Dillon, Alena

Readers seeking a nuanced portrayal of mother-daughter dynamics as well as a soaring portrait of courageous women during wartime will find much to love in Dillon’s (The Happiest Girl in the World) latest.

As she did with the Catholic Church in Mercy House, Dillon lays bare the sins of the U.S. gymnastic world and all those who enable this sport that forces young girls to give up their childhoods and subject their bodies to harsh physical routines and drugs. Dillon sticks the landing with this layered book about abuse, drive, family expectations, and trauma.

For readers looking for a passionate, if flawed, lead female character, Sister Evelyn delivers. Those interested in religious fiction will also appreciate a simple narrative tackling complex church events. Perfect for reading groups. [See Prepub Alert, 8/12/19.]