Secrets of Skating

Rating:
Summary: Oksana - professional but not personal
Review: I do not like biographies, yet this book was able to keep my attention. Oksana discusses her life as it relates to various parts of ice skating. The only drawback is that you do not learn about the everyday Oksana. You do not learn about any of her other interests (sports done in her training routine do not necessarily count as "fun, relaxing hobbies"), her favorite foods, favorite types of music, or her feelings about having a family or dating.
I love the numerous ways that she compares and contrasts ballet and ice skating without making either activity seem inferior or superior to the other.
She appears to be an emotional person and the writing style is just as emotional - written in typeset, cursive, straight lines, circles, and various colors. The photographs are taken from very interesting perspectives, and do make sure that you see the photo of the man doing a headstand without the use of his hands! She did a very interesting job of combining a book about the factual aspects of figure skating with the story of her life - she even explains how to do basic jumps and spins. Many ice skating books explain figure skating for beginners, but this book is a great starter for those considering a professional career on the ice.

Rating:
Summary: A Must for the skater!!!
Review: I loved the pictures. I loved the explanations on how to do jumps & spins. But being an adult figure skater, it's hard to find books on skating at an adult level that are interesting. I thought it was okay but it read more for someone younger.

Rating:
Summary: Truly a portrait of Oksana
Review: I sprinted to the bookstore the day this book was released and snatched up the last copy. And, by and large, I wasn't at all disappointed. It's beautifully done, with style and originality. Tons of great pictures of Oksana, and she writes in a pleasant, simple manner. But I get the feeling that she just wasn't ready to truly share herself at the time, which makes sense, considering when she wrote it. The only other problem is that in light of the changes in her life since this book was done, it seems to focus on a very short period of time in Oksana's life. Nonetheless, Oksana is a remarkable, beautiful, incredibly talented young woman, and I wish her all the best in the world. I have a feeling that if things continue as they are now, the next book she does, if she does one, will be a lot more intimate.

Rating:
Summary: A Must for the skater!!!
Review: This book is fulled with beautiful photos and tips

Rating:
Summary: Entertaining read and a treat for skating fans
Review: Who can fail but sympathize with Ms. Baiul, an anomaly in this glittering sport of young women who usually have it all - looks, money, and loving families. That Oksana managed to achieve greatness with none of the above says it all about her talent. Oksana's fans won't be disappointed.