The Easy Part of Impossible audiobook

Coaches have a large influence on athletes who transition through their programs. Hopefully coaches teach life skills in hopes of building positive relationships. Sarah Tomp, has an MFA in writing children’s literature. Having read Sarah’s young adult book, “My Best Everything”, years ago— I knew she was ‘the real deal’...a much respected talented storyteller-author that students, parents, teachers, coaches, could enjoy while contemplating serious issues. In “The Easy Part of Impossible”, ( with its delicious eye-catching book cover: artistic design and title), Sarah Tomp explorersauthoritative issues with careful precision. We are taken into the rigorous world of diving/athletic competition, at the elite level, high school musings, family dynamics, coach/athlete relationships, friendships, disabilities, special needs, abuse.... with a little suspenseful ending choice. ....We’re also introduced to *spelunking*, ( I once ‘almost’ went - then chickened out), and map drawing, (which was interesting)...,And.......a little crush-develops, but not sappy. Just sweet. Great characters - dialogue between them, pacing and unraveling of the story.Things I thought about: The familiarity of my old competitive athletic days in gymnastics- the training, the hours spent on perfection,(the good, the bad, the passion, and the fears).....and the overall cost that competitive sports is to a balanced life. ....I liked this book. ....I liked the characters.....I liked the ‘cool’ topics...Spelunking? Really? Yes!....I liked the youthful memories and compelling thoughts it brought up. ....Great choice pick for families & students to read and discuss together ...Written with much compassion and sensitivity. 4.5 rating!

I enjoyed this book. I shall give a full review at a later date.

Rating: 4.5 StarsRia had dedicated years and countless hours in her quest to be the best diver. After abruptly quitting the sport, she was lost. Renewing her friendship with cartographer pal, Cotton, helped her map her way back to herself and her passion. I cannot hold it in any longer! I absolutely fell in love with this book, and I sort of don't even know where to start explaining why I loved it. So, let's start with Ria. Ria had been through so much, and it pained me to hear about all the things that had happened to her.Here was this girl, with ADHD, who had struggled in school, but had finally found an outlet and a place where she could succeed. At the pool, Ria was a star, but it came at a cost. Her coach was possessive and controlling, and ultimately, physically and emotionally abusive. His behaviors were revealed over the course of the book, and with each flashback and revelation, Ria tried to justify or explain it away. She practically had battered woman syndrome or Stockholm syndrome, and it was heartbreaking. He stole something she loved from her. He took her trust and her passion, and while he was at it, he took her self esteem. Ria was convinced that the only was to escape Benny was to give up diving, which was her oxygen, her lifeblood, but thank goodness Cotton re-entered her life, and helped her see things through a different lens.Dear, sweet Cotton. Just thinking about him brings a smile to my face. His passion for map making and spelunking was contagious, and it was such an interesting part of this story. However, even without those things, he was a wonderful character. He was gentle and kind, and he was able to see the truth in a situation. He also loved fiercely, and was protective of those he cared for. I was so happy Ria had him in her corner, because she really needed someone, who could truly see her, and be there, as she tried to overcome the scars of her past.And did I mention what an adorable little romance Tomp gave us? I was shipping Ria and Cotton from the get, and it was beautiful watching their relationship take shape and grow. These two went back a long way, to the resource room in grade school. Both Ria and Cotton were neurodiverse (ADHD, ASD), and their past was something that bound them together. Their interactions were sweet, awkward, and honest, and they never failed to make me smile.I must confess, there was a small thing that bothered me. I felt like Tomp planted some seeds relating to a subplot, and then just abandoned them. I think I may have been really disappointed, because I wanted them to lead to something. But, alas, they did not.Still, this was wonderful story of a young women finding the strength to confront her abuser, and reclaim what was rightfully her's. Tomp handled the heavier topics with care, and did a phenomenal job balancing out the sad and weightier parts with some really sweet and joyful parts.It wasn't always easy, but in the end, Ria's journey came to a satisfying new beginning.*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS

I ended up really liking this book.I loved the different relationships we got to see that Ria had. I especially loved the relationship between Ria and Cotton.

