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Grace, Gold, and Glory: My Leap of Faith
The inspiring autobiography from Gabrielle Douglas—the first African-American gymnast in Olympic history to become the individual All-Around champion—revealing her journey from the time she first entered a gym to her gold-medal-winning performances.
In the 2012 London Olympics, US gymnast Gabrielle Douglas stole hearts and flew high as the All-Around Gold Medal winner and the brightest star of the US gold-medal-winning women’s gymnastics team. That same year, Gabrielle was also named the 2012 Sportswoman of the Year by the Women's Sports Foundation.
In this personal autobiography, Grace, Gold, and Glory: My Leap of Faith, Gabrielle tells her story of faith, perseverance, and determination. Walk with Gabby Douglas through her journey of faith and what her family overcame, from the time she first entered a gymnasium to her gold-medal-winning performances, demonstrating to readers ages 13 and up that they can reach their dreams when they let themselves soar.
In the 2012 London Olympics, US gymnast Gabrielle Douglas stole hearts and flew high as the All-Around Gold Medal winner and the brightest star of the US gold-medal-winning women’s gymnastics team. That same year, Gabrielle was also named the 2012 Sportswoman of the Year by the Women's Sports Foundation.
In this personal autobiography, Grace, Gold, and Glory: My Leap of Faith, Gabrielle tells her story of faith, perseverance, and determination. Walk with Gabby Douglas through her journey of faith and what her family overcame, from the time she first entered a gymnasium to her gold-medal-winning performances, demonstrating to readers ages 13 and up that they can reach their dreams when they let themselves soar.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
240 people are currently reading
2593 people want to read
About the author
Gabrielle Douglas
2 books53 followersGabrielle Douglas is a two-time Olympic gold medalist. At the 2012 Summer Olympics, she made history, becoming the first US gymnast to take home a team and an individual gold medal in the same Olympics. Gabrielle began her training at age six, and became the Virginia State Champion only two years later. When she was fourteen, she left her family in Virginia Beach to train with coach Liang Chow in Des Moines, Iowa. Under Chow's guidance, and with tremendous faith in God's plan for her, Gabrielle competed in the Olympic Trials and walked away with the only guaranteed spot on the team. Since her Olympic triumph, Gabrielle has used her platform to inspire millions with a powerful message: With hard work and persistence, any dream is possible. Visit her online at www.gabrielledouglas.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 391 reviews
December 4, 2013
Oh boy...where do I begin? It's hard to be objective as a gymnastics writer who worked closely with these athletes over the last quad and who was there for a lot of what's being written about here by someone who has clearly never seen a competition. I went in with very low expectations, knowing that there was a push to get this book out before the holidays. Its biggest problem is that it reads like a wikipedia entry, embellished by an overuse of "teen slang" (it's like if a Chinese farmer in 871 BC is trying to talk like a 2012 16-year-old) and IM abbreviations and peppered with little anecdotes that have nothing to do with the subject matter. But this is the least of its problems. You can tell what the author is quoting from Gabby and what she's trying to say on her own as Gabby...i.e. at one point the author asks rhetorically "do you know what it feels like to master a roundoff double back on beam?" Nationals (as in 2009 Visa Nationals) are referred to as Junior Olympic Nationals (part of the J.O. system, NOT the elite system). Chow is quoted as calling the pit the "foam squishy pit" at one point. I've heard Chow say many funny things but I'm betting that was never one of them. So there are lots of technicalities related to the sport itself that are annoying if you know even the least bit about the sport. Reading the TOPs/JO/elite explanations were painful and it's easy to find inconsistencies throughout...i.e. at one point the author says you can't skip levels in JO, but then goes on to say "I went from level 4 right to level 7!" without any explanation as to how that's possible. Technicalities aside, the book just isn't well-written at all. It's like no one even tried to edit because the syntax is horrendous (a direct quote: "A fractured wrist. An ill mother. A funnel cake in the bottom of the trash can. Where could I go from there?”), there are multiple typos (little things like "has" instead of "as" but if I could catch it while speed reading this thing, why didn't the editors?), and just really unfortunate sentences in general (another quote: "I love Martin Luther King, Jr…and not just because he was black, lol!"). Then it seems all of Gabby's career from 2012 was literally just lifted from Wikipedia with little factoids from existing articles thrown in, so if you followed the sport at all in the past year, you know all of it. The best thing about even the crappiest athlete autobiographies are the fun behind-the-scenes stories during the biggest tests and trials of their careers, but there's none of that here. It's like "first we went to American Cup and I technically won, then we went to Pac Rims and I made a vault mistake, and then we went to Classics and I didn't vault because of a preexisting injury, and then we went to Nationals where I almost won but fell on beam, and then we went to Trials where I won, and then