Over It is a high-octane dose of encouragement, storytelling, and hard-won advice from Lolo Jones, three-time Olympian and world champion hurdler and bobsledder. Lolo is perhaps better known today not for all the races she’s won but for the millisecond mistake that cost her an Olympic gold medal over a decade ago. With stunning authenticity about her own struggles, longings, and losses, she shows us how to face our challenges head-on and keep working to overcome them. Lolo challenges us Growing up in a broken home, Lolo learned to shoplift at a young age just to eat at night and sometimes slept on the basement floor of the Salvation Army. While her father was in prison, her mother worked multiple jobs, and Lolo realized she needed to be self-motivated, singularly focused, and unwilling to quit if she wanted to succeed. Reflecting on her own challenging spiritual journey, Lolo invites us to rest in God who can make all the difference in overcoming obstacles with both strength and joy.
Devoured this. I think what made this a unique and compelling read is that Lolo Jones has had many setbacks in her life. She’s a three-time Olympian but hasn’t medaled. She’s a Christian waiting until marriage but is still single. I’m not saying she has no accomplishments, but it’s a lot more relatable to read of someone who’s had drawbacks because - let’s face it, we all have them. We all had disappointments. We all had times when we hoped for something and worked and sacrificed for it, only for it to not come true or happen the way we wanted them to. We all, at some point in our lives, had to let go of dreams and learn to embrace new ones. She also touches on being mad and frustrated at God for putting the desire for a husband in her heart, and here she is, still single. RELATE MUCH? This is also unique in that Lolo Jones is right in the middle of her story; she’s currently working to qualify for another Olympics in Beijing, the same city where she famously lost her chance at gold. I am excited to see her story come full circle, and am rooting for her all the way.
Overall, I recommend this for anyone needing encouragement, motivation and a reminder that you are not alone.
Reading these stories about Olympic athletes is always interesting. Their lives are so not normal with all the training they do and while they may get a flash of flame around their sport here and there, it seems to be few and far between. In those other times they are often working just as hard to make sure they can keep competing as they are at competing. This book was extra fun to listen to because as Lolo read the story, she would often break away and give some great insight as to what was going on. The other thing that Lolo did with this book was come across as someone you could sit down with and chat about anything and it wouldn't seem odd. I really hope she gets one more chance to get a medal and that she wins the gold this time around.
A great book on motivation, setbacks, and gratitude. The book itself is candid, but the version on Audible has “bonus content” where she stops in the middle of reading her book to tell you more with hilarious stories that didn’t make the cut for the print version.
At one point in the audiobook, she literally starts crying while reading. 10/10 for honesty and vulnerability.
4.5 stars. Wow I loved this! The audiobook is a must because she gives some really fun extras in between stories. I love when an author narrates their own book. This had the perfect length/pacing! The background and childhood chapters were some of my favorites. It’s incredibly annoying when celebrities love to play poor in their memoirs. Lolo’s story was the real deal! The whole memoir was very real. She didn’t just skim the surface and offer lame platitudes. I feel like she’s a friend now!
Confusing dichotomy of blunt opinions, some that make sense, many that don’t. Jones uses this very short, inadequate memoir to preach about faith, forgiveness, and racial injustice, all the while saying very unChristian things, repeating long held grudges, and earning more than 85% of white Americans and more than 95% of blacks. She’s quite the hypocrite, unafraid of showing her lack of intelligence or logic in order to bully her way through an argument.
Jones for some reason thinks it’s important to constantly remind us her dad was in prison and their family of 5 kids were poor, all the while claiming forgiveness of him and white society. Instead of talking about how hard she worked to earn money for her mom she brags about being a great teen shoplifter to put food on the table. Then she gets handouts from others, lives with a host family her senior year in high school, and is awarded a big college scholarship. But she complains about white privilege and racism. She got opportunities most others don’t.
