The Review

If you’ve read “Malibu Raising” by Taylor Jenkins Reid; then you know who Carrie Soto is. Carrie Soto is arguably, one of the more publicly disliked characters TJR has written, simply because she dared to date Nina Riva’s husband – when he is the one to be blamed – and has a “winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing” mentality toward her craft. When Taylor Jenkins Reid announced that her next novel was “Carrie Soto is Back”, I wanted to know how TJR planned to make Soto likeable enough to have an entire novel. However, because the initial reviews were not the best I put off reading listening to it until the US Open this past weekend gave me motivation to start it during my long run.

While some may argue that this novel lacks the unique storytelling styles of “Evelyn Hugo” and “Daisy Jones,” I believe that TJR’s decision to venture into the realm of sports fiction was a bold and refreshing move. It stands as a testament to her versatility as a storyteller. Rather than relying on the interview-style narrative or coming-of-age themes of her previous novels, Reid boldly dives into the world of sports, giving us a glimpse into the complex and compelling character of Carrie Soto.

At its core, this book delves into the comeback journey of Carrie Soto, once hailed as the best women’s tennis player of her era. Her desire to protect her legacy and maintain her record for the most Slam wins fuels the narrative, and readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster as they witness her determination and vulnerability. TJR masterfully navigates the challenges of a retired athlete returning to the spotlight, adding layers to Carrie’s character that make her relatable and compelling.

One of the standout aspects of the novel is Reid’s careful portrayal of the tennis world. She doesn’t rely on mimicking one specific tennis legend but instead draws inspiration from various eras and players. Readers can spot elements reminiscent of Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, & Steffi Graf, as well as modern players such as the Williams sisters and Naomi Osaka. This diverse mix of influences gives each character a unique personality and enhances Carrie’s unapologetic “I’m not here to make friends” attitude.

Another of the novel’s notable achievements is that it refrains from making the reader question who the true “villain” of the story is. In essence, Carrie is only dubbed a “bitch” because she behaves in a way typical of many professional male athletes. This sharp observation by Reid, and the use of showing the dichotomy between the female written news articles and the men’s sports commentators, forces us to confront our own biases and expectations when it comes to female athletes and their behavior.

However, the best part about listening to the audiobook was the effort the producers put in to make each news broadcast feel like I actually turned on ESPN. The change in voice actors with the added interlude music made Carrie Soto more enjoyable.

In conclusion, “Carrie Soto is Back” may not follow the same formula as Taylor Jenkins Reid’s previous novels, but it retains the essence of her storytelling—complex characters, moral ambiguity, and a compelling narrative. By diving into the world of professional tennis and offering a diverse range of influences, Reid has crafted a sports novel that not only entertains but also challenges our perceptions of female athletes. So, if you’re willing to root for an anti-hero and explore the world of tennis through the eyes of a fierce competitor, “Carrie Soto is Back” is worth the read.

---

Short Review (AKA TLDR)

“Carrie Soto is Back” by Taylor Jenkins Reid offers a captivating exploration of the complex character Carrie Soto, known for her controversial actions in “Malibu Raising.” Despite initial doubts about making Soto a likable protagonist, Reid’s bold foray into sports fiction proves refreshing. While it may lack the unique storytelling styles of Reid’s previous works like “Evelyn Hugo” and “Daisy Jones,” the novel showcases her versatility as a storyteller. Following the comeback journey of retired tennis legend Carrie Soto, the story delves into her determination to protect her legacy and maintain her record for the most Slam wins. Reid’s careful portrayal of the tennis world draws inspiration from various players, both past and present, giving each character a unique personality and enhancing Carrie’s unapologetic attitude. The novel challenges stereotypes and biases surrounding female athletes, cleverly using media representation to shed light on the double standards they face. The audiobook’s production adds an immersive element, making the news broadcasts feel like real sports commentary. In essence, “Carrie Soto is Back” offers a compelling narrative that may differ from Reid’s previous works but retains the essence of her storytelling, making it a worthwhile read for those willing to root for an anti-hero and explore the world of tennis through the eyes of a fierce competitor.