A review by kearstinreading
Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Carrie Soto is Back is a thrilling dive into the world of professional tennis, and even though I'm not exactly a tennis enthusiast, Taylor Jenkins Reid's storytelling prowess still managed to captivate me.

The story revolves around Carrie Soto, a former tennis sensation who once held an impressive record of 20 Grand Slam championships. In the twilight of her career, Carrie should be savoring her well-deserved retirement, exploring other interests or hobbies. However, she can't quell the fire of her competitive spirit. When her record is shattered by the formidable Nicki Chan, a rising star in the tennis world, Carrie is unable to let her title go and decides to come out of retirement to try and reclaim her glory.

I'll be honest - I'm not a tennis aficionado, but I truly enjoyed this book. It's a testament to Taylor Jenkins Reid's exceptional storytelling abilities. She managed to draw me into the world of tennis, making the sport itself a backdrop to a much broader narrative.

One remarkable aspect of the book is the main character, Carrie Soto. She's not exactly the most likable character that Taylor Jenkins Reid has ever created. In fact, I found her to be one of the most unlikable. Her self-discoveries and personal growth come rather late in the story, which had unfortunate consequences for many of her relationships. Despite her imperfections, though, I couldn't help but root for her. The way TJR wrote her matches made me hold my breath, hoping she'd regain her former glory.

This book is an excellent choice for sports fans, especially tennis enthusiasts. However, it's not just a sports story; it's a tale of perseverance and the lessons learned through the journey. If you're already immersed in the world Taylor Jenkins Reid has created through her books, "Carrie Soto is Back" should definitely make its way onto your reading list. It's a compelling and worthwhile read.