Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Carrie grows up striving to be the greatest tennis player, full stop. She dominates the tennis scene in the 1980’s, and at the peak of her career has twenty Grand Slam titles to her name. She gave everything to be these best. Years after retiring, her record is about to be broken by the newest tennis star. At 37, Carrie is considering coming out of retirement in a unprecedented move to attempt to hold onto her Grand Slam record. Taylor Jenkins Reid immerses us in the 1990’s tennis scene, grips us with Carrie’s determination to win.

Prior to reading this book, I knew pretty much nothing about tennis. I can confirm that tennis knowledge is not necessary for enjoying this book! TJR displays incredible skill in writing a book that is basically a series of tennis matches, and yet also contains a fantastic character study that I won’t soon forget. While it took until about 40% of the way through to find this book really engaging, once I was invested I couldn’t put it down. Carrie is a wonderfully complex character that experiences such amazing growth over the course of the
story. Her relationship with her father is explored in detail, and there’s a bit of a romance as a side plot that adds additional interest.

Overall, I think this highly anticipated upcoming release will be popular with TJR fans. I enjoyed it, and was still thinking of Carrie a few weeks after reading. If you make it to the halfway mark I think you’ll be really happy you stuck it out. Many thanks to Penguin Random House Canada / Doubleday Canada & to NetGalley for a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Watch out for Carrie Soto is Back on August 30!

It will probably come as a surprise to most to hear that this was my very first TJR novel! I want to thank @netgalley and @penguinrandomhouse for granting me early access to this story. It is available for everyone to read on August 30!

I was very hesitant to read this book because of my complete indifference towards tennis, but I was very pleasantly surprised by how quickly I became immersed in the story. Taking place between 1955 and 1996, this book reads as a non-fiction story. I don’t typically enjoy reading books that take place “before my time” because I sometimes have a hard time relating to them, but this was not the case at all! I think the author covered the span of 40 years in a unique manner that prevented it from dragging. This story was divided I two three parts, and within each part, some chapters covered a series of years while others only covered a matter of hours. I really enjoyed the flow of the whole story, and I was quite surprised that some of the chapters which only covered a match, or a tournament, had me on the edge of my seat! I really didn’t know what to expect of the ending, but it was honestly the best conclusion for this story - so wholesome.

I am a character driven reader, thus, when I found that Carrie was not the most likeable MC, I feared that I would develop a distaste for her - which may or may not sway my opinion on the entire book. I had a soft spot for Carrie the whole time I was reading, probably knowing her childhood and upbringing… this story really had me thinking about the experience of other athletes/stars who trained for their profession from such a young age… Overall, Carrie’s character development was astounding! I was so thrilled by her growth, and I know Javier would have been so exceptionally proud.

Carrie Soto is Back is classic Taylor Jenkins Reid! What's so great about TJR to me is her ability to write characters that feel really REAL. How many of us read Daisy Jones and the Six and then immediately googled the band, thinking FOR SURE they really existed? Carrie Soto was the same for me. Was she likeable? Not really, or at least not at first. But she was human and I could see how her childhood and experiences formed her drive, personality, fears etc. So by the end I understood her (even if she was totally different to me) and understanding her made me love and root for her.

The stand out was the father daughter relationship between Javier and Carrie. It was so emotional, I loved it. I *almost* cried and books don't often make me cry. I also liked the fast paced, heart pumping matches. I was a little worried all the tennis would be boring, but it definitely didn't feel that way to me. Anyone put off by the idea should still give it a chance! It made me want to learn to play tennis.

The big question is, how does it stack up against other TJR books? For me, I'd say it's above Malibu Rising, but below Daisy Jones. And it's been too long since I read Evelyn Hugo for me to say definitively... maybe it's time for a re-read?

Another winner by TJR! It's like Queen's Gambit but tennis. I read this book within 2 days, I could not put it down. I don't know anything about tennis and I am not a sports fan, but the writing and story kept me hooked.