Her chapter on racism will make no one happy. She rightfully points out how racist blacks have been to her due to her mixed race (her mom is white), but then Jones gives the typical flawed BLM viewpoint with no evidence to support it. It’s nice that she says blacks need to do more than just protest with race riots, but it’s bad that she condemns whites for saying All Lives Matter right after trying to teach racial equality using the story of the Good Samaritan. All lives do matter, no matter what the race, and to repeatedly single out one skin color for special treatment is doing the opposite of what she (and others) claim to want to combat.
Her Biblical views are narrow and her theology simplistic. While I admire her individuality and standing against culture in her sexual choices, she fails to do that with other things in her life like using profanity or justifying angry outbursts or hypocritically condemn Christians who criticize her.
Jones also takes too much of the space in the book to argue back against media stories about her or social media criticisms. She also rehashes her Olympic mistakes over and over, despite claiming she's "over it."
This book is not worth reading. It’s not inspirational because she writes in a style that rams her truths down our throat, failing to have the humility needed to make the message palatable or the self-awareness to see her proud hypocrisy. Very early on you’ll literally be over it.
This is talked about as a faith based book but I read it as a sports fan (and I'm Jewish...) and I was pleasantly surprised how accessible it was whether you are looking for that motivation from a faith perspective or just a life perspective. I thought I knew most of her story from Olympics coverage but I learned a lot about some of the crazy stuff from her childhood - and I also enjoyed some of the behind the scenes of what really went on with some of those big moments you've seen on TV.
While it deals with some hard topics, this book is uplifting and I'd recommend to anyone who is going through period and needs some light to help them through.
Liked this book!! No wow factor, but overall inspiring. She can get a little self-centered, but I respect her and like the book all the same. If you're debating on reading it, go for it! Won't disappoint.
Thank you Lola for this amazing memoir of your life and your journey walking with God! It is just the inspiration I need in my life right now! I am so grateful to have read this book.
I haven’t closely followed Lolo Jones’ career but do know who she is, so I thought I’d check this out. Kudos to her for telling her story and using her platform to encourage others. I particularly appreciated her chapter about her celibacy since this something no one really talks about and it became such a talking point when she tweeted about it a few years ago. She also does point the reader toward God. Also very focused on working hard, and I wonder if it’s to an unhealthy point. (This is my own therapy talking!) The writing isn’t amazing, but it’s worth a read.
The book fits in several categories and it could be in 4 different sections in a bookstore: 1) self-help 2) autobiography 3) spirituality / Christianity 4) athlete sports - all in 1 book!
I recommend the audiobook because it's always interesting hearing the author's narration and in the audiobook Lolo adds bonus material anecdotes.
Lolo informs us of the gigantic financial scam of the Olympic committee and how much money is made vs how much Olympians make. This is why the Olympics was always amateur - so the Olympic committee could grift more I believe. Lolo comparisons to what pro athletes (basketball, football, etc) make vs track and field (and other Olympic sports). Yes, the economics of pro sports ball and most Olympic sports is very different, but in the Olympics you've got people at the top (fat guys in suits on the Olympic Committee making hundreds of thousands) while the athletes are in debt just to be there! Pro Sportsball has players associations (Unions) making tons of money but so are the players with multimillion $ contracts! In the Olympics you've got a bunch of fat people in suits making money while athletes are not making anything. It's like college sports.
It's not a political book I will get political here bc politics are inescapable today. Nike (I never buy their low quality, sweat shop made products) is a woke liberal leftist company. The abusive treatment Lolo got from Nike was not only rude but low-class and bullying. Interesting the woke men at Nike were so abusive to a female (while Nike promotes women's sports!). New York times is liberal woke garbage rag and they wrote left a misogynist hit piece by a fake POS journalist. This NY Times simp voiced his bullying, detestable, misogynistic article because he's somebody who sleeps with men and he is a woman hater, especially to attractive accomplished women. I find it interesting that Lolo's biggest detractors/haters are leftist libtards. It shows you what hypocrites liberals are claiming to be champions of women's rights when they want trannys competing with women while they bash women every chance they get.
