Book Review: Althea: The Life of Tennis Champion Althea Gibson by Sally H. Jacobs, Narrated by Chanté McCormick

Althea: The Life of Tennis Champion Althea Gibson

Thanks to NetGalley, Sally H. Jacobs, and Hachette Books for the opportunity to review Althea: The Life of Tennis Champion Althea Gibson. 

 

I am not a tennis player, have never played the sport, and yet I was utterly drawn to this gripping biography of one of the world’s greatest tennis players. Jacobs delivers an extraordinary portrait of Althea Gibson, a street-savvy, scrappy prodigy who clawed her way into the exclusive, often hostile world of professional tennis in the mid-20th century. Breaking through the entrenched racism and bigotry of her time, Gibson paved the way for future legends like Arthur Ashe and Venus and Serena Williams, redefining what was possible for Black athletes in a sport that sought to keep them out.

 

What makes Gibson’s story so compelling is her dual battle: while conquering the tennis world, she fought inner demons of rage and self-doubt. Yet she never let those struggles—or the relentless discrimination she faced—deter her from achieving greatness. Jacobs captures both her public triumphs and private trials with remarkable depth, situating Gibson’s rise against the broader social struggles of her era.

 

Chanté McCormick’s narration adds another layer of richness to the story. Her delivery brings to life Gibson’s highs and lows with nuance and energy, making the audiobook an especially engaging way to experience this biography.

 

It’s no surprise that Althea has garnered accolades, from The Washington Post’s Best Nonfiction of 2023 to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Biographies of 2023, along with a spot on the William Hill Sports Book of the Year shortlist. This recognition is well deserved.

 

Jacobs’ only misstep might be getting too far into the weeds, being overly detailed in the mechanics of tennis (but again, I'm not a tennis player, so perhaps this is needed) and the side-stories of some of the characters, which to me seemed not needed and caused slightly uneven pacing in certain sections. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise excellent account of a groundbreaking life. 

 

Even if you’ve never picked up a tennis racket, Althea is a must-read for sports fans, history buffs, and anyone seeking inspiration from a life lived against the odds. It’s a powerful reminder of the courage and resilience required to break barriers and make history. Gibson’s legacy transcends the court, inspiring us all to persist in the face of adversity.

 

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

12/29/2024

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