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Finding the Edge: My Life on the Ice
Figure skating icon and U.S. National Champion Karen Chen tells the amazing story of her rise to the top, featuring never-before-seen photos and behind-the-scenes details from her journey on and off the ice! At seventeen years old, Karen Chen has already achieved what some girls only dream of—and yet it’s only the beginning for this incredibly talented athlete. The daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, Karen began to figure skate at just five years old. Ten years and many grueling training sessions later, she broke out at the 2015 US Championships with a bronze medal. This was after sustaining a nearly career-ending ankle fracture a year earlier. In 2017, Karen became the US National Champion, winning gold in two programs and receiving the highest score ever recorded for the short program at the US National level. Now for the first time, Karen shares the story of how she got where she is today—and where she’s going next. Karen has already overcome astounding obstacles, and her grit, determination, and positive attitude have made her future truly limitless. In Finding the Edge , she shares, in her own words, what it’s like to be Karen Chen—and what it takes to achieve the impossible. Features a foreword from Kristi Yamaguchi, the Olympic champion, two-time World champion, and U.S. champion.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published November 28, 2017
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470 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
December 1, 2017
I bought this book because I'd heard of Karen Chen's success as a skater and was super excited to find out she's Taiwanese American like me. I'm not a dedicated figure skating fan by any means. However, I was an avid rollerskater as a kid (took lessons for 3 years, sadly did not continue after I moved) and my older sister was obsessed with Michelle Kwan when we were young, so I have a moderate interest in ice skating and love watching skating programs.
Reading this book was my way of learning more about Karen and figure skating as a sport. I learned a lot about the ups and downs of Karen's career, the latter of which surprised me since I went in only really knowing about her recent success as a 2017 US Championship gold medalist.
The opening chapter was especially poignant for me since it begins with Karen reminiscing about Taiwan, and I felt a wave of nostalgia for Taiwan while I read it. That shared experience of knowing Taiwan intimately allowed me to form an initial connection with her, emotionally.
Karen's passion, determination, and artistry really show through in this book. Watching her skating programs, you get a sense of her vivacity and grace, and she seems almost superhuman in how effortless her athleticism appears. This book digs beneath that surface into her emotional core. And while her successes shine bright on their own, reading about the physical and mental struggles that she has endured throughout her career so far has given me a profound appreciation for her accomplishments. The level of discipline and courage it must have taken to weather those low points/periods honestly is unfathomable to me. Makes me feel like an underachiever by comparison, to be frank.
I think the only thing I felt let down by in this book was the short length. There's a pretty extensive career summary and glossary at the back of the book (which is super awesome and informative, for what it's worth) that misled me into thinking the book would be longer. In general, the prose is pretty spare, so there were places where I wanted more details to ground my inner vision of the events. However, since Karen is first and foremost a skater and not a writer, I can forgive that.
tl;dr Karen Chen has a new fan :D
Reading this book was my way of learning more about Karen and figure skating as a sport. I learned a lot about the ups and downs of Karen's career, the latter of which surprised me since I went in only really knowing about her recent success as a 2017 US Championship gold medalist.
The opening chapter was especially poignant for me since it begins with Karen reminiscing about Taiwan, and I felt a wave of nostalgia for Taiwan while I read it. That shared experience of knowing Taiwan intimately allowed me to form an initial connection with her, emotionally.
Karen's passion, determination, and artistry really show through in this book. Watching her skating programs, you get a sense of her vivacity and grace, and she seems almost superhuman in how effortless her athleticism appears. This book digs beneath that surface into her emotional core. And while her successes shine bright on their own, reading about the physical and mental struggles that she has endured throughout her career so far has given me a profound appreciation for her accomplishments. The level of discipline and courage it must have taken to weather those low points/periods honestly is unfathomable to me. Makes me feel like an underachiever by comparison, to be frank.
I think the only thing I felt let down by in this book was the short length. There's a pretty extensive career summary and glossary at the back of the book (which is super awesome and informative, for what it's worth) that misled me into thinking the book would be longer. In general, the prose is pretty spare, so there were places where I wanted more details to ground my inner vision of the events. However, since Karen is first and foremost a skater and not a writer, I can forgive that.
tl;dr Karen Chen has a new fan :D
February 29, 2024
Super short. Only about 160 pages if you're not counting the epilogue/glossary. I'd be interested to know how much of this was actually written by Karen lol, but nonetheless, Interesting story! Very easy to ready, I think I read this in about an hour and a half (my new record haha). I liked hearing about her upbringing and her introduction to the sport. I wish it dove a little deeper into her life, her thoughts, her persevering through hardships, etc. It felt a little bit like reading a Wikipedia article through first person, but that's ok.
