Proud: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Proud: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream Reviews

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  LeeTravelGoddess

  Can I pick em or CAN I PICK EM?? This books is so good y’all, I want to learn fencing 😹😹😹. The young lady even got me feeling like we’re sisters!!! I enjoyed this book of TRIUMPH even when no one wanted her to succeed but I tell you WHAT GOD HAS FOR YOU— IT IS FOR YOU 👀. I was in tears AGAIN cause at this juncture in my life I’m like what’s next and everything I’m reading and learning is saying that you are where you need to be at this very moment so be patient and keep pressing like a champ regardless 💚. Grab this book for the winter and snuggle in cause you won’t want to put it down; also... grab some tissues cause some people are unnecessarily cruel but GOD sees all. Buy this book for the young folk in your family too, ITS JUST THAT FREAKIN GOOD!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
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  TL

  Audiobook with Overdrive app*
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  Stacie C

  Proud: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream by Ibtihaj Muhammad with Lori L. Tharps
  
  I love the Olympics and while I am a fan of the Winter Olympics, I absolutely adore the Summer Olympics. I monitor all of the events, medal counts and carve out the time to watch my favorite events. Fencing is nowhere near the top of that list. If it’s on and I happen to turn to it fine, but I never go out of my way to watch fencing. I couldn’t even name an athlete that played fencing. Until I saw Ibtihaj Muhammad and then my interest was piqued. I wanted to know more about her, the woman competing in a hijab. I kept my eye on her performance during the Olympics and was excited to see the team medal. And I never forgot that there was a young woman, who competed in a hijab representing the United States during what felt like an extremely divisive time. When I saw that this book was available I jumped at the chance to know more about her.
  
  Proud tells the story of Ibtihaj Muhammad, her family and what drove her to compete in fencing since the age of twelve. I was engaged throughout this memoir. I’m not Muslim, but I am an African American woman who can relate to many of the experiences she describes throughout the pages. But I can’t deny that the differences in my experiences and hers are largely related to the fact that she is a Muslim woman who chooses to wear a hijab. It’s an act of faith that some people ignorantly feel is a threat. It has led to discrimination throughout her life both inside and outside of her sport. I admired watching her persevere even though she knew that she was being discriminated against.
  
  I really enjoyed this memoir. It is well written and extremely honest. Muhammad emphasizes throughout her memoir what it means to her to be a Muslim African American woman and I loved that she spoke so passionately about what that means to her. I love that she didn’t shy away from how she has been treated and how it has spurred her on to become an activist and to speak out against discrimination. In a time when people still have to stress the importance of representation, I am glad that Muhammad has embraced what her identity means to so many others who look at her and see themselves. I definitely recommend this and give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
  
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  Andre

  Inspirational. And necessary. America needs diverse stories. I’m certain that young women of color wearing a hijab will find Ibtihaj Muhammad’s story of triumph, of getting to and competing in Olympics all while wearing a hijab. That’s not to say the memoir is only for that audience, as Ibtihaj herself says, she has had girls and people of all color recite to her how much she means to them.
  
  She is a young lady raised in Maplewood, NJ and got involved in fencing because her parents believed that their children should all be involved in sports, “that playing sports would give us a competitive edge, making us winners on the field and in life.”
  
  So when her mom saw some kids in the gym fencing, and although she wasn’t versed in the rules of fencing or anything else for that matter, the fact that everyone was fully covered was an initial draw. Her being raised in a strict Muslim household, required her to wear a hijab and dress in a modest way. Fencing fit the bill. And so she tried it, and grew to like it. Through her recounting her story we learn she is a very committed young lady and when she is involved, she gives 100%. She worked very hard practicing and perfecting her fencing technique and eventually became the second ranked fencer in the US.
  
  She also learned to use her voice along the way to Olympic stardom, becoming a spokesperson and role model for Muslim women in sport. Mattel was so impressed they created the first Barbie in her image wearing a hijab. “Considering how much I had loved my Barbies as a child, the thought of little girls, both Muslim and non-Muslim, playing with a Barbie who chooses to wear hijab made me so happy.” Really good story and such an empowering and inspirational journey. Thanks to Netgalley and Hachette Books for an advanced DRC. Book is out Jul 24, 2018.
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  Rachel Stansel

  A very interesting memoir. I saw Ibtihaj interviewed during the Olympics in Rio but didn't know very much of her story. I found the memoir to be a good read. I was surprised to read her critique of several high profile coaches and fellow athletes. It is certainly her perspective of these interactions. I'd love to hear from those people to see their responses. Overall, a well put together memoir.
  
  Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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  SundayAtDusk

  Ibtihaj Muhammad’s parents were growing up in Newark, New Jersey in the 1960s when the riots were raging. Both of them eventually discovered Islam and saw it as a way of creating a more peaceful life in a very unpeaceful place. Islam also held the promise of having a strong marriage and a strong family. That promise came true for Ms. Muhammad’s parents. They had five children who were raised Muslim, and who were expected to excel academically, as well as to participate in sports. Their parents saw sports as something that would give their children a “competitive edge”, and keep them occupied and active with other children in a positive way. The Muhammad kids had stricter rules to follow as Muslims; plus their father was a police detective who of course saw some terrible things on the job, and their mother worked year around as a special education teacher.
  
  Since the author had to wear conservative clothes even while playing sports, and started to wear hijab in middle school, fencing eventually came up as a sport she might try out for during high school; since all fencers were well covered up, and Ivy League colleges had fencing teams and scholarships. Even as a young teenager, the ambitious and highly intelligent Ms. Muhammad was making big plans for her future. While she had big plans and dreams, however, she really had no idea they would eventually lead her to the Olympics. It was a rocky road, too, complete with coaches who seemed to lose interest in her, a strong psychological need to break away from her rigid plans as a college student, an intense desire to return to fencing after ending up feeling powerless after college graduation, and much hostility from her Olympic teammates and the coach.
  
  Ibtihaj Muhammad often did not respond to hostility, “cold treatment” or unfair criticism as she sometimes wished to, because she did not want to be seen as an “angry black woman”. Her mother also encouraged her to be kind to those who were not kind, since that would “hold up a mirror to their own dark reflections”. On one hand, that is excellent advice. On the other hand, though, people will often continue to treat others badly if no one ever challenges their unfairness. Moreover, slights and maltreatment often become more permanent type memories in one’s mind if one does not speak up. It’s similar to when one comes up with the perfect response after an argument is over, and keeps replaying that perfect response in one’s mind, wishing it had been thought of during the argument. Nevertheless, Ms. Muhammad has certainly done all right with the way she has lived, as both a dignified black woman and a devout Muslim woman who wears hijab. She is a true inspiration to others, young or old, Muslim or not.
  
  (Note: I received a free ARC of this book from Amazon Vine.)
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  Tawallah

  I had never heard of Ibtihaj Muhammad before the Reading Women 2020 challenge. In need for a female sports book, I was intrigued by a Black woman who excelled in fencing. Reminded of the Jamaican Bobsled team reaching the Olypmics, Ibtihaj has to have a fascinating story to tell.
  
  This memoir which focuses on her journey to be a champion fencer is the stuff of legends. Set in the post 9/11 era we learn how a triple minority navigates the American culture. That I read this in the midst of the events of George Floyd and events of Minneapolis makes this a story I will not easy forget. Fighting racism takes various forms, we fight not always for ourselves but for those to come.
  
  Beautifully narrated by the author , I recommend this sports memoir.
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  Kristi

  I went to Ibtihaj’s booking signing a couple of years ago, but I was saving this read until right before the Olympics to give me inspiration. Well as with many things, the Olympics were rescheduled and I forgot about this book in May. So I decided to start reading, because the Olympics would be going on right now and I would be watching fencing. Seriously, I became a fan of fencing because of this woman.
  
  With many athletic books, you have to weed through bad writing and dribble. But not this book. It didn’t jump around. It was well written. It was organized and thought out. It made me sad and happy and on the edge of my seat, because I only started watching her at the Rio Olympics. I didn’t know what she did, if she won or lost that match. The book put me there in the moment. Her USA team coach reminded me of my varsity basketball coach who made me feel inferior to the other girls on the team and that he was forced to deal with me like garbage, but I had the support of my team. So I can’t even imagine what that was like and it made me so sad to know she didn't have the team dynamic.
  
  I will say that I did get tired of the constant reminder that she wears a hijab. I think I counted five times mentioned in one small paragraph. After the first two sentences, I got it. And some of the information repeated itself.
  
  Overall, if you want to feel inspired, read this book.
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  Kelley

  I honestly wasn't expecting a lot because I've read athlete bios before and by someone so young I thought, what can she say? I figured it would be a lot of fluff, but wanted to read it anyway as I am also an American Muslim and she's a role model and pride of us all.
  
  Dude. This girl pulls no punches. She names names of everyone who ever tried to put her down or didn't treat her right, all the way back to her school bully. It was refreshing to read real talk about the obstacles and detractors she faced.
  
