Beautiful on the Outside

August 26, 2019
U.S. Olympic athlete Rippon shares unfiltered stories of his childhood and progress to the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, where he won a bronze medal in the figure skating team event, in this delightful memoir. The tone is breezy and cheeky (“a lot of the major events of my childhood revolved around whatever outfit I would get to wear”), but Rippon is clear that becoming an Olympian takes serious work and focus. He discusses getting shuttled to practices as a kid by his hardworking but smothering mother; being teased for being gay; putting up with eccentric, former Soviet-bloc coaches; and being so broke as a young skater that he sometimes had only pilfered apples for dinner. He candidly talks about failing to make the Olympic team in 2010 and 2014, and of breaking his foot in 2017 and struggling to get healthy. Some of the most intriguing sections come at the end of the book, where Rippon discusses becoming the first openly gay man to make the U.S. Winter Olympic Team, publicly criticizing Mike Pence during the games for not supporting gay people, and, of course, securing his triumphant bronze medal win. This fun, inspirational memoir will appeal to ice-skating fans who enjoy personality-driven narratives.

Starred review from October 1, 2019

Many likely know Rippon for his figure skating accomplishments, most notably as the first openly gay U.S. athlete to win a medal in a Winter Olympics. In his debut memoir, he shows his humor: "It was never my objective to be or try to be famous, but I also knew this was a great opportunity to do one of the things I always wanted to do, which was to let people know I could be funny." Even though this book is entertaining, Rippon addresses many difficult life experiences, beginning with his childhood in Scranton, PA, and continuing through his years of training. His stories will interest anyone looking to learn more about the sport, including the amount of training that takes place, especially at an early age. Rippon's strength is apparent, and it's easy to see why he is an inspiration to many. From the first line, the writing is conversational and relatable and will engage readers throughout. VERDICT Recommended for all readers, especially those familiar with Rippon and who would like to learn more about his life and career. Highly recommended.--Pamela Calfo, Baldwin Borough P.L., PA

Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from October 1, 2019
The first time Rippon went ice skating, he hated it; but he quickly discovered his passion for the sport and vowed to represent the U.S. at the Winter Olympic Games. His journey from his hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania, to the world stage was not easy. Born the eldest of six children to working-class parents, Rippon reveals in this candid memoir the physical and emotional toll taken by years of sacrifice. He was homeschooled, traveled hours on a Greyhound bus to practice, and lived with other people in order to train and compete at an elite level. Highlights include his moving portrayals of his mother, who provided street-smart guidance, and his various coaches throughout the years. Rippon won the 2016 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, earned a bronze medal in the team competition at the 2018 Winter Olympics, and followed that up by winning the Mirrorball Trophy on TV's Dancing with the Stars. Rippon's personal story is as moving as the account of his success on the ice: he was the first openly gay American man to qualify for the Winter Olympics, and the poise he demonstrated in dealing with his haters?to whom he dedicates this book ( Thank you for being my motivators )?will prove inspirational for other young athletes. This is a no-holds-barred, coming-of age sports memoir. Rippon may have started his career as an underdog, but he prevailed, thanks to his resilience, laser-focused work ethic, and acerbic sense of humor.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)