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christcore's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
3.75
A fine read. Nothing incredible. Reading the young readers' version makes me wonder if the adult/original version dives deeper into the topics that I felt were lacking (sexism/harassment, acknowledgement of class, threats of violence...). It's a very preachy book, as is to be expected. Every triumph is attributed to her being American. At a certain point, it becomes redundant.
aheinicke27's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
bheadley's review against another edition
5.0
Such an inspiring and beautiful woman. I appreciated hearing about her faith, devotion, and defense of it. As a woman of faith, sometimes it’s easier for me to not defend, and just say “it’s all good, no big deal.” After this book, I will find the courage to stand my ground and stand up for things I believe in. Thank you, Ibtihaj!
sarlope12's review against another edition
one of my favorites for the year, i wouldn't have picked it up if it wasn't for this assignment. highly highly highly recommend it. It was so fascinating to read more about fencing, and overcoming barriers in that world.
the_fabric_of_words's review against another edition
5.0
This book is inspiring, particularly for women looking for ways to go to college and have it paid for through sports. The author chooses fencing, because at the time there weren't many women fencers, although she's never at a loss for competitors. But there were no others who wore the hijab. Although the author graduated from an Ivy League school in 2008, at the height of the Great Recession, and at one point worked for a dollar store, she pursed her passion relentlessly and by her 30s went to the Olympics. An all-around inspiring sports story!
Visit my blog for more book reviews, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: http://amb.mystrikingly.com/
Visit my blog for more book reviews, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: http://amb.mystrikingly.com/
read2me's review against another edition
3.0
I listened to this book and it was read by the author. I loved the message but I was never truly engaged in the book.
heykellyjensen's review against another edition
Young Reader Editions of adult books used to be so sad, but in the last half decade or so, they've really gotten so good. This is no exception.
A look at how Muhammad found her passion for fencing and how her identity as a solidly middle class black hijab-wearing Muslim impacted her journey through a sport best known as one for upper class white people. Muhammad's passion for her family and deep need to reconnect with her spiritual side throughout her rise in the sport were wonderfully rendered here, too -- she is so relatable to so many teens and such a powerful role model for those teens who share any or all of her identities. She is who she wished she had when she were young.
Recommended for readers who love sports memoirs or who want to see women of color and women of faith excelling in their areas of passion.
A look at how Muhammad found her passion for fencing and how her identity as a solidly middle class black hijab-wearing Muslim impacted her journey through a sport best known as one for upper class white people. Muhammad's passion for her family and deep need to reconnect with her spiritual side throughout her rise in the sport were wonderfully rendered here, too -- she is so relatable to so many teens and such a powerful role model for those teens who share any or all of her identities. She is who she wished she had when she were young.
Recommended for readers who love sports memoirs or who want to see women of color and women of faith excelling in their areas of passion.
thalassaio's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
jennybeastie's review against another edition
4.0
Very inspiring story from a terrific athlete. Hard to imagine all the years of hard work and discrimination that Ibtihaj went through, but she's an incredible example.