Brace for Impact follows queer roller derby athlete Gabe Montesanti. This was such a heartfelt and raw memoir. Gabe struggles to deal with the rejection and disinterest of her birth family in her identity as a queer woman in a relationship with another woman. When she finds roller derby, she discovers that there is a queer found family ready to embrace her and lift her up. Roller derby does not come without danger and Gabe deals with serious injuries and strain on her relationships. However, perhaps the hardest work that Gabe has to do is mental: unlearning the toxic patterns of thought that she faced growing up, especially in relation to food and exercise.  

Gabe’s strength and grace throughout the novel is amazing to see, even when she cannot see it herself. She truly embodies her derby name, Joan of Spark, with her fierce determination and passion. The road to derby is not easy and there are some painful scenes to read, such as when Gabe’s mother comes to visit while she is recovering from a broken leg. I think many readers will see aspects of themselves in Gabe’s triumphs and struggles. Gabe’s writing is beautiful and vulnerable, never flinching, and I felt like I knew her by the end of the memoir. Gabe is so open and honest that by the end you will want to give her a hug and also get dinner with her. 

I learned so much about roller derby!! I knew the bare minimum about roller derby and halfway through I was googling videos of jams with Scald Eagle and Bonnie Thunders. What an incredible sport! I was in awe of the powerful and queer athletes in this book. Beyond their athletic prowess, I felt moved to happy tears by the LGBTQ+ inclusivity and found family. Throughout the pages is such a clear sense of support, pushing each other to be their personal best, and warm camaraderie. I had no idea that the sport was such a haven for queer athletes. I think any reader will be eager to see a bout after reading Brace for Impact! I feel so fortunate that I was able to read an ARC and really look forward to reading whatever Gabe Montesanti writes next. 

Thank you to Gabe Montesanti, The Dial Press, Random House Group, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.