, supportive family she has, and how completely sane her parents are (as opposed to other gym parents we've heard about, like in "Little Girls in Pretty Boxes" which I also think is an important book). I think people who are THIS driven, as Kerri is, are incredibly rare...which is why she flourished under Bela's harsh training instead of cracking like so many other girls did. She is honest about the often-times brutal training under Bela, but obviously loves and deeply respects both him and Marta and she gives them credit for contributing to her successes. There are great photos included of Kerri through the years. Awesome!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AWESOME!, October 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Landing on My Feet: A Diary of Dreams (Paperback)

As a gymnast I never paid much attention to Kerri Strug. I was always rooting for Kim Zmeskal, Shannon Miller, or Dominique Moceanu. After her stunning performances in Atlanta I was urged to read this book. I could not put it down. I never realized how many times she moved, the injuries she had, and her struggle to acheive her goals. After reading this revealing book I never looked at Kerri Strug the same.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating story of a girl with heart and soul!, September 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Landing on My Feet: A Diary of Dreams (Paperback)

Kerri's story is amazing! Definitely, the best gymnastics book I have ever read. She gives you an in-depth look at what she went through, striving for her dreams. The pictures are exceptional. She tells of her heartbreaks, the times she wanted to give up, her recurring inuries, and triumphs! A must read!