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A review by indyjg
Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
As someone who was introduced to tennis because of my Mum and has watched it for years, I knew I’d love this book. I’ve followed the careers of tennis players like Ash Barty and Serena Williams through the highs and lows and have the utmost respect for the Original Nine, so reading through the career of Carrie Soto, a woman who is wholly unapologetic for being herself, for her success and learning how to face failure along the way was a treat. So, this book gets 4.25 stars from me!
Carrie subverts the expectations that women should be ‘grateful’ for their success as though it was their price for winning. There is an overarching expectation in both real life and fiction that women in sports are expected to act a certain way, to be demure, kind, and appreciative of their success. To not do so, you’ll be ostracised, called a bitch, cold-hearted. When men display the same traits, they are lauded and applauded. They are seen as greats of the game. You see these double standards with Carrie. You see it with Tonya Harding. You see it when men, such as the former Indian Wells CEO Raymond Moore, say female tennis players “ride on the coattails of the men.”
<blockquote>"The bulk of the commentators... They wanted a woman whose eyes would tear up with gratitude, as if she owed them her victory, as if she owed them everything she had."</blockquote>
Carrie’s hardest lesson is one that she learns in the twilight of an incredible career. That to lose is not to fail. She overcomes great challenges through sheer determination, which I deeply admire, but more importantly, she realises that perfection is a double-edged sword.
<blockquote>“Needing to win because we cannot bear to lose.”</blockquote>
As Voltaire said, perfection is the enemy of good, leaving out the possibilities for improvement. I quite enjoyed the ending, even if I did predict it. I haven’t read any other books by Taylor Jenkins Reid, but I’m sure I’ll pick up some of her other stuff soon!
Carrie subverts the expectations that women should be ‘grateful’ for their success as though it was their price for winning. There is an overarching expectation in both real life and fiction that women in sports are expected to act a certain way, to be demure, kind, and appreciative of their success. To not do so, you’ll be ostracised, called a bitch, cold-hearted. When men display the same traits, they are lauded and applauded. They are seen as greats of the game. You see these double standards with Carrie. You see it with Tonya Harding. You see it when men, such as the former Indian Wells CEO Raymond Moore, say female tennis players “ride on the coattails of the men.”
<blockquote>"The bulk of the commentators... They wanted a woman whose eyes would tear up with gratitude, as if she owed them her victory, as if she owed them everything she had."</blockquote>
Carrie’s hardest lesson is one that she learns in the twilight of an incredible career. That to lose is not to fail. She overcomes great challenges through sheer determination, which I deeply admire, but more importantly, she realises that perfection is a double-edged sword.
<blockquote>“Needing to win because we cannot bear to lose.”</blockquote>
As Voltaire said, perfection is the enemy of good, leaving out the possibilities for improvement. I quite enjoyed the ending, even if I did predict it. I haven’t read any other books by Taylor Jenkins Reid, but I’m sure I’ll pick up some of her other stuff soon!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Death, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcoholism