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Welcome to My World
In a memoir as candid and unconventional as Johnny Weir himself, the three-time U.S. National Champion figure skater who electrified the 2010 Winter Olympics shares his glamorous, gritty, heartbreaking, hopeful, and just plain fabulous life story. How does a boy from rural Pennsylvania become an all-American original style icon on the ice and off, adored by fans around the world, and hailed as “The Lady Gaga of skating” (Salon.com)? The answers are here, in his invigorating and thoroughly entertaining chronicle of the emergence of his natural talents for skating and horseback riding; the physically and emotionally grinding path to becoming a champion; a family who sacrificed everything to support his passions; an ability to rise again after the most devastating defeats and never look back; an appreciation of style (from his mom) and self-discipline (that would be from his dad); and a fearless confidence to say whatever’s on his mind.
Because when you’re Johnny Weir, you don’t worry about what other people think. You let everyone else worry about that for you.
Welcome to his world.
Because when you’re Johnny Weir, you don’t worry about what other people think. You let everyone else worry about that for you.
Welcome to his world.
266 pages, Hardcover
First published January 11, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
December 21, 2013
I think my reaction to this book can be summed us as follows:
1. Oh, Johnny. (In all iterations of possible tone.)
2. They really treated him pretty shabbily at the Vancouver Olympics and I'm not talking about the scores. The insult of introducing a three time US Champion and bronze World medalist with "Johnny speaks French and Russian and likes fashion" is kind of stunningly dickish all these years later.
All in all, the book says pretty much what I expected it to say and would, perhaps, have predicted it to say. I recommend it for people who are ready and willing to have mixed feelings about the preciousness of Johnny Weir and who will choose to love him and be a fan anyway.
1. Oh, Johnny. (In all iterations of possible tone.)
2. They really treated him pretty shabbily at the Vancouver Olympics and I'm not talking about the scores. The insult of introducing a three time US Champion and bronze World medalist with "Johnny speaks French and Russian and likes fashion" is kind of stunningly dickish all these years later.
All in all, the book says pretty much what I expected it to say and would, perhaps, have predicted it to say. I recommend it for people who are ready and willing to have mixed feelings about the preciousness of Johnny Weir and who will choose to love him and be a fan anyway.
February 1, 2011
At first, when I added this to my Goodreads list, I thought to myself, "Well, of course I'm giving it a five. It's Johnny.". And then now, after just finishing it, I realize that it actually deserves the five I'm giving it.
First of all, no shockers here, I absolutely love Johnny Weir. I love him as a person, I love his skating, I love his attitude and views on countless topics that mirrored my own, but I was too afraid to speak up about. So of course, I had to order this book. (Well, technically, my mother ordered it for my birthday. And a first-edition autographed copy too! Overwhelming.)
I started reading it one night after the long wait for it to arrive and had to put it down a couple times and think before I could continue. This wasn't the fantasy-driven novels that I usually enjoy to read - this is John Garvin Weir's actual life. I think coming into the book realizing this brought out my vicarious side and is what made me spend 95% of the time reading in tears.
Johnny said that he would give the dirty details of everything - from his skating career, to the USFSA's mistreatment, to his love life (although referring to his LDR with a shitty alias. I won't drop it here, but I am disappointed that "Alex" vied for a pseudonym when he has nothing to lose by being open about it.) And he did give this details, and so much of them that I felt it. I have never been nor ever will be an Olympic athlete, but I've still found myself able to relate to Johnny so much, especially now while reading about the things that he's gone through and feel the emotions that he described. It gave me similar spurts of emotion that even surprised myself. Leaning the truth about 2003 Nationals? I wanted to smack him. There were countless moments that I just had to stop reading because I felt stupid for crying so much. I knew I was going to be emotional through some bits, but I surely wasn't expecting that. It got to the point where I couldn't read it at school anymore because I almost starting crying in the middle of French (my French teacher probably would have understood though; he harbors a similar interest in Johnny Weir as mine).
While fun as hell to read, Welcome to my World had a deeper meaning to me than pure entertainment value. As I said before, Johnny has been someone I can look up to for guidance in my own life. I wish I could print paragraph-upon-paragraph from the book and carry them around with me when I'm having a weak moment. The message that he's trying to display along with his own story is clear - be yourself, love yourself, and don't let anyone tell you how to be. One of the final pages of the book, where he says that the only community he has ever wanted to represent are those who aren't "normal" by society's standards - be it their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, quirky habits, family background, ANYTHING - was the most inspiring thing I can honestly say I have ever read. Hearing such support from someone I idolize telling me and countless others that we aren't alone in being weird and that we're loved for it, that our quirks are what make us, meant so much more to me than when any therapist, family member, or close friend had told me the same thing. (Sorry, guys.)
He may not be a PR magnet - saying exactly what he feels rather than what others want to hear. He may not be the pinnacle of masculinity most male athletes are (And if one more person asks me who the chick on the cover is, I'm going to scream). Hell, he may not be an Olympic Gold Medalist. But this fur-wearing, neat freak, gender-bending diva on ice is who I idolize for being the one person to get me to live my own life and love myself for every bit of it when no one else could.
First of all, no shockers here, I absolutely love Johnny Weir. I love him as a person, I love his skating, I love his attitude and views on countless topics that mirrored my own, but I was too afraid to speak up about. So of course, I had to order this book. (Well, technically, my mother ordered it for my birthday. And a first-edition autographed copy too! Overwhelming.)
