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ROLLER BABES: 1950s Women of Roller Derby
Roller Babes honors the women of 1950s professional roller derby: indomitable athletes who inspired millions to find independence and freedom in the world of sports. Their soaring aspirations, hard-won accomplishments, and turbulent melees have all been documented in the annals of history. Come into the secret world of these early skaters. These legendary women were set apart by exceptional grit, and remembered by thousands of fans around the globe.
356 pages, Paperback
Published November 18, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 5, 2019
Roller Babes is a novel set in the 50s about Lottie, Elsie, and Rebecca, three teenagers from Bronx who allow a nascent roller skating sport fantasy take root in their lives.
I read the blurb and got pretty interested about the book. I got glued to the troubled lives of the three girls and their passion for the roller skating sport.
This is a terrific book written by a former professional roller derby skater and principle in Jam the documentary about the ARDL (American Roller Derby League), a coed league. Tim skated banked track derby for twelve years from 1979 to 1992. Tim is a former professional roller derby athlete, software engineer, and now an author who has written books.
I got hooked to their lives and struggles, the politics within the sporting arena, the many ups and downs and discrimination the athletes face. The story takes you on an unapologetic ride through the back lanes of the roller derby sport. The athletes are all fierce but their determination to win is fiercer. Assaults, real and made up catch the media's attention. In the midst of all this, Lottie holds on to herself and remains loyal to her friends.
I totally enjoyed this sports book though I have never read a book on sports ever. I did feel quite skeptical about it first but warmed up to it within a few minutes of turning the pages.
I read the blurb and got pretty interested about the book. I got glued to the troubled lives of the three girls and their passion for the roller skating sport.
This is a terrific book written by a former professional roller derby skater and principle in Jam the documentary about the ARDL (American Roller Derby League), a coed league. Tim skated banked track derby for twelve years from 1979 to 1992. Tim is a former professional roller derby athlete, software engineer, and now an author who has written books.
I got hooked to their lives and struggles, the politics within the sporting arena, the many ups and downs and discrimination the athletes face. The story takes you on an unapologetic ride through the back lanes of the roller derby sport. The athletes are all fierce but their determination to win is fiercer. Assaults, real and made up catch the media's attention. In the midst of all this, Lottie holds on to herself and remains loyal to her friends.
I totally enjoyed this sports book though I have never read a book on sports ever. I did feel quite skeptical about it first but warmed up to it within a few minutes of turning the pages.
May 4, 2019
Name of the book - Roller Babes: 1950's Women of Roller Derby by Tim Patten.
Stars given - 5 on 5 stars.
My take on the book - I was sold as soon as I saw roller blades... Trust me those 8 stitches on my knee will attest to my love for those cool shoe replacers on wheels.
So it's a story about a tomboy finding her way and following her heart. And I will be giving away spoilers if I say anymore. So off you go to grab your copy of the book.
Ps #mysecretbookshelf thanks for the lovely suggestion. I really enjoyed it.
Stars given - 5 on 5 stars.
My take on the book - I was sold as soon as I saw roller blades... Trust me those 8 stitches on my knee will attest to my love for those cool shoe replacers on wheels.
So it's a story about a tomboy finding her way and following her heart. And I will be giving away spoilers if I say anymore. So off you go to grab your copy of the book.
Ps #mysecretbookshelf thanks for the lovely suggestion. I really enjoyed it.
August 13, 2016
Roller Babes was a fantastic voyage alongside Lottie, the unstoppable. She is the twig of a girl who, with friends are selected to be teamed up in the Roller Derby. She packs her suitcase with her goodluck hat with the hat pin. She touches it before every event. I ate, drank, fell in love, skated, sweated, got scraped and scratched as I turned each page with ernest page flaps. She started out as the meek one, and sudden as lightning became a spark of a character that had the press flashing their cameras and writing down her remarks about the sport. She and her friends journeyed around the country including Hawaii....about as far as she could get from her humble beginnings in the Bronx. Lottie's character inspired me as I was entranced in remembrance of the days when my family and I would turn on our litle black and white television in our trailer house, and watch the derby in awe at such powerful women who proved to the world that men weren't the only champions. Patten's writing is as if putting on gloves.....so comfortable and soothing and easy....and yet like a painting with the floral embellishments with words that make me feel, see, and do what the characters are doing. I would be interested in a Roller Babes II.