we went to the Olympics and here are all of the scores we got in Team Finals, and here are all of the scores I got in AA." Seriously terrible. Especially because I was at Classics, sitting about three feet from vault, where I saw Gabby crash multiple times while attempting her Amanar in public for the first time since the disaster at Pac Rims. She was billed to compete in the all around and after sitting at least six Amanars in podium training, she pulled out of vault and therefore the AA the night before the competition, which was a major "omg, what's going on, will Gabby's inconsistencies ruin her chances for the team!?!?" in the press leading up to the Olympics. So why does the book just mention "I was injured so didn't compete vault at Classics" and not say anything else about it? I would think that narrative of failing so close to the Games works 100% better than just saying "a lingering injury is the reason I couldn't physically vault." Because she was most definitely physically vaulting. There's just so much of this crap with one thing happened, yet another thing is being said in the book, so it would have been nice if the author had done even the least bit of research. Yeah, yeah, time was tight, I get that. But really, these are events that occurred six months ago. It's not like you're delving into some rare manuscript archive and translating 15th century German. Watch a video on youtube. Read just a single article that mentions the event. Or maybe talk to the athlete you're channeling for the book you're writing? Because clearly the last 40 pages or so are nothing but Wikipedia and bullshit, which is sad, because Gabby's had a fascinating career and an incredible ride between Worlds and the Olympics, yet you get really none of that story in this book about her life. Shame! Don't bother reading.
July 27, 2023
I'm not your average gym fan; I don't watch gymnastics once every four years and as such, I didn't get to know Gabrielle Douglas when she won the AA gold (not unexpectedly), but rather as a junior back in 2010 when she was known among gym fans (short for fanatics) as "Michelle Obama with a standing full".
I also don't like memoirs, much less when written by 16 year-olds (and not particularly academically inclined, if I may add).
Lastly, I don't believe in God.
Then why on earth would Ι pick up something like this? Well, I'm not above giving a bad review when I feel it's due, besides, not being the target audience for this book made me curious about reconsidering some of my viewpoints. I didn't. If anything it was worse than I had anticipated, not exactly a good sign when your expectations are set low to begin with.
Random events about Gabby's life, Bible verses, a smear of (inaccurate) gym facts, bad grammar, innumerable clichés, poor editing, a general appeal to sympathy I don't care for. And then, more Bible verses.
I get it: the audience loves the "rags to riches" narrative and the publishers desperately wanted to sell the "underdog who wins against all odds" story. But Gabby didn't have an outside chance of winning, she was one of the three undisputable favourites (two if you count Jordyn Wieber out). Her victory surprised no one.
Speaking of which, I suspect the only reason she felt compelled to co-author this biography is that she's the 2012 all-around gold medalist, a title she won in one of the most closely contested finals in Olympic history and in dramatic fashion. It's been 7 years and fans still argue about it (because we're weird like that). She talks about the AA for about 2 pages and her bitter rival is mentioned exactly once. Did someone say priorities?
Was it worth it? Was it a motivational, touching, heart-warming read? To quote Gabby herself, not even sorta. (yes, that was a phrase taken directly from the book!)
Why, you ask? It was badly written. And on a personal level, because I rooted for Komova.
PS: Note to the publisher. You couldn't find a more flattering pose for the cover? Really? Gabby would be hit hard by the execution panel for lack of amplitude and a proper ring position, both under today's as much as under the 2012 Code of Points. And while you're at it, edit the tape on her foot out.
I also don't like memoirs, much less when written by 16 year-olds (and not particularly academically inclined, if I may add).
Lastly, I don't believe in God.
Then why on earth would Ι pick up something like this? Well, I'm not above giving a bad review when I feel it's due, besides, not being the target audience for this book made me curious about reconsidering some of my viewpoints. I didn't. If anything it was worse than I had anticipated, not exactly a good sign when your expectations are set low to begin with.
Random events about Gabby's life, Bible verses, a smear of (inaccurate) gym facts, bad grammar, innumerable clichés, poor editing, a general appeal to sympathy I don't care for. And then, more Bible verses.
I get it: the audience loves the "rags to riches" narrative and the publishers desperately wanted to sell the "underdog who wins against all odds" story. But Gabby didn't have an outside chance of winning, she was one of the three undisputable favourites (two if you count Jordyn Wieber out). Her victory surprised no one.
Speaking of which, I suspect the only reason she felt compelled to co-author this biography is that she's the 2012 all-around gold medalist, a title she won in one of the most closely contested finals in Olympic history and in dramatic fashion. It's been 7 years and fans still argue about it (because we're weird like that). She talks about the AA for about 2 pages and her bitter rival is mentioned exactly once. Did someone say priorities?