I started reading it one night after the long wait for it to arrive and had to put it down a couple times and think before I could continue. This wasn't the fantasy-driven novels that I usually enjoy to read - this is John Garvin Weir's actual life. I think coming into the book realizing this brought out my vicarious side and is what made me spend 95% of the time reading in tears.
Johnny said that he would give the dirty details of everything - from his skating career, to the USFSA's mistreatment, to his love life (although referring to his LDR with a shitty alias. I won't drop it here, but I am disappointed that "Alex" vied for a pseudonym when he has nothing to lose by being open about it.) And he did give this details, and so much of them that I felt it. I have never been nor ever will be an Olympic athlete, but I've still found myself able to relate to Johnny so much, especially now while reading about the things that he's gone through and feel the emotions that he described. It gave me similar spurts of emotion that even surprised myself. Leaning the truth about 2003 Nationals? I wanted to smack him. There were countless moments that I just had to stop reading because I felt stupid for crying so much. I knew I was going to be emotional through some bits, but I surely wasn't expecting that. It got to the point where I couldn't read it at school anymore because I almost starting crying in the middle of French (my French teacher probably would have understood though; he harbors a similar interest in Johnny Weir as mine).
While fun as hell to read, Welcome to my World had a deeper meaning to me than pure entertainment value. As I said before, Johnny has been someone I can look up to for guidance in my own life. I wish I could print paragraph-upon-paragraph from the book and carry them around with me when I'm having a weak moment. The message that he's trying to display along with his own story is clear - be yourself, love yourself, and don't let anyone tell you how to be. One of the final pages of the book, where he says that the only community he has ever wanted to represent are those who aren't "normal" by society's standards - be it their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, quirky habits, family background, ANYTHING - was the most inspiring thing I can honestly say I have ever read. Hearing such support from someone I idolize telling me and countless others that we aren't alone in being weird and that we're loved for it, that our quirks are what make us, meant so much more to me than when any therapist, family member, or close friend had told me the same thing. (Sorry, guys.)
He may not be a PR magnet - saying exactly what he feels rather than what others want to hear. He may not be the pinnacle of masculinity most male athletes are (And if one more person asks me who the chick on the cover is, I'm going to scream). Hell, he may not be an Olympic Gold Medalist. But this fur-wearing, neat freak, gender-bending diva on ice is who I idolize for being the one person to get me to live my own life and love myself for every bit of it when no one else could.
July 19, 2011
There’s a lot of myth that surrounds Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir; myth created from fanciful assumptions and media speculation. Johnny makes a drug analogy in a press conference – ohmygod, he’s a drug addict! Johnny poses half-naked in a pair of stilettos for a photo shoot – ohmygod, his life is all hedonism and debauchery! Johnny makes some snide comments about rival Evan Lysacek – ohmygod, he’s a diva bitch from hell!
This is very much a ‘setting the record straight’ memoir. The reality, of course, is that Johnny’s a self-confessed shy country boy, who, as a matter of fact, has spent the majority of the last thirteen years training training training. Because you don’t get to be a three-time (*cough* four-time */cough*) national champion by partying every night. In Welcome to My World, he also reveals that he’s a big romantic who didn’t lose his virginity until he was established in a relationship with his first boyfriend, Schrew Schmeekins.
Johnny provides a thoughtful, concise overview of his life to date. Most of the content will be familiar to any fan (or anyone who’s seen the excellent documentary, Pop Star On Ice), but there are a few unexpected anecdotes. Like the time Johnny injured himself during Grand Prix season by daring Evan Lysacek to a handstand contest in Russia. (Amazing.)
Although I have no doubt that Johnny was poorly treated by his federation, egregiously underscored by the judges, and misrepresented by much of the media, it’s hard not to suspect him of sanding some of the rough edges off his story and casting himself in the best light possible. There are some gaps, some truths he doesn’t seem willing to divulge (yet). I, for one, would have liked to read Johnny’s take on his ‘feud’ with Evan. How did they go from being friends during the Champions On Ice tour to being (apparently) sworn enemies? Was it all media hype? Johnny remains notably quiet on the matter.
Anyone who’s seen him interviewed knows that Johnny has a great sense of humour, but it seems curiously absent here. Maybe his humour doesn’t translate to the page; maybe he wanted to be taken seriously here. Either way, My World feels flat as a result. It’s not quite an exposé on the world of figure skating (although it contains plenty of appalling behaviour by the federation). It’s not quite a tell-all. It’s not even a rip-roaring good time.
I expected a few reactions to Johnny’s memoir, but “dull” wasn’t one of them.
This is very much a ‘setting the record straight’ memoir. The reality, of course, is that Johnny’s a self-confessed shy country boy, who, as a matter of fact, has spent the majority of the last thirteen years training training training. Because you don’t get to be a three-time (*cough* four-time */cough*) national champion by partying every night. In Welcome to My World, he also reveals that he’s a big romantic who didn’t lose his virginity until he was established in a relationship with his first boyfriend, Schrew Schmeekins.
Johnny provides a thoughtful, concise overview of his life to date. Most of the content will be familiar to any fan (or anyone who’s seen the excellent documentary, Pop Star On Ice), but there are a few unexpected anecdotes. Like the time Johnny injured himself during Grand Prix season by daring Evan Lysacek to a handstand contest in Russia. (Amazing.)
