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Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, a Life in Balance
Simone Biles� entrance into the world of gymnastics may have started on a daycare field trip in her hometown of Spring, Texas, but her God-given talent, passion, and perseverance have made her one of the top gymnasts in the world, as well as a four-time winner of Olympic gold in Rio de Janeiro.
But there is more to Simone than the nineteen medals—fourteen of them gold—and the Olympic successes. Through years of hard work and determination, she has relied on her faith and family to stay focused and positive, while having fun competing at the highest level and doing what she loves. Here, in her own words, Simone takes you through the events, challenges, and trials that carried her from an early childhood in foster care to a coveted spot on the 2016 Olympic team.
Along the way, Simone shares the details of her inspiring personal story—one filled with the kinds of daily acts of courage that led her, and can lead you, to even the most unlikely of dreams.
But there is more to Simone than the nineteen medals—fourteen of them gold—and the Olympic successes. Through years of hard work and determination, she has relied on her faith and family to stay focused and positive, while having fun competing at the highest level and doing what she loves. Here, in her own words, Simone takes you through the events, challenges, and trials that carried her from an early childhood in foster care to a coveted spot on the 2016 Olympic team.
Along the way, Simone shares the details of her inspiring personal story—one filled with the kinds of daily acts of courage that led her, and can lead you, to even the most unlikely of dreams.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published November 15, 2016
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July 9, 2020
In a normal year, the sporting world would be in the thick of summer competition, with athletes across the globe preparing for the Olympic Games. Like the rest of the 2020 sporting universe, the Olympics were postponed until next year. Most team sports will be starting up hopefully some time soon, which dulls losing the thrill of watching world class athletes compete on their sport’s biggest stage for two weeks. With no Olympics to be staged, I decided to read about one of the stars of the last Olympic Games instead. Although not the same as watching the competition, at least I could immerse myself in an Olympic sport for a few hours.
Growing up I was easily categorized as a nerdy tomboy. Baseball, basketball, football. Those were the sports I enjoyed watching. Yet in the early 1990s, women’s sports came of age at a time when I was easily impressionable. Women athletes had their shining moment at the 1996 summer Olympics in Atlanta. Female American athletes won gold medals in a number of sports, including basketball, track and field, swimming, and gymnastics. Yes, gymnastics, the sport I usually did not watch because it was too girly for me; but, it was a sports competition, and it was on television, so I was sold. Between the women athletes in 1996 and the United States women’s soccer team winning the World Cup in 1999, women’s sports were on the map, and it was a joy to watch them compete. Another crop of women’s athletes would be influenced by these achievements: young kids born in the mid 1990s would see women winning and want to be an athlete themselves. This ushered in an age of opportunity for female athletes coming of age in the early 2000s.
Simone Biles was born in 1997 in Columbus, Ohio, the third of four children. Her mother Shanon was a single mother who was deemed not capable of raising children and soon had her rights revoked. Shanon’s father Ron and his wife Nellie decided that they would adopt Simone and her siblings. They had already raised two boys but would not turn their back on their grandchildren. The two older siblings decided to stay in Ohio with a relative, but Simone and her younger sister Adria moved to a suburban Houston, Texas community where they would be raised in a loving environment. The highlight of Simone’s early life was a trampoline in her backyard and a field trip to a tumbling center where her abilities caught the eye of seasoned gymnastics coaches. At age six with no official lessons besides trampoline bouncing under her belt, Simone could already perform skills that girls twice her age could not do. The coaches wrote a letter convincing her parents to sign her up for official gymnastics lessons, and from there, it was no looking back.
Like most celebrity memoirs I have read, Courage to Soar laundry lists key life events and offers words of encouragement to younger readers. At the time of publication, Simone was only nineteen years old and fresh off of the 2016 Olympic gymnastics title. Other than a few teenaged growing pains, there was little drama to write about in her early life. Her biggest setback was failing to earn a spot on the 2011 junior national team, which Simone used as motivation to train extra hard in order to be selected the following year. In the years between 2012-15 leading up to the Olympics, Simone won three straight world championships. The only two more recognizable Olympic athletes at the time were Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps, who both make cameo appearances here. All the best athletes in their respective sport compete with a chip on their shoulder. Simone’s was being left off of the 2011 team, and she motivated herself to be the best Simone that she could be. Her personality is front and center here, bubbly, always positive, never letting up, and filled with teenaged imagery that will appeal to younger readers more so than their sports deprived parents.
Another reviewer here noted that Simone Biles as a person gets 5 stars but Courage to Soar is only about average. To me, that is an accurate rating of celebrity memoirs: you learn about the person away from the spotlight but the writing is only going to be so-so. Three years ago, my kids got all excited to watch Dancing with the Stars because Simone was competing and used her sport to her advantage as she completed difficult ballroom moves. Yet, even at age twenty, Simone had her eye on the Tokyo Olympic Games that were supposed to be staged this year. Simone has the motivation necessary to come back and compete next year at age twenty four, long past when most gymnasts are forced to retire from competition. I would not doubt that the bubbly girl from Texas has it in her to compete at a high level once again. When the Olympics are staged, I will have to take a break from baseball and watch her compete.
3 stars
Growing up I was easily categorized as a nerdy tomboy. Baseball, basketball, football. Those were the sports I enjoyed watching. Yet in the early 1990s, women’s sports came of age at a time when I was easily impressionable. Women athletes had their shining moment at the 1996 summer Olympics in Atlanta. Female American athletes won gold medals in a number of sports, including basketball, track and field, swimming, and gymnastics. Yes, gymnastics, the sport I usually did not watch because it was too girly for me; but, it was a sports competition, and it was on television, so I was sold. Between the women athletes in 1996 and the United States women’s soccer team winning the World Cup in 1999, women’s sports were on the map, and it was a joy to watch them compete. Another crop of women’s athletes would be influenced by these achievements: young kids born in the mid 1990s would see women winning and want to be an athlete themselves. This ushered in an age of opportunity for female athletes coming of age in the early 2000s.