  I think this book is a must read for all people who strive to achieve something as the "underdog." Ms. Muhammad's rise offers a great blueprint for others to know what it takes to succeed. A strong family and a hard work ethic are two of the most important things. But I loved learning about the fencing club in NY that was founded by a Black former Olympian. It shows the importance of finding or creating groups, esp for POCs here in America, that will surround you with others who want the same thing for you and themselves. As she states in the book one of their mottos was if one succeeds we all succeed (or I'm paraphrasing). So necessary to have when often the rest of the world feels or actually is against you.
  
  Great book and necessary for all American Muslim youth to read.
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  Shagufta

  Ibtihaj Muhammad is an Olympic medalist in fencing, an entrepreneur, a Muslim and a Black American, and this book is OUTSTANDING. In the face of extreme discrimination and racism, she excelled anyway, and reading this book has been medicinal, inspirational and sobering.
  As a POC visibly Muslim woman this book taught me that I can spend my entire life getting knocked off course by racist, Islamophobic moments or systems, but if I allow that to happen or spend my time explaining, my life will dissipate and be defined by others in the process. Instead, you gotta put your head down, work and excel despite everything. Shine in spite of everything. This book was also a reminder that success and openings come from God, and my reliance and trust is on Him alone. As a career educator, this book reminded me that the career trajectories students have post graduation is not always a product of their success and efforts at university. And finally, this book was a reminder that your family shapes how you see the world, what you believe is possible and how you are impacted and shaped by your struggles.
  FIVE STAR read!! Buy this book for your daughters, nieces, cousins, all the women in your life.
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  Gausia

  (Audiobook) Not only did I love listening to Ibtihaj tell her story, but also it made me appreciate her success even more given her journey and struggles, many of which are ongoing. As a Muslim-American and an "Olympics junkie," Ibtihaj's story was inspiring. It made me cry at times, rejoice with her, and connect with her on a deep level. I'm glad she got to tell her story and will definitely continue to follow Ibtihaj's career and wish her the best.
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  Sarah

  This was one of those books that I picked up to catalog at work and almost didn’t put it down until I finished reading it 18 hours later. Ibtihaj has an incredible story and I’m amazed by her and her family. Highly recommend for any Olympics/sports fans, fencers, New Jerseyans, women of color, Muslim women, etc etc etc.
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  Cynthia Dorado Johnson

  Inspirational story of a Black Muslim Fencer in the Olympics
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  Mrklingon

  Inspiring story!
  
  Muhammad tells an amazing story - how she became an Olympian, to say nothing of a Barbie doll! Worth reading!
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  Rachel

  As a fencer myself, I have learnt a lot from Ibtihaj Muhammad, an Olympic medalist and a member of Team USA. She had suffered so much discrimination in her life, it is hard to believe that she was able to withstand her peer's sneers and taunts and continue with her unlikely American dream to be an Olympic fencer.
  
  She felt terrible weight upon her shoulders. She only had two options: Fence or study.
  
  Swim or sink.
  
  What will you do, given that even your Team USA peers, the three people you should have been the closest to, reject you, simple as a flip of a coin?
  
  What will you do, given that even after your shiny bronze Olympic medal, people still send you death-threats and treat you more like a rat than a human?
  
  Will you persevere, or will you retire into your comfort zone, cozy as a bear, never again trying to enter the harsh outside world?
  
  ...
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  Mike

  2.5 stars rounded up to three because of the author.
  
  Ibtihaj Muhammad is clearly an incredible woman who has overcome a variety of obstacles to become the first hijab wearing American Olympian to not only participate in the Olympics, but bring home a medal.
  
  She is an ideal role model who is remarkable, influential and inspirational... unfortunately her book didn't reach the same level of greatness. That may be due in part because I listened to the audio book, which Ibtihaj narrated herself. Her narration didn't come close to voicing the spunk, pizzazz and sense of humor that were evidenced in her interviews with Ellen DeGeneres, Stephen Colbert and others.
  
  The world needs to know about the everyday trials and tribulations of minorities. However, that seemed to be the focus of the first 80% of this book, and, in my admittedly skeptical mind, the majority of examples seemed to lean closer to misunderstandings or people just not getting along then actual injustice. The overall effect leading to a complaintive tone, rather than an informative one.
  
  This is not to say that she didn't suffer injustices, nor that she shouldn't let readers know about them. I'm very supportive of athletes using their platforms to better the world around them. Which is what I wanted to hear more about. I wanted to know more about her rise to become one of Time magazine's most influential people, both on the athletic front and the societal front. I wanted more specifics on her Olympic run, and her modesty centered Louella clothing line. I wanted to hear more about the first hijab wearing barbie, and all the young girls influenced by it. I want to hear more about how she has, and plans to continue changing the world for the better.
  
