August 1, 2018
Muhammad (U.S. Olympics bronze medalist), with writer Tharps (Same Family, Different Colors), describes her journey to becoming a champion fencer in this memoir that aims to challenge the stereotypes and prejudices she encounters every day. From an early age, the author was aware that her African American heritage and her Muslim faith differentiated her from her peers; she had to cope with slights, aggressive behavior, and prejudice. After her mother observed that fencers compete in modest dress appropriate for an observant Muslim, Muhammad took up the sport and quickly showed aptitude. She credits her parents' influence, her own hard work, and the support of the minority fencing community for her championship record. She is not shy about admitting her failures, faults, and setbacks, and recounts a low period when she quit the sport then truly dedicated herself to it and became a champion, role model, entrepreneur, and activist. This memoir culminates in her historic performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics when she became the first American woman to compete in hijab. VERDICT Highly recommended for readers interested in sports or inspirational memoirs.--Rebekah Kati, Univ. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
August 1, 2018
The first Muslim American woman to compete for America in the Olympics wearing a hijab, claiming a team bronze, Muhammad chose fencing as consonant with her family's religious beliefs: she could compete fully clothed. Here's how she stuck to her faith and her sabre despite financial difficulties and the bigotry that came with a sport long associated with the white upper crust (someone even told her, "Take that table cloth off your head").
Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.