Simone Biles was born in 1997 in Columbus, Ohio, the third of four children. Her mother Shanon was a single mother who was deemed not capable of raising children and soon had her rights revoked. Shanon’s father Ron and his wife Nellie decided that they would adopt Simone and her siblings. They had already raised two boys but would not turn their back on their grandchildren. The two older siblings decided to stay in Ohio with a relative, but Simone and her younger sister Adria moved to a suburban Houston, Texas community where they would be raised in a loving environment. The highlight of Simone’s early life was a trampoline in her backyard and a field trip to a tumbling center where her abilities caught the eye of seasoned gymnastics coaches. At age six with no official lessons besides trampoline bouncing under her belt, Simone could already perform skills that girls twice her age could not do. The coaches wrote a letter convincing her parents to sign her up for official gymnastics lessons, and from there, it was no looking back.
Like most celebrity memoirs I have read, Courage to Soar laundry lists key life events and offers words of encouragement to younger readers. At the time of publication, Simone was only nineteen years old and fresh off of the 2016 Olympic gymnastics title. Other than a few teenaged growing pains, there was little drama to write about in her early life. Her biggest setback was failing to earn a spot on the 2011 junior national team, which Simone used as motivation to train extra hard in order to be selected the following year. In the years between 2012-15 leading up to the Olympics, Simone won three straight world championships. The only two more recognizable Olympic athletes at the time were Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps, who both make cameo appearances here. All the best athletes in their respective sport compete with a chip on their shoulder. Simone’s was being left off of the 2011 team, and she motivated herself to be the best Simone that she could be. Her personality is front and center here, bubbly, always positive, never letting up, and filled with teenaged imagery that will appeal to younger readers more so than their sports deprived parents.
Another reviewer here noted that Simone Biles as a person gets 5 stars but Courage to Soar is only about average. To me, that is an accurate rating of celebrity memoirs: you learn about the person away from the spotlight but the writing is only going to be so-so. Three years ago, my kids got all excited to watch Dancing with the Stars because Simone was competing and used her sport to her advantage as she completed difficult ballroom moves. Yet, even at age twenty, Simone had her eye on the Tokyo Olympic Games that were supposed to be staged this year. Simone has the motivation necessary to come back and compete next year at age twenty four, long past when most gymnasts are forced to retire from competition. I would not doubt that the bubbly girl from Texas has it in her to compete at a high level once again. When the Olympics are staged, I will have to take a break from baseball and watch her compete.
3 stars
April 30, 2021
2.5 � rounded up
When I watched Simone Biles' performance at the 2016 Olympics, I recognized an athlete at the global apex and was appropriately awed. This memoir, however, is not of the same caliber as her gymnastic feats. It's written with the intention of being inspirational, and it would be most impactful with its target audience of aspiring young gymnasts. The book presumes that its readers understand the references to the gymnastic maneuvers by name as no explanation is given. The language is simple and the texts chosen to be inspirational often come across as pablum. Anything negative is glossed over rather quickly as opposed to serving as an example of personal struggle and growth - for instance, a shoulder injury that caused her to sit out half the year.
Courage to Soar began slowly with an account of her toddler years and how circumstances led to her maternal grandfather and his second wife adopting Simone and her younger sister Adria. If Ronald and Nellie Biles had not acted as they had done so, I would be hard pressed to believe that the world would ever have witnessed this internationally-renowned gymnast. Her introduction to gymnastics led to an accidental discovery of her innate talent. To the family, it was just a means of dealing with the high octane energy levels of a six year old with yet to be diagnosed ADHD.
Such simple language but this journal entry propelled a then 11 year old Simone. Her memoir picked up in the latter half as she became a bit more introspective. As Simone participated in and won increasingly prestigious competitions, she had to make hard choices - typical experiences such as schools and their social lives or be home schooled so that she could devote time to training. She chose the latter, which wasn't easy for an outgoing, giggly teen.
Simone was born in 1997 which meant that she wouldn't be old enough to qualify for the 2012 Olympics. But her prowess catapulted her to many wins at national level competitions starting in 2013. Simone then blazed records as part of the USA World Championship team for three consecutive years prior to being selected for the 2016 Olympics USA team.
Simone Biles was dedicated to her sport because she was motivated by having fun. She received tremendous loving support from her parents and family. How many other parents would build a professional level gym for their children in order to retain a beloved coach? Her faith in God sustained her as did St. Sebastian, the patron saint of athletes and soldiers, as she dealt with ankle and shoulder injuries. But Simone was also a young girl, so dangling prizes in the form of a German shepherd dog puppy, a belly ring piercing, or her own car were also effective motivators.
I wanted to read this because it was the closest I was going to get to the Olympics in 2020. Female gymnasts have short careers as physical limitations typically prohibit two appearances at the Olympic games. According to the latest internet postings, however, 23 year old Simone is dreaming of the rescheduled 2021 Olympics - a sight I'm very keen to see.
When I watched Simone Biles' performance at the 2016 Olympics, I recognized an athlete at the global apex and was appropriately awed. This memoir, however, is not of the same caliber as her gymnastic feats. It's written with the intention of being inspirational, and it would be most impactful with its target audience of aspiring young gymnasts. The book presumes that its readers understand the references to the gymnastic maneuvers by name as no explanation is given. The language is simple and the texts chosen to be inspirational often come across as pablum. Anything negative is glossed over rather quickly as opposed to serving as an example of personal struggle and growth - for instance, a shoulder injury that caused her to sit out half the year.
