
Brace for Impact
A Memoir
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Narrated by:
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Gabe Montesanti
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By:
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Gabe Montesanti
About this listen
A powerful and redemptive story of how the dazzling world of roller derby helped one young woman transform her fear and self-doubt into gutsy, big-hearted, adventurous living
“A universal story of healing and triumph, made all the more beautiful, wild, and free by Gabe’s fierce love for roller derby and her team, who become her family.” (Abby Wambach, Olympian, activist, and author of the number one New York Times best seller Wolfpack)
ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: Book Riot
Growing up queer in a conservative Midwestern town, Gabe Montesanti never felt comfortable in her own skin. A competitive swimmer, she turned to perfectionism and self-control to create a sense of safety, only to develop an eating disorder and constantly second-guess her instincts. When she enters graduate school in St. Louis, she is determined to put the baggage of her childhood behind her. With no prior experience, she joins Arch Rival, one of the top-ranked roller derby leagues in the world. Gabe instantly falls in love with the sport’s roughness, intensity, and open embrace of people who are literally and figuratively scarred. She soon finds community and a sense of belonging, reveling in the tattoos, glitter, and campiness.
But when Gabe suffers a catastrophic injury, she can no longer ignore the parallels between the physicality of roller derby and the unresolved trauma of her upbringing. Rendered inactive, forced to be still, Gabe realizes she needs to heal her emotional wounds as much as her physical ones; she must confront her fear and self-diminishment in order to feel truly alive.
Told with unflinching honesty and a giant dose of wonder, Brace for Impact is a tender, inspiring memoir about the everyday heroism of pursuing a life less ordinary, and the deeply human need to be at peace with who you are.
©2022 Gabe Montesanti (P)2022 Random House AudioListeners also enjoyed...
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Critic reviews
“The way Gabe writes about her instinct to be gentle toward others yet strict, regimented, and disciplined toward herself is beautiful, bold, and utterly relatable. Brace for Impact helped me know myself better.”—Cameron Esposito, bestselling author of Save Yourself
“Gabe Montesanti’s story of resilience and courage is a shining example of what it looks like to chase a dream. Her willingness to confront her past, her unflinching excavation of her relationship with her body, and her persistent quest for peace are deeply inspiring.”—Alexi Pappas, author of Bravey
“Brace for Impact bursts with honest, vulnerable, lifesaving storytelling. This book helped me grow and finally understand that I belong to myself.”—Tara Schuster, author of Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies
The honesty!
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Make this Book a TV series STAT
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All the feels
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Great book
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Healing & True
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Speak to me
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A powerful recovery memoir exploring roller derby, physicality, and queer identity
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Couldn't Turn It Off!
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Wonderful writing
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Inspirational
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