In These Girls, Hope is a Muscle

Rating:
Summary: One of my favorites
Review: I first read this book while I was still a member of a high school girls' basketball team. While my teams never reached nearly the pinnacle that the Amherst team did, I think that this book captures the dynamics and ongoing relationships in sports, especially on a girls' team. Each character comes vividly to life after reading it just once, and after a few times, they seem like good friends. This book is a must for anyone who plays sports, watches sports, or is a sports parent.

Rating:
Summary: One of my favorites
Review: I first read this book while I was still a member of a high school girls' basketball team. While my teams never reached nearly the pinnacle that the Amherst team did, I think that this book captures the dynamics and ongoing relationships in sports, especially on a girls' team. Each character comes vividly to life after reading it just once, and after a few times, they seem like good friends. This book is a must for anyone who plays sports, watches sports, or is a sports parent.

Rating:
Summary: Hate sports, love the book
Review: I grew up when the message to girls about a lot of thing was "girls can't" or "girls don't". The author perfectly captures the rueful, half-envious pride of the team Moms who are so proud of the daughters who have the chances they didn't get--and took them. The sports prose is a bit overheated, but I don't care--that's part of the sportswriting genre. As a citizen of another tofu-eating town, I enjoy all the stuff about Amherst. When I brought the book home, I read it straight through, and then so did my husband, and then my daughter. It's a wonderful story, and gives you the same kind of charge as watching "A League of Their Own". Ladies, read it for inspiration whenever you need encouragement to get out there and do something tough.

Rating:
Summary: Inspiring for everyone
Review: I had heard good things about this book, so I checked it out from the library to give it a try. Once I started reading it, I could not put it down. It's the story of a girl's high school basketball team who had always been good but could never quite produce when it really mattered, during the playoffs. But it's more than about that. It's about the girls who make up the team, and how each one of us has a story to tell. It's about determination and puring yourself into working toward a goal. It's about being part of a team. It also shows, sometimes painfully, the state of girls athletics, how peple sometimes don't take them seriously until there is a championship season. It also shows how vulnerable little girls are, and how they need role models like Jen Pariseau and Jamila Wideman, the books main characters. Even though I don't play basketball, I still loved this book. (after I returned it to the library, I had to go out and buy it for myself) It made me laugh and it gave me goosebumps. It inspired to go and work my butt off, becuase hope really is a powerful muscle in everyone

Rating:
Summary: This is THE best book I have read, ever.
Review: I hadn't picked up this book until very recently because I was afraid it would be all about "girl power" and the idea that women are victims. But when I finally did pick it up, it took me only 2 nights to finish. It was so captivating. This book is not so much about the feminist movement as a groups of kids coming together, and concurrently, bringing their communtiy together. Blais also tells the story of each girl and the obstacles they have faced; but not in a "I'm a victim, have simpathy," way. She tells it in an "Is that all you got? I'm gonna walk all over you," way. Inspiring. This book couldn't have been written any more perfectly. As a high school athlete, I was able to associate with so many of the rituals and emotions of the team. I am also from the Amherst area and Blais does a wonderful job of painting a picture of the communtiy and its history. I recommend this book to everyone and anyone, but it should be required reading for every female high school athlete. It is simply unbelivable. You will not be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: Insightful story of one team, but also all female athletes
Review: I have been a basketball player for nine years, an athlete for many more, and I first read this book when I was in the 7th grade. It struck me then that it was a testament to the advancements of female athletes in the eyes of the nation and in their own eyes. Over the years I have picked up this book from time to time and what I have found in it has helped me approach many situations in sports with strength and determination. Through chronicling a season with the Amherst Lady Hurricanes, Ms. Blais manages to weave together a commentary about the team's strong young women, their goals, and the goals of all female athletes today. It is an excellent book, and I believe that everyone, male or female, athlete or not, should read this book.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Story, Beautifully Written
Review: I have read dozens of books about sports, and this one ranks up there with the best. First of all, Madeleine Blais tells a great story, start to finish, of an exciting basketball season played by high school girls at the top of their game. But Ms. Blais makes the reader care deeply about these girls by bringing them to life as full human beings. The snapshots of their home lives, academic efforts, and personal relationships brings these girls alive. Finally, this is a thoughtful book that, without ever preaching, makes you realize that girls are naturally just as competitive and spirited as boys. Indeed, in these girls hope is a muscle. May they all live long, productive, and happy lives.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Story, Beautifully Written
Review: I have read dozens of books about sports, and this one ranks up there with the best. First of all, Madeleine Blais tells a great story, start to finish, of an exciting basketball season played by high school girls at the top of their game. But Ms. Blais makes the reader care deeply about these girls by bringing them to life as full human beings. The snapshots of their home lives, academic efforts, and personal relationships brings these girls alive. Finally, this is a thoughtful book that, without ever preaching, makes you realize that girls are naturally just as competitive and spirited as boys. Indeed, in these girls hope is a muscle. May they all live long, productive, and happy lives.

Rating:
Summary: I love this book!! Suggest it for anybody.
Review: I have read this book at least 3 times and love it. The truth really comes out, people can learn what Womens basketball is about. I suggest that people read it for the learning expirence even if they do not like basketball.

Rating:
Summary: The best book ever written.
Review: I love this book!! It has to be, by far, the greatest book ever written for females (and even males). Jamila Wideman is my favorite player, alongside with Grant Hill, but I enjoy watching her play more. Thank you to the author for writing this influential and intriguing, book that I will cherish for years to come.