Courage to Soar began slowly with an account of her toddler years and how circumstances led to her maternal grandfather and his second wife adopting Simone and her younger sister Adria. If Ronald and Nellie Biles had not acted as they had done so, I would be hard pressed to believe that the world would ever have witnessed this internationally-renowned gymnast. Her introduction to gymnastics led to an accidental discovery of her innate talent. To the family, it was just a means of dealing with the high octane energy levels of a six year old with yet to be diagnosed ADHD.
"I want to go the farthest I can."
Looking back now that was the most important sentence I've ever written.
Such simple language but this journal entry propelled a then 11 year old Simone. Her memoir picked up in the latter half as she became a bit more introspective. As Simone participated in and won increasingly prestigious competitions, she had to make hard choices - typical experiences such as schools and their social lives or be home schooled so that she could devote time to training. She chose the latter, which wasn't easy for an outgoing, giggly teen.
Simone was born in 1997 which meant that she wouldn't be old enough to qualify for the 2012 Olympics. But her prowess catapulted her to many wins at national level competitions starting in 2013. Simone then blazed records as part of the USA World Championship team for three consecutive years prior to being selected for the 2016 Olympics USA team.
I was glad to put the whole thing behind me, because I wanted every child, regardless of race, to be able to look at my Worlds win and say, I can dream big too. I wanted them to know that following your dreams—not just in gymnastics, but in everything—shouldn’t have anything to do with the color of your skin. It should only be about finding the discipline and the courage to do the hard work.
Simone Biles was dedicated to her sport because she was motivated by having fun. She received tremendous loving support from her parents and family. How many other parents would build a professional level gym for their children in order to retain a beloved coach? Her faith in God sustained her as did St. Sebastian, the patron saint of athletes and soldiers, as she dealt with ankle and shoulder injuries. But Simone was also a young girl, so dangling prizes in the form of a German shepherd dog puppy, a belly ring piercing, or her own car were also effective motivators.
I wanted to read this because it was the closest I was going to get to the Olympics in 2020. Female gymnasts have short careers as physical limitations typically prohibit two appearances at the Olympic games. According to the latest internet postings, however, 23 year old Simone is dreaming of the rescheduled 2021 Olympics - a sight I'm very keen to see.
November 30, 2016
This book. THIS BOOK. So overall, I love reading about empowering females and this definitely had that. Simone Biles is so strong, fierce, and inspiring I just would love to hear more about her world. Reading about gymnasts and dancers with their lives and how they deal with pressure definitely helps me a lot too. I used to be a gymnast and after reading this book, I MISS IT SO MUCH. Simone's story is so inspiring and made me want to go out and do something. Like right away. LETS GO PEOPLE
I would definitely read this book again because I enjoyed it so much. It was on the simpler side but that just adds to the character and voice of who the book is about. I flew through this and I can definitely say I want to leave my house right now to go and prove whoever wrong about what they thought bad about me. Really liked it!!
I would definitely read this book again because I enjoyed it so much. It was on the simpler side but that just adds to the character and voice of who the book is about. I flew through this and I can definitely say I want to leave my house right now to go and prove whoever wrong about what they thought bad about me. Really liked it!!
July 23, 2020
Simone gets 5 million stars. This books gets only 3.
I didn't know much about Simone Biles before seeing her at the World Championships and the Olympics and even during and after, aside from the fact that she was a terrific athlete and one of the best gymnasts in the world.
I'm sorry to say that while I really enjoyed getting to know Simone's story, I wish it was written better. It's clear to me that most of the writing was done by the ghost writer, probably from extensive interviews, old diaries, TV. And while there's nothing wrong with using a ghostwriter - I myself act a ghost writer occasionally at my job - it really took away the personal element. It also made it feel like it was meant more for younger readers (again, nothing wrong with that, just pointing out).
I didn't really connect with most of the narrative and I had a hard time visualizing a lot of it, simply because I know nothing of gymnastics. Simone would often explain her routine in detail, naming the moves and describing how she accomplished them - however, having zero knowledge of gymnastics it was impossible for me to visualize any of the moves and I think that the book would have greatly benefited from either images or diagrams. The narrative structure was also a little strange because most chapters were anecdotes and focused on one thing: usually, the chapter would spend quiet a lot of time explaining how Simone was worried about one thing or another and then it would just say, 'So anyway, I won first place here, and another couple medals there' so there was barely any resolution or feeling of finality. The reader never gets to be in the moment of victory. Which again, made it harder to connect with the story.
Also, I wish the writer focused more on the World Championships and the Olympics, instead of going over Simone's early life for most of the book. Mostly because while Simone is a world class athlete, her life is actually fairly ordinary: school, homework, family life. It was also obvious that the writer did not want to focus on any negativity in the novel, so they brushed over the hard aspects of Simone's life with broad, vague brushstrokes. I think that was an attempt to make it seem like it was not that important, but instead, it made the story feel less candid and personal. Even the things that they did talk about, like her birth mother losing custody, having to see a therapist, having to take medication for ADHD, her multiple injuries were all brushed over. You can hardly say those aspects of her life were unimportant because they all define her career in some way or another.
The only reason I was semi-okay with her not being entirely candid is because Simone felt like the kind of person who never dwells on the negative. She always looks at the brighter side of things, the fun stuff, and doesn't overthink the other bits. Which is actually a really fantastic thing. Another reason is probably because Simone is still very young and being very candid while she is at the peak of her career can probably hurt her. But I'll definitely be looking out for the updated memoirs once she's older and has more freedom to be candid.
I didn't know much about Simone Biles before seeing her at the World Championships and the Olympics and even during and after, aside from the fact that she was a terrific athlete and one of the best gymnasts in the world.
