Taylor Jenkins Reid has a magical way of making anything she writes compelling to any reader. I never would have thought I’d enjoy a book about tennis so much until I picked up this book that I’ve been meaning to read over a year now, and I’m so glad I did.
If you’re looking for a your next read or want to get into reading for enjoyment, you’ve definitely come to the right place because Carrie Soto is someone you’ll want to meet.
So, what’s it about?
The story Carrie Soto is Back follows the life of a Latina character named Carrie Soto who follows her dreams to become the greatest tennis player in the world, and she’s willing to go to any extreme lengths to get there.
As Carrie grows older within her career and decides to retire, she watches horrifically from the sidelines as a new player, Nicki Chan, threatens her Grand Slam record. At age 37, this inspires Soto to come back from retirement and try to become the greatest player once again and reclaim her title.
While many people across the world doubt Soto and don’t believe a retired player like herself is able to win, she’s determined to prove them wrong,
Carrie Soto experiences a journey through many hardships of injuries, relationships, and her reputation through the novel as she deeply strives to reach her goal.
My thoughts
After reading Carrie Soto is Back and other books by Taylor Jenkins Reid, I can confidently say that she is one, if not my favorite, author of all time. I absolutely loved this book, and I think she has a very special way of storytelling.
Throughout the novel, Carrie Soto is presented as a very tough and stern woman who is very competitive and set in her ways. As she grows up, Soto trains with her father Javier Soto and wins many tennis competitions with him side by side.
The relationship between Carrie and her father is something that I found very special in this novel and I admired the development of their relationship throughout the book. Not only is he her father, but he is also her coach, and it creates such an interesting dynamic throughout the novel.
Something I love about this book especially is the organization and timeline. The chapters aren’t super long, making it feel like a very fast-paced read, and the book is split into specific years in Soto’s life that help the reader feel like they’re growing up with Soto in a sense.
Carrie Soto’s character development is something that Taylor Jenkins Reid develops beautifully throughout the book as the reader gets to see her grow up and compete not only on the court but also in her personal life.
More TJR!
Carrie Soto is Back is only one of the many amazing Taylor Jenkins Reid books that follow the “Riva-verse,” a universe completely connected through one character, rockstar Mick Riva. Although each book is its own, separate novel, they’re connected through this one character, adding a special touch on all of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books.
If you’re looking for your next read, I definitely recommend picking up Carrie Soto and also exploring TJR’s other amazing novels!
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
- Daisy Jones & The Six
- Malibu Rising
- Maybe in Another Life
- After I Do