The only thing I wish was different about this book is that it came out a few years later.. I would have loved to read about Karen's experience preparing for the 2022 Beijing Olympics and her experience competing there!
Something I really did like though was the glossary at the end with all that additional info. Very informative for anyone who doesn't have experience with how figure skating works!
Overall, nice, informal read.
The only thing I wish was different about this book is that it came out a few years later.. I would have loved to read about Karen's experience preparing for the 2022 Beijing Olympics and her experience competing there!
Something I really did like though was the glossary at the end with all that additional info. Very informative for anyone who doesn't have experience with how figure skating works!
Overall, nice, informal read.
August 1, 2018
not to be dramatic but like i would literally go to the end of the earth to ensure that karen chen is happy and well and gets to the beijing 2022 olympics and podiums with golden pond as her sp
let’s be real this book gonna get high ratings from me because i am invested in my daughter’s career +5 GOE on this book!!!!
let’s be real this book gonna get high ratings from me because i am invested in my daughter’s career +5 GOE on this book!!!!
March 3, 2018
As someone who just recently got into figure skating, I'm really glad that I picked up Finding the Edge. It was a very quick read, and a book that I didn't want to put down - whether that's because it was that incredible, or because it was a means of procrastination, who knows. I'm absolutely inspired and overwhelmed by Karen Chen and her words, and as an Asian American, her descriptions of Taiwan/feelings of Taiwan really resonated with me. I didn't know much about Karen Chen prior to reading this, aside from the fact that she was a great figure skater, and just reading about all her ups and downs of her career, and all the work that she put into allowed me made me really appreciative of this. I can't wait to see where her career goes next.
February 6, 2022
As a primer on the basics of women’s figure skating, which is what I was hoping for when picking up this book, Finding the Edge delivers.
As a memoir, it’s pretty surface level and unrefined. Some slack is due here given the age at which she wrote this book (being an Olympian and a published author as a teenager is hella impressive!!) but I did have a bit of a hard time staying engaged, despite the book’s short length.
As someone who deals with anxiety, some of what Karen Chen wrote in this book kind of made me concerned for her?? It seemed like the point she was trying to make was about work ethic, but her lines of thinking reminded me eerily of the way I used to approach work and school before I started acknowledging that mental health was a thing I needed to address and start taking care of. I hope she’s doing better now.
As a memoir, it’s pretty surface level and unrefined. Some slack is due here given the age at which she wrote this book (being an Olympian and a published author as a teenager is hella impressive!!) but I did have a bit of a hard time staying engaged, despite the book’s short length.
As someone who deals with anxiety, some of what Karen Chen wrote in this book kind of made me concerned for her?? It seemed like the point she was trying to make was about work ethic, but her lines of thinking reminded me eerily of the way I used to approach work and school before I started acknowledging that mental health was a thing I needed to address and start taking care of. I hope she’s doing better now.
May 1, 2018
wow. i love karen chen. this is definitely a book aimed for children bUT Y'KNO WHAT THAT'S OK. i read this is less than a day and it was a nice easy read. she definitely worked hard for what she has and has had quite the up and down career, but she's a lovely skater and i really wish her well next season. the fact that she used to be (and still kind of is) so shy and is still able to do stuff like that really amazes me. you go girl ilu :')
December 22, 2024
This was a great biography! Since it was published in 2017, I was able to research her more recent accomplishments like getting a medal in the 2022 Olympics. I believe she is engaged now too! Really cool story of how she became who she is today.
February 16, 2018
I was pleasantly surprised on how much I enjoyed this. I’m a figure skater myself and Karen Chen is one of my favorites to watch but I was nervous going in on if it was going to be a good quality book. But I loved Karen’s story. You could really tell she wrote this herself and the emotions just poured out of the story. It was raw and beautiful and I’m so glad I read it, especially now that she’s at the olympics.