You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight I have been telling everyone and their mom to read this book. Because it is awesome. It's a bit sweeter and lighter than my usual fare, which I think will appeal to a lot of people (especially at a time like this!) but it also definitely deals with some legitimately difficult issues, so I think it has a fabulous balance. Let's just get right to talking about all the stuff I loved! This is a diving book! And look, I am sure as hell no diver. But I looked at the divers on our team (in high school, swimming and diving competed together, as one team, diving scoring points for the rest of the meet) in actual awe. To me, they were straight up superheroes, getting on that hardass board, running, jumping, flipping. Literally all the things we've been told not to ever do at pools, right? Anyway, it's an impressive sport, and the author really did her homework here. Plus I love when books deal with sports and young women, for a myriad of reasons. In this particular one, Ria needs to figure out who she is without diving- or if perhaps she need to get back to it. Also a plus? Her reasons for quitting make sense. It's far from arbitrary, or because she wasn't devoted. Which brings me to my second point. Ria has an incredibly complicated relationship with her coach. I was worried at how this was going to be presented, but I was actually really pleasantly surprised. Benny, the coach... well, he sucks. This isn't a spoiler, you know he sucks from the beginning. But Ria doesn't know how much Benny sucks. She worships him, thinks his word is gospel. But it isn't, and he doesn't treat her appropriately, and Ria has to navigate this. And I kind of love the message that this book presents in this regard. Because coaching relationships are often quite complicated. I was extremely lucky to have an incredible high school coach, but my college coach was messy as hell, and I had no idea how to navigate it. So when I say this is an important subject to discuss with young women, it really, really is. Ria is a fabulous character who grows and learns so much about herself. Talk about a journey of discovery! Ria is so, so lost when the book starts. She has a boyfriend who's fine, but clearly not the love of her life. Friends that she's been keeping her distance from. Parents she hasn't been open with. A coach who is controlling her even while she's not on the team. And as the book goes on, Ria must confront all of these issues head on, or risk leaving her life a confusing status quo. Enter Cotton and caving. Ria meets up with an old acquaintance (nicknamed Cotton), and he introduces her to caving. And all kinds of other messy feelings. But stepping outside of her comfort zone, meeting new challenges head on, these are all so important for Ria to grow. And also, Cotton is a wonderful character who I would basically die for. The book is just straight up full of heart. You can tell that the author poured her soul into this one, because it just radiates off the page. From the start, I fell in love with Ria's struggles, her family, her friends, her teammates. Ria was relatable, and so was her life. Everyone can sympathize with trying to figure out who you are, who and what you want to be, and we've all had to make decisions that will inevitably change the trajectory of our lives. And that's all stuff Ria deals with here, in a really special way. Bottom Line:  Absolutely one of the best contemporaries I have read. I could relate so much to Ria and her decisions, and fell in love with her and her story.

This book absolutely nails what it is to feel bereft. Grappling with the depths of an emotion like that might seem like it would make for a slow story, but the pacing moves along at a good clip and the reveals are spaced just right to make this a highly engaging read. The pros and cons of the main character’s dilemma grow more intense as the story goes on, revealing ever-deeper aspects of who she is. I would’ve loved the hell out of her no matter which choice she made, but the one she ultimately decides on sealed the deal. A new YA fave.

I received an eGalley via EdelweissI really enjoyed this book. There was this underlying sense of dread as the story progressed because you know that the protagonist is struggling with a harmful relationship. As the people around her who should notice her struggle continue to not notice, you quickly realize that it is in the new connections that the protagonist makes where she might finally find some peace/comfort. The writing really shows the level of disorientation felt throughout the story, and the unreliable narration makes you start to question the protagonist’s troubling POV regarding her toxic relationship with her coach. I do recommend this book, just keep in mind that there is a Trigger Warning: For physical, emotional, and psychological abuse. Happy reading!

This was a captivating novel about a young athlete who had big dreams. Even if that meant taking abuse both mentally and physically from her prestigious coach. I think this novel handled a prevelent and heart breaking topic with class and understanding for the victim. I loved the charature development ,as well as the relationship between the main character and her love interest who is on the austism spectrum. Overall, a relevant and well thought out novel. Would recommend!

An extraordinary and timely story about a girl who is lost, and a boy on the autism spectrum who is a brilliant creator of maps. Together, the pair navigate the heart wrenching twists life throws us—from loss (on multiple levels), to toxic, abusive relationships. Oh, and did I mention the spelunking?! Truly, it’s a rare book that is thought-provoking, gorgeously atmospheric, and so real in its authenticity. I treasured every word, paragraph, and page! Once again, Tomp has succeeded in writing something wholly original, with characters (hello, Ria and Cotton!) that I continue to carry in my heart weeks after reading. The only impossibility for me? NOT falling in love with this book!!! 10s across the board!

