In Carrie Soto is Back, Taylor Jenkins Reid creates an unlikeable female tennis star, but my opinion may be in the minority. You decide. Tennis players will love the story, but if you have never picked up a racket, read it anyway.
Carrie Soto is the GOAT of women’s tennis. Greatest Of All Time! The novel opens in 1994 at the US Open. Carrie’s record of 20 Grand Slams set in 1989 before she retired is threatened when Nicki Chan wins and ties the record. She decides to protect her title and make a comeback with her father, Javier, as her coach.
The Sotos’ backstory is told through flashback chapters beginning in 1953 when Javier immigrated from Argentina where he was a professional tennis player. When Carrie’s mother dies, Javier puts all his energy into making her the greatest tennis player of all time. In their quest, Carrie sacrifices a personal life and is viewed as ruthless and cold which gains her the nickname “Battle Axe.”
“But an athlete’s job is not just to win. It’s also to be someone to cheer for. Soto puts no effort into courting public opinion at all,” says a sports commentator.
Throughout the novel, TJR provides excellent commentary on the double standard between male and female athletes and how women are portrayed in the media. The sports world treats women differently, especially as they get older, and Carrie’s character is an excellent example.
Carrie’s comeback story continues all the way to the 1995 US Open. I was on the edge of my seat during the match scenes! Will she win? Along the way, Carrie and her father evolve and realize being the GOAT is not the only aspiration she should have in life.
Look for this recommendation and other books at Knox County Online Library or your local independent bookstore each week.
Linda Sullivan is an avid reader and wants to make you one, too. For more recommendations or just to talk books, reach out to her at thebookwhisperertn@gmail.com. She can also be found @thebookwhisperertn on Instagram.