Although I have no doubt that Johnny was poorly treated by his federation, egregiously underscored by the judges, and misrepresented by much of the media, it’s hard not to suspect him of sanding some of the rough edges off his story and casting himself in the best light possible. There are some gaps, some truths he doesn’t seem willing to divulge (yet). I, for one, would have liked to read Johnny’s take on his ‘feud’ with Evan. How did they go from being friends during the Champions On Ice tour to being (apparently) sworn enemies? Was it all media hype? Johnny remains notably quiet on the matter.
Anyone who’s seen him interviewed knows that Johnny has a great sense of humour, but it seems curiously absent here. Maybe his humour doesn’t translate to the page; maybe he wanted to be taken seriously here. Either way, My World feels flat as a result. It’s not quite an exposé on the world of figure skating (although it contains plenty of appalling behaviour by the federation). It’s not quite a tell-all. It’s not even a rip-roaring good time.
I expected a few reactions to Johnny’s memoir, but “dull” wasn’t one of them.
October 31, 2019
All of the books I'm reading lately are either LGBT or Russian themed reading period and well, Johnny Weir is a bit of both! What am I doing, reading autobiographies of ice skaters from the 2000s? I have no idea.
In any case, this is a swift read. It has a good flow and I feel like he addresses most of the issues you'd expect him to. I didn't feel very surprised at it. If anything, I feel like he's what I'd think he'd be, that his biography didn't reveal anything insane.
After reading this, I watched a few of his interviews and it doesn't quite feel like it's the same person. Johnny Weir of this book seems shy, soft, somewhat socially awkward. Johnny Weir of the interviews seems, well, flamboyant and sassy (I am sorry for using all the stereotypes). This isn't really very surprising either and I enjoyed hearing stories from the book.
Yesterday I performed spoken word poetry for the second time. It went badly. In the worst way. I mean, I didn't throw up or run off stage crying but my performance wasn't good. I was out of focus and it showed (I think, I'm pretty much basing this off the energy I felt). After this, I found myself thinking about Johnny Weir. His younger self is pretty much the patron saint of messing up on stage. That Johnny Weir was so out of focus that people assumed he was using drugs as an explanation for the differences between his performances. And you know, it made me feel better to realize that this is something that can be worked on.
Then, I remembered how Johnny Weir was essentially cheated in the Olympics and you know, you watch the video and it's quite heartbreaking. To think that he did everything he was supposed to and still. It's like the story of I, Tonya, but reverse.
Ultimately, I did feel like he was a diva, like his fights with his coach were silly and his insistence on rooms was kind of specific and strange but yeah, you know, you expect that from people like Johnny Weir.
Anyway, this is a nice read. Makes me even more excited about Russia!
What I'm Taking With Me
- Johnny Weir didn't want to be a gay icon. And it's funny, that years later you have Adam Rippon who's owning it.
- Can we talk about how Johnny Weir designed his costumes?
- Johnny Weir studied Russian alone and then promptly spent time in competitions making fun of Americans in Russian with his coach.
- He considered converting to Judaism! That's pretty cool, even if he's also part of the trend of reading Kabbalah.
In any case, this is a swift read. It has a good flow and I feel like he addresses most of the issues you'd expect him to. I didn't feel very surprised at it. If anything, I feel like he's what I'd think he'd be, that his biography didn't reveal anything insane.
After reading this, I watched a few of his interviews and it doesn't quite feel like it's the same person. Johnny Weir of this book seems shy, soft, somewhat socially awkward. Johnny Weir of the interviews seems, well, flamboyant and sassy (I am sorry for using all the stereotypes). This isn't really very surprising either and I enjoyed hearing stories from the book.
Yesterday I performed spoken word poetry for the second time. It went badly. In the worst way. I mean, I didn't throw up or run off stage crying but my performance wasn't good. I was out of focus and it showed (I think, I'm pretty much basing this off the energy I felt). After this, I found myself thinking about Johnny Weir. His younger self is pretty much the patron saint of messing up on stage. That Johnny Weir was so out of focus that people assumed he was using drugs as an explanation for the differences between his performances. And you know, it made me feel better to realize that this is something that can be worked on.
Then, I remembered how Johnny Weir was essentially cheated in the Olympics and you know, you watch the video and it's quite heartbreaking. To think that he did everything he was supposed to and still. It's like the story of I, Tonya, but reverse.
Ultimately, I did feel like he was a diva, like his fights with his coach were silly and his insistence on rooms was kind of specific and strange but yeah, you know, you expect that from people like Johnny Weir.
Anyway, this is a nice read. Makes me even more excited about Russia!
What I'm Taking With Me
- Johnny Weir didn't want to be a gay icon. And it's funny, that years later you have Adam Rippon who's owning it.
- Can we talk about how Johnny Weir designed his costumes?
- Johnny Weir studied Russian alone and then promptly spent time in competitions making fun of Americans in Russian with his coach.
- He considered converting to Judaism! That's pretty cool, even if he's also part of the trend of reading Kabbalah.
June 12, 2011
I'm a completist when it comes to figure skating biographies, otherwise I'll admit I might have passed on this one. Weir, although he's the type of man who usually interests me - gay, determined on his own path, etc. - for some reason has never captured my attention beyond a few fine skates he had earlier in his career. I suspect it's because of his obsession with fashion and other glam pursuits, which are anathema to me. The front of the dustjacket of his book could not be more indicative of this: Johnny looking flirtatiously over one shoulder, in furs and jewels, holding up an enormous disco ball with an absurdly elongated stiletto. He seems to be daring us not to take him seriously: alas, I fear many of us have taken him up on that dare.
