Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid: A Book Recommendation

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I’m not much of a sportsball girlie but I read a sports book and LOVED it!

In Taylor Jenkins Reid’s follow-up to Malibu Rising, we witness the inspiring journey of a tenacious athlete named Carrie Soto. Despite facing criticism from the media for her icy demeanor on and off the court, Carrie becomes a prolific tennis player, securing twenty Grand Slam titles and shattering records. Her unwavering determination to win, even at the cost of her popularity, is truly remarkable.

However, after her retirement, a formidable player named Nicki Chan surpassed her records at the 1994 US Open. At the age of thirty-seven, Carrie decides to come out of retirement and compete for one final year, aiming to reclaim her place in history.

This decision is not without its challenges, as Carrie must come to terms with an aging body and confront her pride while training alongside Bowe Huntley, a man she once had a fling with.

Despite the odds against her, Carrie returns for a remarkable and climactic final season. In this emotionally charged story, Taylor Jenkins Reid explores the complexities of Carrie’s journey, delivering an inspiring and unforgettable narrative.

Carrie Soto is Back is heavy on the tennis jargon and various matches are described in great detail. I found myself really getting into these games as I witnessed her destroy her competition. It was satisfying in a way that I wasn’t expecting!

One of the great injustices of this rigged world we live in is that women are considered to be depleting with age and men are somehow deepening.
Taylor Jenkins Reid, Carrie Soto Is Back

If you’re giving Carrie Soto is Back as a gift, here are a few things to consider:

The vibes are incredibly inspiring, emotional, tense, and hopeful with a medium pace.

It’s the perfect book for anyone who wants strong character development where the main character’s flaws are front and center.

Permission to judge a book by its cover!

You can have this book in hues of pink and blue (which actually feels truer to the story, in my opinion). Or, you can have it in gorgeous bronze and gold which is stunning! @anotherdayanotherpage_ and @reading_at_eventide shared these sporty motifs on Instagram.