4.5 stars.

Great book once again by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I flew through this book! It covered topics that just seemed to speak to me like father/daughter relationships, finding your place in today's world while being a strong, successful woman and the struggles that causes, reinventing yourself and self reflection and personal growth. I really like the idea of not having to be the same person that you were yesterday and that being okay. Also, the romance was slow and sweet, which I love!!

One thing I didn't like was how often the father spoke in Spanish. I'm sure it doesn't affect the story or it wouldn't be there, (I hope) and the feeling did still come across, but I hate not knowing what it says! If it was just a word like si or gracious here or there it would be fine, but sometimes it was whole sentences back and forth. Why have those there if we have no idea what they are about?

If you liked Taylor's previous books than I'm sure you will enjoy this book as well; the author definitely has her own writing style and this reflects it perfectly.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This one is hard. I wanted to love this so much and there is a lot of good in between the (digital) covers. But it came up short. What I loved - TJR’s ability to create a story and background that is an autobiographical fiction is really compelling.

Unfortunately, I’m not a tennis fan. And this book didn’t change that or make me intrigued in the sport and culture, although I know it will land for many. And while I get underlying theme of a narcissist being served humbleness and finding her way to redemption both on and off the court where she can be at peace with herself- it just took far too long to get there for me.

Still - the writing and her style - are a benchmark for many writers.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my advanced copy.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Random House Publishing for gifting me an advanced copy. Carrie Soto is Back is one of the most anticipated books of 2022 and I love Taylor Jenkins Reid. This story is about a retired tennis star who sets the goal to prove she's still the best female tennis player in the world. While it's a good story, all the sport speak was not really my cup of tea, but I did like the character of Carrie Soto and was rooting for her. If you love tennis, you'll probably love this one. Personally I found both The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Malibu Rising to be superior and would recommend those (especially Evelyn!) over Carrie Soto.

Let me start by saying I love Taylor Jenkins Reid’s style of writing. I continually fall in love with her characters, her settings, and her stories.

Carrie Soto is Back was a bit of a letdown for me. The primary obstacle was the Spanish dialogue. I do not speak Spanish, but I am fluent in French, yet I still found the Spanish hard to follow. It pulled me out of the storyline time after time as I struggled to decipher what was being said.

I found myself slogging through the tennis portions. I understood that this book was primarily going to be about tennis, but I felt there was very little character development within the pages. Yes, Carrie Soto is a strong woman with a sense of purpose, but I felt the motivation to get to come out of retirement was weak. However, Carrie‘s drive to maintain her record, and put her body through intense training at her advanced age [for tennis, anyways] was completely in line with the character that Reid presented to us.

If I was in love with the game of tennis, I would probably have appreciated the play-by-play and the lingo more than I actually did.

All that being said, the pacing in the book was good, the tennis matches somewhat engaging, but it was really the last of the book where Carrie had some major developments that were far more interesting for me.

Taylor Jenkins Reid has done it again!
We first heard of Carrie Soto, briefly, in Malibu Rising, and her story is incredible!

Carrie Soto is fiercely competitive, and at the same time at thirty-seven, she’s coming to terms with the fact that she may no longer be the best tennis player. When she comes out of retirement to defend her record, I was in awe of her sheer determination, and at the same time how she had to learn to be at peace with the possibility of losing.

I loved her father Javier, and Bowe Huntley who believed in Carrie when everyone thought she was crazy for making her comeback. Carrie’s character development was on point and so clear to see, especially within her relationships, both personal and with fans!

It was interesting to see how Carrie’s attitude differed from the other competitors during the competition, and I could definitely see why she made no friends, and people called her a bitch. In the end, I really loved the respect between Carrie and Nicki Chan!

TJR, you’re a queen please never stop writing books!