Despite his well-publicized failures to fit in with the homophobic culture of the figure skating establishment - and oh yes, we all know that it is - I found the story of Johnny's figure skating years to be pretty much typical: it is, after all, a pursuit that requires obsession of its elite practitioners, and no-one, but no-one, writes an account of those competitive years without falling into a fairly boring pattern of competitions-where-I-did-well and competitions-where-I-did-badly.
At the end of the day, there's an honesty about Weir's account, not sparing himself in retrospect over truly childish or stupid acts (such as pretending to be sick to withdraw from a competition), that saves this story. But I think Johnny's still looking for whatever cause or passion will jolt him out of his self-centred universe and cause him to make a real impact on the world - not just on its celebrity culture, which he gleefully chronicles. I look forward to the book he writes when he finds that cause or passion.
Despite his well-publicized failures to fit in with the homophobic culture of the figure skating establishment - and oh yes, we all know that it is - I found the story of Johnny's figure skating years to be pretty much typical: it is, after all, a pursuit that requires obsession of its elite practitioners, and no-one, but no-one, writes an account of those competitive years without falling into a fairly boring pattern of competitions-where-I-did-well and competitions-where-I-did-badly.
At the end of the day, there's an honesty about Weir's account, not sparing himself in retrospect over truly childish or stupid acts (such as pretending to be sick to withdraw from a competition), that saves this story. But I think Johnny's still looking for whatever cause or passion will jolt him out of his self-centred universe and cause him to make a real impact on the world - not just on its celebrity culture, which he gleefully chronicles. I look forward to the book he writes when he finds that cause or passion.
February 6, 2012
This was tough to rate because I couldn't decide what criteria to use. My theory is that your enjoyment of this book will be directly proportional to how much you love Johnny Weir. It's not, like, some life changing piece of literature, obviously.
I happen to love Johnny Weir, so this was a very easy book for me to read and enjoy. This book will give you insight into how hard he worked for what he has achieved in his career. The boy is certainly not without his faults; he can be very immature and sometimes acts like a petulant child, and sometimes his ego seems to know no bounds. But at the same time, he is the ultimate role model - someone who is who he is without apology. He is not trying to fit into anyone's notion of what he should be - not the skating federation, not the media, not the gay community. Yes, he is trying to be outrageous, but at the same time he's still being 100% himself. Which is why I don't think calling him the Lady Gaga of figure skating is accurate, because I don't think Lady Gaga is being herself, i think she's playing an elaborate game with the media.
But that's neither here nor there. Basically, there's nothing all that earth shattering about this book. If you like Johnny Weir, you'll like the book. If you don't, you won't. My 3 stars is based on the fact that while I enjoyed it, I just really don't feel like I can give it more than that because it is so lacking in substance.
So yeah. I'm not sure any of that made any sense, but I love you Johnny!
I happen to love Johnny Weir, so this was a very easy book for me to read and enjoy. This book will give you insight into how hard he worked for what he has achieved in his career. The boy is certainly not without his faults; he can be very immature and sometimes acts like a petulant child, and sometimes his ego seems to know no bounds. But at the same time, he is the ultimate role model - someone who is who he is without apology. He is not trying to fit into anyone's notion of what he should be - not the skating federation, not the media, not the gay community. Yes, he is trying to be outrageous, but at the same time he's still being 100% himself. Which is why I don't think calling him the Lady Gaga of figure skating is accurate, because I don't think Lady Gaga is being herself, i think she's playing an elaborate game with the media.
But that's neither here nor there. Basically, there's nothing all that earth shattering about this book. If you like Johnny Weir, you'll like the book. If you don't, you won't. My 3 stars is based on the fact that while I enjoyed it, I just really don't feel like I can give it more than that because it is so lacking in substance.
So yeah. I'm not sure any of that made any sense, but I love you Johnny!
June 16, 2012
My other Olympic love, Johnny Weir! As much as I love the poise Olympians have, I like his brashness when it comes down to it. Some things he is a total ass and diva about (and I just want to slap him) but at the same time, I totally love what he does. Guess that is his charm.
This book talked a lot about his rise in the ice skating world, just a small part on his personal life and fall out from competing and what or what not does the future hold? Some things he says I totally agree with (like actually sort of "campaigning" to win a medal and being the whole package and not just good on the ice and based on one or two performances) and some things I totally don't (demands his own room, when everyone else shares (get over yourself!) and wearing a Russia jacket at an international competition (domestic, fine, everyone knows everyone is from the US, but yeah, If you are out there to represent one country, don't go wearing something from another!)).
I always wondered why J didn't participate in ice dancing, as I think he would be much better at it, but this book didn't really answer that question. All I know is that he is done with the olympics and moving on to the next stage. And I will keep an eye on him all the way. I love his tv show too! Can't wait for new episodes to start!
This book talked a lot about his rise in the ice skating world, just a small part on his personal life and fall out from competing and what or what not does the future hold? Some things he says I totally agree with (like actually sort of "campaigning" to win a medal and being the whole package and not just good on the ice and based on one or two performances) and some things I totally don't (demands his own room, when everyone else shares (get over yourself!) and wearing a Russia jacket at an international competition (domestic, fine, everyone knows everyone is from the US, but yeah, If you are out there to represent one country, don't go wearing something from another!)).
