Abigail Pesta interviews over twenty of the girls who were victimized by Larry Nassar. It is a moving book as many of the girls are speaking for the first time.
What I think is so important about the book is that it focuses on " the girls" as the title says. This is not the Larry Nassar story this is the story of the girls. It does chronicle it so that you can see how he does evolve in his grooming techniques over decades. His first victim in this book has quite a different story than some of the later ones. Her abuse seemed to be more violent as he was maybe not as able to control his urges. Over time he grooms the girls, finds ways to be in the gyms, and he grooms the parents. While he's quirky he becomes a beloved fixture of the gymnastics world and that is what subsequently allowed him to abuse so many girls and young women.
I think a lot of people including myself assumed the girls knew they were abused but didn't feel comfortable reporting it. Contrary some new instantly they were abused and reported it but were not listened to. It is frustrating to see how many times he fell through the cracks. A great many more believed this wasn't abuse but a real medical treatment. They talked to friends who had the same things done. He was trusted, he was a renown doctor.
I, myself, am a sports medicine physician. I'm not a DO and am much younger and thus did not know Nassar. I have read and listened to podcasts regarding a great number of sexual abuse of youth cases. What I found frustrating about a lot of these was that it was always framed as "a football" problem or "catholic church problem" when there were many other cases that weren't publicized which showed that there are predators who are everywhere. One of the common themes when reading about the cases is often that the predator endeared himself to people in the field for years. The people who knew them couldn't believe it was true. When we pigeon holed these as one time things we failed to see the predators in front of us--- like Nassar instead focusing on just the cases that already occurred.
Sports coaches as well as sports medicine professionals have unique access. As sports physicians or athletic trainers we get to know our athletes better than many doctors. we treat people in sports facilities. Coaches are often with the same kids for years and kids want to make their coaches happy and proud.
I also had never thought about how psychological abuse by coaches could allow for athletes to be further victimized. As kids get more specialized in sports - having she same coaches for years, getting private coaching, and having their lives more ensnared with their coaches I feel that parents have to be aware and alert. Psychological abuse on the hands of a coach can result in depression, burnout, self harm, eating disorders, and poor self esteem. It also can blur the lines and possible sexual abuse as this book pointed out. As we become more aware of the abuse that has become too common place in our youth sports, I think that we need to reassess what youth sports are as a whole. While many do want there children to be elite, at what cost. Is the goal of sports to become elite or to develop skills, friendship, and an active lifestyle.
Militant coaching in gymnastics needs an overhaul states Abigail but I’m only seeing more militant coaching in other sports at the moment Valerie Kondos Field former coach of UCLA gymnastics
States “instead of asking your kids ‘Did you win today? ‘ You can ask ‘Did you learn anything today? What are your goals? How are you feeling?’ In other words, put the focus on the person, not the win. The same goes for coaches… It’s so easy to play god to these kids. They’ll do anything for you. Be a motivator, not a dictatorial ass”
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What Predators Don't Want You To Know
I currently live in the Cayman Islands as an American Expat, but this book is very close to my heart. I paid more for this book to be shipped out of the U.S., and it was worth every cent and I'd pay way more to experience what was within the pages of this book. I am connected to many of the girls and women who were victimized by Larry Nassar. I, too, am a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and I took the Hippocratic Oath to DO NO HARM. I graduated from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, like Larry Nassar. I also testified in June 2019 against my former Medical School Dean, William Strampel, who was Larry Nassar's boss at MSU. The fact that someone would abuse their position of power and the position of being a doctor to harm little girls, and iln effect, cost some their lives is inexcusable, heartbreaking, and disgusting. I also feel a deep connection to Abigail's writing and those who shared their experiences. Within these pages, Abigail's writing is crisp, clear, and powerful. I believe that she effectively honored those who courageously shared their experiences. At times, it was a painful read, as I've experienced abuse in my life. However, once I was able to get past that, I couldn't put this book down. The vast majority of this book was read in one sitting.The Girls is a courageous book, which shows how a predator cannot only groom those who are vulnerable, but also an entire community. It shows many times over how a predator could have been stopped sooner if people would have LISTENED. Far too often, those who are victimized are silenced, minimized, and/or dismissed. This is unacceptable, and it leads to continued abuse. I'd love to see a continuation of The Girls. I know that Abigail had a limited time frame to complete this work, and more of the story has unraveled. I'd love to see a part two exposing the failings of MSU, USAG, and USOC. This is important work, and a timely message. This book is filled with the tactics that predators don't want you to know.Thank you to Abigail and all of the courageous individuals who contributed their voices to The Girls.Respect and love,Dr. Nicole Eastman
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Kindle Customer
Heart breaking but beautiful
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 21, 2020