Was it worth it? Was it a motivational, touching, heart-warming read? To quote Gabby herself, not even sorta. (yes, that was a phrase taken directly from the book!)
Why, you ask? It was badly written. And on a personal level, because I rooted for Komova.
PS: Note to the publisher. You couldn't find a more flattering pose for the cover? Really? Gabby would be hit hard by the execution panel for lack of amplitude and a proper ring position, both under today's as much as under the 2012 Code of Points. And while you're at it, edit the tape on her foot out.
December 15, 2014
Bullet Review:
Gabby Douglas is awesome; her "memoirs" (read: juvenile summary of her life including some awkwardly candid opinions of her absent father) not so much. I'm sure young people (teens or younger) will enjoy this, but I found myself cringing at the language and bored stiff. A shame because Athlete Gabby is Gold.
Very glad I only paid $1.99 for the Ebook.
Gabby Douglas is awesome; her "memoirs" (read: juvenile summary of her life including some awkwardly candid opinions of her absent father) not so much. I'm sure young people (teens or younger) will enjoy this, but I found myself cringing at the language and bored stiff. A shame because Athlete Gabby is Gold.
Very glad I only paid $1.99 for the Ebook.
January 7, 2020
This is one of my favorite books! I could not put it down. I loved that at the end of some chapters she put a little segment about her dad. It was good that she put that in there because he wasn't in her life very much and the reader could find out more about him. One thing that makes this book different from the other gymnastic books is that it is centered on her faith. I loved reading the parts of her childhood that didn't necessarily have a part in becoming an Olympic gold medalist, they helped me get to know her more. If you know what I mean. Every time I read this book I always end up staying up late reading it.
March 10, 2013
Sixteen year old Gabrielle Douglas recounts her journey to becoming an Olympic champion gymnast and the first American gymnast to win both an individual and team gold medal in one Olympics. Gabrielle faced some very difficult challenges along the way. When she was just a baby, Gabrielle's family lived in a van while her parents sought work. Then, after her parents divorced, Gabrielle's mother worked multiple jobs just to keep her children fed and clothed. As it became apparent that Gabrielle had the possibility to achieve Olympic success, her siblings unselfishly gave up their dreams of athletic success so that money could be directed towards Gabrielle's training. Her hard work, determination, strong faith, and the support of her mother, siblings, and host family helped Gabrielle overcome significant obstacles. Her current coach, Liang Chow and his wife, Li, helped Gabrielle believe in herself and realize her dreams. This sweet and grounded young lady can be a wonderful role model for young people.
Several reviewers criticized the writing in this book. However, Gabrielle is only sixteen, and I found it refreshing to read Gabrielle's account--definitely written in her own words. Through her eyes, the reader can experience the challenges, fears, discouragements, and also the excitement that came with Gabrielle's achievement.
Several reviewers criticized the writing in this book. However, Gabrielle is only sixteen, and I found it refreshing to read Gabrielle's account--definitely written in her own words. Through her eyes, the reader can experience the challenges, fears, discouragements, and also the excitement that came with Gabrielle's achievement.
March 7, 2013
I read the e-book on a whim one Friday night, despite not at all being in the target audience. While the tween-speak comes with the territory, I found the relaying of Gabby's rise to the top of the podium disappointing and even disturbing. Unfortunately, the book shies away from any details about the actual training and competitive experience involved in making it to the Olympics and instead focuses on Gabby's home life and personal struggles in managing the demands of elite gymnastics.
Gabby's mother clearly shared some of the ghost-writing work, and in the end Gabby comes off as a lazy, unfocused child who did nothing while her mom toiled and toiled to pay for her training. It's tragic that the book echoes the media portrayal of Gabby as unfocused, because there is no way Gabby could have made it to the top - particularly in the American program - without an abundance of dedication. Description of training could have helped to offset this portrayal, but we only see what happens outside the gym, again likely because her mother provided a majority of the source material.
The book opens with a scene shortly before the Olympics when Gabby pondered quitting - not at all unusual for even the most motivated gymnasts during the pressure cooker of the Olympic year. In a strange move for an autobiography, this anecdote portrays the scene as something straight out of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes. Her mom (Natalie) loses her temper, almost crashes the car and says that Gabby can't do this to HER. Mom says Gabby can't go live with her family again if she quits, she'll have to find someone else to live with. One of her siblings even tells her "do you think you can go to school or get a job? Because you can't." Mom says her daughter had made a commitment to her, her host parents, her coach, America and she had to go through with it. Nothing in the text refers to what would be best for Gabby, whether Gabby herself would regret quitting, or whether she needs some extra comfort.