  Ibtihaj Muhammad is a force to be reckoned with, and she is here to stay. I look forward to following her along her journey.
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  Shana

  It took a little bit for me to get into this, but once in, it definitely hits its stride. Muhammad outlines the hard work and dedication it takes to become an Olympian, and also touches on some of the unique challenges she faced as a Black, Muslim woman athlete. Probably the most staggering part for me was about the period after she graduated from Duke with a double major only to languish at home and get a job at Dollar Tree. It was then that I realized we're very close in age and that she had the misfortune to graduate during the recession. And yet the setbacks also allowed her to recommit to her passion for fencing, which we know led her to the Olympics, so I can only admire the way in which she channeled her frustration and energy into something productive that also gave her a sense of purpose. That's a good life lesson for us all!
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  Lauren Paletta

  Had to bring back to the library but loving it so far!!!
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  Jashvina Shah

  This was just perfect I've never ever read anyone's autobiography where I've circled almost every paragraph and been like, OH MY GOD same!
  
  Also yes her book is super important.
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  Janine

  I chose this book as part of one of my 2021 book challenges to read a book that involved sports. This memoir fulfills this requirement. This is a wonderful memoir of Ibtihaj Muhammad who became the first Muslim Black American woman to win an Olympic medal in fencing. Ibtihaj’s story is inspiring as she not only had to face discrimination because she is black but also because she is Muslim and wears a hijab. The book chronicles Ibtihaj’s journey in becoming an international fencing star. She achieved a full scholarship to Duke for her academics as well as playing on the Duke fencing team. After college she experienced full on discrimination in her job search because of how she dressed and her name even though she was extremely qualified. She then ended up pursing a fencing career due to this. Her dedication is incredible to read about and the outright disdain and discrimination she experienced from her USA team mates is frustratingly maddening. How she bore this with grace and patience is amazing. Inithaj going on to establish a clothing line for women demonstrates her dedication to goals. I really enjoyed this simply written but deeply personal memoir. Highly recommend.
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  Denise

  Inspirational memoir by a trailblazing athlete. The discrimination and racism she had to face in pursuing her dream is utterly appalling - and I'm in awe of her perseverance in the face of all that in addition to the extreme amount of work and willpower needed to push herself to the limit again and again in her fight to make it to the Olympics and return with a medal.
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  LAPL Reads

  The headline read, "the first U.S. athlete to compete in the Olympic Games wearing hijab."
  
  Fencing is both an individual and team sport. Fencers duel in a one-on-one bout, but are members of a team. Very much like boxing and numerous martial arts, fencing has its origins in combat and/or preparation for combat. There are three categories, with different weapons and rules for each of them: foil, épée and saber.
  
  Until recently fencing was very much an elitist sport, with predominantly white athletes who were members of private clubs. It was and still is a costly sport because of expenses for equipment and lessons, and competition fencing has entrance fees and travel costs. In addition It requires years of disciplined practice, preferably begun at a very early age.
  
  It was the perfect sport for Ibtihaj Muhammad, who was waging her own battles, as the only African American Muslim who wore the hijab where she lived, attended school and participated in sports in New Jersey. She came from a working class, loving family that was supportive but had high expectations for all the children. Even though she began fencing at a late age, thirteen years old, Ibtihaj made great strides.
  
  There were times when she doubted she was capable of being successful, but a knowing athletic coach, who recognized her potential, was positive that she could succeed in the most free-wheeling, combative form of fencing: saber. By excelling in saber Ibtihaj strengthened a belief in herself, and validated the potential that Coach Mustilli had seen in the young woman. However the road ahead would be paved with rough spots that she never could have imagined.
  
  Through lots of hard work she made Team USA, but there were other battles to fight. She was often excluded from group dinners and did not feel part of the general team camaraderie, and writes openly and evenly about her experiences in order to bring consciousness to a sport that she loves. Despite those challenges she went on to win a bronze medal in the Team Sabre at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
  
  Ibtihaj’s life as a fencer and as a young woman exemplify initiative, individualism and hard work, which are some of the core values that embody the American Dream. By telling her story, she has been candid about her doubts, struggles and achievements, and has brought attention to a sport that is growing in popularity. The sport itself has much to offer people of different ages and backgrounds, even if they are not in competition for the Olympics. In her prologue she hopes that by reading her memoir, “... anyone who has had an opportunity taken from them because of their race, religion, or gender can find solace in these pages. I hope people feel empowered by my fight and know that they have every right to demand a place at the table of whatever life is offering.”
  
