Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a historical novel centred around sports. The story is exciting, and the characters are well-developed, making this one of my favourite books of the year. If you have enjoyed any of the author’s other books, this is definitely one to pick up.
Title: Carrie Soto is BackAuthor: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Genres: Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Historical Fiction
Publication Date: August 30, 2022
Rating:
In this powerful novel about the cost of greatness, a legendary athlete attempts a comeback when the world considers her past her prime—from the New York Times bestselling author of Malibu Rising.
Carrie Soto is fierce, and her determination to win at any cost has not made her popular. But by the time she retires from tennis, she is the best player the world has ever seen. She has shattered every record and claimed twenty Grand Slam titles. And if you ask Carrie, she is entitled to every one. She sacrificed nearly everything to become the best, with her father, Javier, as her coach. A former champion himself, Javier has trained her since the age of two.
But six years after her retirement, Carrie finds herself sitting in the stands of the 1994 US Open, watching her record be taken from her by a brutal, stunning player named Nicki Chan.
At thirty-seven years old, Carrie makes the monumental decision to come out of retirement and be coached by her father for one last year in an attempt to reclaim her record. Even if the sports media says that they never liked “the Battle-Axe” anyway. Even if her body doesn’t move as fast as it did. And even if it means swallowing her pride to train with a man she once almost opened her heart to: Bowe Huntley. Like her, he has something to prove before he gives up the game forever.
In spite of it all, Carrie Soto is back, for one epic final season. In this riveting and unforgettable novel, Taylor Jenkins Reid tells her most vulnerable, emotional story yet.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Carrie Soto is such an interesting character. She isn’t the most likeable, but she has many strengths. Her passion for tennis and her ability to persevere to get what she wants is admirable, even though she is quite abrasive at times.
❀ Exciting Drama
Even if you are not a fan of tennis, or sports for that matter, this book really gives a lot of detail about the game. As a reader, I was pulled right into the matches and the intense drama that unfolds. These aspects are really exciting, and I really loved the commentary on the politics of sport and some of its sexism, making for a thought-provoking read.
❀ Father-Daughter Relationship
There are many side characters in this story, as is the case in many of the author’s other works, and each is interesting and enjoyable to read about. Carrie’s relationship with her father in particular is so wonderful to read about, and the way tennis is such a huge part of it brings the book full circle.
❀ One to Watch For
Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a book to try if you love the author, sports fiction, or stories that explore characters who are bold and determined. I recently listened to the audio version and was so thrilled to find out that Patrick McEnroe and Mary Carillo are among the narrators. It was so fun to hear their thoughts on the tennis matches in the book. This is definitely one to watch for.
About Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid is the New York Times bestselling author of Carrie Soto Is Back, Malibu Rising, Daisy Jones & The Six, and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, as well as four other novels. She lives in Los Angeles.
About Lori
Avid reader. Contributor to The Candid Cover. Educator.
Great review! I was surprised by how much I liked the tennis aspect.
It was a really exciting component!
I listened to that book and I think the audio added to the reading enjoyment!
I agree! It is best listened to for the full experience!
This book looks pretty good!
The father-daughter relationship was superb. My heart’s aching a little right thinking about them. And, yes! TJR did a great job with the tennis scenes. I was wholly engrossed in it all
Ahh! Such a well-done story that will stay with me, too!
Great review, Lori! I’m not into watching sports in real life but I have enjoyed reading about sports in fiction before. This sure sounds like an epic story and I think I might check it out on audio. Thanks for sharing!
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…Monthly Wrap-Up: November 2022
I think that you will love it, Stephanie! I don’t think that you have to be a tennis fan at all to enjoy this one!
i picked this up but havent had a chance to read it yet
I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did!
I love TJR and have been kicking myself that I haven’t picked this one up yet!
You are going to love it when you do give it a try!
I enjoyed reading this review. I would love to read this book this fall season sounds so good.
It is a fantastic read! Thank you! 😉
interesting premise
I’ve heard good stuff about this book. Great review!
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature) recently posted…Top 10 of 2022 -Early Extra Post – Top 10 Books I Wish I’d Made Time to Read in 2022
Great summary & review!