Abused

Starred review from April 1, 2019

After surviving the most notorious sexual predator in sports history, former gymnast Haines tells her life story and takes us behind the scenes of a sport in which most athletes retire at a young age. Her childhood love of gymnastics led to a college scholarship and success on the national level. As a young teenager, though, Haines came under the treatment of Larry Nassar. How Nassar gained her trust, sabotaged her self-confidence, and exploited her identity as a gymnast is shared, as is Haines's inspirational recovery and courageous final courtroom statement to her abuser. Written with great personal dignity, this memoir stands as a new-generation counterpart to Joan Ryan's landmark exposé Little Girls in Pretty Boxes; a cautionary, ultimately hopeful story of deep betrayal and enduring personal strength. VERDICT Now retired after a successful gymnastics career, Haines reveals not only her experiences as an elite young athlete but also the devastating effects of the serial abuse that she suffered in plain sight. Transcending sports, this is an introspective and motivating account is highly recommended for all public library collections.--Janet Davis, Darien P.L., CT

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