Based on the tone of the book, we're meant to laud Natalie and the host family for convincing Gabby to head back to the gym. Throughout the book, there are more references to what Natalie has done for Gabby than what Gabby herself (with the help of her coach) was able to accomplish. When the book isn't referencing Natalie's sacrifices, it moves firmly into the realm of religion. Natalie writes a letter for Gabby to read the morning of the Olympic all-around competition about how God gave her this gift, it's God's day, God will shine through you, go out and claim what God has already given you, the rain in London is God anointing you. Not once does the letter or the book claim that Gabby deserves her success, that Natalie hopes her daughter has fun, that she hopes her daughter is safe, that she will love her no matter what happens. This letter makes up over half of the space in the book dedicated to the all-around. We don't hear Gabby's own experience of the competition.
Interspersed throughout the text are also short vignettes on her estranged father with a very bitter slant. I don't doubt that her father was far from perfect, but I do question the decision to publish these stories. The stories on Gabby's father's financial contributions seem particularly influenced by her mother (or another outside agent) and not the accounts of a 16 year-old's personal thoughts.
I would never let a child of mine read this book with it's inappropriate messages about proper parenting, personal accomplishment and jumbled interpretation of religion. Natalie and Gabby's agent did a huge disservice to Gabby by airing her dirty laundry in public and downplaying her own role in becoming the world's best gymnast. This is a book that never should have been published.
Gabby's mother clearly shared some of the ghost-writing work, and in the end Gabby comes off as a lazy, unfocused child who did nothing while her mom toiled and toiled to pay for her training. It's tragic that the book echoes the media portrayal of Gabby as unfocused, because there is no way Gabby could have made it to the top - particularly in the American program - without an abundance of dedication. Description of training could have helped to offset this portrayal, but we only see what happens outside the gym, again likely because her mother provided a majority of the source material.
The book opens with a scene shortly before the Olympics when Gabby pondered quitting - not at all unusual for even the most motivated gymnasts during the pressure cooker of the Olympic year. In a strange move for an autobiography, this anecdote portrays the scene as something straight out of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes. Her mom (Natalie) loses her temper, almost crashes the car and says that Gabby can't do this to HER. Mom says Gabby can't go live with her family again if she quits, she'll have to find someone else to live with. One of her siblings even tells her "do you think you can go to school or get a job? Because you can't." Mom says her daughter had made a commitment to her, her host parents, her coach, America and she had to go through with it. Nothing in the text refers to what would be best for Gabby, whether Gabby herself would regret quitting, or whether she needs some extra comfort.
Based on the tone of the book, we're meant to laud Natalie and the host family for convincing Gabby to head back to the gym. Throughout the book, there are more references to what Natalie has done for Gabby than what Gabby herself (with the help of her coach) was able to accomplish. When the book isn't referencing Natalie's sacrifices, it moves firmly into the realm of religion. Natalie writes a letter for Gabby to read the morning of the Olympic all-around competition about how God gave her this gift, it's God's day, God will shine through you, go out and claim what God has already given you, the rain in London is God anointing you. Not once does the letter or the book claim that Gabby deserves her success, that Natalie hopes her daughter has fun, that she hopes her daughter is safe, that she will love her no matter what happens. This letter makes up over half of the space in the book dedicated to the all-around. We don't hear Gabby's own experience of the competition.
Interspersed throughout the text are also short vignettes on her estranged father with a very bitter slant. I don't doubt that her father was far from perfect, but I do question the decision to publish these stories. The stories on Gabby's father's financial contributions seem particularly influenced by her mother (or another outside agent) and not the accounts of a 16 year-old's personal thoughts.
I would never let a child of mine read this book with it's inappropriate messages about proper parenting, personal accomplishment and jumbled interpretation of religion. Natalie and Gabby's agent did a huge disservice to Gabby by airing her dirty laundry in public and downplaying her own role in becoming the world's best gymnast. This is a book that never should have been published.
May 18, 2013
After seeing Gabby Douglas perform in the 2012 Olympics I had become a fan of her happy smile and nickname, the flying squirrel. So when I saw this book at the library I was super happy and picked it up without a second thought. I had read a similarly styled book by Shawn Johnson about her life and the Olympics. And after the Olympics too. So I was hoping for something about the same.
While this book is mostly about Gabby's life leading up to the Olympics it does have a chapter or more on the Olympics and on the tryouts and such. It was great to get Gabby's life story and get inside her head. She is a lovely, funny girl :) While a bit different writing style than Shawn Johnson's book I still enjoyed it just as much! Gabby went through a lot of things from illness, homelessness, running out of money, nothing having the right coach and many other things. But she has proven stronger than all that, with the help and strength of her God :)
This book was really fun and I loved getting to "know" Gabby better and accompanying her on her retold journey. She is such a sweet girl and you get a peak into a gymnasts world. It's a pretty crazy one!I would recommend to other fans of really any age. There isn't any bad content other than some bullying (sorta) that Gabby went though. Gabby is also a strong Christian which made me into even more of fan :) Really enjoyed this book!