This was a beautiful, beautiful book that managed to get me out of my slump and I love it so much. Ria was so relatable and Cotton is just so adorkable I can't even stand it. Highly recommended.

The ending was a bit rushed to me, but the complicated relationship between diver and coach made for an interesting dynamic.

I definitely enjoyed this book. There seemed to be no concrete answers to issues the characters were dealing with but that was okay because I thought the characters had depth and the author created a world I could fall into. This book does have a possible trigger warning for child abuse. It wasn’t overly prominent in the story but it is part of the plot.

As a swimmer who’s experienced similar things as Ria, this book is like a different perspective. Not only in the sport, but also as different people. This book speaks out to me in the same regard. Throughout my life, I’ve had coaches who pushed me to become a better swimmer and to get stronger and smarter in the pool. Coach Benny reminds me of a previous coach I had who had a very similar personality to him. She was determined to whip us all into shape, and punished any who spoke against her. I saw her as a role model but I remember the days where I would come home sore and tired beyond belief. She is no longer my main coach, and since quit the club swim team she coached in. Coach Benny reminds me of her and I feel connected to this book more than most books, since I can relate to the story as well as the relationship between a coach and an athlete.

these are some of my thoughts literally two seconds after finishing this book. there are spoilers, so beware. i'm going to come back later when it's not 2:30 and shape it into something like a coherent review. but for now, enjoy whatever this is:ok, i didn't even know about this book when i woke up this morning (or should i say yesterday morning now) and lo and behold, look who's considering giving it five stars?i mean what even is this book, and how does it have the audacity to destroy me so completely in such an unexpected way??like, i literally just finished the book two seconds ago so I probably shouldn't be writing this when my thoughts are still all a jumble, but it's two in the morning so I can't scream out all of the emotion this book managed to bottle up inside me, so this will have to be a good alternative. The thing that struck me about this book the hardest is just how... complacent Ria had become to how her coach was treating her. It was so heartbreaking to read these "reveals" in passing about the things that he did to her, and I remember one time in particular that in her inner monologue she just casually recalls when he held her under the showerhead in the locker room and like this book, it just caught me in such an unexpected way that I had to put the book down for a second and remember how to breath. I don't quite know the third person to first person ratio that I read (second person isn't even part of the equation) but I'd venture to say that I read a lot more first person, because I think it helps the reader form a more personal and intimate connection to the character. I find this especially helps me when I'm reading about a character I can't really relate to. But here, everything is the exact opposite. Writing in the third person perspective worked to this book's every advantage. Not only was it an effective way of keeping things from the reader, it showed you just how far Ria had emotionally/mentally distanced herself from everything that was going on in her life. It started because of the abuse but we can see here that it bleeds into every aspect of her life. There is such a deep hurting inside her, such a wealth of emotions that she can't do anything about, that she decides to shut it out, shut it all out. One scene I found particularly powerful was the date scene at the restaurant- it was written, again, like nothing I've ever read before. Just by how it was written it was clear that Ria was going through the motions on what was supposed to be a special night. And when she breaks up with him at the end of the night, no one is surprised- not THTH, not the reader, not even Ria herself, who didn't know she was going to break up with him until that very moment. The relationship between Ria and Cotton was also odd in its own way but sort of endearing. Partly because of the third person perspective but also just because of the nature of their relationship, it wasn't really the intensely passionate type of thing I've come to expect from YA, and I liked this departure from the norm. In my opinion, it wouldn't make sense for it to be that way, so I liked how well the author knew her characters. It was a sweet sort of thing, and I wouldn't even be entirely disappointed if they just ended up really good friends in the end, but I wasn't mad at their romantic relationship either. I liked that most of the side characters, while still being secondary, felt really fleshed out and like their own person, even if none of them really had any significant plot of their own. Characters like Leo or Flutie were a little weaker than what I would have liked, but I loved the dynamics going on with Maggie both in with their friendship, their diving, and relationship drama. (Can you even call it drama when she didn't feel anything for him in the first place?) I did think she as an individual character had sort of an unsatisfying ending, but I suppose it's a reflection of real life that not everything can be wrapped up in a neat bow. I also feel like there could have been a lot more done with the parents. In the end, though Ria at some points felt frustrated that they didn't understand her, the parents had no significant bearing on the overall story. I think it would have been interesting to explore what level of blame her mom and dad hold for Ria's abuse. Was disregarding her bruises innocent ignorance, or something more like willful complicity? Ria said herself that they went from the parents of someone barely staying afloat in school to the parents of an award winning diver. I'm not saying that's what happened, but it could have. It would have made the parents more like real characters than things that were paraded in to scenes once and a while to show that they were still there. The author could have even made one of the parents know about it while the other didn't. I don't know, it doesn't really matter in the end, just things to consider. I REALLLLY want to reread this on audiobook I think it would be really good that way but none of my library apps have it. *cries* i mean it is a (fairly) new release so I hope they get the audiobook soon. Soemthing the author did really well was manage to balance the light part and the dark parts. Inherently, this book is something that about dark thing: abuse, complicity, feeling adrift, and even unexpectedly dark things like Esther's abduction or Ria's friendships falling from right under her. But there are also moments of pure joy like forming new friendships or the budding, sometimes clumsily awkward yet still light romance she has with Cotton. Overall, this book did not end cleanly or all wrapped up in a pretty little package. It was not an ending at all; rather, it was a new beginning.

