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: Panic attacks/disorders and Fatphobia
elle_eye_eh's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
iffer's review against another edition
3.0
Ibtihaj Muhammad's story is inspiring and fascinating. I admire her very much, and I'm so glad that she has become a role model for everyone, but especially black, Muslim, and/or hijabi women. Representation matters.
That said, this biography didn't contain as much...messiness(?) as I would've liked. Perhaps this is because Ibtihaj is the type of person to see a problem, and then make the best of it by tackling it head on or going around it, which is something I'd like to emulate. On the other hand, there's sometimes an whiff of capitalist, assimilation BS: work hard; believe in God; be *the* exceptional one.
That said, this biography didn't contain as much...messiness(?) as I would've liked. Perhaps this is because Ibtihaj is the type of person to see a problem, and then make the best of it by tackling it head on or going around it, which is something I'd like to emulate. On the other hand, there's sometimes an whiff of capitalist, assimilation BS: work hard; believe in God; be *the* exceptional one.
jonesannleslie's review against another edition
5.0
If the world of elite sabre fencing could see beyond the narrow range of what has worked in the past, the US sabre women could be as successful as the other two women’s teams.
As a high school fencing coach in Illinois, introducing our sport to fencers who check every available census box (and then some), I am proud to play a small part in the solution.
As a high school fencing coach in Illinois, introducing our sport to fencers who check every available census box (and then some), I am proud to play a small part in the solution.
zainabjabak's review against another edition
5.0
This book was everything I could ever ask for in a memoir about an ambitious female Muslim! I listened to the audiobook and was able to finish it in three days. I was able to meet her at an author meet-up in Houston, TX where I was able to gain more insight into her story. She is just as an awesome of a person in real life if no
Let me just tell you how different your perspective will become as you listen to Ibtihaj narrate her story. I felt her pain and struggle through every fiber of my being. Listening to her talk about her experiences with discrimination resonated with me immensely. She delves into her past and does not hold back one bit, as she retells the misfortunate experiences and the life-changing ones that led her to who she is today.
I recommend this to anyone looking for accurate representation of what a lot Muslim and African Americans go through in daily endeavors. I hope the awareness the book attempts to portray reaches the audience on multiple levels.
Let me just tell you how different your perspective will become as you listen to Ibtihaj narrate her story. I felt her pain and struggle through every fiber of my being. Listening to her talk about her experiences with discrimination resonated with me immensely. She delves into her past and does not hold back one bit, as she retells the misfortunate experiences and the life-changing ones that led her to who she is today.
I recommend this to anyone looking for accurate representation of what a lot Muslim and African Americans go through in daily endeavors. I hope the awareness the book attempts to portray reaches the audience on multiple levels.
danicapage's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this book. Ibtihaj's book showed important perspectives and viewpoints that are often not heard. Black, female, and Muslim is an identity that is a huge problem for far too many. Really insightful read. Definiely recommend.