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jennagrace_m's review against another edition
5.0
This was a great read! I listened to the audiobook, which was narrated by Ibtihaj. I enjoyed learning about her fencing journey, as I knew absolutely nothing about the sport prior to reading. I also appreciated her honest commentary and reflection on her experience as the only/first Black woman, Muslim woman, and woman in hijab for most of her life both in and outside of the fencing community.
jklbookdragon's review against another edition
5.0
I wish every American would read this story... I have to admit, I'm ashamed of my country when I hear what such a strong, motivated young woman had to deal with on her way to becoming an Olympian, and even after joining the U.S. Olympic team, because she is an African American who wears a hijab. A solid 4.5 stars, and a book I would strongly recommend.
remigves's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
melissa_427's review against another edition
4.0
A few things that stuck out to me:
It can be really difficult to listen to an admirable individual talk about the level of hardship they faced reaching their accomplishments when those hardships are so foreign to my own. Ibtihaj is well loved and supported by her family. Yet, she faces incredible amounts of push back from teammates and the athletic community in which she finds her success. As a white, Christian woman, most of her experience with the world outside her door was something I can never truly understand and for that reason, I'm so grateful that Ibtihaj shared her story.
Another thing I realized, is that I have had a tendency to seek out books about faith when the faith narrative matched my own. I've sought information about other faith backgrounds but it is rare that I have the opportunity to read or listen to someone share the heart of their story with a faith base outside my own. It was a beautiful experience.
It can be really difficult to listen to an admirable individual talk about the level of hardship they faced reaching their accomplishments when those hardships are so foreign to my own. Ibtihaj is well loved and supported by her family. Yet, she faces incredible amounts of push back from teammates and the athletic community in which she finds her success. As a white, Christian woman, most of her experience with the world outside her door was something I can never truly understand and for that reason, I'm so grateful that Ibtihaj shared her story.
Another thing I realized, is that I have had a tendency to seek out books about faith when the faith narrative matched my own. I've sought information about other faith backgrounds but it is rare that I have the opportunity to read or listen to someone share the heart of their story with a faith base outside my own. It was a beautiful experience.
katjabookdragon's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
larenlit's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
steph_davidson's review against another edition
3.0
#178. I don't read memoirs much, but she is just fabulous. I had no idea she picked up fencing so late (compared to when Olympic athletes usually begin training in a sport). Her work ethic is admirable, her achievement brilliant, and her character pure gold.
estherbookster's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent narrative with details about Muhammad rising above marginalization and discrimination in America, especially within American sports. Ibtihaj's story is moving and compelling. Her experiences begin from childhood and include her most recent experiences which are just shy of three to five years ago when she competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics. It's so cool to know that Mattel made a doll of her, which is the first ever hijab wearing Barbie doll. Overall, a great nonfiction book and a highly recommended read.
sarahbythebook's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
3.5
Overall I enjoyed Proud, and I think it's an important story, both for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Abtihaj Muhammad undoubtably broke barriers to get to the Olympics for Hijabi women, black women, and those who would normally be considered "too old" for something like elite sports. Her story is inspiring, and I think this book is accessible enough for high school students to benefit from her story.
As much as I enjoyed it, though, there were things I took issue with. The conflict with the national team and coach were uncomfortable to read for reasons I’m having trouble naming. What all of these people did to her is unacceptable, but a part of me hopes that both parties tried to reach resolutions. The criticism of the national coaches and teammates becomes even more confusing when Muhammad recounts the team event in the 2016 Olympics. You'd almost think there was no conflict between them if you read it separately.
I want to make it clear that I don't think Muhammad is in any way wrong or unjustified for including these stories of micro and large-scale aggressions. I just hope this isn't the first time these people are hearing about the slights she received. There's no disclosure of attempts to mitigate the problems through honest conversation which makes her come across as arrogant and petty at times.
I wasn't a huge fan of the plug for her clothing line midway through either, but I can't be that mad because I did look it up. There are some beautiful dresses available!
I do wonder if I would have enjoyed this book more in print. Because of the simple and repetitive language, parts of the book felt boring. The minute details of walking into a locker room then walking out, for example, just got old very quickly, and they happen throughout the book.
I did like the book despite all the criticisms. It's an interesting look at both the life of a African-American Muslim family and an elite-level athlete in a largely unknown sport. I hate that the author had to experience as much dismissal of her ambitions as she did, and I am proud to know that she represented the US in the 2016 Olympics at the beginning of the rise of bigotry in this country. I believe that Ibtihaj Muhammad is a wonderful role model to young girls across the world, showing that your gender and your religion do not have to stop you from anything, no matter what others say or think.
As much as I enjoyed it, though, there were things I took issue with. The conflict with the national team and coach were uncomfortable to read for reasons I’m having trouble naming. What all of these people did to her is unacceptable, but a part of me hopes that both parties tried to reach resolutions. The criticism of the national coaches and teammates becomes even more confusing when Muhammad recounts the team event in the 2016 Olympics. You'd almost think there was no conflict between them if you read it separately.
I want to make it clear that I don't think Muhammad is in any way wrong or unjustified for including these stories of micro and large-scale aggressions. I just hope this isn't the first time these people are hearing about the slights she received. There's no disclosure of attempts to mitigate the problems through honest conversation which makes her come across as arrogant and petty at times.
I wasn't a huge fan of the plug for her clothing line midway through either, but I can't be that mad because I did look it up. There are some beautiful dresses available!
I do wonder if I would have enjoyed this book more in print. Because of the simple and repetitive language, parts of the book felt boring. The minute details of walking into a locker room then walking out, for example, just got old very quickly, and they happen throughout the book.
I did like the book despite all the criticisms. It's an interesting look at both the life of a African-American Muslim family and an elite-level athlete in a largely unknown sport. I hate that the author had to experience as much dismissal of her ambitions as she did, and I am proud to know that she represented the US in the 2016 Olympics at the beginning of the rise of bigotry in this country. I believe that Ibtihaj Muhammad is a wonderful role model to young girls across the world, showing that your gender and your religion do not have to stop you from anything, no matter what others say or think.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Islamophobia
Minor: Fatphobia and Panic attacks/disorders