Tara Lipinski: Triumph on Ice (Mass Market Paperback)

by Tara Lipinski (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-8?This autobiography doesn't reveal deep, dark secrets but does convey the very real horrors of a killing six-day schedule (rising early in the morning to wedge in practice time before school) and the geographic logistics demanding difficult family decisions (she and her mother moved to Detroit for her training, while her father remained in Texas). Mention is made of non-skating friends, as well as a few famous acquaintances (gymnast Dominique Moceanu and television actress Lacey Chabert). Readers will most remember the constant daily grind, the ever-looming competitions, and the non-skating realities of preparation?costuming, choreography, hair, makeup, and music. Fans will enjoy Lipinski's list of "My Favorites Things" and the radiant, full-color photos. A helpful guide to scoring and a glossary of skating terms is included.?Marilyn Payne Phillips, University City Public Library, MO
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist
Gr. 4^-6. Fifteen-year-old ice skater Tara Lipinski recounts her life story from her early years in Sewall, New Jersey, where she began roller-skating at the age of three, through her 1997 triumphs as both U.S. and world women's figure skating champion. She describes the long hours of practice and private tutoring sessions that fill her days, and though she spends much of her time training away from home, she seems upbeat about her life, almost unaware that she might be missing out on anything else. So far, Lipinski appears immune to adversity (whether financial, mental, or physical), and she emerges as a hardworking, positive young woman likely to inspire others to follow in her footsteps. For a look at the life of another young figure skating champion, see James' Michelle Kwan: Heart of a Champion. Kay Weisman --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Starfire (September 8, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553571362
• ISBN-13: 978-0553571363
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,537,938 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #59 in	Books > Children's Books > Sports & Activities > Sports > Winter Sports > Nonfiction
  #77 in	Books > Sports > Winter Sports > Ice Skating & Figure Skating

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars If you can spell "bad", you're too old for this book, August 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Tara Lipinski: Triumph on Ice (Hardcover)

As a fan, it pains me to say this, but I wish I had read it at the bookstore instead of spending money on it. I finished it in what seemed like minutes, and didn't gain any insight into her life. Fans won't learn any more about Tara than you already know. Two thumbs down.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Great Book for the 9-12 year olds and Younger, April 21, 2000

By	Paige Turner "Film Fanatic" (Hawaii) - See all my reviews

Although this book is aimed at the 9-12 age group, it is actually written for Tara's younger fans with its large print, double spacing and limited vocabulary. Like most children's books, it is bright, cheery, and very positive. It makes for a great "read aloud" book especially for parents with all those exclamation points.

It seems many reviewers feel the book is too fluffy or childish, but after all, it is marketed as a children's book, not something for readers over 12 years of age. It reads more like a fan magazine, and if you're looking for a book with more detail and depth on Ms. Lipinski, read Christine Brennan's somewhat biased account of Tara in "Edge of Glory", also available at Amazon.com. (Note: Brennan is not a Tara fan.)

My only gripe with "Triumph on Ice" was the writing style. In an effort to capture Tara's youthful enthusiasm and her confident attitude, co-writer Emily Costello overdoes it and Tara comes off sounding rather conceited and full of herself. Given Tara's busy schedule during the time this book was published, I doubt that she even penned a single word. It sounds more like Emily Costello wrote this book based on taped phone interviews with Tara.

As one reviewer said, hopefully Ms. Lipinski will rewrite this book. Personally, I would like to see Ms. Lipinski actually write a more detailed and in-depth autobiography after she has matured and has experienced more of what life has to offer.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Too bad there isn't a zero rating, April 22, 1998

By	Steph ([e-mail]) (Delaware) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tara Lipinski: Triumph on Ice (Hardcover)

I have always despised Tara Lipinski and her attitude-problem, but this pathetic excuse for a book shames both her and the sport of ice-skating, not to mention writing itself. Who in the world told this girl that she could write? Her vocabulary is far less advanced than my newborn cousin's, and her "I am the best, everyone else sucks" attitude isn't cool or cute or funny; it's pathetic and obnoxious. I was thankful that she turned pro, so I wouldn't have to hear her shrieking at the next winter Olympics, but I cannot escape from her. I read the book to see if I was possibly under-estimating her intelligence; to my shock, I found I had over-estimated it. This book is as spacey as Tara herself, though what else could be expected? As a 14 year old writer, I know that it is difficult to write in a believable way: why were editors invented? I also know that even I can write better, more interesting material than this. So why haven't *I* been published???

Tara doesn't deserve to have this pathetic book in print. END