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All the Way Strong
I can’t go back. I can’t change things. I can’t let them see my pain.
Rain, wind, heat, or snow, high school junior Olivia Bennett is used to running no matter the circumstance. Even when the pain in her knee causes her to slow down, she still competes against herself every cross-country meet. That’s what she trained herself to do.
Until one day, the pain is too unbearable to hide from her coach. Forced to stop running until she’s cleared by a doctor, one visit with her primary care physician quickly turns into multiple visits to the hospital. When a devastating diagnosis is reached, the idea of running again slips from her grasp.
While deciding whether to fight for her past or embrace an uncertain future, Olivia does her best to focus on normal life, hoping she won’t lose more of herself along the way.
Rain, wind, heat, or snow, high school junior Olivia Bennett is used to running no matter the circumstance. Even when the pain in her knee causes her to slow down, she still competes against herself every cross-country meet. That’s what she trained herself to do.
Until one day, the pain is too unbearable to hide from her coach. Forced to stop running until she’s cleared by a doctor, one visit with her primary care physician quickly turns into multiple visits to the hospital. When a devastating diagnosis is reached, the idea of running again slips from her grasp.
While deciding whether to fight for her past or embrace an uncertain future, Olivia does her best to focus on normal life, hoping she won’t lose more of herself along the way.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2022
2 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 29, 2022
All the Way Strong is the first contemporary YA novel I’ve read in years - and it pulled me right back in and showed me everything I loved about the genre.
The author, Celeste Joan Hackman, has done a fabulous job in creating a realistic setting in an American high school, while going deep enough into the traumatic events and their effects to know she’s done her homework. I have not personally been through what Olivia, the main character, goes through, but from an outsider view it seems realistic, heart breaking and well explained.
The characters in the books, Olivia, Finn and Ian in particular, have grown on me and I consider them my friends at this point. They’re relatable, funny but real and complex at the same time. They, like the other character, felt like real people.
This book has made me cry more times than I can count on one hand, and I’m sure it would hold up the second time around, or the third.
Celeste Joan has published a brilliant debut with All the Way Strong, and I can’t wait to see where her next books take her characters.
(I got an early copy to proofread for Celeste)
The author, Celeste Joan Hackman, has done a fabulous job in creating a realistic setting in an American high school, while going deep enough into the traumatic events and their effects to know she’s done her homework. I have not personally been through what Olivia, the main character, goes through, but from an outsider view it seems realistic, heart breaking and well explained.
The characters in the books, Olivia, Finn and Ian in particular, have grown on me and I consider them my friends at this point. They’re relatable, funny but real and complex at the same time. They, like the other character, felt like real people.
This book has made me cry more times than I can count on one hand, and I’m sure it would hold up the second time around, or the third.
Celeste Joan has published a brilliant debut with All the Way Strong, and I can’t wait to see where her next books take her characters.
(I got an early copy to proofread for Celeste)
August 11, 2022
With the author’s whole chest they said “Lurlene McDaniel Wannabe” with all the cringe but none of the talent.
I appreciate the author’s obvious dedication to a book that appears to mean a lot to them, but for the love of God could I get a little diversity in sentence structure? A sprig of descriptive characterization? It felt like one endless stream of internal monologue only to be disrupted by the most unenthusiastic dialogue of the century.
Character development: 2 stars
Plot consistency: 4 stars
Cringe level: 5 stars
Consistency is about the only thing this book has going for it. First books are always hit or miss, so better luck next time.
I appreciate the author’s obvious dedication to a book that appears to mean a lot to them, but for the love of God could I get a little diversity in sentence structure? A sprig of descriptive characterization? It felt like one endless stream of internal monologue only to be disrupted by the most unenthusiastic dialogue of the century.
Character development: 2 stars
Plot consistency: 4 stars
Cringe level: 5 stars
Consistency is about the only thing this book has going for it. First books are always hit or miss, so better luck next time.
July 30, 2022
Incredible debut!
This is a fantastic YA novel that will appeal to readers of all ages. As a runner, I appreciate the details of the races as well as the mindset of runners. This is also a great lesson in overcoming obstacles.
From a technical standpoint, this is a well written story in which all the characters have depth.
This is a fantastic YA novel that will appeal to readers of all ages. As a runner, I appreciate the details of the races as well as the mindset of runners. This is also a great lesson in overcoming obstacles.
From a technical standpoint, this is a well written story in which all the characters have depth.
August 20, 2022
This was a wonderful book! It had my emotions going right at the beginning! I was transported to another world and felt connected to the characters! Can’t wait to see what comes next from this author!
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October 15, 2025A Heartfelt and Inspirational Journey of Resilience
This story completely captured my heart from the very first line. I can’t go back. I can’t change things. I can’t let them see my pain. what an opening! It perfectly sets the tone for Olivia Bennett’s emotional and deeply human journey.
This story completely captured my heart from the very first line. I can’t go back. I can’t change things. I can’t let them see my pain. what an opening! It perfectly sets the tone for Olivia Bennett’s emotional and deeply human journey.
August 13, 2022
Love love love this book.
The attention to detail with the medical condition of the main character and the depth of all the characters make you just want to know more about all of their lives
Can't wait for this author's 2nd book in this universe!
The attention to detail with the medical condition of the main character and the depth of all the characters make you just want to know more about all of their lives
Can't wait for this author's 2nd book in this universe!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews