The Bottom Line
Pros
- Fun and easy to read.
- The book teaches that there is more to life than figure skating.
- Boys may enjoy reading the book since Kristen's twin brother also is a figure skater.
Cons
- Since the book is published in 1998, it is slightly out of date.
Description
- Published in 1998
- A Surprise Finish is the fourth book in the Winning Edge Series.
- Written by Lynn Kirby whose daughter was a competive figure skater. Kirby also was a figure skater.
- Published by Thomas Nelson Publishers
- 128 pages
- Paperback
- The book is geared for readers from the ages of nine to twelve years old, but is about a young teen.
- At the beginning of the book, there is a figure skating glossary.
Guide Review - A Surprise Finish - A Christian Figure Skating Novel by Lynn Kirby
A Surprise Finish is book four of the Winning Edge Series by Lynn Kirby. Kirby was a figure skater and was the mother of a competitive figure skater. She puts her knowledge of the sport together in a fun and easy to read novel. Since this book is published by a Christian publisher, it may be partially fictional as the author may have had to make some similar decisions about her own skating and she may have found her answers by taking them to God in prayer.
At the beginning of the book, there is a very good figure skating glossary. From that glossary, a reader who knows little about figure skating can come quite familiar with the sport.
The story's plot is simple: Kristen Grant comes from a loving and strong Christian family. She also wants to be a champion figure skater. After years of hard work, she can possibly win at regionals. After the family returns from a short-term mission trip, Mr. Grant asks the family to consider moving overseas to become full-time missionaries. Kristen wants to obey God, but is not sure she wants to give up skating.
Kristen's life is very much like the life of any serious figure skater. She spends hours at the rink every day. Her friends are also her competitors. She goes to a public school, but at one time she was homeschooled. Her coach is strict. Her life is busy.
What makes this book different than other figure skating fiction is that Kristen's family's priorities don't center completely around figure skating, but around their family life and their involvement in church. Even though this book is Christian fiction, it will remind readers of all ages and faiths that there are more important things in life than figure skating. It is also fun to read and will give non-skaters a glimpse into the world of competitive figure skating.