Also if you haven’t seen her skate I highly suggest you watch her because she is absolutely stunning on ice.
4/5 Stars
Also if you haven’t seen her skate I highly suggest you watch her because she is absolutely stunning on ice.
4/5 Stars
July 28, 2023
her butterfly program is my favorite
January 11, 2025
I love Karen Chen’s skating and it was interesting learning about her skating career, but I wish the book would have gone a bit deeper. Felt pretty surface level and targeted to a younger audience.
April 20, 2022
3,75 stars
March 16, 2020
This was just.......
too much, man.
Karen is a Type 1 Enneagram, she deserves so much better than the rigid mental world she's created for herself, and I hope she is well.
However, I also deserve better than what amounts to a young reader text with no character, plot, consistent theme, or depth, so...one star.
too much, man.
Karen is a Type 1 Enneagram, she deserves so much better than the rigid mental world she's created for herself, and I hope she is well.
However, I also deserve better than what amounts to a young reader text with no character, plot, consistent theme, or depth, so...one star.
September 28, 2018
After reading this book I felt like Karen Chen acted quite prematurely writing it.
Yes, she is a promising skater but I don't feel like her career justifies an autobiography.
That said, much of this book was filler. Just information about figure skating itself and not the actual person this book is about. It seemed like this was done on purpose since Karen doesn't have that much to speak of career-wise.
Wait till you've gone to the Olympics, sweetie. If every girl who has a career like you in skating wrote a book... we could fill a library.
Yes, she is a promising skater but I don't feel like her career justifies an autobiography.
That said, much of this book was filler. Just information about figure skating itself and not the actual person this book is about. It seemed like this was done on purpose since Karen doesn't have that much to speak of career-wise.
Wait till you've gone to the Olympics, sweetie. If every girl who has a career like you in skating wrote a book... we could fill a library.
December 27, 2022
Finding the Edge: My Life on the Ice by Karen Chen
Published November 28, 2017
<3 <3 <3
At seventeen years old, Karen Chen has already achieved what some girls only dream of—and yet it's only the beginning for this incredibly talented athlete.
The daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, Karen began to figure skate at just five years old. Ten years and many grueling training sessions later, she broke out at the 2015 US Championships with a bronze medal. This was after sustaining a nearly career-ending ankle fracture a year earlier.
In 2017, Karen became the US National Champion, winning gold in two programs and receiving the highest score ever recorded for the short program at the US National level.
Now for the first time, Karen shares the story of how she got where she is today—and where she's going next. Karen has already overcome astounding obstacles, and her grit, determination, and positive attitude have made her future truly limitless.
In Finding the Edge, she shares, in her own words, what it's like to be Karen Chen—and what it takes to achieve the impossible.
Features a foreword from Kristi Yamaguchi, the Olympic champion, two-time World champion, and U.S. champion.
Published November 28, 2017
<3 <3 <3
At seventeen years old, Karen Chen has already achieved what some girls only dream of—and yet it's only the beginning for this incredibly talented athlete.
The daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, Karen began to figure skate at just five years old. Ten years and many grueling training sessions later, she broke out at the 2015 US Championships with a bronze medal. This was after sustaining a nearly career-ending ankle fracture a year earlier.
In 2017, Karen became the US National Champion, winning gold in two programs and receiving the highest score ever recorded for the short program at the US National level.
Now for the first time, Karen shares the story of how she got where she is today—and where she's going next. Karen has already overcome astounding obstacles, and her grit, determination, and positive attitude have made her future truly limitless.
In Finding the Edge, she shares, in her own words, what it's like to be Karen Chen—and what it takes to achieve the impossible.
Features a foreword from Kristi Yamaguchi, the Olympic champion, two-time World champion, and U.S. champion.
April 16, 2018
This was a bit light on substance, and more telling than showing. I would've loved more scenes with dialogue rather than just feeling talked at. Skating super fans will probably enjoy a look into Karen Chen's training regimen and background, but those without much knowledge of the sport might get bored. I also took a bit of issue with how some of the IJS rules and technical elements were described (e.g., saying the "scores" of the top two World's finishers had to add up to 13 to secure 3 spots for the Olympics, when it's actually the placements that she was referencing).
The last 1/4 of the book is a list of skating terminology, Karen's own accomplishments/titles, and other reference material so the book is also much shorter than it appears.