I'm sorry to say that while I really enjoyed getting to know Simone's story, I wish it was written better. It's clear to me that most of the writing was done by the ghost writer, probably from extensive interviews, old diaries, TV. And while there's nothing wrong with using a ghostwriter - I myself act a ghost writer occasionally at my job - it really took away the personal element. It also made it feel like it was meant more for younger readers (again, nothing wrong with that, just pointing out).
I didn't really connect with most of the narrative and I had a hard time visualizing a lot of it, simply because I know nothing of gymnastics. Simone would often explain her routine in detail, naming the moves and describing how she accomplished them - however, having zero knowledge of gymnastics it was impossible for me to visualize any of the moves and I think that the book would have greatly benefited from either images or diagrams. The narrative structure was also a little strange because most chapters were anecdotes and focused on one thing: usually, the chapter would spend quiet a lot of time explaining how Simone was worried about one thing or another and then it would just say, 'So anyway, I won first place here, and another couple medals there' so there was barely any resolution or feeling of finality. The reader never gets to be in the moment of victory. Which again, made it harder to connect with the story.
Also, I wish the writer focused more on the World Championships and the Olympics, instead of going over Simone's early life for most of the book. Mostly because while Simone is a world class athlete, her life is actually fairly ordinary: school, homework, family life. It was also obvious that the writer did not want to focus on any negativity in the novel, so they brushed over the hard aspects of Simone's life with broad, vague brushstrokes. I think that was an attempt to make it seem like it was not that important, but instead, it made the story feel less candid and personal. Even the things that they did talk about, like her birth mother losing custody, having to see a therapist, having to take medication for ADHD, her multiple injuries were all brushed over. You can hardly say those aspects of her life were unimportant because they all define her career in some way or another.
The only reason I was semi-okay with her not being entirely candid is because Simone felt like the kind of person who never dwells on the negative. She always looks at the brighter side of things, the fun stuff, and doesn't overthink the other bits. Which is actually a really fantastic thing. Another reason is probably because Simone is still very young and being very candid while she is at the peak of her career can probably hurt her. But I'll definitely be looking out for the updated memoirs once she's older and has more freedom to be candid.
July 8, 2022
"A person can only fail if they stop trying, if they refuse to pick themselves up and try harder."
°�*⁶�
It's kind of amazing how little we actually know when you see something you remember so perfectly explained by the person actually experiencing it. I was so incredibly moved by this entire story, especially knowing it's not truly all of it. It's the glorified parts with a hint of the struggle behind it. I admire Simone so much, for everything that she's ever stood for as a gymnast and a person. I can't imagine a better person to have dominated this sport for as long as she had, and I hope more than anything that her journey isn't over yet.
Even if it is, I'll always be rooting for her.
I was actually sort of shocked by how many of the same anxieties and fears Simone and I shared while competing. Whether it was bringing a good luck turtle or having to treat it as though it was no big deal, I could hear my own thoughts in everything she shared here. Gymnastics is such a mentally tough sport, and I remember seeing Simone at the American Cup for the very first time in 2013 and thinking to myself... how is that girl laughing on the floor right now? Obviously, anyone who watches Simone knows that's how she is, but back then it was such a shock. And I love that she pointed out that because it worked so well for her, it started working for other girls as well. And that's always been true. Enjoyment should ALWAYS be the first thought when competing... when doing anything. I love that Simone really started making that apart of elite gymnastics, and that it has stuck since.
What moved me the most though, was her story about her experience at her first Junior Nationals. When she didn't make the team and she was devastated. So many people told her it was because she didn't do the amanar vault, and she decided that she didn't feel properly prepared to do it and decided not to. That decision was the smartest one she could have made for herself, and I don't think she even knows how important that statement in this book would come to mean. In the most recent games in Tokyo, when she had to stop twisting mid-air... that's one of the scariest things I've ever witnessed on live television. I knew when she didn't get back on the competition floor that she was either hurt or felt it was unsafe to continue. In reading this, it only made me realize how well Simone has always known herself. What she can and cannot do at any given time.
I have never been more proud of someone in my life as I was the day she put herself first. It's always so difficult to do, but with the entire world watching her? I couldn't believe that nearly a decade earlier she had made the same decision to take care of herself before other people's expectations.
There were so many sweet little additions like her special relationship with her sister, her brother and her parents above all else. Things I loved to read about. So many things that will stick with me. The little story about her and Ally before the all around competition, them both being so overwhelmed yet so ready for what was to come: it was magical. And my favorite, of course, the story of her meeting Zac Efron and his sweet message to her and all the girls. How he couldn't sit on the couch and watch when he could be there rooting them on live. It just made me so proud to have loved him for as long as I did, knowing he's just as much a sweetheart as I believe him to be.
I will always trust Simone Biles. I hope she's living her best life, and I cannot wait to see what she does next.
- Paige
°�*⁶�
It's kind of amazing how little we actually know when you see something you remember so perfectly explained by the person actually experiencing it. I was so incredibly moved by this entire story, especially knowing it's not truly all of it. It's the glorified parts with a hint of the struggle behind it. I admire Simone so much, for everything that she's ever stood for as a gymnast and a person. I can't imagine a better person to have dominated this sport for as long as she had, and I hope more than anything that her journey isn't over yet.
Even if it is, I'll always be rooting for her.
I was actually sort of shocked by how many of the same anxieties and fears Simone and I shared while competing. Whether it was bringing a good luck turtle or having to treat it as though it was no big deal, I could hear my own thoughts in everything she shared here. Gymnastics is such a mentally tough sport, and I remember seeing Simone at the American Cup for the very first time in 2013 and thinking to myself... how is that girl laughing on the floor right now? Obviously, anyone who watches Simone knows that's how she is, but back then it was such a shock. And I love that she pointed out that because it worked so well for her, it started working for other girls as well. And that's always been true. Enjoyment should ALWAYS be the first thought when competing... when doing anything. I love that Simone really started making that apart of elite gymnastics, and that it has stuck since.