While this book is mostly about Gabby's life leading up to the Olympics it does have a chapter or more on the Olympics and on the tryouts and such. It was great to get Gabby's life story and get inside her head. She is a lovely, funny girl :) While a bit different writing style than Shawn Johnson's book I still enjoyed it just as much! Gabby went through a lot of things from illness, homelessness, running out of money, nothing having the right coach and many other things. But she has proven stronger than all that, with the help and strength of her God :)
This book was really fun and I loved getting to "know" Gabby better and accompanying her on her retold journey. She is such a sweet girl and you get a peak into a gymnasts world. It's a pretty crazy one!I would recommend to other fans of really any age. There isn't any bad content other than some bullying (sorta) that Gabby went though. Gabby is also a strong Christian which made me into even more of fan :) Really enjoyed this book!
January 13, 2014
This book is AMAZING !!!!!!!!!!!
This book is very inspiring to people like me because she's a gymnast, I'm a gymnast. It makes me strive for my goal in gymnastics..... to be the best gymnast I can be. This gymnast in particular really inspires me because she didn't have a very good life at the start. She lived in the back of a van for almost a year. She had almost nothing a now she is an Olympic champion. In fact she is the first African-American and first woman of color from any nation to win a gold medal in individual gymnastics all-around (all four events) competition. Gabrielle Douglas is my idol, my best dream is to be like her and win all- around but that won't happen.
This book is very inspiring to people like me because she's a gymnast, I'm a gymnast. It makes me strive for my goal in gymnastics..... to be the best gymnast I can be. This gymnast in particular really inspires me because she didn't have a very good life at the start. She lived in the back of a van for almost a year. She had almost nothing a now she is an Olympic champion. In fact she is the first African-American and first woman of color from any nation to win a gold medal in individual gymnastics all-around (all four events) competition. Gabrielle Douglas is my idol, my best dream is to be like her and win all- around but that won't happen.
January 5, 2013
I think Gabby is a neat girl who did amazing things with winning two gold medals in the 2012 London Olympics. I remember watching the Olympics on tv and I'm a fan.
I think this book would've been way better if she waited 5 years or so to tell her story. It's very teenager-ish with lol slang, etc, and not great writing. There are also some perspectives about her father that feel like she's trying to get back at him - he's not great and has not been supportive, but the way she says it feels weird.
I'm thrilled she got her gold medals but think this whole book would've been way better written by someone else entirely, who truly understands gymnastics and the technicalities of it (vs the coauthor who clearly does not understand gymnastics and is a celebrity author). It gets a little awkward for a person to toot their own horn about how awesome they are and try to still sound humble.
This feels like this book was rushed to get published as fast as possible and it's all about making money. I guess they got my money. This kindle book was overpriced, in my opinion. I'll be more patient next time and get it from the library.
I think this book would've been way better if she waited 5 years or so to tell her story. It's very teenager-ish with lol slang, etc, and not great writing. There are also some perspectives about her father that feel like she's trying to get back at him - he's not great and has not been supportive, but the way she says it feels weird.
I'm thrilled she got her gold medals but think this whole book would've been way better written by someone else entirely, who truly understands gymnastics and the technicalities of it (vs the coauthor who clearly does not understand gymnastics and is a celebrity author). It gets a little awkward for a person to toot their own horn about how awesome they are and try to still sound humble.
This feels like this book was rushed to get published as fast as possible and it's all about making money. I guess they got my money. This kindle book was overpriced, in my opinion. I'll be more patient next time and get it from the library.
January 5, 2015
Grace, Gold, and Glory:My Leap of Faith
Gabrielle Douglas with Michelle Burford
Gabby Douglas has just finished the 2012 Olympics and wants to write about her journey to the 2012 Summer Olympics. In this autobiography we find out that Gabby's life wasn't always as perfect as it would seem for a gold medal winner. She had to work hard for all that she has accomplished, and this includes moving across the country, moving in with a family that you've never met, and leaving your family all behind. Life wasn't always great for Gabby, but with hard work, dedication, and perseverance, you would be an outcast to live in the USA and not know who Gabby Douglas is.
I thought that this book was incredible! Although there weren't many "cliff hangers" since it is an autobiography I still always wanted to read it. One of my favorite moments in the book was when Gabby first started to bond with her host family's daughters. It made me so happy to see how well Gabby connected with her host family, the Partons.
I think that girls ages 10 and up should read this book. It is an outstanding lesson on how hard work pays off, but sometime to work hard you must make sacrifices. Also, there are no immature concepts in this book, it just might be too lengthy for kids under 10.
