Overview: Lauren Fleshman is an elite runner that has represented USA on the world stage. Her memoir, “Good For A Girl: A Woman Running In A Man’s World”, is a must read for anyone that is, knows, or supports a female in athletics. Lauren’s vulnerability and honesty in recounting her experiences in sport makes you feel as if you are getting an intimate view into her life, both as an athlete, and of the complicated relationship with her father, which was an integral part of her development as a runner.

Why We Love It: I was particularly moved by her journey from being an athlete that was very strong in her stance of eating plentifully, being strong, and not falling into the ‘leaner is better’ trap, to an athlete that despite having such resolute strength, finally succumbs to the immense pressures that female athletes face to look a certain way. I loved her honesty in detailing this difficult process, and how she worked through it to come out stronger in the end. Lauren has taken her experiences as an athlete to serve as a role model for thousands of female runners around the world, and we think her book is a must read for those that are passionate about making sports a safe place for women.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60880793-good-for-a-girl