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A review by chiquita203
Fast Girl: A Life Spent Running from Madness by Suzy Favor Hamilton
2.0
Suzy Favor Hamilton was my idol growing up, as she was for most girls at the time who ran cross country or track. When the story broke about her being an escort in Las Vegas, I didn't judge. I knew there had to be a reason behind it. I suspected it might have to do with being used to being in the spotlight and craving that sort of attention again. I've always thought it must be hard for pro-athletes when they retire. They're usually so young and left with a "what now?" despair.
When this book came out, I couldn't wait to read it. I really enjoyed the first part of it, where it chronicled her running career. I was surprised to learn about all of her anxiety, though it makes perfect sense for someone in the public eye with so many expectations upon her.
It was to my disappointment to find I didn't really care for her. Though I felt for her struggles and enjoyed reading about her running career, I found her to be incredibly self-centered and unlikable. This became even more apparent in her time as an escort. She didn't give any thought to her husband or daughter. Part of me wonders if this book was written to garner sympathy in an effort at damage control for her reputation. It seems like she'd be happy to go to the escort lifestyle again and that it wasn't remorse or concern for the well-being of her family that stops her, but only concern for her public image. This book certainly portrays that she's very manipulative, and I can't help but think this book is part of that manipulation.
I was very disappointed by this book, to learn that my childhood hero isn't someone I'd like to aspire to be- which has nothing to do with her life as an escort and everything to do with who she is as a person.
When this book came out, I couldn't wait to read it. I really enjoyed the first part of it, where it chronicled her running career. I was surprised to learn about all of her anxiety, though it makes perfect sense for someone in the public eye with so many expectations upon her.
It was to my disappointment to find I didn't really care for her. Though I felt for her struggles and enjoyed reading about her running career, I found her to be incredibly self-centered and unlikable. This became even more apparent in her time as an escort. She didn't give any thought to her husband or daughter. Part of me wonders if this book was written to garner sympathy in an effort at damage control for her reputation. It seems like she'd be happy to go to the escort lifestyle again and that it wasn't remorse or concern for the well-being of her family that stops her, but only concern for her public image. This book certainly portrays that she's very manipulative, and I can't help but think this book is part of that manipulation.
I was very disappointed by this book, to learn that my childhood hero isn't someone I'd like to aspire to be- which has nothing to do with her life as an escort and everything to do with who she is as a person.