February 4, 2019
This book is a story of triumph of perseverance, of fighting against all odds, of not giving up, its a story of hope, love and friendship.
The book follows the lives of a bunch of not so well of Bronx teenage girls as they enter the still nascent world of female atheletes.
Roller Blade is a story of Rebecca Peterson, a studious teenager, with some very dark secrets and demons that she must fight. Its the story of Else Mae, a starry eyes teen who dreams of Hollywood, and its riches, but isnt destined to make it.
Its the story of Lottie Zimmerman, the main protagonist of Roller Babes, a misfit, tomboyish, dirt poor Jewish girl, the butt of all ridicule and bullying in her neighborhood, her victory over her lack of good looks, her steely determination to succeed in almost any endevaour that she sets her heart to. Along the way she inspires her friend Rebecca to confront her dark secret and learn to say Noto her abusive father.
The book charts the growth of roller skating as a spectator sport throught the lives of these 3 girls, and is set in the early '50s in Bronx area of New York.
Times were different then, and women werent expected to work or be active as sports people, in fact it was a period when American women were taught how to be good wives, raise children and generally keep their husbands satisfied.
Lottie Zimmerman's story in a way reflects the growing aspirations of the women in the '50s in America, who believed they were no less then men and could do almost anything that a man could do. Her courage and conviction in her abilities to overcome all odds and inspire other females is quite rivetting.
The fact that she has a point to prove to not only her father, who dismisses her entry into Roller skating, as most chauvinistic men would, by belittling her and predicting that she would be home sooner than expected, but also to others, who had bullied her when she was a kid and still continue to do so when she gets on to the league.
Roller Babes is a book for those who have lost hope, who feel marginalised,Lottie's struggle and triumph will definitely create a bond for them.
The book follows the lives of a bunch of not so well of Bronx teenage girls as they enter the still nascent world of female atheletes.
Roller Blade is a story of Rebecca Peterson, a studious teenager, with some very dark secrets and demons that she must fight. Its the story of Else Mae, a starry eyes teen who dreams of Hollywood, and its riches, but isnt destined to make it.
Its the story of Lottie Zimmerman, the main protagonist of Roller Babes, a misfit, tomboyish, dirt poor Jewish girl, the butt of all ridicule and bullying in her neighborhood, her victory over her lack of good looks, her steely determination to succeed in almost any endevaour that she sets her heart to. Along the way she inspires her friend Rebecca to confront her dark secret and learn to say Noto her abusive father.
The book charts the growth of roller skating as a spectator sport throught the lives of these 3 girls, and is set in the early '50s in Bronx area of New York.
Times were different then, and women werent expected to work or be active as sports people, in fact it was a period when American women were taught how to be good wives, raise children and generally keep their husbands satisfied.
Lottie Zimmerman's story in a way reflects the growing aspirations of the women in the '50s in America, who believed they were no less then men and could do almost anything that a man could do. Her courage and conviction in her abilities to overcome all odds and inspire other females is quite rivetting.
The fact that she has a point to prove to not only her father, who dismisses her entry into Roller skating, as most chauvinistic men would, by belittling her and predicting that she would be home sooner than expected, but also to others, who had bullied her when she was a kid and still continue to do so when she gets on to the league.
Roller Babes is a book for those who have lost hope, who feel marginalised,Lottie's struggle and triumph will definitely create a bond for them.
February 5, 2019
If you want to read a book which is set in1950s with strong female character than I would tell you to have a look at this book. I would also say that this a bit long book and it will take you sometime to get into it. But once you have passed that phase you will enjoy it and you will enjoy it more if you love sports.
You will see how these girls Lottie, Elsie and Rebecca broke the stereotypical society norms that had this concept of females should be home bound but to achieve what you want you have to be strong and break these stereotypes. The writing will help you to engross yourself in the characters and the story. You will move along with the story and it is a commendable job by the author to bring to notice of people who have no idea by Roller Derby. Worth reading.. 3.75 stars
You will see how these girls Lottie, Elsie and Rebecca broke the stereotypical society norms that had this concept of females should be home bound but to achieve what you want you have to be strong and break these stereotypes. The writing will help you to engross yourself in the characters and the story. You will move along with the story and it is a commendable job by the author to bring to notice of people who have no idea by Roller Derby. Worth reading.. 3.75 stars
January 13, 2016
Roller derby has numerous enthusiastic followers and leagues around the world; so a novel based on the sport will draw from these groups as well as reaching into general-interest audiences. While the plot and characters of Roller Babes: 1950s Women of Roller Derby are based on real people and events, Patten takes the process a step further with a saga that adds fictional embellishments to real events and protagonists to heighten drama and explore the derby world.