Lolo notes (important bc it's largely unrecognized) the difference between Gold and 4th place is miniscule. Listen to the book and judge yourself. She came in 4th and she's been ridiculed: "she choked" etc. It's splitting hairs between the best that wins gold and 4th. Sure, that's the game here but think about the NFL, there's how many quarterbacks? and the fourth best quarterback is considered great (makes a fortune) but a 4th place Olympian is "oh he/she lost!"
The book isn't an "okay every fourth place Olympian should write a book!" Lolo's story is just very interesting, perhaps more interesting than the story of the Gold medal winner. Lolo has at time been the fastest hurdler in the world, just not on the days of the Olympics. I'm poo-pooing those that earn Gold are the same as 4th either.
Lolo overcame a lot of hurdles! (pun intended) in her life: poverty, broken home, convict father, being biracial (if there's confusion blame the parents, just 1 more thing to deal with).
This is a great book, it's a great listen, and maybe a gold medalist's story wouldn't be as interesting. Read / listen the book for no other reason it's an interesting story of a world-class champion. This is probably a more interesting read than a Gold medalist's autobiography. You don't have to read the story of the person that won gold, it may not be as interesting. This is a motivating book to never give up. It's amazing how persistent Lolo is. The underlying theme throughout her life both personally and professionally is her strong faith. The book is a big win - 5 Stars!
I did not have a clear idea of who Lolo was when I picked up this book. I watch the Olympics but, I never followed the track events closely. When I read the info about this book, I thought it might be interesting.
I am not going to say this book is not interesting but, I will say that I was more into the book in the beginning than in the end. When I first opened this book, I was excited to read it. I really liked the idea of Lolo explaining how she came from nothing (extreme poverty, shoplifting to put food on the table, etc) and making it all the way to the Olympics. I thought the story would be inspirational to everyone, even if you are not an athlete. While all of early stories from childhood is inspirational, by mid-book, I started being less interested.
For starters, in the beginning while nothing was "poor me", by the middle of the book it was bordering on "poor me". She did not make enough money as a professional athlete. She feels that the Athletic committees need to do more to support their athletes, while also saying that a professional track and field star (as an example) is all about bringing glory to themselves by going to the Olympics. While I do understand that going to the Olympics does bring light to the country as well, it is also about the athlete. An Olympic title, even just being an Olympian, does travel with you for the rest of your life. Most people will not remember who was on the US Track and Field team going to the Olympics in 2008 but, Lolo will always have the title of "Olympian" because she went to the Olympics in 2008, does that make sense? Lolo compares herself to NFL players making a lot of money quite often here. It is like apples and oranges. People all over the world watch NFL seasons. That is Billions in endorsement deals during football games so, yes, football players, hockey players, and baseball players do become millionaires from their sport. But, no one is having tailgate parties for track and field events (I don't think so, anyway). It is a different sport. While both are difficult, one of them gathers a lot more attention than the other. Fair, perhaps not. Sad, but true. Devoting an entire chapter to money seemed out of place here.
Secondly, Lolo lost the Olympics in 2008. It is a hard fact and one that Lolo says several times that she has dealt with personally and professionally. However, she keeps bringing it up as if to remind her reader that she was the favorite to win that Olympics and it just did not work out. I get it, probably very upsetting to lose the goal medal, but if you are really past it, then stop repeating it. Like others have said in their reviews, much of this book seems to go back to that event. Even when Lolo talks (briefly, very briefly) about moving into Bobsledding, it is still related back to the 2008 Olympics.
Lastly, while I understand this book to be Lolo's story but also inspirational with tips and tricks for the reader, I do think it was a lot about God. I am not knocking Lolo's beliefs, or the fact that she is very firm in her Christianity. I respect her stance on relationships, especially her stance on remaining a virgin until marriage, but I do think that many people would not enjoy direct passages taken from the Bible to highlight every point made. I think you can have a strong belief in God, and be firm in your Christianity, without driving it down your readers throats.
