Reviews

This is a really compelling story, and I did really enjoy it. However, I’m not totally cool with the fact that TJR, a white woman, chose to write a Latina main character who is the child of an immigrant. I believe she misses the mark there and Carrie’s heritage reads more like a character trait, such as long hair or quick-wit, than an identity. And Javier’s Spanglish sometimes felt somehow off and gratuitous. And I just think it’s because identity is hard to convey when it’s not your lived experience.

I appreciate that TJR herself has talked about the fact that this is tricky and the margins for error are small… but I think it wasn’t the right choice and I take some issue with it.

lindseypaulson's review against another edition

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5.0

TJR does it again. This hit a bit close to home for me; Javier Soto is the heart of this book. Sports are more than just the game and the stats & aging isn't a death sentence for women.

notalie's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

ccrdzoni's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Spoiler

both parents end up dead, and carrie doesn’t even win the title. It’s very depressing and wrapped up in a “maybe i didn’t only need tennis” perspective except, she ends up teach tennis at the end anyways….

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