"A cautionary tale for children, parents and gymnastics coaches alike…that will scare the hell out of many an aspiring gymnast…It's what goes on outside of the spotlight and inside her head that makes the book so crucial for stage mothers, malleable preteens and obsessive teenagers. It's admirable to aspire to become a champion gymnast, but Sey's depiction of her roller-coaster adolescence makes the point that it's far more important to have a happy, healthy and sane childhood."

"This is a cautionary tale if there ever was one. Written by Sey, the 1986 U.S. National Gymnastics Champion, it is not a journalistic survey of the sport but rather Sey's personal story…[she] writes with vivid, clear-eyed candor; she doesn't blame others, instead feeling that all the pressure came from within. She clearly explains the politics of judging, how anorexic urgings develop, and the athlete's mindset on both "good" and "bad" days. To this day, this former athlete, now a highly successful businesswoman, is haunted by feelings of failure. Young athletes and their parents would appreciate Sey's book; recommended for all public libraries."

"Sey writes of her career in internationally competitive gymnastics, which culminated when she won the 1986 U.S. national championship at age 17…she has written a courageous story befitting a comeback kid-a timely release for the 2008 Olympics."

"Sey turns the sports memoir on its head by delving into the dark places with this gritty, uncompromising look at winning at all costs. With glittering spare prose, Sey tells the heartbreaking story of her childhood with an unflinching eye, and ultimately creates a portrait of true strength and grace. Brave, riveting, beautiful."

"CHALKED UP pulls no punches…In 1995 the secret world of elite gymnastics was exposed by Little Girls in Pretty Boxes…its alarming message was tempered by the fact it was written by someone who was never a gymnast. This spring CHALKED UP will hit the bookstores. And lest you believe its nothing but a rehash of Ryan's book, one glaring difference can not be dismissed: It is written by a top gymnast from personal experience…Sey's writing is brilliant at times, offering perceptive psychoanalysis of everyone in her isolated world: parents, brother, teammates, coaches, and even judges…Through all the personal issues Sey discloses, she does not come across as whiny…the revealing Chalked Up is proof that she still has alot of guts."

"As a gymnast who loves her sport, and now as a parent, I am grateful to Jennifer Sey for sharing such an honest account of her experiences as an elite gymnast. She has eloquently and fairly exposed a dark side to our sport that parents have long needed to be made aware of. It was often with a heavy heart that I read Sey's descriptions of the worst side effects of elite competition among women so young. On the other hand, it was refreshing to see just how well she has survived her trials and tribulations-enabling her to blossom into a strong and successful businesswoman. Sey may have had a tumultuous journey in gymnastics, but her strength to tell her story with such accurate detail is inspiring and ultimately uplifting. I hope this excellent book encourages others to open up and share their stories as well."

"A remarkably candid, unblinking portrait at what it truly takes to become a champion. With the bold, brutal, elegant precision her sport once demanded of her, Sey takes you into the world of elite athletics, where everything-family, ego, a normal life-must be sacrificed for the sake of excellence. A gripping tale that may forever alter the way you watch sports."

"Sey's experience as an elite gymnast should serve as a cautionary tale to not just athletes, parents, coaches, and judges but to fans of gymnastics as well. In a sport where body image and outer strength exemplify perfection, Sey exposes the truth beneath the muscles and leotards, revealing the price young athletes pay to reach such elusive standards. The author's prose is much like the sport of gymnastics itself-intense, gripping, and powerful."