Sally H. Jacobs

Before their were the Williams sisters their was a woman who made their accomplishments possible. Althea Gibson was a ground breaker in the 1940's and beyond. A tremendously gifted athlete from Harlem she comes under the mentorship of two men who try to help her control her undisciplined game and nature. It was a roller coaster of a life dotted with constant racism and poverty even after being a Wimbledon champion. A really fascinating person.

I never knew.
I'd always known that Althea Gibson was the penultimate tennis pro of her day, but had poor understanding of ALL the hardships she faced or that she was also in the LPGA. The publisher's blurb is a good one as far as it goes while skirting the whole natural hormone issue. She came from financial poverty, overcame almost everything, and retired into emotional poverty. A truly admirable woman who deserved better.
I requested and received an EARC from St. Martin's Press via show more NetGalley. Thank you! show less