Tim Patten is himself a former professional roller derby champion, so he's in the perfect position to craft a story that explores these early skaters and their achievements using more than a researcher's familiarity. His background lends insight, authenticity, and direction to the novel, which honors these early players by examining their lives and the social and sports conditions under which they played.
As Lottie and others feel their skills, passions, and interests alienate them from peers of both sexes ("The boys wanted Lottie out of their games for good. She felt her pulse in her throat. As the only girl, she had never fit in. Even among other girls, Lottie stood out from the crowd, and not in a good way: gawky, rough-and tumble, forever uncomfortable among the little ladies in their pretty dresses and beautifully curled hair. Lottie’s hair was choppy. She was an oddball."), they come to find in roller derby a new venture more accepting of who they are.
The alienation of 'tomboys' in sports in the 1950s is well documented through character experiences ("The stickball game officially broke up. Lottie’s teammates turned their attention elsewhere and once again, the girl who never felt like she fit in found herself alone, a cavity hollowed out inside her chest."), while roller marathons, the habit of staging accidental collisions between marathon couples in competition to up the ante and audience, and the evolution of American Roller Derby antics to supplement skating prowess provides a powerful account of the major figures of the sport and how entertainment and competition intersected to draw large audiences.
From skaters in professional and physical battles to the difference between showmanship and dangerous emotional confrontations, Patten delves into the darker side of roller derby as well as its evolutionary process and juxtaposes character motivations and experiences with insights on roller derby's appeal and rationales and the development of the contact sport.
The result is a powerful historical sports novel combining elements not usually gathered under a fictional cover to blend a thought-provoking survey of the history of women in derby with a very personal perspective of its pros, cons, and special challenges.
Roller derby evolved from early risk-takers and sports revolutionaries. There's no better way to learn about this history than through a lively, teeth-gritting read of close encounters on the skating track.
Tim Patten is himself a former professional roller derby champion, so he's in the perfect position to craft a story that explores these early skaters and their achievements using more than a researcher's familiarity. His background lends insight, authenticity, and direction to the novel, which honors these early players by examining their lives and the social and sports conditions under which they played.
As Lottie and others feel their skills, passions, and interests alienate them from peers of both sexes ("The boys wanted Lottie out of their games for good. She felt her pulse in her throat. As the only girl, she had never fit in. Even among other girls, Lottie stood out from the crowd, and not in a good way: gawky, rough-and tumble, forever uncomfortable among the little ladies in their pretty dresses and beautifully curled hair. Lottie’s hair was choppy. She was an oddball."), they come to find in roller derby a new venture more accepting of who they are.
The alienation of 'tomboys' in sports in the 1950s is well documented through character experiences ("The stickball game officially broke up. Lottie’s teammates turned their attention elsewhere and once again, the girl who never felt like she fit in found herself alone, a cavity hollowed out inside her chest."), while roller marathons, the habit of staging accidental collisions between marathon couples in competition to up the ante and audience, and the evolution of American Roller Derby antics to supplement skating prowess provides a powerful account of the major figures of the sport and how entertainment and competition intersected to draw large audiences.
From skaters in professional and physical battles to the difference between showmanship and dangerous emotional confrontations, Patten delves into the darker side of roller derby as well as its evolutionary process and juxtaposes character motivations and experiences with insights on roller derby's appeal and rationales and the development of the contact sport.
The result is a powerful historical sports novel combining elements not usually gathered under a fictional cover to blend a thought-provoking survey of the history of women in derby with a very personal perspective of its pros, cons, and special challenges.
Roller derby evolved from early risk-takers and sports revolutionaries. There's no better way to learn about this history than through a lively, teeth-gritting read of close encounters on the skating track.
June 25, 2016
Whether you grew up watching roller derby (live or televised) or you’ve never heard of it before, you’ll enjoy Roller Babes by Tim Patton. This work of historical fiction begins in the 1940s when the nation is still feeling the impact of the Great Depression. The hunger born of that difficult time fires the young women in Roller Babes to take chances and do whatever is needed to provide for their families.
