There is much more to cheerleading than the perky smiles, short skirts, and pom-poms. Cheer! by Kate Torgovnick delves deep into the inner-workings of three cheer squads from three very different colleges and follows them from try-outs to championships, while exposing the dangers, the controversies, and the drama that surounds and at times plagues squads around the world.
Cheer! is a fun and interesting book about a subculture I know very little about. I found myself actually caring about the cheerleaders presented in the book, which surprised me slightly. I didn't expect to feel for these men and women in the way that I did. I certainly didn't expect to root for them.
Torgovnick portrays the cheerleaders honestly--highlighting faults and strengths---making them very real to the reader, especially readers who may only know cheerleaders through the many stereotypes.
Recommended, even for those that don't care for this type of non-fiction, as it's very readable and fast paced with enough detail and dramatic moments to hold interest.
Cheer! is a fun and interesting book about a subculture I know very little about. I found myself actually caring about the cheerleaders presented in the book, which surprised me slightly. I didn't expect to feel for these men and women in the way that I did. I certainly didn't expect to root for them.
Torgovnick portrays the cheerleaders honestly--highlighting faults and strengths---making them very real to the reader, especially readers who may only know cheerleaders through the many stereotypes.
Recommended, even for those that don't care for this type of non-fiction, as it's very readable and fast paced with enough detail and dramatic moments to hold interest.
Theresa K. (Tesstarosa) -
Kate Torgovnick follows three different college cheer squads through a year of training, cheering and competition two co-ed squads one former championship team and one from an all-Black school and an all-girls cheer squad.
After a background of the history of cheerleading in the United States, Torgovnick introduces us to the men and women that she will be following for her story.
All of the cheerleaders are devoted athletes despite what many think. They work out both aerobically and with weights on a regular basis. The do high-energy gymnastics and dance routines and build high and dangerous pyramids during 3-4 minutes musical routines. In addition to devoting time to train for cheerleading competitions, they regularly cheer at athletic events for athletes who dont consider what they do a sport. (Its not a recognized sport at any college at the time the book was written.)
Torgovnick does a great job of making you root for each of the teams. As I read the story of each time, I realized the dedication and love for the sport that each team member must have to continue on with the sport. At one point, one of the girls is injured, but the injury isnt recognized for its severity right away and has near-tragic results for her. I found myself incredulous and furious that her coach, a former cheerleader herself, didnt recognize the potential problem quickly enough.
A very intriguing book and great inside look into the world of cheerleading.
After a background of the history of cheerleading in the United States, Torgovnick introduces us to the men and women that she will be following for her story.
All of the cheerleaders are devoted athletes despite what many think. They work out both aerobically and with weights on a regular basis. The do high-energy gymnastics and dance routines and build high and dangerous pyramids during 3-4 minutes musical routines. In addition to devoting time to train for cheerleading competitions, they regularly cheer at athletic events for athletes who dont consider what they do a sport. (Its not a recognized sport at any college at the time the book was written.)
Torgovnick does a great job of making you root for each of the teams. As I read the story of each time, I realized the dedication and love for the sport that each team member must have to continue on with the sport. At one point, one of the girls is injured, but the injury isnt recognized for its severity right away and has near-tragic results for her. I found myself incredulous and furious that her coach, a former cheerleader herself, didnt recognize the potential problem quickly enough.
A very intriguing book and great inside look into the world of cheerleading.