What moved me the most though, was her story about her experience at her first Junior Nationals. When she didn't make the team and she was devastated. So many people told her it was because she didn't do the amanar vault, and she decided that she didn't feel properly prepared to do it and decided not to. That decision was the smartest one she could have made for herself, and I don't think she even knows how important that statement in this book would come to mean. In the most recent games in Tokyo, when she had to stop twisting mid-air... that's one of the scariest things I've ever witnessed on live television. I knew when she didn't get back on the competition floor that she was either hurt or felt it was unsafe to continue. In reading this, it only made me realize how well Simone has always known herself. What she can and cannot do at any given time.
I have never been more proud of someone in my life as I was the day she put herself first. It's always so difficult to do, but with the entire world watching her? I couldn't believe that nearly a decade earlier she had made the same decision to take care of herself before other people's expectations.
There were so many sweet little additions like her special relationship with her sister, her brother and her parents above all else. Things I loved to read about. So many things that will stick with me. The little story about her and Ally before the all around competition, them both being so overwhelmed yet so ready for what was to come: it was magical. And my favorite, of course, the story of her meeting Zac Efron and his sweet message to her and all the girls. How he couldn't sit on the couch and watch when he could be there rooting them on live. It just made me so proud to have loved him for as long as I did, knowing he's just as much a sweetheart as I believe him to be.
I will always trust Simone Biles. I hope she's living her best life, and I cannot wait to see what she does next.
- Paige
January 30, 2025
Sinto que é sempre injusto dar notas a biografias, mas prontos.
Adorei conhecer mais da história da Simone, que sempre fui fã, recomendo imenso ;)
Adorei conhecer mais da história da Simone, que sempre fui fã, recomendo imenso ;)
January 5, 2018
This is the autobiography of Simon Biles, a gymnast and an Olympic gold medalist. I liked that she sounded completely genuine in this. Her voice was clear. Her early childhood wasn't smooth sailing which led her to living with her grandparents. Them adopting her paved the road to her gymnastic career.
I liked that she talked about her struggles, determination and goals. But what I liked the most was her amazing attitude. She was incredibly positive even during the challenges she faced. She is a great role model. Our children need more of that.
A few times this book felt a little too structured, but hooray for the fact that she didn't have to write this alone.
I liked that she talked about her struggles, determination and goals. But what I liked the most was her amazing attitude. She was incredibly positive even during the challenges she faced. She is a great role model. Our children need more of that.
A few times this book felt a little too structured, but hooray for the fact that she didn't have to write this alone.
August 9, 2018
"You go out there and be the best Simone you can be. And whatever that outcome is, we’ll take it.�
I grew up taking gymnastics lessons for 5 years and tumbling for 2 years. I also watched the summer Olympics religiously ever since I was a little girl!
How can you not love Simone? Her determination and passion is so inspiring! Her positive attitude especially stuck out to me, seeing as she bounced from foster homes to living with relatives as a child.
I grew up taking gymnastics lessons for 5 years and tumbling for 2 years. I also watched the summer Olympics religiously ever since I was a little girl!
How can you not love Simone? Her determination and passion is so inspiring! Her positive attitude especially stuck out to me, seeing as she bounced from foster homes to living with relatives as a child.
November 21, 2016
My biggest fear with this book was that it was going to be too strongly ghost-written. But I was pleasantly surprised by how much I could hear Simone's voice in the stories told. We learn a good amount about her birth mom and early upbringing - things she had never really elaborated on to the press previously. I also appreciated a lot of her anecdotes as the book took us through her rise in the gymnastics world. For instance, she mentions conversations with her sports psychologist several times, which I found fascinating.
Minus a few stars for a couple issues: First, the book gets really rushed at the end. She takes her time talking us through her early years, and spends quite a bit of time on the 2011-2013 era, but after Worlds 2013, there's only a chapter or so before we're suddenly at the Olympics. It almost felt like they ran out of time or the book had to be a certain length and so they cut a bunch of stuff. There's almost zero material from 2014.
The other issue I had was there were several glaring mistakes that you would think Simone would have caught herself. Example #1 - discussion about the all-around final mentions that Simone was "almost a point ahead" of Aly Raisman after the first rotation, vault. In actual fact, she was only a few tenths ahead - a huge difference. Later on, her balance beam is talked about and mentions that her dismount is a double twisting double back. No, her dismount is a FULL twisting double back. Earlier in the book, the 2015 World Championships competition is described, with the description implying that the team competition and all-around final were one in the same meet, when actually the all-around final was on a completely separate day. Little things like this will annoy true gymnastics fans who have been following Simone for years.
Despite that, it's a really interesting look into Simone's life, and I really appreciated all the anecdotes that were included that could have only come from Simone herself or people close to her. Recommended for any gymnastics fan for sure!
Minus a few stars for a couple issues: First, the book gets really rushed at the end. She takes her time talking us through her early years, and spends quite a bit of time on the 2011-2013 era, but after Worlds 2013, there's only a chapter or so before we're suddenly at the Olympics. It almost felt like they ran out of time or the book had to be a certain length and so they cut a bunch of stuff. There's almost zero material from 2014.
The other issue I had was there were several glaring mistakes that you would think Simone would have caught herself. Example #1 - discussion about the all-around final mentions that Simone was "almost a point ahead" of Aly Raisman after the first rotation, vault. In actual fact, she was only a few tenths ahead - a huge difference. Later on, her balance beam is talked about and mentions that her dismount is a double twisting double back. No, her dismount is a FULL twisting double back. Earlier in the book, the 2015 World Championships competition is described, with the description implying that the team competition and all-around final were one in the same meet, when actually the all-around final was on a completely separate day. Little things like this will annoy true gymnastics fans who have been following Simone for years.
