The Happiest Girl in the World: A Novel

“Propulsive,transfixing, and disturbing. I could not set the book down. Harrowing andfearlessly honest, The Happiest Girl in the World is a haunting readbecause it couldn't have done justice to its subjects – fictional and real –any other way.” —PopsugarOne of Good Morning America's Best Books of April!From the acclaimed author of Mercy House comes a gripping new novel about a young woman’s dreams of Olympic gymnastic gold—and what it takes to reach the topFor Sera Wheeler, the Olympics is the reason for everything. It’swhy she trains thirty hours a week, starves herself to under 100 pounds, andpops Advil like Tic Tacs.For her mother, Charlene, hungryfor glory she never had, it’s why she rises before dawn to drive Sera topractice in a different state, and why the family scrimps, saves, andfractures. It’s why, when Sera’s best friend reports the gymnastics doctor tothe authority who selects the Olympic Team, Sera denies what she knows abouthis treatments, thus preserving favor.Their friendship shatters. But Sera protected her dream—didn’tshe?Sera doubles down, taping broken toes, numbing torn muscles, and pouringher family’s resources into the sport. Soon she isn’t training for the love ofgymnastics. She’s training to make her disloyalty worthwhile. No matter thecost.The Happiest Girl in the World explores the darkhistory behind an athlete who stands on the world stage, biting gold. It'sabout the silence required of the exceptional, a tarnished friendship, and thesacrifices a parent will make for a child, even as a family is torn apart. It’sabout the price of greatness. Read more