Gabrielle Douglas with Michelle Burford
Gabby Douglas has just finished the 2012 Olympics and wants to write about her journey to the 2012 Summer Olympics. In this autobiography we find out that Gabby's life wasn't always as perfect as it would seem for a gold medal winner. She had to work hard for all that she has accomplished, and this includes moving across the country, moving in with a family that you've never met, and leaving your family all behind. Life wasn't always great for Gabby, but with hard work, dedication, and perseverance, you would be an outcast to live in the USA and not know who Gabby Douglas is.
I thought that this book was incredible! Although there weren't many "cliff hangers" since it is an autobiography I still always wanted to read it. One of my favorite moments in the book was when Gabby first started to bond with her host family's daughters. It made me so happy to see how well Gabby connected with her host family, the Partons.
I think that girls ages 10 and up should read this book. It is an outstanding lesson on how hard work pays off, but sometime to work hard you must make sacrifices. Also, there are no immature concepts in this book, it just might be too lengthy for kids under 10.
October 26, 2015
Grace, Gold, and Glory by Gabrielle Douglas is an inspiring book. Gabby starts her life in the back of an black SUV with a fatal blood disease. This blood disease causes her blood to thin and for her to lose weight every day. After many months of checks from friends and her mom working triple shifts, they were finally able to move into an apartment. Her siblings are Arielle, Joyelle, and John. When her sister Arielle started gymnastics, Gabby thought it was the coolest thing ever. she started following and practicing with Arielle around the house. Both sisters convinced their mom to put Gabby in gymnastics. As it turns out, that was the right choice to make.
This non-fiction and autobiography was written extremely well. The storyline kept you involved and there really was not a dull moment in the plot. Even the simple times of Gabrielle's life drew you in. The character development felt interesting and real, as the story progressed. At the end of the book I felt as if I personally knew all the characters in the book.
I thought this was a truly wonderfully inspiring book for anyone who loves gymnastics as the sport or for anyone who also is a gymnast. Gabriele's struggle was so intense and hard and she achieved so much. This book's a true story on how if you want to achieve something with all your heart, anything is possible is you persevere and challenge yourself. Also, if you find yourself being bullied, as Gabby went through pretty hash bullying herself, she has some great tips on how to cope with that. I would definitely recommend this book to any budding gymnasts and/or people who love inspiring stories, as this truly is one.
This non-fiction and autobiography was written extremely well. The storyline kept you involved and there really was not a dull moment in the plot. Even the simple times of Gabrielle's life drew you in. The character development felt interesting and real, as the story progressed. At the end of the book I felt as if I personally knew all the characters in the book.
I thought this was a truly wonderfully inspiring book for anyone who loves gymnastics as the sport or for anyone who also is a gymnast. Gabriele's struggle was so intense and hard and she achieved so much. This book's a true story on how if you want to achieve something with all your heart, anything is possible is you persevere and challenge yourself. Also, if you find yourself being bullied, as Gabby went through pretty hash bullying herself, she has some great tips on how to cope with that. I would definitely recommend this book to any budding gymnasts and/or people who love inspiring stories, as this truly is one.
February 10, 2016
Are you interested in gymnastics, or just like hearing about a dream come true? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then Grace, Gold, and Glory: My Leap of Faith is the book for you. This book, about Gabrielle Douglas, written by her herself, is about her roller coaster of a journey to the Olympics. Gabrielle, mostly known as Olympian Gabby Douglas went through a lot to make it to where she had always dreamed to go, the Olympics. It all started out when Gabby's sister insisted that her mom sign Gabby up for gymnastics classes. In April of 2002, her Mom finally gave . The reason it took so long for her mom to agree is because the family was broke, a reason the family also had to go through a lot to get Gabby to the Olympics. All of her siblings gave up there sports just for her, and her mom began working extra shifts, all of this to work up the money for classes. Gabby began progressing in gymnastics incredibly fast, passing everyone in her class. After one year of taking classes, gabby began competing, and winning every meet she went to. In 2008, Gabby watched the Olympics at 14 years old, she saw Laing Chow on T.V and stated that she was going to the Olympics and he would be her coach. Everyone ignored her comment knowing the expense of having Laing Chow as a coach. But in March of 201o, Gabby ends up going to Iowa to train with Chow after finding a host family to stay with. After two hard yeas of training with Chow, Gabby makes the Olympic team. In London she wins two gold medals, the U.S.A first place team award and an individual first place all-around champion medal. This is an amazing story about a dream come true.
February 15, 2013
When I discovered that this book had been written I was eager to read it. I loved watching Gabrielle Douglas in the Olympics. I appeared that many people were eager to read it because I had to put a hold on it at the Library and wait my turn.