  Reviewed by Sheryn Morris, Librarian, Central Library
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  Claudia

  The personal journey as a young girl whose family strongly encouraged physical activities in school, finding one that she enjoyed and fought to get better at to all the way to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and basically beyond.
  
  From the first chapter when a teacher thought her name too hard to pronounce - rudely shortening it even though it has less syllables than some of her classmates - through the petty cruelties of outsiders and even some of her teammates, Ibtihaj Muhammad continued to focus on her 'unlikely dream'.
  
  Ms Muhammad was not only invading the white-dominated fencing community as a woman of color but as a religious minority and this story relays not only her focus on participating in a sport that enables her to be fully clothed as a part of her faith but also as a way to further her education with collegiate scholarships. That she constantly felt out of place and fell back on her family and faith to help her get through. On one side to be viewed as being the first in a sport - be it female, Black or Muslim - but discriminated against for the same reasons. The intensity and dedication required to succeed at the level demanded in order to be considered for Olympic inclusion. The injustice she endured as the Team USA female fencing/saber coach who only provided negative feedback, disparaging comments and encouraged shunning of this member of the team.
  
  The three things that enabled Ibtihaj had available to help her through the difficulties was her family, the mentors she managed to find over the years and her faith. The same faith that she was able to fall back on when the negative atmosphere tried to overwhelm her joy and commitment.
  
  We love to read about successful athletes without knowing some of the sacrifices they are forced to endure. Personal and social connections, practicing while enduring injuries (which can incur more, longer-term damage), loneliness and all for the sport they love. There is only so much 'luck' involved and more hard work than the average person is willing to dedicate.
  
  Even now, she continues to fence but she has her own on-line business (started with her brother and sisters creating fashionable clothing that was modest and affordable) as well as being a sports ambassador for the U.S. State Department and speaker.
  
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  Taylor Gibson

  I don't read autobiographies. Ever. But, after following Ibtihaj Muhammad on social media after the Olympics, I wanted to support her and her incredible activism. I couldn't be more happy that I did. This book radiated her true voice: it was easy to read, follow, and was absolutely enthralling. From her early childhood to post-Olympics, every epoch of her life was filled with challenges that she overcame. Even though I am not an African American Muslim, this book has so much to offer those who have always felt isolated because of their hard work setting them apart from others. I connected to her personality in a way I never expected.
  
  This story is more important now than ever. The way in which Ibtihaj addressed the current political climate regarding the rise in hate crimes against Muslims, the Muslim travel ban, and the President of the United States was poignant and powerful. I am so thankful for her perseverance, so that we now have her as a spokeswoman and role model in these dark times.
  
  Autobiography lover or not-this book is a must read.
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  Jessica

  What an incredible story! I currently feel like a huge slacker, because Ibtihaj Muhammad's work ethic is unlike I've ever encountered. Seriously, how she keeps all her ducks in a row is beyond me!
  
  Ibtihaj Muhammed, Olympic fencing athlete, tells the story of how she became the first hijab-wearing US athlete to compete at the world level. She recounts stories of her parents encouraging and helping her, the discipline it took, and the pitfalls in the journey. Mainly, though, she talks about how never giving up got her to where she is--a business owner, activist, athlete badass with a message. I highly recommend!
  
  The book is written very simply, with a clear narrative that I appreciated. Sometimes it was repetitive, but I also had an advanced copy, so the final product may be even better!
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  Leen

  Such a great and inspiring athlete, the amount of courage and hard work that is portrayed in her journey put me in awe! As an immigrant living in the States and dealing with the Islamophobia and bigotry, I felt every hurtful comment and mean interaction she went through. Learning how she kept going forward and working as hard as she did throughout all of this drama and mental abuse, I now have such respect and admiration for her and her family. I also enjoyed searching and learning about the fencing sport and all the mentioned clubs and institutions.
  
  Truly an empowering story that I recommend for everyone to read.
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  Katherine Wren

  This is the most important sports novel of our generation and one of the most important of any genre to come out this decade. Ibtihaj's journey and her response to anti-Muslim rhetoric are inspiring. This book was a quick and easy read and never once felt boring. It's not often that I'm able to say that about a memoir. I am proud and excited to present this book to my classroom library and hope that all students have access to this book. I look forward to seeing what Ibtihaj does in the future and am happy to see that she is still involved in fencing, activism, and fashion.