Lottie is a tomboy who loves playing stickball with the neighborhood boys. She wisecracks with the best of them, but inside she is fragile. She silently suffers the verbal and physical abuse the boys dish out. Her family struggles to put food on the table, and she is motivated to find a way to contribute. Her friend Elsie Mae is a girly-girl who wishes to find fame and fortune in Hollywood. Rebecca needs to get away from her “touchy-feely” father, and she is game to try anything that will get her out of his reaches. The girls suffer the dormitory/shelter type accommodations and the grueling workouts in order to participate on a “minor league” roller derby team. Lottie is the only one who makes it big time.
The behind the scenes look at roller derby is very interesting. The women who participated in the sport were fierce competitors on and off the track. Along with the physically demanding sport, there is a lot of showmanship to garner attention from the crowds. Real and fake assaults on the track bring in the paying customers and attention from the press. Beyond the demands of the sport, these women faced enormous prejudice while on the road competing. They had to battle racial slurs, accusations of homosexuality, and assumptions about their moral integrity. Through it all, Lottie remains true to her friends and teammates. The pinnacle of her career is competing in her hometown with her family and childhood friends in the stands cheering for her.
I enjoyed the brash, larger-than-life characters and the life on the roller derby circuit as well as a glimpse into a mid-20th century life in general. Roller Babes is an enjoyable historical fiction novel for almost any age group.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Review done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official: www.nerdgirlofficial.com.
Lottie is a tomboy who loves playing stickball with the neighborhood boys. She wisecracks with the best of them, but inside she is fragile. She silently suffers the verbal and physical abuse the boys dish out. Her family struggles to put food on the table, and she is motivated to find a way to contribute. Her friend Elsie Mae is a girly-girl who wishes to find fame and fortune in Hollywood. Rebecca needs to get away from her “touchy-feely” father, and she is game to try anything that will get her out of his reaches. The girls suffer the dormitory/shelter type accommodations and the grueling workouts in order to participate on a “minor league” roller derby team. Lottie is the only one who makes it big time.
The behind the scenes look at roller derby is very interesting. The women who participated in the sport were fierce competitors on and off the track. Along with the physically demanding sport, there is a lot of showmanship to garner attention from the crowds. Real and fake assaults on the track bring in the paying customers and attention from the press. Beyond the demands of the sport, these women faced enormous prejudice while on the road competing. They had to battle racial slurs, accusations of homosexuality, and assumptions about their moral integrity. Through it all, Lottie remains true to her friends and teammates. The pinnacle of her career is competing in her hometown with her family and childhood friends in the stands cheering for her.
I enjoyed the brash, larger-than-life characters and the life on the roller derby circuit as well as a glimpse into a mid-20th century life in general. Roller Babes is an enjoyable historical fiction novel for almost any age group.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Review done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official: www.nerdgirlofficial.com.
January 21, 2019
Roller Babes, an LGBT fiction novel by Tim Patten, will make you relive all those sweet and salty first feelings of those befuddling years- the teenage.
Written as a tribute to the Roller Babes of 1950’s Roller Derby game- Lottie Zimmerman is the clichéd outcast Tomboy, who grows as a woman and rises as a Roller Derby player, achieving her dreams. Based on a real life woman Loretta Behrens- Lottie is a Jew, friends with Ruby, a black woman and lesbian. One television relay of Roller Derby changes her life by lighting her fire for the new sport- she becomes friends, gets bullied, dreams, hopes, loves and wins.
The narrative gives the real flavour of 1950’s American society: with an exposition of societal hypocrisy, racism, sexism, anti-Semitism, white supremacism and homophobia. From Ku Klux Klan to Cuban political strife, the general scenario of those times is neatly presented in the novel.
Conformity to gender roles is questioned subtly, with Lottie's situation as a doubly marginalised Jewish girl and her thoughts of redemption in conflict with constant demotivation by her father and the bullies. The breakthrough for her was the Roller Derby-
“Lottie thought about how long she had waited for the neighborhood boys to invite her to finally play in their stickball games. Now she was watching a fast, rugged sport played entirely by girls.”
The novel seems a bit rushed in the later chapters, some characters are brushed off without being developed fully- like Elsie May and Harold as if they were props made for Lottie. The description of scenes on the field though, are full of fire and adrenaline, and some of the best in the novel.