That being said. I did enjoy this book. I will not hang onto it but, I am glad I read it. When I first started it, my rating was much higher than what it turned out to be. Just not the book for me but that is okay.
For the first quarter book review I read Over It written by Olympian Lolo Jones. I choose this book because she appeared as a celebrity in my favorite show The Challenge. Ever since her appearance on the show, I have followed her on social media and bought her book as soon as it was released. This book was not a challenging read rather a fun one. The chapters are short and the writing is to the point.
Over it is about the challenges Jones has faced growing up in poverty, climbing her way up in sports, competing in the Olympics, her faith as well as her dating life. She begins by vividly describing her relationships with family members, especially parents. Her father was in and out of prison for years on end, but ended up being the reason she got into running in the first place. As she was a standout in grade school to then being offered scholarships for college, she worked her way up to complete in both Women’s bobsled and hurdles in the Olympics. Since Jones had to transition from a so called “nobody” to being in the spotlight, it came with several foreign challenges. She explains how her relationship with God has helped her in many aspects of her life. Jones’ faith is a focal point in her life and she proudly believes she wouldn’t be where she is today, with Him.
From the start of the book, I was shocked to learn Jones’ life story and how she humbly climbed her way up to the top. What took me by surprise the most, were the stories of how her father made shoplifting a normal habit. Stealing from stores traumatized Jones, therefore after the age of 18 she promised herself and God to never shoplift again, no matter the circumstances. I feel bad that she had to grow up in a toxic household, which normalized unhealthy habits. However, without her childhood she wouldn’t be the athlete she is today. Her trauma has motivated her and given her the grit she shows when competing. This novel is definitely effective and not persuasive because she doesn’t force her values or opinions onto the reader, but rather explains it has created 2021 Lolo Jones. Over it has enhanced my knowledge and understanding of the struggles that Olympic athletes have to face. I have gained so much more respect for these athletes as they go through intense training without their mental health being a priority.
I think the majority of people would enjoy reading this book. I would recommend athletes, young adults, people strong in their faith, or looking to strengthen it to read this book. I meet all of these descriptions I truly took many life lessons and quotes out of this book. I have saved several scripture passages and faith stories she included throughout the novel. I think everyone who reads this book can take something away from it and apply to their life to enhance their quality of life.
I am probably one of the last people who should write a review of Lolo Jones’ Over It. First, I find concern with celebrities and their lives somewhat childish and I admit I never saw any of the tv shows she was on following her early athletic career. I also did not know much of her lifestory or any of the press she spoke of in the book, having only learned about her following being directed to her Facebook page a few years ago, as I am a marathoner and got directed to her page via running pages. I did learn there of her foundation for children and donated. Maybe this all makes me a more objective reviewer. The book is a mixture of biography, inspiration and motivation genres. I listened on audiobook and hearing the stories in Lolo’s voice, with real emotion and humor and accent coming through, enhanced the book. There is also “bonus material” in the audio version that apparently is not in the printed book. Overall, the book was a highly engaging read/listen. Her chapter on living as a biracial individual in modern USA is worth the price of the book alone, and her suggestions to engage in constructive helpful actions after righteous protesting cannot be repeated often and loudly enough. Her experience of racism, from systemic to the personal, was also fascinating and emotion-invoking. Her story of not being white enough nor black enough to satisfy critics was an echo of experiences of friends I grew up with. Her refusal to deny any part of herself was inspirational. The book overall should serve as an inspiration to any young person growing up and facing tough odds and what behavior and attitude is needed to overcome those odds. Whether her critics will be convinced by her side of the stories/controversies remains to be seen. As Lolo points out, though, in the long run that does not matter (irritating and hurtful though the attacks no doubt are). I am personally pulling for her for the next Winter Olympics, rooting for her to complete the circle. The book is a very worthwhile read and a great gift for the young people in your life who could really benefit from its lessons.
Lolo Jones is a three time Olympian from two different sports and different Games (Summer and Winter). She has never won a medal unlike a lot of the books I read about Olympians. Her spirit is still strong and she has been a world champion a couple times from each of her sports.