Wow okay I have a lot to say!!This book deals with physical abuse in a sporting context. It also deals with a missing child storyline, and references to abduction.I reaaally loved this book! I think the only thing holding me off from giving five stars is that I am not autistic, and so far I can't see any own voices autistic reviews, so I would feel uneasy to fully rave about it without knowing whether own voices reviewers feel the representation and portrayal was good.That being said, I really loved it. It's dark- really dark, both in the obvious (the main plotline is about a girl with an abusive diving coach!), and in ways I didn't expect (the Esther storyline). Equally, it manages to be interesting and endearing and lovely, balancing the darker bits incredibly well. I didn't expect the subplot about the missing sister, but it was done very well, and I particularly liked the resolution of it - (view spoiler)[ because bringing her home, or at least having some closure around that, was the expected outcome, but it would have been too good. This wasn't a book about life working out, it was a book about life as it is (hide spoiler)].Obviously, the main thing to review is Coach Benny, and the abusive relationship with Ria. It is so important to talk about and represent abusive relationships that take forms other than romantic relationships, familial and friendships, and this book could be instrumental in starting up those conversations. Ria was in a lot of denial over what was going on, but I really liked the way that was explored, and I think is really important for adding to conversations of #WhyIStayed and similar. As well, I think it shows how easily abusive relationships can (and do) exist in the sports world, where the dynamics of power, control and punishment are so prevalent. It showed how, despite the team nature, the abusive relationship was easily able to take hold, and the way the rest of the team were jealous of something they didn't know was so dark. Similarly, the way that neurodiverse people can be at particular risk of being victims of abuse, shown in the way Ria's ADD was often weaponised by Benny. Obviously the main premise of the book is that Ria has, in a way, become freed from the abuse- but it explores so well how this is not the case, and how easily and quickly she is drawn back into it.I really liked Ria as a character- she felt flawed, but like she wanted to do better. I am Schrodinger's reviewer when it comes to ADHD/ADD own voices (am I?? am I not?? who knows!) so I feel unable to fully comment on it, but from my own position I reaaally liked how Ria explored, identified and coped with her ADD. As an ex-athlete who had to give up their sport due to injury, I really resonated with Ria trying to distance herself from diving, and all the complex emotions connected to this.Cotton was also a fantastic character (again, not speaking from an Own Voices perspective), and I adored seeing the friendship between him and Ria grow. I also loved (view spoiler)[ the relationship (hide spoiler)] - something often lacking in storylines with autistic characters. I do agree with other reviews, though, that it would have been nice for Cotton to be named as autistic, as not naming that can sometimes feel a little like skirting around it. I am more ambivalent over the friendship with Leo (I think was his name?)- I think this was a friendship rather than a social skills coach or anything, but his attitude towards Cotton sometimes felt a little off?One of the things this book absolutely excels in, and something particularly unique about it, is the idea of consent being about far more than sex or intimacy- it's applicable to haircuts, and to conversations, and to a lot more besides. That was so well done!A little similar to books like Tiny Pretty Things, this novel showed the particular intricacies of friendship in high-level sporting, especially with Ria's reluctance to tell the best friend (I've forgotten her name!) her good news. I think this could have been explored some more though.The caving scenes I think worked really well as a juxtaposition to the diving- it was something completely new for Ria, the polar opposite of diving, and I enjoyed seeing her getting to grips with it, and the ways she got a lot from it. The caves were also very atmospheric, and made me want to go caving! I'm not a particularly visual thinker, so the descriptions of the maps and where they were etc was kind of lost on me though as I couldn't quite get my head around it.I do think the penultimate ending- that Lifetime Movie Scene- was a little overdone, and felt a little out of place, maybe particularly with the contrast of the resolution of the Esther storyline. There were some parts about it I really liked though. Aaaand- I think the ending itself was perfect!Overall- an important read, an important addition to YA. This book will stay with me for a long time.