Read it if •you'd like to know the about struggle of women after suffragist movement and before the 60’s revolution •you’d like to relive your raw teenage years •you’d like to know about 1950’s American society •you’d like to know about the origin and development of Roller Derby as a womens’ sport •you are a fan of sports literature.
Written as a tribute to the Roller Babes of 1950’s Roller Derby game- Lottie Zimmerman is the clichéd outcast Tomboy, who grows as a woman and rises as a Roller Derby player, achieving her dreams. Based on a real life woman Loretta Behrens- Lottie is a Jew, friends with Ruby, a black woman and lesbian. One television relay of Roller Derby changes her life by lighting her fire for the new sport- she becomes friends, gets bullied, dreams, hopes, loves and wins.
The narrative gives the real flavour of 1950’s American society: with an exposition of societal hypocrisy, racism, sexism, anti-Semitism, white supremacism and homophobia. From Ku Klux Klan to Cuban political strife, the general scenario of those times is neatly presented in the novel.
Conformity to gender roles is questioned subtly, with Lottie's situation as a doubly marginalised Jewish girl and her thoughts of redemption in conflict with constant demotivation by her father and the bullies. The breakthrough for her was the Roller Derby-
“Lottie thought about how long she had waited for the neighborhood boys to invite her to finally play in their stickball games. Now she was watching a fast, rugged sport played entirely by girls.”
The novel seems a bit rushed in the later chapters, some characters are brushed off without being developed fully- like Elsie May and Harold as if they were props made for Lottie. The description of scenes on the field though, are full of fire and adrenaline, and some of the best in the novel.
Read it if •you'd like to know the about struggle of women after suffragist movement and before the 60’s revolution •you’d like to relive your raw teenage years •you’d like to know about 1950’s American society •you’d like to know about the origin and development of Roller Derby as a womens’ sport •you are a fan of sports literature.
February 5, 2019
This book is written by a former roller derby participant, Tim Patten. When I read the summary of the book, I felt immediately intrigued and drawn into it. It did not disappoint me. The book is set in the 1950s, where women were pretty much expected to stay home and run the household.
The characters are a delight, strong, powerful, offering important insights into each and every one of the stories. The best part of the book for me was the strong female characters. The author creates a realistic and vivid picture of the sport. This book has an exciting and unique plot along with relatable and interesting characters, and I would absolutely recommend it!
The characters are a delight, strong, powerful, offering important insights into each and every one of the stories. The best part of the book for me was the strong female characters. The author creates a realistic and vivid picture of the sport. This book has an exciting and unique plot along with relatable and interesting characters, and I would absolutely recommend it!
March 27, 2018
‘Vindictive behavior from other skaters shifted to some distant part of her past.’
San Francisco author Tim Patten is a former professional roller derby skater and principle in Jam the documentary about the ARDL (American Roller Derby League), a coed league. Tim skated banked track derby for twelve years from 1979 to 1992. Tim is a former professional roller derby athlete, software engineer, and now an author who has written books and many on male empowerment. ROLLER BABES was first published in 2005 and the film rights to the novel were sold to Kaliber Films in July 2006. His biography is titled ‘My Razzle Dazzle’ and a personal view of his derby experiences are documented in ‘My Kill Play: When a Virus Hijacked the Roller Derby.’
Opening Tim’s popular book he states, ‘This sport has been good to me, and has faithfully served the growing world of women in sports since its inception in 1935. I’m grateful to the skating fans, skaters, roller girls and baby-boomer television viewers who remember the origins of this popular television sport. The fans built the derby, from its humble beginnings to an internationally recognized phenomenon, and they continue to push all women’s sports further into the mainstream. Today, roller derby continues to rage on waves of new-school enthusiasm; with over 2,000 active roller derby teams and many groups and leagues around the world.’