Lolo talks about her time growing up in a very poor family that was at times homeless. She talks about what her family did to try to survive, her relationship with her parents, and how she was able to escape and overcome the life she was living.
This is a Christian book, so she talks about God throughout the book and how He has helped her to get through every situation that has been tough. She even talks about how difficult it has been for her to be a media mocked virgin and single woman through her now early 40s (though she wrote this book in her late 30s).
Lolo seems to be a very opinionated, competitive, and kind person all wrapped up in a spunky motivated lady. I enjoyed her book, but at times she seemed to brag about things like stealing (during her early life) and even brag about a few other things. I am sure I must not have understood her tone at those times, because she also brought humility to portions of this story. It was just an interesting autobiography.
The author is a successful three-time Olympian and world champion hurdler and bobsledder, but a one-millisecond mistake cost her an Olympic gold medal. She also grew up in a challenging environment that she had to overcomes. This book is about how you can move past your circumstances to find a way to succeed. Lolo had come back from many failures in her life (personal and professional) and then found a way to use those to persevere.
This book showed me the amazing things we can do with our bodies if we have the determination, the genes, athleticism, and all the emotional, mental stuff that goes into training. The book talks about how the most important thing in life is to keep going because the main reason why people quit is that they let something get in their way. The author talks about how she could channel her body into doing whatever she wanted it to do so she could accomplish the things most people wouldn't dream of achieving. She reminds us to be grateful for what we have and use faith and forgiveness on our journey.
Jones is an inspiration to many people, and rightly so. The bonus bits in the audiobook are an extra treat, because you really get to hear her personality. She's a delightful, complex person.
I guess what makes Jones stand out from other elite athletes is her outspokenness of her Christian faith. And I understand the need to respond to criticism, especially when given a platform like a memoir. But it was a little disheartening to see so much of the book devoted to her virginity. To me, it's simply not interesting. I would say "who cares," but clearly, enough do that it's bothered her to the point where she feels the need to defending herself publicly. I'm sad she feels attacked for something that means so much to her and she's worked so hard to maintain. But I still question whether the taunts are actually coming from the secular world and not from somewhere a little closer to where she lives.
Mixed feelings ---Admiration for Lolo's talent and work ethic to compete at the highest levels of sport in the Olympics. Great that she prospered and rose out of poverty overcoming a difficult childhood. Back to reality, my brother and sisters have worked hard too, graduating from universities with bachelors and masters degrees and have worked many years as professionals in a number of careers. So few have the opportunity to do what you love doing and really make a living at it: Music, Art, Acting, and Sports have millions of participants but it is the rare person who rises to the top and makes millions. My point is most successful people, help other people, work hard as teachers, nurses, policemen, firemen but society rewards entertainers, athletes at the highest level and always has in a disproportionate way. Is hitting a homerun, sinking a free throw, winning championships what we value because we reward it unlike the majority working hard at everything else.
Tenacity, perseverance and faith are just a few words used to describe Lolo Jones. It’s about not letting your circumstances determine the path your life will take. Hard work and dedication make up just a part of her personality. She talks candidly about her walk with Jesus. One race in which you have worked all your life for and you come up empty handed or so the naysayers would have you believe. Do you quit or push through and learn life lessons along the way? Lolo comes from the school of hard knocks. However given a natural ability and hard work she turns a dysfunctional childhood into a way to succeed. In a world where everyone has an opinion, I enjoyed her perspective on the many issues facing us today. She may be outspoken but her candidness and fresh voice was appealing. An insightful story.
