Book Review: The Race Girl

Reviewed by Melissa Suggitt

A fast-paced blend of excitement, tension, and tenderness

The Moretti racing family, essentially motor racing royalty, boasts a legacy that reverberates through the motorsports world. Their reputation precedes them at renowned races like Daytona, Indy, and Le Mans, and big deals are being brokered for the team. As we delve into the intricacies of this dynastic racing team led by Andy Moretti and his sons, Tony and Alex, a poignant narrative unfolds of familial loyalty and expectations.

The story takes an immediate and surprise turn when the prodigious and rebellious Alex Moretti, the youngest of the Moretti sons, veers off course in a tragic car accident in Las Vegas with Amanda Cook, daughter of the team’s principal sponsor. 

While they lie in the hospital, futures uncertain, a tapestry of secrets and lies begins to unravel. As more details of Alex and Amanda’s relationship are revealed, they jeopardize the very foundation of Moretti Motorsport. Family bonds are tested, relationships strained, and amid the turmoil, the roar of burning rubber on the track never ends.

This novel is told in alternating perspectives and flashbacks before and after the events of the crash, and it is absolutely gut-wrenching to see how something as simple as love (albeit star-crossed) can destroy so many lives. As Alex and his racing team begin to feel the impact of the fallout from the crash professionally, and as more and more of his history with Amanda in the months leading up to the incident is revealed, it becomes even more heartbreaking. Enter: an infuriating lawsuit set in motion by Amanda’s father, a move that will shake the foundation of his family.

The Race Girl takes readers on a captivating journey through the adrenaline-charged world of motor racing’s elite. It transcends the traditional sports narrative along its rollercoaster of emotions, offering a compelling courtroom drama that rivals the intensity of the on-track crashes. 

What may be one of the most striking aspects of the book is the evolution of Amanda’s innocence and naivety from the beginning of this Romeo and Juliet romance, as it blossoms into resilience, strength, and a fortitude that is inspiring to witness. Bearing witness to her growth and confidence in herself as she learns to stand up to her father and fight for a future she controls is an empowering storyline well worth following. 

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