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Little Girls in Pretty Boxes: The Making and Breaking of Elite Gymnasts and Figure Skaters
Little Girls in Pretty Boxes The Making and Breaking of Elite Gymnasts and Figure Skaters
Author: Joan Ryan
A sports reporter investigates the training of girls as professional gymnasts and figure skaters, arguing that the pressure to succeed and to look beautiful results in mental and physical harm, from eating disorders to psychological trauma.
ISBN-13: 9780385477901
ISBN-10: 0385477902
Publication Date: 5/1/1995
Pages: 243
Rating:
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 6

4.1 stars, based on 6 ratings
Publisher: Doubleday
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

bookaddict avatar reviewed Little Girls in Pretty Boxes: The Making and Breaking of Elite Gymnasts and Figure Skaters on
Helpful Score: 3
Very interesting, well-written discussion of the abusive world of female figure skaters and gymnasts. Kind of eye-opening, in fact. I very much enjoyed this book.
icesk8tr avatar reviewed Little Girls in Pretty Boxes: The Making and Breaking of Elite Gymnasts and Figure Skaters on + 363 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Interesting interviews with former figure skaters and gymnasts about the stresses and what is involved in getting ready for elite competetions.
Leeankh avatar reviewed Little Girls in Pretty Boxes: The Making and Breaking of Elite Gymnasts and Figure Skaters on + 139 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Wow, this was a powerful book. I have always enjoyed gymnastics and figure skating and there's so much darkness behind it that I didn't realize! The author really made me think twice about putting a daughter into either sport.
reviewed Little Girls in Pretty Boxes: The Making and Breaking of Elite Gymnasts and Figure Skaters on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Really interesting and a bit scary. Definately would never want a child of mine going this route.
reviewed Little Girls in Pretty Boxes: The Making and Breaking of Elite Gymnasts and Figure Skaters on + 625 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
In an attempt to focus attention on the high price paid through pain, pressure, and humiliation to become an Olympic champion, Ryan has researched the stories behind some of the young female superstar gymnasts and figure skaters. The extraordinary cost to these young women in body, mind, and spirit is dramatized through the intense subculture dominated by gyms, trainers, parents, and sports officials who press for excellence and success without regard to the health and well-being of those involved. This anecdotal account serves as a warning to all those engaged in competitive sports that children should not be sacrificed to adult egos and the thrills of victory. A book to be pondered by coaches, parents, and young people.
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reviewed Little Girls in Pretty Boxes: The Making and Breaking of Elite Gymnasts and Figure Skaters on
TypeA parents of any female athletes can benefit from reading this book. Some financial numbers seem a bit out dated (or may be different in different region of the country)


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