Review: Engaging, motivational, inspirational, and intense
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 28, 2013
Outwardly, CJ Fallon appears to be an accomplished and successful young woman. Inwardly, the 27 year old doesn't view herself in that light. She struggles with every aspect of herself. Despite her numerous trophies and accolades, CJ cannot view herself as a success.This has been a lifelong struggle for CJ. She never felt accepted by the family she was born into, and her attempts to please her toxic and emotionally distant mother only lead to further alienation. In trying to please a critical woman who cannot be pleased, CJ develops a negative body image. CJ goes on to earn multiple degrees, have a sucessful corporate career, and compete in Ironman triathlons. Friends and strangers alike recognize and admire CJ's achievements, but no matter what CJ does, it is a mistake in her mother's eyes.The story begins with CJ winning her age group in the Ironman race. Having reached success in the amateur circuit, she attracts the attention of the elites. When a former Tour-de-France star Nick Madison forms a new team and asks CJ to join, CJ is hesitant. This is not at all what she had planned. When she learns that she will have to leave her job if she accepts, CJ is even more stunned and ambivalent. Surely, she can't leave her life and her stable career behind on the off chance that she might win, can she?The more CJ thinks about it, the more practical reasons she can come up with not to accept the offer. CJ worries about what will happen if she fails. Nick Madison wonders about what could happen if she wins. CJ knows she will be risking everything if she goes along with him. The stakes are high. Her job, her reputation, her last shot at pleasing her family, her economic security, her health, and potentially her life are all on the line. Logically, CJ knows that she would have to be crazy to leave everything and trust a stranger all on a dream. The more she thinks of that dream, however, the less inclined her heart is to say no.The writing is gripping and intense. All of CJ's emotions - her insecurities, her fears, her hopes, her dreams - are palpable. She risks everything for a win, and ends up gaining so much more. The ending is truly heartfelt and inspirational. CJ finally learns to accept herself. Even if her family never will, CJ is able to find passion as she learns the true meaning of love. Family is not just what you are born into. CJ is able to branch out and find truly empathic and accepting individuals who choose to support and bond with her. Most importantly, CJ learns to live authentically. She learns that it's perfectly acceptable to live as she wishes, even if those around her don't approve. She has no regrets, and that's what important in life.Passion's Race will draw you in at the beginning and keep you engrossed right to the end. The writing is truly captivating. Even as the story draws to a close, you will be hooked to the very end. You will be completely invested in every aspect of CJ's life and will want to know every last detail. Everyone can see a little bit of CJ in themselves. You will be transported into her world, a world which is both strange and familiar at the same time. This is what makes the story truly work. It is an inspirational tale on it's own, and the intense writing and relatable characterization make it truly motivational. It is a story of pure passion and raw energy. I would highly recommend it to anyone.