Honestly I'd heard the name. No I didn't know the details. I didn't know about the "9th hurdle of Beijing" and honestly the book just looked interesting. I enjoyed her honesty, and willingness to pretty much just tell it like it is. They were poor, her dad went to jail, and she couldn't even afford track shoes, but they needed a hurdler. Eo she said "ok". The rest is history. Her talk about her faith and trust in God was also something enjoyable and encouraging. Being on my own little journey as it is. Lolo, I doubt you will see this, but if you do, continue to praise Him win or lose. Honestly, medal or no medal, I feel after reading this you have more in the win column of life than maybe you even know. Keep the faith and thank you for sharing your story! (Now I have to find "Cool Runnings" on DVD! Lol)
Love! Ever since that day in 2008, right before I was off to Boise State on a track and field scholarship, I watched Lolo’s stunning loss on a global stage: The Olympics. I felt her pain and knew right away that this was going to stick with me for a very long time.
Her book started out a tad cheesy, saying to never ever give up, but it got better. I learned more about her story I never knew. I even realized we aligned on a lot more than I realized. The religion stuff got a little much but that’s who she really is and I admire her for sticking to her truth and beliefs.
I wish the book was longer, only because I selfishly didn’t want to stop listening, but understand why it ended where it did.
Prior to the 2008 Olympics or the run up to them, I honestly can’t remember if I knew who Lolo Jones was as I don’t follow Track and Field. Like many people, I only watch the sport during the Olympics. I really took a liking to Lolo during those games. I can’t remember why since 2008 was so long ago. I think I felt sorry for her because of how her teammates treated her after her 4th place finish. Dawn and the other girl’s (can’t recall her name) behavior was completely inappropriate to me. I started following Lolo on social media around that time. She’s hilarious.
I appreciated Lolo’s openness in this book. I enjoyed learning more about her childhood as well both of her track and field/bobsled careers. The only thing I could have had a little less of was the religious aspect. I’m not religious however since Lolo is, I completely understand why it was in the book.
I love an autobiography read by the author, and I’ve always been a big fan of Lolo Jones. I was drawn to her at her first Olympic Games, inspired by her story and the path that got her there. I’ve followed along all of these years, watching her accomplishments as well as her defeats. I love that she’s a strong Christian who stands for what she believes in and knows her worth in spite of all the haters who try to bring her down. Love that she just competed in the 2024 Olympic Trials at age 41. She’s an inspiration and a role model of perseverance and hard work and trust and faith.
So fun listening to this on audio! It left me awed and amazed! I’m so thankful that Lolo shared her story. She ROCKS! 🎤💥 So do all the athletes that have competed in the Olympics, no matter where they placed. She brings to light so many valuable, thought provoking issues in this book. I am thankful for this book! It inspires me to be more diligent about my physical goals and to turn to the Lord in all things. 🙏🏼
I don’t think I’ve ever dog-eared so many pages of a book! Lolo’s ongoing unapologetic pursuit of peace, faith, and perspective is extremely inspiring. One of my many favourite quotes from the book is: “Pay attention to seeds. God often plants them, and if you water them, well, impossibilities become possibilities.” I will definitely be tuning into Lolo’s new podcast so I can continue to glean some life lessons from her!
I hesitate to criticize an autobiography for conveying an author's experience as they lived it, so my rating reflects the book's level of detail rather than its religiosity. (This was published as a faith-promoting book by an imprint that specializes in that genre.) The audio engineering was also uneven, and the recording could have used a more engaged director. All that said, I loved listening to Lolo tell her story in her own words!
LoLo Jones has always impressed me. Her grit & unapologetic determination is inspiring! The fact that she chose LSU makes her a true Tiger…our family loves that alone. Her Faith is inspiring and absolutely undeniable. Thank you, LoLo for sharing your heart and soul…you are certainly an inspiration! This book is a must read!! Geaux LoLo!
I love Lolo, but this book fell kinda flat for me. I was wanting a lot more detail into all the events she talked about in her book, but it really just felt like she scratched the surface. There is so much more that Lolo has to offer and I think if she came out with another book, I would definitely read it. Still a huge fan and in awe of all that she has accomplished with her life.
This book left me feeling disappointed. I follow Lolo on social media & I think she’s hilarious and honest. This book felt like it barely scratched the surface. No tea was spilled. No inside look at dating life, her reality tv stint, nothing overly personal that we didn’t already know from the media covering her career.