In his sensitive Introduction he states, ‘Roller Babes honors the women of 1950s professional roller derby: indomitable athletes who inspired millions of others to find independence and personal freedom in the world of sports. Their soaring aspirations, hard-won accomplishments and wrenching mêlées have all been documented in the annals of history … but now I’d like to invite you in for a closer look. Come live alongside these legendary women, besieged with physical desperation but set apart by their exceptional grit and the adoration of their fans. Welcome to a secret world from the past. It’s a family of sisters, a clan of sports innovators and a team of dedicated survivalists. Decades before the birth control pill, Gloria Steinem, or the National Organization for Women; these early paradigm-shifters of roller derby struggled for liberation from traditional societal roles. Some found success; others encountered the most heart-wrenching defeat. These early athletes had no women’s studies to encourage them, yet they developed remarkable drive. Their iron-willed spirit hurtled them across countless social obstacles on the path to their goals and dreams. Dedication to their sport rewarded these incredible professionals with adulation in the hearts and minds of Americans and enthusiasts around the world.’
What follows is an interesting summary of the lives of many women who, much like ‘Rosy the Riveter’ took on a sport and made it their own and in the process proved that indeed women are the equals of men. Or as Tim signs off at the end of the book, ‘From 1935’s desperate beginning, Roller Derby was invented. It grew, flourished and continues to this very day. The game and the players have evolved along with tremendous social change. Skaters from all around our amazing planet have found self-esteem through teamwork and athleticism on skates. Derby has been a trailblazer for women’s roles in our society, and has always embraced diversity of gender, color, culture and orientation. Today, thousands of leagues and teams are in operation. There are women’s, men’s, and coed teams and leagues dotting our world’s cities. Every skater, including myself, stands on the shoulders of the early risk-takers and innovators of this wonderful world of roller derby.’ Entertaining and a strong tribute to women.
San Francisco author Tim Patten is a former professional roller derby skater and principle in Jam the documentary about the ARDL (American Roller Derby League), a coed league. Tim skated banked track derby for twelve years from 1979 to 1992. Tim is a former professional roller derby athlete, software engineer, and now an author who has written books and many on male empowerment. ROLLER BABES was first published in 2005 and the film rights to the novel were sold to Kaliber Films in July 2006. His biography is titled ‘My Razzle Dazzle’ and a personal view of his derby experiences are documented in ‘My Kill Play: When a Virus Hijacked the Roller Derby.’
Opening Tim’s popular book he states, ‘This sport has been good to me, and has faithfully served the growing world of women in sports since its inception in 1935. I’m grateful to the skating fans, skaters, roller girls and baby-boomer television viewers who remember the origins of this popular television sport. The fans built the derby, from its humble beginnings to an internationally recognized phenomenon, and they continue to push all women’s sports further into the mainstream. Today, roller derby continues to rage on waves of new-school enthusiasm; with over 2,000 active roller derby teams and many groups and leagues around the world.’
In his sensitive Introduction he states, ‘Roller Babes honors the women of 1950s professional roller derby: indomitable athletes who inspired millions of others to find independence and personal freedom in the world of sports. Their soaring aspirations, hard-won accomplishments and wrenching mêlées have all been documented in the annals of history … but now I’d like to invite you in for a closer look. Come live alongside these legendary women, besieged with physical desperation but set apart by their exceptional grit and the adoration of their fans. Welcome to a secret world from the past. It’s a family of sisters, a clan of sports innovators and a team of dedicated survivalists. Decades before the birth control pill, Gloria Steinem, or the National Organization for Women; these early paradigm-shifters of roller derby struggled for liberation from traditional societal roles. Some found success; others encountered the most heart-wrenching defeat. These early athletes had no women’s studies to encourage them, yet they developed remarkable drive. Their iron-willed spirit hurtled them across countless social obstacles on the path to their goals and dreams. Dedication to their sport rewarded these incredible professionals with adulation in the hearts and minds of Americans and enthusiasts around the world.’
What follows is an interesting summary of the lives of many women who, much like ‘Rosy the Riveter’ took on a sport and made it their own and in the process proved that indeed women are the equals of men. Or as Tim signs off at the end of the book, ‘From 1935’s desperate beginning, Roller Derby was invented. It grew, flourished and continues to this very day. The game and the players have evolved along with tremendous social change. Skaters from all around our amazing planet have found self-esteem through teamwork and athleticism on skates. Derby has been a trailblazer for women’s roles in our society, and has always embraced diversity of gender, color, culture and orientation. Today, thousands of leagues and teams are in operation. There are women’s, men’s, and coed teams and leagues dotting our world’s cities. Every skater, including myself, stands on the shoulders of the early risk-takers and innovators of this wonderful world of roller derby.’ Entertaining and a strong tribute to women.
