Taylor Jenkins Reid's Carrie Soto Is Back receives acclaim for its rich character development and engaging narrative that explores themes of ambition and resilience. Critics praise Reid's portrayal of a fierce and unapologetic female protagonist. However, some find the tennis-centered plot repetitive. Overall, it's a compelling read with emotionally resonant moments.

Readers who relish riveting sports drama mixed with deep character exploration will be captivated by Taylor Jenkins Reid's Carrie Soto Is Back. Fans of intense, emotionally charged stories akin to Daisy Jones & The Six and A League of Their Own will find a compelling narrative that combines tenacity, fame, and personal development.

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid follows the story of Carrie Soto, a retired tennis professional who decides to return to the sport to defend her record of 20 Grand Slam titles. As she trains and competes, Carrie grapples with her fears of losing and her understanding of greatness, while navigating the pressures and challenges of being a woman in professional tennis during the latter half of the 20th century.

Inspirational / Emotional / Contemplative / Challenging / Bittersweet

- Carrie Soto Is Back marks Taylor Jenkins Reid's return to focusing on the world of sports, a theme that has been subtly present in her previous works, such as tennis in Malibu Rising.
- The novel explores themes of legacy and ambition, which are common threads in Reid’s body of work as she often writes about complex characters in the public eye.
- Taylor Jenkins Reid has been known to create interconnected stories; Carrie Soto Is Back revisits characters and events from her earlier novels, enriching the universe she crafts across her books.

**Carrie Soto**  
Carrie is a former professional tennis player known for her fierce competitiveness and ambition. She is making a comeback to defend her Grand Slam record and is known by the nickname "the Battle Axe."

**Javier Soto**  
Javier is Carrie's father and coach, a former professional tennis player himself. He is deeply invested in Carrie's tennis career and has influenced her belief in being a destined champion.

**Bowen “Bowe” Huntley**  
Bowe is Carrie's love interest and a fellow tennis player looking to redeem his sports reputation. He shares a past with Carrie and influences her personal growth throughout her comeback.

**Nicki Chan**  
Nicki is a professional tennis player who challenges Carrie's Grand Slam record. She shares a mutual respect with Carrie and provides a friendly rivalry as they both navigate the pressures of professional tennis.

**Gwen Davis**  
Gwen is Carrie's loyal agent who supports her return to tennis, managing the potential impacts on her career and friendships. She shares a close bond with Carrie beyond their professional relationship.

Taylor Jenkins Reid

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In Carrie Soto Is Back, retired tennis champion Carrie returns to the court, facing rivals and redefining her legacy. Full summary and analysis here.

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The First Time Around”

Prologue and Part 1

Carrie Soto Is Back Prologue and Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Comeback”

Part 2 Carrie Soto Is Back Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The 1995 Australian Open”

Part 3 Carrie Soto Is Back Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “The 1995 French Open”

Part 4 Carrie Soto Is Back Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Wimbledon 1995”

Part 5 Carrie Soto Is Back Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “The 1995 US Open”

Part 6 and Epilogue

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Carrie Soto Is Back

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