If Chen really did write most of this (rather than a ghostwriter), I applaud the effort, and would be interested in reading a retrospective of her Olympic experience and any future accomplishments.
The last 1/4 of the book is a list of skating terminology, Karen's own accomplishments/titles, and other reference material so the book is also much shorter than it appears.
If Chen really did write most of this (rather than a ghostwriter), I applaud the effort, and would be interested in reading a retrospective of her Olympic experience and any future accomplishments.
July 20, 2019
I enjoy every single figure skating book I’m able to lay my hands on. Karen Chen’s biography reminded me a bit of Tara Lipinski’s “Triumph on Ice” in tone and voice, but with one glaring exception (no fault to Chen): there was no real ending. While Tara’s novel ended with the slam-bang win-win finish of Gold Metal at both Nationals and Worlds with the hope of the Olympics around the corner, Karen Chen literally says “I’m not done writing my story yet.” She won the Nationals but faded a bit in the Worlds. This is only a slight issue I had with the narrative, but I will not critique that fact too much because, after all, this is Karen Chen’s true story and not winning every single competition is life. This book is special because Chen is an ongoing figure skater and there are not enough recent books about this sport, so anything is appreciated. And boy, is this book recent: Chen’s story “ends” at the start of the 2018 season.
October 30, 2018
The moment I saw this book was being published I knew I had to read it. I love Karen Chen's skating -- and figure skating in general. :') My library never did get it, but the loan system in my area is really good, so it was easy to find it, at least!
This book is a very easy read (I was surprised how fast I finished it!), but I loved the inside look into Karen Chen's life, and the lives of probably a lot of other professional figure skaters. Their lives are intense. To have to do their homework in the car, in transit, etc. I don't think I could handle that, haha! But then again, that's why only some people are champions, lol.
I also have so much more respect for Karen Chen, who has a chronic illness, and still gets out there every day and nails it. She's truly an amazing person.
Again, a very easy read, but one I'm so glad I got experience.
This book is a very easy read (I was surprised how fast I finished it!), but I loved the inside look into Karen Chen's life, and the lives of probably a lot of other professional figure skaters. Their lives are intense. To have to do their homework in the car, in transit, etc. I don't think I could handle that, haha! But then again, that's why only some people are champions, lol.
I also have so much more respect for Karen Chen, who has a chronic illness, and still gets out there every day and nails it. She's truly an amazing person.
Again, a very easy read, but one I'm so glad I got experience.
December 10, 2017
4 stars. This was a quick read; a biography about US National Champion Karen Chen's figure skating journey. I enjoy reading the biographies by famous gymnasts, ice skaters, and ballet dancers, and this was no exception. It was decently written, and while I have read better biographies, it was still interesting. I think it was missing some personal detail - that connection to her life that Simone Biles' book had, and other biographies. It would have been easier to connect, I think, if she had talked about her friendships during this time, not just skating and her family. Nothing super in depth, maybe just that she still hung out with them - or didn't. Nevertheless, I found myself cheering and wincing for her as the book went on, and I am happy that I read it.
February 1, 2018
A well-paced, interesting biography of skating champion, Karen Chen. Readers will learn a great deal about the world of figure skating as well as competitive skating. The book also includes a glossary of skating terminology which is very handy for those intrigued by the art and sport of figure skating. Karen's own story illustrates the importance of setting goals, organization, drive, practice and a great deal of just plain hard work. She sets a fine example for all young women about achieving their goals and dreams. However she also makes it very clear she did not do this alone and gives much credit to her family as well as her coaches through the years of her skating career. As a bonus, the inside of the book cover is also a poster.
December 17, 2017
I really enjoyed Finding the Edge: My Life on the Ice because even though I don't skate, I could relate to this book. When you read, I think it is very powerful to be able to relate to something in the book. This book would've probably been greatly improved it was organized in a better way. Karen Chen would talk about one thing for 1-3 paragraphs, and then suddenly on to the next subject/issue. I thought this was a bit odd, but it is a biography. At the same time, Finding the Edge was powerful, even though it was a bit of a quick read. I hope you enjoy this book (If you choose to read it) as much as I did(Or more)!!!!
