Review by Booklist Review
Ukrainian-born Masters suffered numerous birth defects due to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant disaster, and as a baby, she was given up to an orphanage where she experienced mental, physical, and sexual abuse. At age seven, her life was saved (literally) when American Gay Masters, a single parent and college professor, adopted her. In this profoundly personal and well-paced memoir, the 17x Paralympic Medalist (rowing, cross-country skiing, cycling, biathlon) shares her life story, from surviving horrific conditions to becoming the most decorated U.S. Winter Paralympian. Thanks to the devoted guidance of her adopted mother, Oksana begins her healing process, which includes the amputation of both legs. Enrolled in an adaptive sports program at age 13, she becomes empowered, channeling her anger and frustration toward something positive. Masters, an ESPY nominee for Best Athlete/Women's Sports, shows that she is more than an inspirational figure; she's also an accomplished athlete. A powerful story of self-discovery and perseverance, as well as a moving tribute to the power of a mother's love. Change does not happen quickly, Masters reminds us, but it "starts with one tiny pebble" or each stroke of an oar.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
The story of the United States' most decorated Winter Paralympian is a powerful one. Masters vividly describes how she moved from orphanage to orphanage in the Ukraine, endured a series of surgeries on her hands and an amputation of her legs, experienced setbacks and severe depression, and became a Paralympic champion. Since her birth mother experienced radiation poisoning effects of Chernobyl, Masters was born with one kidney, a partial stomach, six toes on each foot, webbed fingers, no right bicep, and no thumbs. Her left leg was six inches shorter than her right, and she was missing both tibias. Masters's life dramatically changed at age seven when she was adopted by Gay Masters, a single professor who brought the young Oksana to the United States. Oksana became interested in sports and eventually won elite rowing, biathlon, cross country skiing, and road cycling competitions. In her career, she's won 17 Paralympic medals. VERDICT This book is not only for sports fans but also for the multitude of readers who will likely want to learn more about this remarkable and courageous woman, who achieved her dream despite challenges. Highly recommended.--Lucy Heckman
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A Paralympics champion shares her journey from tragedy to greatness. Masters was born in 1989 in Ukraine with a host of birth defects caused by her mother's radiation exposure following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. "My legs don't stand straight because I'm missing the weight-bearing bones below my knees, which makes walking awkward and slow on the bones I do have in there," writes the author. "I was also born missing the enamel on my teeth, part of my stomach, my right biceps, and one kidney. The other kidney sits in the wrong spot in my body." Relinquished to the government by her birthparents, she was further scarred by her experiences in abusive orphanages. At age 7, she was adopted by Gay Masters, an unmarried American speech pathologist. After relocating to the U.S., she began a series of grueling surgeries, including hand procedures and the removal of both legs above the knee. Despite difficulties assimilating to American culture, her unquenchable athletic spirit blazed on as she began adaptive rowing at age 13. The sport proved to be a "lighthouse through the violent storms, signaling the way to survival." She worked her way into competitions in pararowing, cycling, cross-country skiing, and biathlon, and she represented the U.S. in the Paralympic Games, winning a groundbreaking succession of awards and endorsements. She has won 17 Paralympic medals, the most of any athlete in the Winter Games, and she also posed nude in ESPN's 2012 Body Issue. While the story of her lifesaving adoption is heartfelt and touching, the author's journey to unprecedented athletic success is the thrilling heart of the memoir. Narrated in amiable yet urgent prose, the text fully depicts her earnest struggle for identity and fight to overcome abandonment issues. Her confident story about overcoming odds also serves as a powerful teaching tool for younger readers facing similar circumstances. An inspirational, empowering chronicle of athletic strength and personal resiliency. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