I’m a huge fan of TJR and couldn’t have been more excited to receive an advanced copy of Carrie Soto is back. However I was so disappointed. I for one do not enjoy tennis and therefore I got nothing out of this book. It almost reads more like a nonfiction piece. It is however a phenomenal piece on women empowerment and women in sport. Overall glad I read it but I expect to see lots of mixed reviews

🔊Song Pairing: The Bitch is Back - Elton John

💭What I thought would happen:

Carrie was a massive beotch in Malibu Rising but I knew there was more to that tough exterior

📖What actually happens:

As the title states: Carrie Soto is back. She is back for her second act after Malibu Rising and she is back to dominate the sport of tennis after 5 years of retirement. At 37, Soto is about to compete in the Australian, French, US Open and Wimbledon. She must hold her title of most slams won.

No one believes Carrie can do it. Not to mention that people love to hate her. Because in 1995 men are so kind to women athletes 😂 jk to this day they’re still condescending tool bags. Can Carrie hold on to her title and prove to herself and everyone else that she is the greatest player tennis has ever seen?!

🗯Thoughts:

ACE! Taylor serves up perfection, this one is guaranteed to smash it’s way to the top of people’s favourite TJR list. Don’t get me wrong…no book will ever trump Evelyn Hugo but dang did this one soar close.

Carrie has some excellent character development. I felt like a proud parent watching her grow, bettering her game and herself and while at a glacial pace…finally finally finally opening up to people.

Carrie’s relationship with her father had my heart in a vice. I just loved the way that respected each other.

I could 💯 understand that if you don’t enjoy tennis this may not be the book for you. On the other hand, you do not need to be a diehard fan of the sport to wholeheartedly enjoy this read!

Has a Kelly stamp of approval. Can’t wait for more rave reviews!

i always knew there was more to carrie when she first appeared in "malibu rising" so i was so excited to see her story expanded in "carrie soto is back". this book was absolutely stunning, carrie's character was so incredibly raw and realistic that it genuinely felt as though she was a real human being standing in front of me. the ending had me gripping my chair like carrie's character development was insane. and the games?? the australian open had me shaking, wimbledon made me cry and don't even get me started on the us open i will NEVER shut up.

also i find it hilarious how i knew absolutely NOTHING about tennis before reading this book but now i suddenly have a racket and a pack of tennis balls in my amazon cart like when did that happen?? 😭😭

the only thing i wasn't a huge fan of was who carrie ended up with at the end (istg she had more chemistry with someone else but I'll avoid ranting just for the sake of spoilers)

i just know tjk wrote this for the girlies with daddy issues (javier soto you will always be famous <3)

If you follow my bookish content, you probably know that I love Taylor Jenkins Reid and all of her historical fiction books. All of them are 5 stars, all of them have been re-read a number of times, and I recommend them to everyone - which is why receiving her newest release, Carrie Soto Is Back, as my very first ARC was super exciting for me!! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my first ever advance copy🥳

This book follows the most famous and successful female tennis player on the planet, Carrie Soto. At age 37, she comes out of retirement in hopes of reclaiming her record of the most Slam titles. Carrie sets out to prove once and for all that she is the best tennis player there is, with her father coaching her along the way.

I finished Carrie Soto Is Back in basically one sitting after being in a reading slump for weeks, and it was everything I hoped it would be. TJR has a way of writing characters that feel so real. By the end of this book, Carrie was a real person to me and I feel like I relate to her in more ways than I’d like to admit. I was hooked from the first chapter - not because I care at all about tennis, but because Taylor Jenkins Reid knows how to write a badass female lead.

Carrie is definitely an unlikeable character, but I loved her for that exact reason. Following her introduction in Malibu Rising, i was skeptical that I would enjoy a book about Carrie Soto. Carrie is dedicated, ambitious and unapologetically herself, and if you love reading about characters like this, you might love Carrie Soto Is Back.