July 30, 2024
Fights right into my definition of a three-star book: it's aight. There's some insight, so it is interesting. But it also seems to skip around and not going into much too deeply. I know it's a children's book, but as an adult who often reads YA and and middle grade, the writing stype still felt oddly simple. The back matter is also ridiculous. It's nearly a quarter of the book and is full of basic facts that can be easily googled and didn't need to be here and a very long glossary with many, many terms that have nothing to do with the book. (Karen is a singles skater, and the glossary is full of ice dance and pairs terms for some reason.)
February 19, 2018
It's the Olympics. I love figure skating. It was an audiobook that lasted only three hours. It made nice car listening. I felt like the narrator was one of the voiceover artists from My Little Pony the animated series but maybe that's just me and it's weird that I watch My Little Pony the animated series at 50? I doubt Karen "wrote" this more like "dictated" it but I like her, I think she's one of the finest spinners around these days and I figured what the hell.
Go Karen, my fellow Leo girl. Shine bright like a diamond. Or a cubic zirconia.
Go Karen, my fellow Leo girl. Shine bright like a diamond. Or a cubic zirconia.
July 9, 2018
This book was really sweet! Karen Chen is an amazing skater and I've had the privilege to see her in person when Stars on Ice came to my town. She really sticks out to me, she's young, but so expressive, unlike other skaters her age. A lot of this book was exposition and talking about how skating works, which I already knew about as a lifelong figure skating fan, but I'm sure a lot of people reading it will not be as familiar with skating. I recommend this to any skating fan or anyone looking for a quick nonfiction read.
May 5, 2019
This book is intended for children. As such, I give it 4 stars. The vocabulary is somewhat advanced but would be fine for middle school readers while very young children probably would not know quite a few of the words. The tone of the narration is chatty and young. A glossary of skating terms and list of previous champions is included.
As an adult former figure skater and coach, I enjoyed this book. For an adult read, it is quick and easy. If you can accept the childishness tone and like skating, you will enjoy this book. For adults it is probably worth 3 stars.
As an adult former figure skater and coach, I enjoyed this book. For an adult read, it is quick and easy. If you can accept the childishness tone and like skating, you will enjoy this book. For adults it is probably worth 3 stars.
January 10, 2018
An interesting look at the life of a champion figure skater. The writing is a little simplistic (the book is a very quick read) and there is more focus on events and timelines than on challenges. What jumps or moves or situations were challenging for her and/or her family? How did she overcome those challenges? In the absence of this perspective, one could be led to believe that a lot of practicing is all that is necessary to reach that extremely high level of skating.
August 12, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this because it was something I could relate to. This is an autobiography of an olympic figure skater and it shows readers how she achieved her dreams, and she encourages others that anything is possible. In the book, she finds setbacks that she must push past with confidence and a smile. I feel that this book will inspire all audiences, skaters, or non-skaters alike.
July 14, 2021
This is a wonderful slice of life look at the determination it takes to be an Olympic athlete. Karen Chen's story is told in a way that even those who don't know much about ice skating, like me, can follow along and understand the demands that she put on herself to achieve her goals.
I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook for this novel. The narrator really made the story come even more to life.
I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook for this novel. The narrator really made the story come even more to life.
January 7, 2018
A cute, quick read that gives insight to the journey of Karen Chen. I would recommend this book to young figure skaters and figure skating enthusiasts. There is no big drama in this story - you know how it will end before starting, it’s just that kind of book. That doesn’t keep it from being enjoyable and readers will surely finish the book wishing Karen well in her future.
February 22, 2018
It was good. It kept me interested and she shared a lot of how the figure skating world works. It was short, but that's probably because she's only 18 years old. I think it would have been better if she waited to put out a book after the Olympics so she could have included that experience. It will be interesting to see what place she finishes in.
April 19, 2019
I don't have a lot (or maybe anything at all?) to say about this book, so let's just leave it at 'I love Karen Chen the athlete. Here, have three stars, hun - one for your beautiful delayed Lutz, another one for your gorgeous spirals, and one last star for your solid, aesthetically satisfying spins.'
Congrats to Karen on being accepted at Cornell, though! #IvyLeagueUndergrad2ChenzRulez!
Congrats to Karen on being accepted at Cornell, though! #IvyLeagueUndergrad2ChenzRulez!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews