I'm so happy I finally got my hands on this book! It's been on my library hold list since it came out in July, but with the popularity of the Summer Olympics (#Magnificent7Forever) it was in extra demand and I just got it in December.
You Will Know Me was also on my TBD list from July. I've only read one other Megan Abbott book, The Fever. I was not a fan of that one, so I was worried I'd be let down by YWKM. The plot of The Fever had promise (teenagers falling ill in class and rumors that spiral out of control) but the execution was so so and I did not like the ending.
I'm happy to report that You Will Know Me was great! I gave it a 4 on Goodreads but I would call it a 4.5/5. The story centers on the Knox family and their fight to do whatever they can in order for their daughter to be a champion. Devon Knox is a very talented gymnast who has a chance at becoming one of the most elite gymnasts in the country. She had an accident when she was younger and the family seems to be carrying around a lot of guilt because of it. Devon is determined and focused. She's an introvert known as a an "ice eyes" and the family makes a decision to do whatever it takes for Devon to get to the top, including fundraising for new gym equipment, getting in debt, nearly neglecting their younger child, and more. Devon appears to be on the right track, and then the town is faced with a tragedy that could bring all of her hard work to a screeching halt. The rest of the story details what happened that night, who was involved, and what this might mean for Devon's future.
I really enjoyed it. The story was told from the point of view of Devon's mother, Katie. Katie is strong but single minded. She is a bit of an unreliable narrator and she is oblivious to much of what is happening throughout the story. She begins to pull strings and uncovers more about her daughter and herself, one event by one event. We also hear from Devon herself toward the end of the book, which I loved. It gives the reader the chance to become omnipotent- we end up knowing the entirety of the story, as told from the multiple points of view.
The story offers an interesting peek into the world of competitive gymnastics and sacrifices that come along with being a star.
If you are a fan of Mary Kubica (Pretty Baby, The Good Girl) or Abbott's other works, then you will likely enjoy this book!
4.5/5
