When major sexual abuse cases hit the news, there seems to always be a sort of disbelief, like how could this go on for so long and affect SO many victims and no one knew about it? I feel like the answers to those questions can be found in this book. There are many underlying systems that keep victims from coming forward and that allow cycles of abuse to continue. When you add in powerful organizations like USA Gymnastics, the Olympics, and a popular university, money is often found at the root of all of this. Dr. Larry Nasser was allowed to perpetuate his crimes for so long because people were willing to look the other way and his victims were too young and too controlled to believe they could speak up.

Some of the reviews of this book seem to dock stars for the writer's coldness towards the events. I interpreted this approach very differently. I think these two men are journalists first and foremost, and so the focus of this book is on the facts. I thought they did a fantastic job incorporating several of the victims' stories (while still including heartbreaking details and emotions). If people are looking for a deep-dive into the psychological effects of this kind of abuse, this isn't the right book. However, it you're interested in a detailed look into the world of elite athletes and the process that occurred to try to hold Nassar accountable, this book was a thorough and well-researched pick.

This book evoked a lot of emotions in me - mainly, frustration, at how many signs were ignored and dismissed when it came to Nassar's behaviors. And the lengths people were willing to go to protect themselves (versus the innocent children and teenagers he abused). With over 5oo victims that have come forward, so many people could have been saved if the adults in charge weren't so obsessed with maintaining power. I also felt a newfound feeling of disgust when it comes to the world of elite athletes and young gymnasts in particular. Is all of this lifelong damage (physical, emotional, etc.) really worth it just for a sport?

I hope that books like this and the more people can learn about sexual abuse will help to shine a light on what we can do to move forward and make progress. But I fear that there is so much work that still needs to be done so that children and women are simply believed when they do speak up.

Who does not like a book dedicated to belief and spiritually that discusses the secret, inner wisdom of what believing can teach and bring us in our lives. This book was perfect for me, as a believer, and I really enjoyed what this book had to offer. This book would make an excellent gift too!

An important book a book that exposes the horror of Dr.LarryNasser the institutions thAt turned a blind eye to the crime he was commiting molesting these young women.These young women Olympic champion s stood up and reclaimed their power got him sent to prison faced him in court pointed the finger at him incredible young women true champions #netgalley#hatchettebooks

Read if you: Want a hard-hitting, poignant, infuriating, and moving exploration of the Larry Nassar/USA Gymnastics abuse crisis.

In the past year or so, several books have been published regarding the USA Gymnastics abuse crisis. John Barr and Dan Murphy (both ESPN reporters) present a succinct, devastating, and revealing account of how this crisis was preventable, ignored, and excused for years, This is a must read for anyone who wants a further explanation of the crisis. The 2020 Summer Olympics will be the first Olympics in which everyone has full knowledge of the inexcusable actions of USA Gymnastics, so renewed attention on these crimes will be likely; this would be an excellent primer beforehand.

Many thanks to Hachette Books and Netgalley for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

"Start By Believing" is a powerful investigation of the system that produced and protected child abusers of all kinds--sexual, emotional, physical. The book dives deep--this isn't just a story about Larry Nassar, but about how the gymnastics community had been on notice for a long time that there were abusive practices in place. The book (with a very clear nod to previous public critics, including, but not limited to, Joan Ryan and Dominique Moceanu) shows us the persistent moral failure of USA Gymnastics to protect its athletes. Against a backdrop where young women and girls were being emotionally destroyed, starved, and not allowed time to recover from devastating injuries, it is no wonder that they were easy prey for the vile tactics of Larry Nassar. The authors show us as well the many women whose courage and empathy ultimately took down Nassar and his closest protectors. What I particularly appreciated was a note at the very end--how, in interviewing a survivor, the writers realized suddenly that these women had come forward while knowing fully well that this step would make them relieve their hell and reawaken their suffering. The authors' awareness of the survivors' strength, their testimony to the many times these women tried to gain justice, and their ultimate message to the world--to believe victims--makes the book a powerful read.

This was a wonderful book that fully explains the underbelly of a sport that on the surface appears so innocent and healthy. Very thoroughly the author tells the story of Dr. Larry Nassar, his crimes against so many innocent young athletes and so many others, as well as those who enabled him. This book will have you cheering the victims even more than you did when they were performing on the mats.