My turn finally came and I brought it home. After reading the first few chapters I was really unimpressed. The language in the book is too much like a teenager talking. I have no problem with teenagers and I love talking to them but I expect a book to be different. I realize that Gabrielle IS a teenager and just because she is a great gymnast I do not expect her to be a great writer but that is why I thought she had someone writing with her. I am actually more disapointed in the co-writer. I think it would be HER job to make sure the writing was up to a certain standard.
I intended to finish the book because I was still interested in the story but I kept finding other books that interested me more. Then yesterday an e-mail came from the Library letting me know that my turn was up and since there is still a waiting list I could not renew it. I do hope to one day read the whole book but for now it will have to wait.
My turn finally came and I brought it home. After reading the first few chapters I was really unimpressed. The language in the book is too much like a teenager talking. I have no problem with teenagers and I love talking to them but I expect a book to be different. I realize that Gabrielle IS a teenager and just because she is a great gymnast I do not expect her to be a great writer but that is why I thought she had someone writing with her. I am actually more disapointed in the co-writer. I think it would be HER job to make sure the writing was up to a certain standard.
I intended to finish the book because I was still interested in the story but I kept finding other books that interested me more. Then yesterday an e-mail came from the Library letting me know that my turn was up and since there is still a waiting list I could not renew it. I do hope to one day read the whole book but for now it will have to wait.
October 16, 2015
It's a leap of faith to success for Gabi Douglas, a once deathly sick newborn born into a poor family living in the back of their Dodge van. Growing up, she finally found a home- next to her brother, two sisters, and her mother. Finally settling into a gym so she can burn off her energy, she discovers she has a real passion and talent in gymnastics. Flash forward a few years and Gabi is a healthy teen in a steady home, just with a shadowy, some-times-there-some-times-not, absent father while she trains with Coach Chow. She leans on the grace of God, the gold of her Olympic medals, and the glory of finally accomplishing her dreams. Join her in her autobiography to learn about her triumphs, sorrows, falls, rips, tears, and passions.
April 29, 2020
Wonderful biography!
September 3, 2024
I think it's so silly that I had such low expectations going into this, and disliked it more than I even planned to. 2 stars for the validation.
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February 28, 2020The book Grace, Gold, and Glory is a really great book. It is so inspirational and I encourage it to anybody. One thing that I really like about this book is that it uses bible verses. I believe in God and it uses references from the bible with everyday lives. Which I then can use it in my life. This book has inspired me alot in many ways. Some include, keep pushing yourself, you mother and father love you no matter what, God will always be with you, and no matter the circumstances you will be blessed. This book I can also relate to alot. We both believe in God, we both were adopted, we both have divorced parents, and we both have been through alot. When I was reading this book I learned to love gymnastics. I don´t like it because of the cool tricks or anything. But, I love it because it is a way to keep on trying and learning. It helps you push for what you want, and to achieve your dreams and futures. I would encourage this book to anyone who would like some inspiration, or anyone who likes relationship books.
December 28, 2012
You have to take into consideration that it is written by a 16 year old. There are a lot of "(lol)" throughout, but it's a mature account of how her dream unfolded--bumps, bruises, highs and lows. It is a great testament to "It Takes a Village" to raise our kids and from "rags to riches." She is an incredibly insightful young lady who truly appreciates the sacrifices her family made, the generosity of strangers, and her faith to help her get to her ultimate destination. She is candid about her emotional struggles with her dad. She's humble and sweet and seems not to take herself too seriously. My life is better for having watched her win the gold, then reading about her journey. Good, inspirational read for any age.
December 2, 2014
Grace, Gold & Glory is about the amazing story of Gabrielle Douglas. It is a really inspiring book. It shows her determination toward her sport. It shows that even though she grew up with not having as much as others, all she needed was determination. She opens up about how going through with your dreams isn't always an uphill mission. You will have to have some downhill action. It shows everybody that it takes hard work and dedication to complete your goals in life. This isn't only about gymnastics, this applies for any career or goals in life. Wether it be for a little girl wanting to be a doctor, or an old man to breaking a record. I recommend this to anybody that need inspiration or just a good read.
June 7, 2020
It was an okay book. It was an interesting read to see how she went from sleeping in her family's van to Gold medal winner. Whoever edited the book did so horribly. Misspellings and at one point in the book she is talking about her host dad Travis and then a couple sentences later his name was Trevor. I had to realize that she was a teenager writing so of course it had a lot of teenage talk in it. But all in all, a neat book. I read it in a day. Easy read. I'm not going to do cartwheels over it, pardon the pun, but I won't tell someone the book was so horrible that its not worth reading. It's an okay read, and that's the review I will give it to those who are thinking about reading it.