April 4, 2018
Roller Babes is a terrific book that deserves much love and attention from its readers. This is my first book with this topic and, although I’ve already seen this sport on TV shows and movies, I had no idea about rules or what is about as it’s not a big thing where I live. Luckily for me, the author is a former roller derby skater and has first-hand knowledge and writes very vivid and interesting descriptions that bring this sport to life on every page.
The storyline depicts a very challenging era for women and presents a set of female characters that are strong and powerful but at the same time struggle with the role, they have in and off a ring. There’s a nice arch, with lots of growing and bonding between characters, and there’s a contemporary feel to it that is very pleasant. The story is powerful and well-written, with nice character development.
The storyline depicts a very challenging era for women and presents a set of female characters that are strong and powerful but at the same time struggle with the role, they have in and off a ring. There’s a nice arch, with lots of growing and bonding between characters, and there’s a contemporary feel to it that is very pleasant. The story is powerful and well-written, with nice character development.
April 6, 2018
I was so excited to see this book listed on Amazon. I recently found out my small town has a roller derby league and have since become very impressed with the sport. I always thought it was amazing to see the sport on TV but seeing it in person really shows how much skill and endurance goes into this sport. So, of course, I couldn’t wait to dive into this novel. The author creates a realistic and vivid picture of the sport. Of course, I found it to be even more intriguing that the story was based on real people. It must have been something spectacular to see this sport in the 50s when women were still expected to be quiet housewives. The writing could use some editing, but apart from that, this story is exciting and filled with informative tidbits about the sport in its early years. I’d recommend to anyone interested in roller derby or women looking for an empowering story.
April 10, 2018
It takes a high-quality sports book to get me interested. To me, most sports are boring, so the focus has to be on the human element. This, Patten does with aplomb.
Getting my attention from the get-go, the book didn’t let up in its page-turner status, as the human dynamics reign supreme. Winning or losing matter — a lot — but it’s about the people, not the sport.
Their lives and struggles, both in and out of their sporting arena, are the point of engagement here, and the book doesn’t fail to deliver.
The quality of the writing is excellent, the characterisations highly credible, the dialogue (a weak point of many authors) flows perfectly, and the plot is dynamic without giving the reader whiplash.
All in all, I’d recommend this book not just to sports fans — as I myself am not — but any who are interested in people, society, culture, and/or history.
Getting my attention from the get-go, the book didn’t let up in its page-turner status, as the human dynamics reign supreme. Winning or losing matter — a lot — but it’s about the people, not the sport.
Their lives and struggles, both in and out of their sporting arena, are the point of engagement here, and the book doesn’t fail to deliver.
The quality of the writing is excellent, the characterisations highly credible, the dialogue (a weak point of many authors) flows perfectly, and the plot is dynamic without giving the reader whiplash.
All in all, I’d recommend this book not just to sports fans — as I myself am not — but any who are interested in people, society, culture, and/or history.
May 3, 2018
This novel by Tim Patten is an interesting fictional look into lives of a few young women during the 1950s who defy social norms through roller skating. You’ll tag alongside 15-year-old Lottie Zimmerman and her friends Elsie and Rebecca as these young women forgo the social norm of wanting to get married at a young age, and instead turn their attention to competing in the famous Roller Derby. While competing, they’ll fight their way in this competitive sport to mark their place in it.
If you enjoy history, you’ll love this novel. It will take you back to the 1950s in a creative way that will make you feel as if you’ve time traveled to this era yourself. Patten also includes very strong female characters which can be a huge inspiration to young women. At 396 pages, it might be a little long of a read, but it’s certainly worth taking the time to do so.
If you enjoy history, you’ll love this novel. It will take you back to the 1950s in a creative way that will make you feel as if you’ve time traveled to this era yourself. Patten also includes very strong female characters which can be a huge inspiration to young women. At 396 pages, it might be a little long of a read, but it’s certainly worth taking the time to do so.
May 24, 2018
Former roller derby skater turned author happens to make for a really great book! Although the book is based on real people, the author throws in a some fictional elements too to make an intriguing plot. I knew nothing about roller derby but the author has first-hand experience as a former roller derby champ and it shows in the writing. This story had me from the beginning. The sweat, tears, victories and defeat will have you turning the pages and cheering for your favorite skater. Aside from some minor editing issues, this was an entertaining and delightful read!
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