It's hard to rate someone's real life story. How can I put stars to a life? Especially a life that made history and defied the odds. So instead, this review will focus on the little-known story of Cheryl Glass and the author's writing style.
Cheryl Glass was one of the most promising race car drivers in the United States. Her dream was to become the first Black woman to race in the Indy 500. But after repeated concussions and major injuries, her auto racing career ended abruptly and her life crashed with it. Overwhelmed with depression, she committed suicide at the young age of 35.
Author Bill Poehler takes us through Cheryl's childhood and journey to the world of auto racing. He does not mince words when it comes to the obstacles she faced far as racism, sexism, mental illness, law enforcement and enablers. The First Lady of Dirt can be an inspiring story and an example of the pressure placed on Black women to succeed and be pushed to the limit, sometimes at our own expense or from those surrounding us.
Due to the author's factual emotionless writing style and the PDF format with smaller than small font, I found The First Lady of Dirt difficult to read through. It isn't that Cheryl's life was not interesting but it read like a newspaper article or journalist assignment with no connection to the author, main subject or audience. I spent most of my time zooming in and out of the page. Nevertheless, I finished The First Lady of Dirt and picked up little-known Black History facts.
Don't let this deter you. I am sure the published edition (hardcover or eBook format) is more reader-friendly and legible. Also, it is great to learn about a Black woman that made history in the male-dominated sport of auto racing.
Happy Pub Day, Bill Poehler! The First Lady of Dirt: The Triumphs and Tragedy of Racing Pioneer Cheryl Glass is now available.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie
Author: Bill Poehler
Published: February 2024
Pages: 240
Edition: Galley
Genre: Nonfiction
Rating: 🖤 🖤
Happy Pub Day, Bill Poehler! The First Lady of Dirt: The Triumphs and Tragedy of Racing Pioneer Cheryl Glass is now available.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie
Title: The First Lady of Dirt
Author: Bill Poehler
Published: February 2024
Pages: 240
Edition: Galley
Genre: Nonfiction
Rating: 🖤 🖤
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