Admittedly, I didn’t know if I was going to love this book, since it centres around sports and that isn’t really my thing. But don’t let that deter you from reading this - while it is sports-heavy, TJR writes in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat, regardless of your knowledge on tennis. The plot, the remainder of the characters, and the beautiful father-daughter relationship portrayed in this novel make it worth picking up.

I will read anything that Taylor Jenkins Reid releases and I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy of this book once it’s released at the end of August 2022!

5⭐️

Another story from TJR that I loved😍Loved this story so much. I went in not knowing what this was about. It made me laugh, cry and a little angry. Loved the characters in this and really felt like I was watching the story live. About dreams, family and determination. Looking forward to getting my hands on the physical copy once it’s out.

Thanks to Penguin Random House Canada and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Date Published: August 30, 2022

Unfortunately I can’t give feedback at this time. I was given access to a Netgalley shelf copy. The PDF was unreadable. The pages kept flipping back and forth and it was just too awkward to read. I’m disappointed a kindle copy wasn’t offered as I was really looking forward to reading this book. Is there any way to get a kindle compatible copy of this book?

[Absolutely LOVED it]

I think this is my new favourite TJR book. I found it completely binge-worthy. The writing was great, as always. I’m not even a fan of tennis and I still found this book so compelling. The main characters were very well developed and the pace of the book was perfect. I couldn’t put it down. I loved the ending but was sad it was over. Highly recommend pre-ordering this one - it’s out August 30th!

Thank you to the publisher and @netgalley for providing a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I Hope that people who are not too familiar with tennis will have as much fun reading Carrie Soto as those, like me, who love it. We are plunged into the four major Slams for a year to follow Carrie's games.

I loved hating the character of Carrie Soto in Malibu Rising, and I loved him so much here!

The relationship with his father is one of the key points of the novel, whether it is father/daughter or coach/player. Their love for each other and for sport was a pleasure to read.

Another beautiful reading from @tjenkinsreid!

This was another fantastic read from Taylor Jenkins Reid. As always, her book is full of strong female characters and deep family connections. Love, loss, heartbreak, determination and grit - this book has it all. Must read.

Carrie Soto you own my heart. TJR is the only author who could make me read a book about tennis and have me enjoy every second of it. I could not stop reading this story & each new book solidifies to me that she is my favourite author and storyteller. she has a way of writing that makes me forget I’m reading a book. I found myself fully engaged in this book and easily picturing these scenes in my head.

if you are a fan of either: TJR’s writing or tennis - this is an absolute must read for you. this story was different from her others as it was ALL about tennis, tennis games and tennis jargon. I learned so much about this sport and enjoyed every second of it (coming from a girl who has only watched a game of tennis in that one Hannah Montana episode). so, even if you have zero knowledge about it, I still recommend diving into this one. step out of your comfort zone - it proved to be extremely entertaining.

the father-daughter relationship was a key element here and it was so realistic and heartfelt. Javier was a favourite character of mine, but my top favourite would have to be Carrie. these badass female characters just keep coming from TJR. Carrie reminded me of Daisy & Evelyn in the best way. she is a character some may not like because she is flawed, stubborn, and relentless (sound familiar?) but I absolutely love her. she is a complete force and represents being strong and assured.

the subtle mentions of characters from her other books were a highlight. I love seeing how they all connect. this can be read as a stand-alone, but I would undoubtedly recommend reading every book in this world.

I can’t wait to own a final copy so I can highlight my favourite quotes & passages. this was my most anticipated release for this year & it did not disappoint. another incredible novel by TJR; filled with characters I cannot believe are fictional and events to make me feel every emotion imaginable.

If you’re a fan of tennis then this book is definitely for you. I’ve never been much of a player or really understood the game but Carrie Soto is Back has certainly sparked my interest in the sport. This is a fast read that will have you wanting to lace up your tennis whites and grab a racquet.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada, NetGalley and the author, Taylor Jenkins Reid for the opportunity to read this ARC.