December 31, 2016
I enjoyed watching Gabby perform, and I loved her beautiful smile. It made me sad when she came back to the Olympics, and she rarely smiled. I was hoping she would get into that part of her life, but the book doesn't go that far.
Gabby and her family had hard times, and were homeless at times. Her dad left them when he was in the military, but afterward he also went out of their lives, and Gabby's mom worked as a single mom to take care of all her kids.
Gabby gave a picture of the life she lived, and the struggles the family had, to get her the training she needed to be in her sport.
This was a good quick read.
Gabby and her family had hard times, and were homeless at times. Her dad left them when he was in the military, but afterward he also went out of their lives, and Gabby's mom worked as a single mom to take care of all her kids.
Gabby gave a picture of the life she lived, and the struggles the family had, to get her the training she needed to be in her sport.
This was a good quick read.
March 3, 2014
I really like this auto biography of Gabrielle Douglas, im a fan of hers and the sport so it was interesting to read about her journey to becoming an olympic medal gymnast and also to learn more about her life and get to understand her at a personal level. I liked that the chapters were varied so like one chapter would be about her family and her life and then the other would talk about her life as a gymnast and her experiences in gymnastics.
April 24, 2014
great book. what an Olympic Journey. Its motivational, a little spiritual, its well put together. what an awesome life shes lived and shes still young! great person & wonderful role model. beautiful person inside and out. I also found a new respect for gymnasts!
July 31, 2016
This was ok, but didn't really tell me anything I didn't learn from the Gabby Douglas made-for-tv movie. It also had a lot more religion in it than I expected. If I hadn't known so much already, though, this would be a nice overview of Gabby's journey to the gold.
May 20, 2014
I love this book! Not only is this book well written but it inspires me and I think every body should read it because she has an amazing story! It will grab your attention the whole way through!
-Maddy Z.
-Maddy Z.
September 16, 2016
This great autobiography is written in the voice of a teenager, making it attractive to younger readers. Gabrielle is careful to give God glory for her successes, as well as to detail the ways in which she relies on Him through her difficult training.
December 31, 2012
You don't say "lol" in a book, EVER.
February 13, 2013
This book was a book club choice and so perhaps not the first I would choose. I liked it, but with many reservations... I do not feel that the Ghost writer (a regular contributor Oprah Winfrey's O magazine) gave Gabby sufficient room to explore the themes she sets up in the book. Broadly speaking, her estranged father's abandonment, her faith and her training and preparation regimen were all touched upon but never really examined satisfactorily.
The 2012 Olympics experience in particular was rushed. This was a real disappointment as I had looked forward to it as I had been personally involved in London 2012 preparation.
The styles of Miss Douglas and her co-writer were very clearly delineated (teen slang versus lyrical whimsy) and so often the book did not flow nicely. The author did not really set up any tension for any of the competitions.
The story is amazing and all power to the pint sized tumbler, but I wish I left the book feeling more like other youngsters would be inspired... if you do not have a driven mother ready to sacrifice, you might not be as enthused. A book for American Gymnastics fans rather than a book with broad appeal I suspect!
The 2012 Olympics experience in particular was rushed. This was a real disappointment as I had looked forward to it as I had been personally involved in London 2012 preparation.
The styles of Miss Douglas and her co-writer were very clearly delineated (teen slang versus lyrical whimsy) and so often the book did not flow nicely. The author did not really set up any tension for any of the competitions.
The story is amazing and all power to the pint sized tumbler, but I wish I left the book feeling more like other youngsters would be inspired... if you do not have a driven mother ready to sacrifice, you might not be as enthused. A book for American Gymnastics fans rather than a book with broad appeal I suspect!
February 14, 2013
I came across this one at the library and thought why not? It was pretty good, but it kinda feels like your reading a 3rd grade book report. I don't know if the ghost writer needed to do a better job or what, but I thought a lot of this was superficial. It was interesting, having watched the events happen on TV to see a little bit behind the scenes, but every thing was just barely touched on.
Also I kinda can't believe I saw several lols in the actual printed text. Really???????????? Give your self an hour or two to knock this one out and then move on...
Also I kinda can't believe I saw several lols in the actual printed text. Really???????????? Give your self an hour or two to knock this one out and then move on...
November 19, 2013
After I read Shawn Johnson's book, I decided to read Gabby's, but overall was a little disappointed. Some of the writing seemed to be all over the place and there were stories put in that were come rely irrelevant. It would have been better if she had talked more about her experiences at the Olympics, as far as friends she had made along the way and things like that. I guess I was hoping it was going to be more like Johnson's book and it really wasn't. Still interesting to read about the challenges she faced getting to the Olympics.
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