A pleasure to read this book about Amy, a high-schooler who blows it with guys over and over by forgetting to just be herself (mainly in quest of a prom date), but I don't believe this character could really exist to this extreme. Still, it's a nice wholesome account of a loving family, kind friends & a sweet teen who loves literature & knowledge & seems to know or care nothing about sex, drugs & rock and roll. A rose-colored-glasses look at high school in the affluent 'burbs in the early 80s. Fun & sweet.

This book would have been a smoother and more entertaining read if Liz had been a gymnast from the start of the story or had gotten into the sport earlier than she did. I endured the first third of the book reading about irrelevant activities such as furniture refinishing, Human Relations term papers, the Table of Truth, and girl get-togethers before gymnastics even came into play.

Liz's mother's and sister's attitudes about her gymnastics were annoying. Her sister, who claimed that gymnastics would ruin her love life, had boys on the brain. Her mother, who claimed that gymnastics was an unfeminine sport for social recluses, needed a reality check. But it was gratifying to see them come around at the end of the story.

A gymnast's life is realistically depicted, from the excitement of learning new skills to the less pleasant aspects such as twisted ankles and lacerated palms. I recomment it to all gymnastics aficionados or competitive gymnasts.