Gravity by Juliann Rich

Gravity

by Juliann Rich

A shot at Olympic gold in ski jumping. It's a dream t hat has been the exclusive property of make athletes. Until now. For seventeen-year-old Ellie Engebretsen, the 2011 decision to include women's ski jumping in the Olympics is a game changer. She'd love to bring home the gold for her father, a former Olympic competitor whose dreams were blown along with his knee on an ill-timed landing. But can she defy the pull of gravity that draws her to Kate Moreau, her biggest competition and the girl of her dreams? How can Ellie soar through the air when all she feels like doing is falling hard.

Reviewed by layawaydragon on

5 of 5 stars

Share
+Loved Ellie, Jack, and Kate
+Great explanations and descriptions of skiing
+Swearing! Sex! No slut-shaming! Teens being teens!
+Ellie and Kate are perfect *love*
+Loved the family dynamics and issues
+Loved how it acknowledges the luck & privilege necessary to ski

Ellie is not the usual YA female protagonist and neither is her best friend Jack. Which I FUCKING LOVED. Seriously, so refreshing. They sneak into bars, have sex including flings and one night stands, make some stupid decisions, talk shit and swear, brilliant, and are figuring shit out the hard way. Plus, no slut-shaming!

If you’re a tut-tutter, check out all the other books for you instead.

While I did have moments of “NOOOO Ellie!” it’s not because I was frustrated, but because I wanted the best for her. It’s an intense, thrilling ride inside Ellie’s head and I was sucked in immediately. Her and Kate are perfect for each other, as is the ending. Except I was waiting for the parents to get it together…

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 29 October, 2016: Finished reading
  • 29 October, 2016: Reviewed