I always wondered why J didn't participate in ice dancing, as I think he would be much better at it, but this book didn't really answer that question. All I know is that he is done with the olympics and moving on to the next stage. And I will keep an eye on him all the way. I love his tv show too! Can't wait for new episodes to start!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2020
Ah, Johnny Weir. You just gotta love him - for his incredible talent (if ever a figure skater deserved an Olympic medal he was deprived of, it's Johnny Weir) on the ice as well his attitude and confidence to be himself and give zero fucks about anyone else's opinion on the matter. You do you, Johnny. You're all kinds of awesome.
September 7, 2021
I'll keep this short, lest I take my ranting over the top. Luckily it only took me about 5 hrs to get though it because I got so pissed off reading it. Johnny is so contraditory it takes all credibility away from him. I absolutely hated the way that he would talk about other peoples' thoughts and feelings as if he knew exactly what everyone was thinking when in fact he was only guessing.
Normally reading autobiograhpical books gives me new insight to the person and gives me new respect for them. This had the opposite effect. I went into expecting to see a side of Johnny that would change my mind about him, but It only reinforced my original thoughts.
Normally reading autobiograhpical books gives me new insight to the person and gives me new respect for them. This had the opposite effect. I went into expecting to see a side of Johnny that would change my mind about him, but It only reinforced my original thoughts.
August 26, 2025
This book dragged me out of my reading slump. I was entertained, that was for sure. There were some sad, frustrating moments, there were happy moments, and there were moments that made me chuckle. Galina and Johnny making fun of everyone made my day. The only thing I didn't like about the book was the prologue. Completely unnecessary and a bit tacky, imo. Everything else was a joy ride.
July 10, 2025
I was inspired by the Runthrough podcast's lore episodes to re-read this. it didn't age super well, but one thing you can say is Johnny has always beat his own drum!
February 10, 2022
I sincerely hope that Johnny is able to write a more truthful, candid memoir one day.
January 8, 2019
3-4 stars.
As an avid watcher of figure skating competitions, I remember the tension/rivalry between Johnny Weir and Evan Lysacek like it was yesterday. Johnny stays relatively classy in his book, referring to only a few not-as-great skaters as such, and leaving out certain names even though it's easy to look up who he's talking about.
It's a nice inside look into competitive figure skating, and the writing's not bad. I'd read more! Except if it's from the US Figure Skating Association. Those guys are horrible.
As an avid watcher of figure skating competitions, I remember the tension/rivalry between Johnny Weir and Evan Lysacek like it was yesterday. Johnny stays relatively classy in his book, referring to only a few not-as-great skaters as such, and leaving out certain names even though it's easy to look up who he's talking about.
It's a nice inside look into competitive figure skating, and the writing's not bad. I'd read more! Except if it's from the US Figure Skating Association. Those guys are horrible.
February 23, 2014
I started following figure skating when I moved to Switzerland in 2001. In Italy (my home country) this sport was not as popular as football. No ice rinks, only stadiums. Then Torino (my home town) was selected to host the 2006 Winter Olympic Games and skaters started to be as adored as football players!
Back in 2001 Stéphane Lambiel was starting making himself known in Switzerland and in the skating world. His talent caught my eye and I immediately became fan (still am!).
I don’t remember the first time I saw Johnny Weir on tv, but I was awestruck: a skater who moved on the ice like a ballet dancer. He was a pleasure to watch.
So Stéphane and Johnny became the reason I was hooked every year in front of my tv to watch figure skating competitions.
They had what other skaters did not have : they brought art, beauty and grace to this sport. I was in awe.
I knew Johnny the skater, I did not know anything about the man. Until now.
I did not know what to expect when I started reading this book. I was captured from the beginning. The style was engaging, written on a first person point of view that put the reader immediately in the narrator’s head. It was so honest! I laughed, I cried, I got mad. Lots of silent «OMG». Lots of silent tears. Lots of «Oh no! They can’t do this to him!». Lots of «Stand up Johnny and fight!», lots of «Well done Johnny! Show them!» My admiration towards this man grew at each page, until the final lines (including the acknowledgments!).
Johnny Weir is a fighter. He was bullied, misunderstood, misquoted, betrayed, judged, menaced and he stood up, each time. He did not give a damn about what other people thought about him. He remained true to himself throughout his competitive career, never being afraid to show his art in every possible way.
I have read many definitions of Johnny in the press these years: flamboyant, sassy, outspoken, openly gay, unpredictable, breath of fresh air, diva, drama queen, Russia lover, etc… the list is endless!
For the figure skating world Johnny Weir is the 2001 World Junior Champion, the three-time U.S. national champion (2004–2006), the 2008 World bronze medalist, the two-time Grand Prix Final bronze medalist and the two-times Olympian (2006-2010).
To me Johnny Weir is an artist. I still cry every time I watch his «Fallen Angel» program at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. That was medal worthy to me! That was everything Johnny represents to me. That is Johnny Weir to me.
«I’m different, and I have to be a warrior to be that way. But I have had some success. I hope I have touched the lives of some wonderful people, all by being what I see as myself but some others people see as different. - Johnny Weir"
Back in 2001 Stéphane Lambiel was starting making himself known in Switzerland and in the skating world. His talent caught my eye and I immediately became fan (still am!).
