Champion

Would you consider the audio edition of Forward to be better than the print version?

Having Abby read her own story to me was amazing and far better, I expect, that simply reading her words. I felt like I was sitting down with her most of the time and participating in her memories and troubles.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Forward?

Hearing Abby's struggles with self and addiction was very touching and memorable. It showed how even the best of us have deep inner conflicts.

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved the introduction, when Abby sent us, full throttle, into her turbulent insides where she faced a loss of the one unifying element of her life - soccer - and how she would survive without it. I found myself asking (aloud), "Why can't you play in an amateur league so as to stay in the game. It wasn't until much later did I find out it's not the love of the game that keeps her going in and of itself. It spoke again to deep conflict.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I found myself talking back to the recording many times, as if I could communicate with the author through the audiobook. That's how intimate it felt to me.

Any additional comments?

I absolutely adored this book and the reading of it. Thank you Ms. Wambach. You've done a great service to all of us as well as to Women's soccer, which is probably the greatest sport the world has to offer. Thank you!!!

9 people found this helpful

More to offer...

The story is okay...left me feeling she has so much more to offer. The message could be written more powerfully. Less anger and more hope.

6 people found this helpful

Who Knew?

I remember July 2011 when the Wall Street Journal ran an editorial Abby Wambach for President.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303812104576438371029790238

In this book AW reveals so much of the turbulence that we never saw on the pitch and investigates the multiple identities she's occupied during her life. It's remarkable how many biographies of high-achieving women recount similar quests for success that grew out of doubts that they had about themselves and their "lovability".

Especially moving because the book is read by the author.

5 people found this helpful

She is just as human as everyone

I loved listening to this audiobook; especially since it is narrated by Abby herself and those are the best kind of memoirs. Yes, Abby is a huge soccer star and loved by so many but she is still a human full of flaws and bad choices. However, her hard work, her love for her team and the game of soccer are inspirational. I liked how she didn't hold anything back. She showed us that you can look like you have everything together on the outside but be falling apart on the inside and how to work past that.

The only thing I wasn't a fan of was how flat the narration/performance was. I didn't feel like there was any emotion an seemed like it was being read by a robot. I wish there was some emotion in her voice while she was reading because that would have made the book even better.

All in all, I think it was a great listen and definitely worth it, even if you don't know anything about soccer or are not a sports fan.

5 people found this helpful

Honest

I loved this book. I often struggle to stay attentive with audiobooks, but Abby's story, told in her own voice. was riveting. Thank you.

3 people found this helpful

On the Fence

This book is more like a journal of addiction than of true self- discovery or insight. There are long passages of Abby’s “inspirational “ talks that seemed hollow and self- promoting. I hope she stays clean and sober, but 95% of this story is her rise/ fall/ rise /fall etc. while using pills, food, and alcohol. There’s no real happy ending yet, although she portrays one in a quick epilogue- time will tell. She has been clean a very short time and still seems to be somewhat of a lost soul.

Great narration and I can see that she will likely do well as a sportscaster.

3 people found this helpful

Great read for any athlete

Incredible woman, incredible book. I'm inspired by her honesty and humility. Every athlete should read this, male or female.

3 people found this helpful

Couldn't stop listening

So raw and real. it took courage to write this. Thank you Abby for being so honest and open about your struggles. This book let's people know that everyone struggles but you can get past it. You can get back up.

3 people found this helpful

Damn Abby... Thank you

I've followed Abby for years but never knew what lies beneath the surface until now. What a wonderful memoir and narration of the book. Anyone who's a USWNT and especially an Abby Wambach fan will love this. This book inspired me, broke my heart, contain parallels of my own life and left me feeling strange. I feel as though Abby has been telling me personally her story for the past few hours. Excellent. Just, excellent.

11 people found this helpful

Awaiting a re-write or maybe I should say re-right

I will await the time when the author rewrites this book with greater clarity as to how her use and reliance on alcohol affected every decision, action, emotion and denial she has written about. I believe then she'll have a 5 star book.

2 people found this helpful