Despite that, it's a really interesting look into Simone's life, and I really appreciated all the anecdotes that were included that could have only come from Simone herself or people close to her. Recommended for any gymnastics fan for sure!
September 2, 2019
I enjoyed reading "Courage to Soar." I know nothing about gymnastics, so some of the moves she describes and routine- jargon was hard for me to understand. I think it would be a better book for aspiring athletes to read just because those hard choices Biles had to make and the difficult workouts she had to face is inspiring but something non-athletes can't quite compare to. I definitely learned more about the challenging path is takes to get to the Olympics. Though it was fun reading about Biles' upbringing, I was more interested in the failures she had to overcome and the hard choices she had to make. There were times of self-doubt and tears in her journey and it takes a lot of courage as a late teenager to make decisions that could determine the rest of your athletic career! I also loved reading how close her family is to Biles and how her family sacrificed their time and money and career to make Simone's dreams a reality (that was touching!). Even from page 1, Simone seemed destined for greatness. And as a naturally gifted gymnast, she used her God-given gifts and opportunities to share her beauty with the world! This book is definitely a cute read and inspires the reader that anything is possible if you work hard enough!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed myself while I was reading this book. It felt like Simone took you on her journey with you as she went from a little child searching for stability and unconditional love to Gymnastics Stardom, with a lot of in-between: bouncy childhood, discovery of the world of the gym, "bratty" teenage years, the forming lifelong friendships, the making of many weighty decisions, and learning intense life lessons throughout it all. At first the content seemed kind of jumpy, but then I realized what she was doing, and it was perfect. I laughed, teared up, and cheered her on as I read. It's really a great read (and pretty fast, too!).
One thing I particularly loved about this book: the writing style. It was authentic, real, and like hearing it straight from Biles' mouth. I felt like for a couple of hours, I got to spend time with someone that I've never met, and that was really nice.
One thing I particularly loved about this book: the writing style. It was authentic, real, and like hearing it straight from Biles' mouth. I felt like for a couple of hours, I got to spend time with someone that I've never met, and that was really nice.
November 26, 2016
It was just so interesting to hear how this talented girl grew up into the gymnast she is today. During the book you could hear the voice of the Simone we all know and love so much. There is so much more to the friendly face we see on TV, such as the "Simone Bratty Period". I throughly enjoyed this book because Simone Biles was just an amazing role model to look up to. She faced so much adversity when she was younger, between moving through foster homes, to not doing as well on uneven bars, to even some racial comments. This is a book that is a definitely must read!
May 9, 2018
This book was really good!!! It told of Simone’s life story and journey to get to the Olympics:)
February 19, 2017
This is a good read. It's upbeat and positive and motivates me to set and meet goals. I hope my girls read this someday- it's a feel good book. And I'll admit- I got a little teary eyed at the end knowing the journey she took to the Olympics!
April 9, 2018
The theme of this story is to never give up on your dreams. Even if you're not the best always give it your all and definitely don't let your height get in the way of what your dream is
December 6, 2020
Simone as a person: 5 stars
Book: 3 stars
*overdrive app audiobook*
Book: 3 stars
*overdrive app audiobook*
June 28, 2021
Simone Biles’s story is just beginning. Most gymnasts only go to the Olympics once, and she officially is headed to her second. I loved reading about her early years and I look forward to watching her compete in the future.
March 22, 2017
The 2016 gold medalist in the Olympics, two time nationals champion, and the phenomenal and breathtaking gymnast known and loved by Americans as Simone Biles, will entangle you in her breathtaking autobiography of how she came to be the gymnastic olympian that she is today. Apart from reading about the struggles and hard work that lead her to the first place podium in Rio, this book will teach you what hard work and strength is, as well as the sheer determination of following your goal. Courage to Soar by Simone Biles, is definitely a book that should be picked up from the library shelf, by its outstanding message and inspiring story.
In this autobiography, Simone Biles recalls her early childhood, as a child that was put through foster care along with her sisters and brother, at the age of three. Until, later on, being adopted by her grandparents. Much like many other instant prodigies, Simone had an early interest for tumbling and doing tricks on a trampoline. Though, it wasn't until someone approached her while at a gymnastics gym during a daycare field trip, that she truly started to learn the guidelines of gymnastics. Throughout the chapters, Simone Biles describes her journey as a toddler beginning gymnastics classes, through her advancing through levels, working with a harsh yet encouraging coach, switching gyms, and even winning the nationals competition twice. However, other than listing her accomplishments and the journey to achieve it, the teenage gymnast incorporates humor and the regular emotions of a teenage girl, that really connects to the reader, henceforth making it more entertaining.
What I mainly liked about this book, was that it connected to the reader, and showed the handwork and determination that was set, in order to reach a goal. This book teaches its readers that they can work hard and pursue their dreams. I would mainly recommend this book to people who enjoy reading biographies and people who are interested in the Olympics or gymnastics.
Even though I did not rate this book five stars, I found it to be very enjoyable to read, and that it conveyed a very encouraging and inspiring message. Therefore, Courage to Soar by Simone Biles is definitely a book to read, in order to be encouraged, inspired, and learn about the path that the olympic gold medalist took to dominating the competition in the summer of 2016 in Rio.
In this autobiography, Simone Biles recalls her early childhood, as a child that was put through foster care along with her sisters and brother, at the age of three. Until, later on, being adopted by her grandparents. Much like many other instant prodigies, Simone had an early interest for tumbling and doing tricks on a trampoline. Though, it wasn't until someone approached her while at a gymnastics gym during a daycare field trip, that she truly started to learn the guidelines of gymnastics. Throughout the chapters, Simone Biles describes her journey as a toddler beginning gymnastics classes, through her advancing through levels, working with a harsh yet encouraging coach, switching gyms, and even winning the nationals competition twice. However, other than listing her accomplishments and the journey to achieve it, the teenage gymnast incorporates humor and the regular emotions of a teenage girl, that really connects to the reader, henceforth making it more entertaining.
