nancidrum's review against another edition
3.0
I expected this to be at least 4 stars given the content of the story, which immediately drew my interest. I didn't know anything about the women who participated in the Olympic 1936 track and field team; not even their names, so I was excited to learn many new things about this time frame. There were numerous important and controversial topics in this historical fiction novel...feminism, racism, bullying, courage, poverty, etc. How could I not be thrilled with it? Somehow this author had so much going for her with the subject matter, but her writing just was not engaging to me. Her dialogue felt artificial and awkward many times. I really wanted to know the characters, but it seemed just when I was beginning to feel something for them, they would slip away. 3.5 stars
yo_steedgirl's review against another edition
2.0
As a runner, I was really excited to read this book, and am grateful to have received an ARC from the Goodreads Giveaways. Unfortunately, this book fell flat for me. The characters and dialogue felt stilted and bland, and the action of the novel didn't draw me in until Part 4 (...of four.) Perhaps I am just not a fan of novelizations of real-life historical figures? These women have fascinating stories to tell, but by the end of this novel I had zero emotional attachment to the characters.
dekovash's review against another edition
3.0
This book was a marathon versus the sprinters the author wrote about. I was left wishing I knew more of the back story of some of the characters or that there were less to follow. I am grateful however for a different perspective of the 1936 Olympics. We do always hear about Jesse Owens struggle and the Nazi regime so it was refreshing to read about the event through a different lens.
mandylovestoread's review against another edition
4.0
What an inspiring book! Listened to this on audio while I was working today and really enjoyed it. Learnt alot about athletes in that time and what women had to deal with. Definitely with a read
taylorretter's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
moonlitmarginnotes's review against another edition
4.0
I am so thrilled to see more and more stories that highlight women who have paved the way for future generations. Betty Robinson, Helen Stephens, and Louise Stokes are all heroes in their own right. I truly enjoyed following the journey of three women from entirely different backgrounds being brought together. These women overcame adversity, against all odds, including but not exclusive to, racism and sexism. They found refuge and meaning in running and competing. Their stories of tenacity and perseverance are magnetic and truly inspiring.
onyourmarkgetreading's review against another edition
4.0
Such an inspiring story for women, women athletes, Black women, women who are different... this should be a must read for all young girls. It follows three young women on their quest to reach the Olympics. We watch them triumph in the face of adversity. Based on real athletes and real events, I found it awe inspiring to read about the girls quest for acceptance and Olympic success. There is Betty, the Olympic winner who becomes injured in a plane crash and fights to make her comeback. Then we have Helen, always an outcast tries to find her place with running