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Book Description:
Carrie Soto is a force to be reckoned with, unapologetically pursuing victory at any cost. Her legacy in the world of tennis is unparalleled; she shattered records and secured twenty Slam titles. But, her relentless drive left her with few friends and her successes were shadowed by a father who served as both coach and guide.
Retirement didn’t quell Carrie’s fire. At thirty-seven, she watched her records fall to the hands of British player Nicki Chan. Fueled by a fierce desire, she made a bold choice to reclaim her glory. With her body no longer as agile and her pride on the line, she turns to her father for coaching and trains alongside Bowe Huntley, a man who carries his own burdens.
In defiance of odds, Carrie Soto is back, for one final, epic season. Taylor Jenkins Reid’s captivating novel delves into the cost of greatness and the unyielding spirit of an athlete determined to rewrite her legacy.

There’s a certain kind of anticipation that comes with picking up a book from an author you admire. In the case of “Carrie Soto is Back,” that anticipation was accompanied by an eagerness to explore the pages of a new novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid. However, as the story unfolded, I found myself grappling with a sense of disappointment and disconnect that I hadn’t expected.

Failing to Connect with the Main Character:

A protagonist is the heart of any story, a character readers should be able to root for and relate to. Unfortunately, “Carrie Soto is Back” falls short in creating that essential connection between readers and its main character. As I delved into the pages, I found myself struggling to empathize with Carrie Soto’s journey. Her experiences and emotions, though vividly described, failed to resonate with me on a personal level.

A Tennis-Centric Tale:

It’s not uncommon for novels to center around a particular theme or hobby, and in this case, tennis takes center stage. The sport is a backdrop against which the story unfolds, weaving through the lives of the characters. While this focus is not inherently problematic, “Carrie Soto is Back” leans heavily on tennis to propel its narrative forward. As someone who doesn’t share a personal interest in the sport, the relentless emphasis on tennis left me searching for other elements that could have balanced the story.

Hoping for More:

Given TJR’s ability to craft compelling narratives in the past, I held onto the hope that “Carrie Soto is Back” would offer more than its tennis-focused premise. I anticipated that the author’s signature storytelling would transcend the sport and explore other aspects of the characters’ lives – their relationships, their growth, and the themes that resonate beyond the confines of the tennis court. Unfortunately, this expectation wasn’t met, and the story remained firmly anchored to its singular theme.

The Disappointment of Unfulfilled Expectations:

The sting of disappointment is more pronounced when it comes from an author whose works you’ve previously enjoyed. As someone who has found solace and joy in Taylor Jenkins Reid’s previous creations, “Carrie Soto is Back” stands out as a departure from the captivating storytelling I’ve come to expect. This book, which revolves around tennis to the exclusion of other narrative elements, has left me wishing for the same level of engagement I’ve experienced in the past.

In conclusion, while “Carrie Soto is Back” holds promise as a tennis-themed tale, it struggles to forge a connection between its characters and readers. The relentless focus on tennis eclipses opportunities for exploration beyond the sport, leaving those without a strong affinity for tennis feeling unfulfilled. As readers, we embark on literary journeys in search of stories that resonate with our hearts and minds, and while not every reading experience will align with our expectations, this particular novel falls short of the mark.

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