Strap Bar: A Novel by Christi Thomas-McEachern

“I am enchanted by the book. Bravo!!!” L.A./Seoul Olympic high bar champion Philippe Chartrand

 “It is very entertaining…a great read.” Nalani Cook: national gymnastics coach and judge for elite-level men’s gymnastics

"The book captures the essence of emotions as well as the thought processes of this age group!" Principal Mrs. Catherine Thompson, St. Francis De Sales, Las Vegas

Strap Bar is an entertaining novel about the hopes, dreams and frustrations of young sports champions aiming for the top. It has been described as a ‘must-read’ for young athletes, parents, and coaches. It tells the story of Bryce, the gymnast, dedicated to his sport and supported by his family. He wins when he competes so his coaches use him as a model for the perfect athlete. But when injuries and poor scores accumulate, he has an epiphany regarding his coach, and chooses to relocate to a new gym—but the coach is a woman! There is so much to gamble, and just days before Nationals. Will talent, coaching, and training prove secondary to his attitude? Will they be enough to win? And if not, will the sport be enough without the medals? Strap Bar will strike a chord with many students and their parents experiencing the joys, sacrifices, dedication, pride, injuries, and struggles of an aspiring champion trying to balance school, friends, family, and everyday life.
The story is based on the real-life experiences of the author’s gymnast son, and is illustrated with photographs taken of Bryce in action at meets, with detailed descriptions of his moves.