Carrie soto is back Paperback – April 4, 2023

Taylor Jenkins Reid's latest novel, "Carrie Soto is Back," serves an ace into the world of competitive tennis, challenging the narrative around ambition in women through the formidable Carrie Soto. Reid's narrative isn’t just about the drama of women’s tennis; it's a deep dive into the soul of a woman who dares to want more, and often gets it.At the core of this compelling tale is Carrie Soto, who fans of TJR already know is a powerful, confident character from her appearance in “Malibu Rising”. In this novel, Carrie is a legend. She becomes number one in the world, initially guided by her father and coach, Javier Soto, a tennis legend himself. Years later, emerging from retirement at the age of 37, Carrie returns to defend her record breaking number of Grand Slam titles. Her quest is more than a battle on the court; it's an introspective journey that gets into Carrie’s “head game” and into the very heart of success itself. Reid skillfully crafts a tale that prompts us to question the very fabric of achievement and the personal cost of greatness. She also gives us glimpses into male perceptions of ambition in women, perceptions that are often shown to be negative and sometimes outright reprehensible.Carrie Soto's character is a REVELATION! Initially, in the first half of the novel, I found Carrie to be unlikable, and my impressions of her were more negative than positive. However, as the story progressed into the novel’s second half, my perceptions shifted dramatically. Reid's crisp prose, delivered in Carrie's own voice, revealed the complexities of the ambition that motivated and defined her. My heart also softened for Carrie as I saw her become more open and vulnerable in her interactions with her father, her lover, and her best friend and agent.I was THOROUGHLY CAPTIVATED by Reid’s adept narration of the tennis matches throughout the novel that added an electrifying layer to the story, making the tension and thrill of the sport leap off the page, engaging even myself who had no prior interest in tennis.The novel is not without its humor. At one point, Carrie receives a gift from her rival, Nicki Chan. Nicki says it's a "declaration of war. Fun, right?" Loved it!Oh, does Mick Riva make an appearance? I'm really not one to say...But don't think the novel does not deeply explore serious and complex issues. It does. Big time. Issues such as sexism, grief, success and vulnerability, among many others.While the novel is AMAZING, I thought the conclusion was somewhat rushed, with major events and emotional developments quickly resolved to meet the narrative's timeline. I felt this slightly undermined the depth of Carrie's transformation, and it left me wishing for more time to explore and believe in her emotional journey.Overall, "Carrie Soto is Back" is an enthralling tale of what it means to be triumphant in sports and in life. Taylor Jenkins Reid delivers a narrative brimming with suspense, emotion, and a powerful message about what happens when women (and also men) dare to strive for what is possible. It is a story about overcoming oneself, but also one about family, relationships and finding joy. This novel is a must-read for anyone captivated by stories of personal triumph and the intricate dynamics of the human spirit.Break point. The match goes to Reid!

This book was very tennis heavy and even though I’m not super familiar with the sport, I loved reading it. She did such a great job of painting a picture and you really felt like you were right there watching all of the matches. I loved this story and watching the evolution of Carrie Soto throughout. She has a beautiful relationship with her father - and coach - and I loved seeing their dynamic together. This book made me smile, laugh and cry, especially near the end. It includes love and loss and lessons that can be translated from the tennis court to real life. Really really enjoyed this book! 4.5 stars!

great book

Loved this one. Nothing bad to say. Great book to read if you grew up playing sports.0 🌶️Parent friendly

I ordered this book for a book club. I enjoyed the book the farther in went into the story. Carrie Soto was not a very likeable character at the beginning but evolved into someone you cheered on towards the end. I didn't care for a lot of the language used, but because of her character and where she came from I read on. This book kept my interest and our group as a whole rated it 4+ from most of us.

Carrie Soto is the best tennis player in the world when she retires. She has fought her entire life to be the best. Sacrificed friends and relationships to be where she is. That all changes when someone new breaks her record and she decides to come out of retirement to take it back. With her dad as her trainer, she works harder than ever for one season. Throughout the book, she makes new friends and realizes maybe being the best isn't everything.I didn't love this book. It was my least favorite Taylor Jenkins Reid book so far. I thought it had way too much tennis I didn't understand and I was bored a lot. She is also a mean character and I got tired of her pushing away everyone that was nice to her. I liked how the book ended, which helped me like the book a little better. If you like tennis, you will probably like this book a lot more than I did.

"Carrie Soto is Back" by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a powerful exploration of resilience and ambition, following the legendary tennis player Carrie Soto as she battles to reclaim her status as the best in the world. Having shattered records and won twenty Grand Slam titles, Carrie's fierce commitment to her sport has not always won her fans. After retiring, she finds herself in a challenging position when a rising star, Nicki Chan, begins to erode her legacy by breaking her long-held record at the 1994 US Open.At thirty-seven, Carrie makes the bold decision to unretire and train with her father, Javier, who has guided her since childhood. This choice is steeped in emotional complexity as Carrie confronts her physical limitations and the perceptions of sports media that labeled her “the Battle-Axe.” Additionally, she must navigate her unresolved feelings for Bowe Huntley, a former competitor with his ambitions.Reid masterfully captures the intensity of Carrie's journey, highlighting the grit and vulnerability required to pursue greatness in a world that often favors youth and change. "Carrie Soto is Back" is not just a sports narrative; it's a heartfelt reflection on the importance of legacy, love, and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams. This riveting novel showcases Reid's exceptional storytelling and emotional depth, making it a must-read for fans of sports fiction and stories of personal triumph.