The Happiest Girl in the World: A Novel

(Paperback)

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Propulsive, transfixing, and disturbing. I could not set the book down. Harrowing and fearlessly honest, The Happiest Girl in the World is a haunting read because it couldn't have done justice to its subjects fictional and real any other way.Popsugar

One of Good Morning America's Best Books of April!

From the acclaimed author of Mercy House comes a gripping new novel about a young womans dreams of Olympic gymnastic goldand what it takes to reach the top

For Sera Wheeler, the Olympics is the reason for everything. Its why she trains thirty hours a week, starves herself to under 100 pounds, and pops Advil like Tic Tacs.

For her mother, Charlene, hungry for glory she never had, its why she rises before dawn to drive Sera to practice in a different state, and why the family scrimps, saves, and fractures. Its why, when Seras best friend reports the gymnastics doctor to the authority who selects the Olympic Team, Sera denies what she knows about his treatments, thus preserving favor.

Their friendship shatters. But Sera protected her dreamdidnt she

Sera doubles down, taping broken toes, numbing torn muscles, and pouring her familys resources into the sport. Soon she isnt training for the love of gymnastics. Shes training to make her disloyalty worthwhile. No matter the cost.

The Happiest Girl in the World explores the dark history behind an athlete who stands on the world stage, biting gold. It's about the silence required of the exceptional, a tarnished friendship, and the sacrifices a parent will make for a child, even as a family is torn apart. Its about the price of greatness.

Reviews

"A brilliant and often heartbreaking account of a young girl striving to live a complicated dream, The Happiest Girl In The World probes the tragedy of the at-all-costs mentality that fuels Olympic performances." BlytheLawrence, co-author of Aly Raismans Fierce: How Competing For Myself Changed Everything "Happiest Girl in the World is a searing look at elite gymnastics and the lengthsan athlete will go to reach her goal. Dillon writes a harrowing story about how hope can be saddled with burdens, and sacrifice can wear down the soul. Timely and spirited, I devoured this book." Elissa R. Sloan, author of The Unraveling of Cassidy Holmes "The Happiest Girl in the Worldis a tender reflection on the importance of second chances, the ways in which both courage and cowardice can break a person, and what it takes to make yourself whole again." Meghan MacLean Weir, author ofThe Book of Essie Propulsive, transfixing, and disturbing. I could not set the book down. Harrowing and fearlessly honest, The Happiest Girl in the World is a haunting read because it couldn't have done justice to its subjects fictional and real any other way. Popsugar "As she did with the Catholic Church inMercy House, Dillon lays bare the sins of the U.S. gymnastic world and all those who enable this sport... Dillon sticks the landing with this layered book about abuse, drive, family expectations, and trauma." Library Journal(starred review) "Whether readers can name every Olympian gymnast from the past 40 years or can't tell a Yurchenko from a Mustafina, Dillon's latest novel will enthrall. A natural next read for fans of Hannah Orenstein's Head over Heels (2020) or the Netflix documentary Athlete A." Booklist (starred review) "Dillon (Mercy House) explores the dark side of elite gymnastics in her engrossing ripped-from-the-headlines latest...Dillons nuanced treatment makes for a stirring and complicated picture...Dillons excellent psychological drama will stay with readers." Publishers Weekly A life-altering debut featuring fierce, funny, and irreverent women who battle the most powerful institution in the world. This is the book weve all been waiting for. Amy Schumer "Never underestimate the power of a group of women. Fierce, thoughtful, and dramatic--this is a story of true courage." Susan Wiggs, New York Times bestselling author InMercy House, Alena Dillon gives us one of fictions more unlikely lovable heroines: elderly, dynamic Sister Evelyn, whose taleand that of her housematesis as unexpected as it is moving. This is a thoughtful, accomplished debut. Therese Ann Fowler, New York Times bestselling author of Z, A Well-Behaved Woman, andA Good Neighborhood [A] stirring, fiery debut...Dillon balances her protagonists righteous anger with an earnest exploration of Evies faith and devotion to justice and community service. This uncompromising story will light up book clubs. Publishers Weekly

Author Bio

Alena Dillon's work has appeared in Slice Magazine, The Rumpus, and Seventh Wave, among others. She earned her MFA from Fairfield University. Mercy House is her debut novel. She lives on the north shore of Boston with her husband, son, and their black labrador, Penny.