What I mainly liked about this book, was that it connected to the reader, and showed the handwork and determination that was set, in order to reach a goal. This book teaches its readers that they can work hard and pursue their dreams. I would mainly recommend this book to people who enjoy reading biographies and people who are interested in the Olympics or gymnastics.
Even though I did not rate this book five stars, I found it to be very enjoyable to read, and that it conveyed a very encouraging and inspiring message. Therefore, Courage to Soar by Simone Biles is definitely a book to read, in order to be encouraged, inspired, and learn about the path that the olympic gold medalist took to dominating the competition in the summer of 2016 in Rio.
September 9, 2021
An Inspiring Story and Refreshingly Positive Vibe
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.
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.
September 19, 2018
This was a short memoir, but a sweet one to listen to. Amazing attitude, confident yet humble. I truly enjoyed listen to her experiences to get to and win gold at the Olympics in gymnastics.
April 21, 2021
Trigger warnings: foster care, parent with addiction issues.
I was kicked out of tiny child gymnastics when I was four because I couldn't do ANYTHING so reading this was kind of an attempt at living vicariously through one of the greatest gymnasts to walk the earth. I read like 175 pages of this in the better part of an hour while supervising a bunch of surly 12-13 year olds who really didn't want to be reading when they could be scrolling through Tiktok and I now know a lot more about Simone Biles (admittedly, I knew nothing about her previously other than that she's a badass) so we'll call it a win.
(I read her Wikipedia page after reading this and I'm glad I did because now I know she has ADHD and I can use that as an additional selling point when shoving this at reluctant readers, a decent number of whom are also neurodiverse)
I was kicked out of tiny child gymnastics when I was four because I couldn't do ANYTHING so reading this was kind of an attempt at living vicariously through one of the greatest gymnasts to walk the earth. I read like 175 pages of this in the better part of an hour while supervising a bunch of surly 12-13 year olds who really didn't want to be reading when they could be scrolling through Tiktok and I now know a lot more about Simone Biles (admittedly, I knew nothing about her previously other than that she's a badass) so we'll call it a win.
(I read her Wikipedia page after reading this and I'm glad I did because now I know she has ADHD and I can use that as an additional selling point when shoving this at reluctant readers, a decent number of whom are also neurodiverse)
July 24, 2024
3.5 stars.
Read
December 4, 2024Adorei!!
December 19, 2023
I love you Simone
February 7, 2020
Summary: It's amazing how much we can learn from such a young person who has achieved so much. While few will go to the Olympics, many will want to acquire Olympic like grit to achieve their goals. This is who I read this young lady's message.
Video Review to come. Would so appreciate if you follow me on instagram at: WhereIsMayLing to see this and other reviews in my 100 day reading challenge.
I'd never thought about what it's like to really be an Olympic level gymnast. It's so easy to relegate it to talent plus work. I was a dancer when younger, and was accustom to doing 6-8 hours of the task to make it work.
But gymnastics is really about being fearless and that means you got to face plant it into a mat. Sometimes over and over and over again. Wow. That is really something to learn from.
My notes:
p. 77/78 - "When Nicole finally let me dismount, my fear was gone. But it had been replaced by another emotion: anger at being forced to get back up on the bar before I'd felt ready.
We all like to talk about the road to be success and emotional control and all that nice zen stuff. The fact is, success is hard. It's not this beautiful easy stuff where you just get to meditate your way to it.
p. 80 - She wants to admit defeat on the bars, and her coach just doesn't let her. She says: "You might not feel as sure of yourself on bars as you do in the other events..." Isn't that so true. It's less about being talented or good and more about being confident of our ability. When it comes from the proof of our ability, it really does come from a different place.
p. 83 - She writes down the sentence: "I want to go the farthest I can." This is it. You have to believe in yourself enough to say it write it or whatever to get it clear what you're trying to do.
p. 93 - This whole experience with this bad school. OMG. Parenting and good people are what allows people to not get crushed by it.
p. 97 - I love the way her mom breaks it down. Can you or can't you? If you can't, I appreciate you, but we got to move on, b/c we can't be held back by your constraints. I have to really think about this one. I mean, even you're asking the coach to come out of their constraints... consider....
p. 160 - On finally being considered a contender. "Yes, you are very good, and so there will be expectations on you. But that is not for you to worry about, because once you're out there on the floor, it's just you and your gymnastics. Nothing else."
p. 158 - On mesing up.... preparation is a huge component, more than any of the silliness other sy.
p. 209 - Just wow on making the decision to go Olympics or NCAA.
p. 245 - Think about how she says: "I have not wasted the talents and opportunities God gave me.... "
Video Review to come. Would so appreciate if you follow me on instagram at: WhereIsMayLing to see this and other reviews in my 100 day reading challenge.
I'd never thought about what it's like to really be an Olympic level gymnast. It's so easy to relegate it to talent plus work. I was a dancer when younger, and was accustom to doing 6-8 hours of the task to make it work.
But gymnastics is really about being fearless and that means you got to face plant it into a mat. Sometimes over and over and over again. Wow. That is really something to learn from.
My notes:
p. 77/78 - "When Nicole finally let me dismount, my fear was gone. But it had been replaced by another emotion: anger at being forced to get back up on the bar before I'd felt ready.