I don’t remember the first time I saw Johnny Weir on tv, but I was awestruck: a skater who moved on the ice like a ballet dancer. He was a pleasure to watch.
So Stéphane and Johnny became the reason I was hooked every year in front of my tv to watch figure skating competitions.
They had what other skaters did not have : they brought art, beauty and grace to this sport. I was in awe.
I knew Johnny the skater, I did not know anything about the man. Until now.
I did not know what to expect when I started reading this book. I was captured from the beginning. The style was engaging, written on a first person point of view that put the reader immediately in the narrator’s head. It was so honest! I laughed, I cried, I got mad. Lots of silent «OMG». Lots of silent tears. Lots of «Oh no! They can’t do this to him!». Lots of «Stand up Johnny and fight!», lots of «Well done Johnny! Show them!» My admiration towards this man grew at each page, until the final lines (including the acknowledgments!).
Johnny Weir is a fighter. He was bullied, misunderstood, misquoted, betrayed, judged, menaced and he stood up, each time. He did not give a damn about what other people thought about him. He remained true to himself throughout his competitive career, never being afraid to show his art in every possible way.
I have read many definitions of Johnny in the press these years: flamboyant, sassy, outspoken, openly gay, unpredictable, breath of fresh air, diva, drama queen, Russia lover, etc… the list is endless!
For the figure skating world Johnny Weir is the 2001 World Junior Champion, the three-time U.S. national champion (2004–2006), the 2008 World bronze medalist, the two-time Grand Prix Final bronze medalist and the two-times Olympian (2006-2010).
To me Johnny Weir is an artist. I still cry every time I watch his «Fallen Angel» program at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. That was medal worthy to me! That was everything Johnny represents to me. That is Johnny Weir to me.
«I’m different, and I have to be a warrior to be that way. But I have had some success. I hope I have touched the lives of some wonderful people, all by being what I see as myself but some others people see as different. - Johnny Weir"
October 9, 2012
What struck me about this was how young Olympians are for their moments of fame. Not only are they chronologically young, but the relentless training regimen leaves them little time for the everyday experiences that help youths mature. This comes through in areas where Johnny, himself, realizes his youth (talking about rebellion, first apartment/night away from home, first trip to NYC, hormones, etc.) and even when it isn't mentioned such as in dealing with the extreme highs and lows of winning and losing --- tough for battled hardened adults --- more so for the vulnerable young athletes.
The USFSA does not know or understand that the debt it owes to Johnny Weir. Just as Martina and, a generation later, the Williams sisters respectively invigorated and re-invigorated tennis and Muhammad Ali sparked a broader interest in boxing than it could never have on its own, Weir is changing and promoting his sport. He is modernizing it... making it more relevant to the art of today. His very ways of integrating Russian techniques and selecting music, costuming and venues are breaking barriers.
Johnny is very self aware and is able to look back and critique not only his performances but his emotional self. He has reason to be bitter towards the "powers that be", but has the strength and family and coach support to help him move on. Perhaps he checked himself here, but there is surprisingly little rancor against the ice skating establishment.
The book appears to be genuinely written from the heart. For both good and bad, there is no sign of a filter or ghost writer. The good side is the honesty with which he presents who he is and where he is from. The bad side is the omissions, gaps and a general popping up of stuff. For instance - he writes of going to fashion shoots, but not how he happened to get them. We learn that he has a publicist when he fires one and hires another. It's hard to tell what year it is. Learning Russian just seemed to happen... effortlessly. There is more about shopping than on things important to his craft such as scoring system changes. I understand on an intuitive level how he "qualified" for the 2010 Olympics, but not how it really happened. The photos are disappointing (how about the Swan costume? Priscilla? a fashion shoot?) Perhaps Johnny doesn't know now if he'll train for the 2014 Olympics... or maybe he does. You can't tell from this book.
The book moves quickly and in the end you come to understand the character of Johnny Weir (and like him even more) whom I hope to be cheering for again in Sochi and beyond.
The USFSA does not know or understand that the debt it owes to Johnny Weir. Just as Martina and, a generation later, the Williams sisters respectively invigorated and re-invigorated tennis and Muhammad Ali sparked a broader interest in boxing than it could never have on its own, Weir is changing and promoting his sport. He is modernizing it... making it more relevant to the art of today. His very ways of integrating Russian techniques and selecting music, costuming and venues are breaking barriers.
Johnny is very self aware and is able to look back and critique not only his performances but his emotional self. He has reason to be bitter towards the "powers that be", but has the strength and family and coach support to help him move on. Perhaps he checked himself here, but there is surprisingly little rancor against the ice skating establishment.
The book appears to be genuinely written from the heart. For both good and bad, there is no sign of a filter or ghost writer. The good side is the honesty with which he presents who he is and where he is from. The bad side is the omissions, gaps and a general popping up of stuff. For instance - he writes of going to fashion shoots, but not how he happened to get them. We learn that he has a publicist when he fires one and hires another. It's hard to tell what year it is. Learning Russian just seemed to happen... effortlessly. There is more about shopping than on things important to his craft such as scoring system changes. I understand on an intuitive level how he "qualified" for the 2010 Olympics, but not how it really happened. The photos are disappointing (how about the Swan costume? Priscilla? a fashion shoot?) Perhaps Johnny doesn't know now if he'll train for the 2014 Olympics... or maybe he does. You can't tell from this book.
