Reviews tagging 'Toxic relationship'

Brace for Impact: A Memoir by Gabe Montesanti

5 reviews

elle_c_writes's review

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

If you are a queer athlete, or an ally, or involved in any way shape or form in Roller Derby then you MUST read this book.

Gabe had me hooked from the start, especially as we share so much of the same trauma and her journey into derby is similar to mine.

She is an absolute hero, and an inspiration and despite my ten years on the track, I really want to be her when I grow up.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Medical trauma, Eating disorder, Toxic relationship, Injury/Injury detail, Homophobia, and Fatphobia

tackysapphic's review

(originally posted to goodreads)
 good! some parts were really hard to listen to, but that’s the nature of memoirs and autobiographies I suppose 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Gaslighting, Fatphobia, Eating disorder, Medical trauma, Vomit, Homophobia, Grief, Body shaming, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, and Emotional abuse

Minor: Pandemic/Epidemic

anielabooks's review

funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

4.0

I am a casual reader of nonfiction, as I more often read fantasy and romance. However, I won this book in a giveaway; A memoir about a queer woman who plays roller derby was definitely something that intrigued me. From reading this book, I learned so much about the sport and it’s accompanying community. Montesanti’s writing style really helps you feel connected to her  teammates, especially her derby mom, Taryn. While I loved reading about Joan of Spark’s roller derby fun, I was most captivated by the self-discovery happening at the same time. Montesanti shares very personal experiences from her childhood, which  have shaped her to become the person she is now. It was truly inspiring to see how she learned to be more independent from her mother and was able to recognize the flaws within that relationship. I recommend this book to readers who love nonfiction and queer books with an emphasis on personal growth.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Injury/Injury detail and Medical content

Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Eating disorder, Misogyny, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Gaslighting, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, and Toxic relationship

Minor: Drug use, Excrement, and Vomit

matchaluuver's review

challenging dark emotional inspiring tense medium-paced

5.0

Amazing book that was super interesting, heartbreaking and inspiring. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Fatphobia, Toxic relationship, Self harm, Child abuse, Eating disorder, Gaslighting, Body shaming, Homophobia, Vomit, Emotional abuse, and Medical trauma

caseythereader's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

4.75

Thanks to the Dial Press for the free advance copy of this book.

 - BRACE FOR IMPACT is a beautiful blend of queer discovery, relearning who you are away from your family, and peek into the wild and wonderful world of roller derby.
- This memoir is not for the faint of heart, given that it covers eating disorders, emotionally abusive parents, and horrific sports injuries, but following along as Montesanti grows more at home with herself is more than worth the trip. Plus, it's chock full of excellent derby player names.
- The joy of finding your queer home is so wonderful, I'm glad books like this one showcase that experience so lovingly. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Child abuse, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Cultural appropriation, Cursing, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Lesbophobia, Medical content, Ableism, Gaslighting, Homophobia, Toxic relationship, and Vomit