Tom’s book was good. It was not the read of the century, but it outlined his ascent from a highly-touted up-and-comer to Olympic medalist, and contending with the publicity that goes along with it, especially related to his father’s death at 40, and his marriage/child. I noted that he kept referring to events in, say, 2013 as “way back then,” as if it were ancient history. It’s astonishing how time passes.

There are two things I found disappointing. First, that the book was obviously ghostwritten. This was alluded to in the acknowledgements, but it was plainly obvious regardless – the cadence and diction just didn’t sound like Tom; it was much too formal and detached. The second is that it was more carefully curated than an instragram feed: some significant (if embarrassing) events in his life, he outright ignored. I don’t expect anyone to be perfect, but it’s nice to see how even someone who appears perfect can have and overcome those imperfections.

Intentionally or not – and I’m guessing not, since he didn’t even get a mention – I was reminded of Adam Rippon’s book, Beautiful on the Outside (2019). Tom and Adam have any number of similar and different qualities as individuals, but both went to the Olympics as highly-touted competitors in their respective sports; to which end, both discuss at length the mental toll of physical injuries and consequently falling out of peak form; the hollow “what do I do now” feeling that follows triumph; the struggles of body dysmorphia, which can affect even championship-caliber athletes. ( )