The book moves quickly and in the end you come to understand the character of Johnny Weir (and like him even more) whom I hope to be cheering for again in Sochi and beyond.
January 21, 2011
Hm. One wonders if the story Weir tells would be richer, more mellow if he had waited to pen this book, taking the time to gain perspective. I was hoping to hear about his creative process, what he brought to the table artistically to carry the sport and himself further. Outside of the costume controversy, there was none.
I wanted to read how the sport transformed him, what it gave him as a person. Brian Biotano's book, while light in copy, was a joyous scrapbook of photos, notes, treasures, ancedotes, and memories that told a very rich story.
At the very least, if Weir was going to scandalous, I wish he would have gone whole hog, burned the bridge and just dished. He kind of went for it, then pulled back.
I appreciated the chapter on his coming out, and how the controversy of his sexuality was made into something he felt shouldn't be important. I agree, it was not any of my business what his preference is and I'm pleased for him that he was able to live his private life with acceptance by those close to him.
Finally, I felt sorry for him in the case of how bitter he was about his career. It baffles me in the fact that as a skater/skating fan, all I heard about from 2001 on was Johnny was going to be "THE face of the sport," and all Johnny claims is that he was such a victim of the USFSA.
A fun read that I felt somewhat icky about afterwards. Kind of like telling a comedian "you don't have to work blue," Weir didn't need to play bitchy diva to get attention. I wish he had gotten my attention via a glimps of his creativity instead of whining and gossip.
I wanted to read how the sport transformed him, what it gave him as a person. Brian Biotano's book, while light in copy, was a joyous scrapbook of photos, notes, treasures, ancedotes, and memories that told a very rich story.
At the very least, if Weir was going to scandalous, I wish he would have gone whole hog, burned the bridge and just dished. He kind of went for it, then pulled back.
I appreciated the chapter on his coming out, and how the controversy of his sexuality was made into something he felt shouldn't be important. I agree, it was not any of my business what his preference is and I'm pleased for him that he was able to live his private life with acceptance by those close to him.
Finally, I felt sorry for him in the case of how bitter he was about his career. It baffles me in the fact that as a skater/skating fan, all I heard about from 2001 on was Johnny was going to be "THE face of the sport," and all Johnny claims is that he was such a victim of the USFSA.
A fun read that I felt somewhat icky about afterwards. Kind of like telling a comedian "you don't have to work blue," Weir didn't need to play bitchy diva to get attention. I wish he had gotten my attention via a glimps of his creativity instead of whining and gossip.
March 16, 2014
And 6 stars for Johnny himself!! I love reading about Johnny's early life and start in ice skating. His journey to the top of the ice skating world interesting. I wish he had gone more in depth into the personalities & jealousies. I also wanted more pictures of him, his costumes (even though I have seen in skate in many of them) and his loves (sexual and non-sexual). My problem is I always want more of Johnny Weir. I enjoyed the read but hope he writes another later.
May 7, 2018
While reading this book, it feels like Johnny Weir is sitting beside you and having a conversation about his life in the skating rink. I also appreciated the behind-the-scenes look at ice skating, including how the athletes handle competition days. He does a lot of bashing, though, of the ice skating federation, which left a sour taste in my mouth. Otherwise, fun, easy-to-read book about one of the more colorful U.S. figure skaters.
Read
July 10, 2018Predictably fun but with some real substance about the world of competitive figure skating too. I especially appreciated Johnny's candid talk about the politics in judging - his refusal to play the part of closeted gay skater for the Federation yet also unwilling to become the advocate of the year that he felt the gay community desired. He is first and foremost a skater and mainly an advocate for being true to yourself.
September 2, 2019
This book appeared in my Little Free Library one day and I set it aside to read. I picked it up yesterday and read it in a few hours. It was an interesting book. Props to Johnny to always know who he is and never change for anyone. I was hoping that it would cover more of his life after Olympics, but it must have been written before all of the broadcasting and things he has done in the last few years. Good quick read.
December 11, 2012
do you have a strange obsession with johnny weir? i do. which is why i read this book (after meeting him and getting him to sign it). it was fun and funny but by no means great. if you are not obsessed with or intrigued by johnny weir, then there is no sense reading it--not that the thought even crossed your mind.
May 21, 2022
This book was recommend by the author of a book I recently read. I love ‘watching’ Johnny and Tara’s commentary during skating events. Tara must have never ending patience thought because Johnny admits to being a spoiled princess who has frequent “overgrown toddler meltdowns”. Talk about high maintenance!
May 10, 2012
I have always loved watching ice skating on tv and admire how much talent,etc is needed. Also, Johnny Weir is an excellent ice skater and very controversial, which I also admire, he is not afraid to be different.
February 1, 2011
Highly enjoyable read. A surprisingly honest self portrait, and an interesting view behind the scenes of figure skating.
April 1, 2025
I respect Johnny and what he’s done for the figure skating community - encouraging people to be authentically themselves. I also loved watching his routines + seeing his commentary on Yuri on Ice when that was coming out. I really enjoyed this book because it came across as an honest self reflection in addition to giving the reader a peak into the behind the scenes life of a professional figure skater & Olympic medalist. Overall a quick, fun (and sassy) read. Love a diva. It’s extra cool that I happened to thrift a signed copy.