We all like to talk about the road to be success and emotional control and all that nice zen stuff. The fact is, success is hard. It's not this beautiful easy stuff where you just get to meditate your way to it.
p. 80 - She wants to admit defeat on the bars, and her coach just doesn't let her. She says: "You might not feel as sure of yourself on bars as you do in the other events..." Isn't that so true. It's less about being talented or good and more about being confident of our ability. When it comes from the proof of our ability, it really does come from a different place.
p. 83 - She writes down the sentence: "I want to go the farthest I can." This is it. You have to believe in yourself enough to say it write it or whatever to get it clear what you're trying to do.
p. 93 - This whole experience with this bad school. OMG. Parenting and good people are what allows people to not get crushed by it.
p. 97 - I love the way her mom breaks it down. Can you or can't you? If you can't, I appreciate you, but we got to move on, b/c we can't be held back by your constraints. I have to really think about this one. I mean, even you're asking the coach to come out of their constraints... consider....
p. 160 - On finally being considered a contender. "Yes, you are very good, and so there will be expectations on you. But that is not for you to worry about, because once you're out there on the floor, it's just you and your gymnastics. Nothing else."
p. 158 - On mesing up.... preparation is a huge component, more than any of the silliness other sy.
p. 209 - Just wow on making the decision to go Olympics or NCAA.
p. 245 - Think about how she says: "I have not wasted the talents and opportunities God gave me.... "
November 24, 2016
An Incredible Biography with Life Lessons for Every Reader
Simone Biles captured America’s attention during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. Her smile and cheery personality combined with her amazing gymnastic skills which made her a four-time winner of Olympic gold medals. COURAGE TO SOAR tells the story of her journey to achieve such success.
Beyond the immense success, Biles tells about the challenges and disappointments of her story. When she missed getting on the Nationals, Biles says, “The same thing that’s true in gymnastics is also true in life. You can’t go back. The best you can do is forgive yourself, take a deep breath, and get to work on the next challenge. But that’s doesn’t mean you can’t bawl first—and let me tell you, I did.� (Page 115)
Every reader can learn valuable insights from Biles for their own life like this one: “In the end, the most important lesson I took from the 2011 Visa National Championships was this: a person can only fail if they stop trying, if they refuse to pick themselves up and try harder. It would take some time, but I finally understood that I hadn’t failed at that meet. I just hadn’t succeeded—yet. I simply had more work to do in order to convince the gymnastic world that I could earn a spot on the national team.� (Page 123)
Biles teamed with the remarkable bestselling writer Michelle Burford to write an engaging page-turner. I highly recommend COURAGE TO SOAR.
Simone Biles captured America’s attention during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. Her smile and cheery personality combined with her amazing gymnastic skills which made her a four-time winner of Olympic gold medals. COURAGE TO SOAR tells the story of her journey to achieve such success.
Beyond the immense success, Biles tells about the challenges and disappointments of her story. When she missed getting on the Nationals, Biles says, “The same thing that’s true in gymnastics is also true in life. You can’t go back. The best you can do is forgive yourself, take a deep breath, and get to work on the next challenge. But that’s doesn’t mean you can’t bawl first—and let me tell you, I did.� (Page 115)
Every reader can learn valuable insights from Biles for their own life like this one: “In the end, the most important lesson I took from the 2011 Visa National Championships was this: a person can only fail if they stop trying, if they refuse to pick themselves up and try harder. It would take some time, but I finally understood that I hadn’t failed at that meet. I just hadn’t succeeded—yet. I simply had more work to do in order to convince the gymnastic world that I could earn a spot on the national team.� (Page 123)
Biles teamed with the remarkable bestselling writer Michelle Burford to write an engaging page-turner. I highly recommend COURAGE TO SOAR.
February 5, 2017
I would give this book a 4.5. I have always been a fan of gymnastics. Amazed at what these talented athletes can do. Simone Biles our most recent Olympian writes a nice memoir. She wrote this soon after the Olympics in 2016 Rio. As anyone who followed the Olympics and gymnastics, know that Simone Biles is an amazing gymnast winning gold medals and many other rewards and titles in her short life. She is honest about her life. She was born in Ohio to a single mother. Her mother had a problem with drugs and Simone and her three siblings were put in foster care. Soon after they were transported to the grandparents in Texas. By the time Simone was four her grandparents adopted Simone and her younger sister and raised them as their children. they now called their grandparent's Mom and Dad.
This is Simone's life how she was raised in Texas started taking gymnastic lessons when people noticed her natural talent for gymnastics. The rest is history, Over the years she trained won many events around the World including World Champion and then in 2016 Gold medal winner. I liked reading her memoir. She is a nice well grounded young lady. Glad I could get chance to learn more about her in her own words.
This is Simone's life how she was raised in Texas started taking gymnastic lessons when people noticed her natural talent for gymnastics. The rest is history, Over the years she trained won many events around the World including World Champion and then in 2016 Gold medal winner. I liked reading her memoir. She is a nice well grounded young lady. Glad I could get chance to learn more about her in her own words.
June 26, 2017
Probably one of the better gymnastics memoirs I've read, Simone Biles' Courage to Soar is not the most amazing story (I mran, yes, her accomplishments are amazing, but much of the book is about how fairly normal and relatable she is, and it isn't as though we don't know how her story ends), but her "co-writer" did a great job in turning it into an immensely readable one. I enjoyed reading about her memories, not just of her gymnastics career (though that is really well documented in this book), but of growing up with her sister, her adoption by her grandparents, her friendships, her bond with her coach, and her decision making process in each stage of her training. A solid sports memoir about an inspiring young woman. 3.5 stars.
May 25, 2018
This book was an easy read and super interesting as I like any books about people’s lives! The amount of time and effort put into developing a skill like gymnastics is pretty insane. Training becomes your life but the determination to keep going and overcome any setback is inspiring! Simone experienced early success and might be a “natural� in her field, but she worked incredibly hard for all her successes!
August 23, 2018
I listened to this audiobook with my daughters as it was on their middle school summer reading list. We loved Simone Biles' story rising out of foster care and becoming an amazing Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics. Very inspiring - she is a wonderful role model for young girls!
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