Have you ever done something for your whole life, just to have it taken away? In the book, The Easy Part of Impossible by Sarah Tomp, the main character Ria, has done diving her whole life and doesn’t know anything else. She spends all her time in the pool and at meets, she’s even on track for the Olympics. Suddenly, she messes up at the most important diving competition of her life, and she leaves the team. Her coach, Benny, completely shuts her out and refuses to talk to her. Now she has so much other time to use, and she has no idea what to do with it. She then runs into an old childhood friend, Cotton, and a new friendship starts to blossom. I would like to recommend this book because it shows the many emotions that teenagers experience along with the confusion they may encounter. It also shows relatable characters and a strong theme that can last a lifetime.The emotions that the characters go through in this book are really representative of real life. When Ria is looking back on her younger years, she thinks, “She’d been so sure of herself back then, so confident. She missed knowing that the thing she loved most could sour and stain.” Once she messed up at the meet, she felt like diving was turning into a bad experience, and how it was so much better when she was younger. It was staining her life, so to say. After Ria finds out that she has an amazing opportunity, she feels happy and sad at the same time. She wants to go back, but she’s also not sure it’s a good thing. She questions Coach Benny and why he’s suddenly giving her an opportunity to dive with him again. She also is conflicted, realizing she’ll have to leave her whole life behind, along with Cotton, who she’s grown really close to. This mix of confused feelings leads to a believable story and relatable characters.This book had many characters, and lot’s of them were very relatable to the readers that read the book. Cotton, an unlikely love interest and friend for Ria, is extremely nervous at times and has trouble understanding emotions and such. Even with this, he has good friends and cares for Ria deeply. This character can create some relatability for people like him that are reading the book. This helps make the reader connect more with the characters and make the book more enjoyable. It could show them that even though they may be a little “weird” in their schoolmates' eyes, they are still important and no lesser than them. Another character, Ria, is one that I personally resonate with. She has done diving her whole life and basically sacrificed everything for it. This struck a chord with me because I have danced my entire life and even didn’t try out for things because I couldn’t fit them into my schedule. Dance has taken up so much time in my life, I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if I ended up in a situation like Ria, where she has so much free time that used to be taken up by diving. Adding on to these relatable characters, this book also shows a strong theme.One of the main reasons I like this book is because it has such a great theme. In the beginning of The Easy Part of Impossible, Ria basically idolized Coach Benny. She would talk about how he pushed her and made her better, even though there were some very obvious red flags being shown. Coach Benny seemed like such a good coach in the beginning of the book and he really seemed like he wanted Ria to get better. As the book goes on, Ria starts to realize his controlling attributes and brings these to light. She stands up to him and speaks her mind. This shows a theme of standing up for yourself and not going along with bad treatment. Ria makes the right decision of doing what’s right for her, not what helps Coach Benny. Ergo, the theme of standing up for yourself and what's right is shown through Ria’s character development.The many reasons why I like this book is because of the relatable characters, relatable feelings, and strong theme. I would recommend this book to someone looking for an interesting story, with many important players that resonate with many people. It really shows how confusing a teenagers life can be, with sports, dating, and friendships. I personally feel that The Easy Part of Impossible does a good job showing all that while keeping a good theme at the end. I know I probably wouldn’t end up in Ria’s situation, but if I did, I’m not sure how I would handle it. It’s very difficult to have to make such a life-altering decision while there are so many other events happening in your life. People will always try and tell you what to do, but you have to do what’s right for you, not someone else.