Quotes:
“I wanted to explore all the opportunities being handed to me because I know they won’t last for long.” (7)
“My flair for drama, or melodrama anyways, came early.” (9)
“The music transported me to another world of my own design by giving me the space to make up my own stories.” (12)
“That song and I had spent a lot of time together.” (47)
“I had continued to developed a love for the country and it’s dramatic skating style. No matter that my Russian was a mythical one of sable furs, vodka shots, and tsars that had little to do with secret police, bread lines, and bureaucracy.” (49)
“In the skating world I was famous, for good and for bad.” (70)
“All that mattered was our connection, deepened by expressing our true feelings, no matter what they were. With the strength of that example at home, I was fearless when it came to telling and showing Alex how much I loved him.” (97)
“Elena Tchaikovskay, Tatiana Tarasuvu, and Galina Yakovlenvna were long considered a troika of the Russian skating world.” (204)
“Putting people in boxes- whether the label is lesbian, gay, nerd, or freak- is just phony. In our society, too many people box up their personalities, stowing away aspects of themselves that didn’t fit in the confining shape. In that sense, I wish people would come out, to live freely and openly. I wear my heart on my sleeve.” / “I give everything that I am… love is completely without boundaries.” (236)
“I think there is wisdom to be had in organized efforts toward holiness, but I know there is also wickedness.” / “So I believe in all the GOOD in every religion.” (240)
“The colorful, the demure, the bold, the clever. I looked closely at my family and friends for an image of myself, as they are my mirror.” (260)
“
Quotes:
“I wanted to explore all the opportunities being handed to me because I know they won’t last for long.” (7)
“My flair for drama, or melodrama anyways, came early.” (9)
“The music transported me to another world of my own design by giving me the space to make up my own stories.” (12)
“That song and I had spent a lot of time together.” (47)
“I had continued to developed a love for the country and it’s dramatic skating style. No matter that my Russian was a mythical one of sable furs, vodka shots, and tsars that had little to do with secret police, bread lines, and bureaucracy.” (49)
“In the skating world I was famous, for good and for bad.” (70)
“All that mattered was our connection, deepened by expressing our true feelings, no matter what they were. With the strength of that example at home, I was fearless when it came to telling and showing Alex how much I loved him.” (97)
“Elena Tchaikovskay, Tatiana Tarasuvu, and Galina Yakovlenvna were long considered a troika of the Russian skating world.” (204)
“Putting people in boxes- whether the label is lesbian, gay, nerd, or freak- is just phony. In our society, too many people box up their personalities, stowing away aspects of themselves that didn’t fit in the confining shape. In that sense, I wish people would come out, to live freely and openly. I wear my heart on my sleeve.” / “I give everything that I am… love is completely without boundaries.” (236)
“I think there is wisdom to be had in organized efforts toward holiness, but I know there is also wickedness.” / “So I believe in all the GOOD in every religion.” (240)
“The colorful, the demure, the bold, the clever. I looked closely at my family and friends for an image of myself, as they are my mirror.” (260)
“
July 3, 2023
Okay! So I don’t normally read a ton of nonfiction but have liked watching Johnny Weir since I was little and thought I’d give this a try. Basically it tells the story of his life up to the books publication. From when he was young and had a normal life to when he started skating to when he skated in the Olympics for the second time.
Overall I would probably give it a 9/10, some of it felt too rushed and skipped over but it was still really cool to learn about his life especially because while he was big in the public eye he wasn’t very personal with the press. I probably won’t read it again but if you like figure skating or even just Johnny Weir this is a good book, and it’s a really fast read. :)
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Overall I would probably give it a 9/10, some of it felt too rushed and skipped over but it was still really cool to learn about his life especially because while he was big in the public eye he wasn’t very personal with the press. I probably won’t read it again but if you like figure skating or even just Johnny Weir this is a good book, and it’s a really fast read. :)
To see this review on my tumblr click here: https://www.tumblr.com/maris-books-it...
September 7, 2023
wonderful inside look into an unusual life
It made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me growl in fury. And it made me feel inspired. It’s incredible to see all the work that goes into this sport, the highs and the lows. The struggle of one artist’s struggle with finding himself while participating in a world of conformity., as well as navigating normal life situations. Ultimately, I believe he found the true meaning of the Olympics in 2010 with his long program. You’re a true champion in my book, Johnny.
It made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me growl in fury. And it made me feel inspired. It’s incredible to see all the work that goes into this sport, the highs and the lows. The struggle of one artist’s struggle with finding himself while participating in a world of conformity., as well as navigating normal life situations. Ultimately, I believe he found the true meaning of the Olympics in 2010 with his long program. You’re a true champion in my book, Johnny.
April 28, 2018
I've been Johnny's fan since he was in Juniors. I love his brilliant skating and his hilarious outlook. Lately, I can't get enough of Johnny and Tara's awesome commentary. This book was a very interesting look into his competitive life - I had no idea how many hurdles he jumped over when dealing with the USA Skating Federation. I would've enjoyed a more intimate glance into his personal life, but this was still a very good look into his private world.
October 19, 2019
Interessante squarcio sulla vita privata di Johnny Weir, il pattinatore americano troppo "russo" e "troppo gay" per poter sperare di vincere una medaglia olimpica, nonostante la bravura e il talento innato. Personaggio prima ancora che sportivo, Johnny Weir è davvero una figura intrigante che esce dagli schemi del rigore agonistico e spazia ovunque possa la sua carica creativa e originalità e audacia.
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