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Troublemaker: A Memoir of Sexism, Retaliation, and the Fight They Didn't See Coming
This nervy and captivating memoir blends riveting personal narrative with a bracing call to action.
Lisa Cornwell never shied away from standing up to bullies. As a college freshman, she witnessed an enraged man hit a woman with a closed fist while a paralyzed crowd looked on. Seconds later, she took matters into her own hands—with a 3-iron from her golf bag.
This enduring impulse crystalized years later when she decided to speak out against the misogynistic corporate culture she and others had endured at her employer, Golf Channel. She was instantly branded a troublemaker, but for Cornwell, that was nothing new.
In this authentic and outspoken memoir, Cornwell takes readers into the boys' club of sports media and inside the buttoned-up world of golf while revealing the unlikely yet formative touchstones of her life, from a close friendship with Tiger Woods when both were nationally ranked junior golfers, to the decision she made to walk away from an anticipated professional career playing the sport she'd always loved.
At the same time, Cornwell lays bare the experiences of reckoning with her sexuality in a Southern Baptist community, battling an eating disorder, and discovering a passion for broadcast journalism which would eventually lead her to Golf Channel.
Candid and compulsively readable, Troublemaker serves as a reminder of the ability we hold to stand up to Goliaths and the power in finding one's own path.
Lisa Cornwell never shied away from standing up to bullies. As a college freshman, she witnessed an enraged man hit a woman with a closed fist while a paralyzed crowd looked on. Seconds later, she took matters into her own hands—with a 3-iron from her golf bag.
This enduring impulse crystalized years later when she decided to speak out against the misogynistic corporate culture she and others had endured at her employer, Golf Channel. She was instantly branded a troublemaker, but for Cornwell, that was nothing new.
In this authentic and outspoken memoir, Cornwell takes readers into the boys' club of sports media and inside the buttoned-up world of golf while revealing the unlikely yet formative touchstones of her life, from a close friendship with Tiger Woods when both were nationally ranked junior golfers, to the decision she made to walk away from an anticipated professional career playing the sport she'd always loved.
At the same time, Cornwell lays bare the experiences of reckoning with her sexuality in a Southern Baptist community, battling an eating disorder, and discovering a passion for broadcast journalism which would eventually lead her to Golf Channel.
Candid and compulsively readable, Troublemaker serves as a reminder of the ability we hold to stand up to Goliaths and the power in finding one's own path.
- GenresWomensMemoirNonfiction
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2023
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641 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 26, 2023
Troublemaker is a captivating and eye-opening memoir that delves into Lisa Cornwell's experiences as a successful college player, on-air talent at the Golf Channel, and her personal relationships with famous figures like Tiger Woods and her cousin, Bill Clinton. The book also sheds light on the sexism that exists within the NBC and Golf Channel organizations and reveals some inside stories about the world of golf that are sure to be fascinating for readers. It is a compelling read for anyone interested in the sport of golf or the behind-the-scenes workings of the media industry.
August 13, 2023
I thought this would be an interesting book. The story about smacking a guy with a three iron after he punched a woman was a great way to start. It was all down hill from there.
First, the book is not well written and very boring. It was a monotone. Every story was told in exactly the same way. Everything she did was understandable. Everything others did was reprehensible.
I'm not blaming the victim here. If you fall down, of course you fight and claw your way back up. Sexual harassment is real. Prejudice is difficult. And the harm that results is painful. I believe she was harassed and mistreated in her workplace. The all too prevalent and ongoing sexism and racism in workplaces can be demoralizing and negatively impacts performance and outcomes.
This is simply not the book to raise the alarm and make a call to arms. Her animosity and loss of respect for for the people who wronged her is the story here. It feels like a list of grievances rather than a story of someone's experience of sexual harassment and sexism in a toxic workplace.
Almost every woman has experienced sexism and discrimination at work. Many have experienced sexual harassment as well. I know I have numerous times. I believe Lisa Cornwell. I simply can't relate to her story as she presents it here. It left me feeling empty and detached, and I didn't finish.
First, the book is not well written and very boring. It was a monotone. Every story was told in exactly the same way. Everything she did was understandable. Everything others did was reprehensible.
I'm not blaming the victim here. If you fall down, of course you fight and claw your way back up. Sexual harassment is real. Prejudice is difficult. And the harm that results is painful. I believe she was harassed and mistreated in her workplace. The all too prevalent and ongoing sexism and racism in workplaces can be demoralizing and negatively impacts performance and outcomes.
This is simply not the book to raise the alarm and make a call to arms. Her animosity and loss of respect for for the people who wronged her is the story here. It feels like a list of grievances rather than a story of someone's experience of sexual harassment and sexism in a toxic workplace.
Almost every woman has experienced sexism and discrimination at work. Many have experienced sexual harassment as well. I know I have numerous times. I believe Lisa Cornwell. I simply can't relate to her story as she presents it here. It left me feeling empty and detached, and I didn't finish.
September 30, 2023
This was really interesting! I received a copy of the audiobook and I enjoyed it. Lisa is the narrator of the audiobook and does a fantastic job! This is written well and I didn't get bored. Overall, I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Lisa Cornwell, Highbridge Audio and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a complimentary copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2023
I think Lisa was very brave to open up about her personal and workplace struggles. No woman should have to work in such a hostile sexism environment.
Those struggles turned into triumphs. Very well written book.
Those struggles turned into triumphs. Very well written book.
July 18, 2023
Excellent!
September 25, 2023
Insightful and appalling what Lisa Cornwell had to endure during her time at The Golf Channel and the ensuing fight with the EEOC. I’d love to say that it’s not commonplace and that I’ve never experienced it but I think we all have (although not quite to the degree she has). Her perseverance in light of all the injustices is commendable and her contribution to the fight (though not always credited) is inspiring and appreciated. Highly recommended for those who love strong women fighting for what they believe in even if you’re not fans of golf. I am not a golf watcher or player but still found this fascinating.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #RBMedia for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #RBMedia for an honest review.
June 3, 2023
Very eye opening book
This book shows what is going on in the business world everywhere. It shows in plain language the wrongs against women being perpetuated every day. I will NEVER watch another segment that involves Brandel Chamblee again. He represents all that's wrong with men in the business world.
This book shows what is going on in the business world everywhere. It shows in plain language the wrongs against women being perpetuated every day. I will NEVER watch another segment that involves Brandel Chamblee again. He represents all that's wrong with men in the business world.
March 12, 2024
It was okay, but often read like the complaints of a disgruntled employee. It was interesting enough to keep me reading, though. I don't think it achieved Cornwell's goal of making her case to me. A lot of it just sounded like miscommunication and an employee who's too sensitive. Some of it, though, was definitely problematic. Sorry she had to deal with that.
October 8, 2023
If you like memoirs about female empowerment, you will love this book. If you like golf, you will have a love/hate relationship with the book. You don’t have to like golf to like the book. But if you do like golf, you might end up hating parts of the industry even more. It will make you angry. I can guarantee that. But her pertinacity and attitude will leave you feeling empowered. What she went through and how she was treated is terrible. I applaud her for speaking up and for not backing down.
Thank you so much to Triumph Books for sending me a gifted copy!
Thank you so much to Triumph Books for sending me a gifted copy!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews