Carrie Soto Is Back
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Overview:
In Carrie Soto Is Back, Taylor Jenkins Reid introduces readers to Carrie Soto, a legendary tennis champion known as "The Battle Axe" for her intense dedication, competitive edge, and singular focus. After shattering numerous records in her prime, Carrie retires, content with her place in history. However, six years later, her record for most Grand Slam titles is at risk of being broken by a younger player. At thirty-seven, and despite skepticism from the public and media, Carrie decides to come out of retirement to reclaim her title, determined to prove she’s still the best in the world.

Carrie’s journey isn’t only about reclaiming a title; it’s also about facing her past, including complicated relationships, her demanding father and coach, and a potential romance with a former rival. As she trains to return to the top, she battles both physical limitations and personal demons, making this as much a story of inner strength as athletic prowess.

Key Themes:

• Resilience and Ambition: Carrie’s grit and refusal to back down underscore themes of determination and the costs of relentless ambition.
• Aging and Reinvention: The novel addresses what it means to grow older in a field that idolizes youth and the journey of reinventing oneself.
• Family and Mentorship: Carrie’s bond with her father, Javier Soto, highlights the complex dynamics of family ties, particularly in high-stakes sports.

Why Read It:
Taylor Jenkins Reid delivers another compelling and immersive character study, with Carrie Soto’s fierce personality standing out as she navigates the world of high-stakes sports. With detailed tennis scenes, Carrie Soto Is Back provides a realistic and gripping look at the world of professional sports, particularly for women facing age and gender expectations. Reid's fans, as well as newcomers, will find this story of resilience and self-acceptance deeply satisfying and inspiring.