Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, a Life in Balance

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars | 1,919 ratings

Price: 17.32

Last update: 08-16-2024


Top reviews from the United States

Edith C. Fraser
5.0 out of 5 stars fun easy read
Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2024
Simone's story is truly amazing and inspiring! I was interesting, inspirational and engaging! Reveals the power of loving family with resources!
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Straight from the heart
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2017
To say that this book was amazing and truly inspirational is an understatement. This book is for all ages: kids, teens, adults.
I want to read it again and again and I will continue to take a look at it whenever I need some sort of inspiration in my life. This young woman is younger than me yet she inspires me so much. I laughed, cried and cheered reading this book. I have so, so much admiration for Simone. God willing, she will continue to break barriers and continue to be greater.

I am a fan of gymnastics but I haven't always followed it outside of the Olympics because no offense but the girls personalities are a bit too cold (for my liking). I understand this is required of their sport and this is no criticism of these young women who devote so much time and sacrifice so much for the sport but the main reason I am bringing this up is because Simone made me fall in love with gymnastics all over again. She by far has the best personality I have ever seen from someone of her caliber , notoriety and talent; I say this as someone who follows various sports a lot. She is VERY bubbly, energetic, fun, giggly, selfless and most importantly extremely humble.I know a lot of people who don't even have a 10th of her talent who are very big headed but Simone is just a normal young woman who just happens to be extremely, extremely gifted.

I named my review " straight from the heart " because I was pleasantly surprised at how candid she was in this book; she was very honest. I really didn't expect that but I appreciated it. I love the fact that she is still extremely close with all her close friends with who she grew up with . There is so much more I can say about this book but I dont like to reveal spoilers in my reviews . I really encourage people to read this book and dare to be inspired by this phenomenal young woman . I knew who she was before the Olympics and reading this book made me even more of a fan of hers. I cant wait to see what the future holds for her.
Laura Marshall
5.0 out of 5 stars Good stories, humor, and encouragement
Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2019
I'm normally not your biography sort, but after seeing Simone's fantastic performances, I had to read this.

And I don't regret it. The print is large (about size 14) , so it's quick and easy, but there's good humor and lessons within the stories. Simone constantly tells what she's accomplished, yet never boasts. Whether talking about how Simone was adopted by her grandparents or a funny bee incident at a gymnastics competition, it's engaging and fast-paced. I kept reading stories out loud to share with the family.

I'd even say Simone makes a good role model. Maybe some parents wouldn't like how she wanted a belly ring or didn't let her parents know about mischief she and her sister got into, but her perseverance and hard work set a good example for all readers.
Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars An Inspiring Story and Refreshingly Positive Vibe
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2021
I love watching gymnastics, and I love Simone Biles, so I was eager to read the story of her journey from her own perspective. Simone was 19 when she wrote her memoir, and it shows in the tone and content of this book. Courage to Soar dives deep into Simone's younger years, which at her age would still be easily remembered in such great detail as what she shares here. She spends a good amount of time on how she came to live with her parents, how her relationship with her siblings evolved, and the decisions she faced as she committed to her gymnastics career, first as an elite gymnast and later as an Olympic gymnast. She shares memories of her childhood friends and childhood antics, her fears of fitting in at school and within the gymnastics community, and the hard work she poured into her craft. We also get some insight into her early influences and even her crushes/fangirl moments.

The narrative is written in a straightforward way; there's not a lot of artistry around telling her stories, and connections between chapters are lackluster. I rated a 4 star for those factors, but I still thoroughly enjoyed Simone's memoir and learning more about this amazing woman. I loved the positivity that she exudes, and I admire her unwillingness to linger on pain or sadness. She's frank about her challenges, From ADHD to injuries and even teenage angst, and even forthcoming about her bubbling emotions and penchant for tears. So I don't see the book as sugar-coated so much as I do see it representing the way she carries herself in real life. It's endearing, and part of her charm.

She is much more detailed about her early years and her time outside of USA gymnastics than she is about her time as an elite gymnast. I imagine that is partially because her career with the organization continues and because it's all still to fresh and very much a part of her everyday life for her to want to divulge any secrets. I look forward to a time in the future when she'll be ready to share these times with us. Until then, I recommend Courage to Soar to anyone who wants to hear the story of this amazing and talented athlete.
AMC
5.0 out of 5 stars GOAT
Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2023
Simone’s story is uplifting from her early life thru her first Olympics. The process she used to make her decision and reliance on her faith is inspirational.
Linda E.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, in great condition, easy read.
Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2023
Excellent book, in great condition, easy read.
Moneak
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Story
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2022
I love this book . Simone was transparent and allowed us to learn so many things about her life from the beginning to the end . I love the quotes she shared through the book many I saved to reflect upon. This was a Very good book that displayed family challenges, sincere Family love , and love for the sport she adored .
Nancy Bean
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book!
Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2023
Great I love it!!!

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