Good for a Girl

Good for a Girl by Lauren Fleshman is a captivating exploration of the experiences of women in the world of elite sports. The book delves into the life of one of the most decorated collegiate athletes, who not only achieved national championships but also transitioned into a coaching role for elite female runners. This work is both a memoir and manifesto, portraying Fleshman's journey from her early days of falling in love with running to her battles with injuries and self-doubt, and her relentless fight for systemic changes in athletics to better support women and girls.

Lauren Fleshman offers an insider’s perspective on the ways sports systems both empower and fail young women. Her narrative is imbued with raw honesty and a determination to challenge the status quo in women's sports. She addresses inequalities, highlights the gaps in support, and calls for a cultural shift that recognises and nurtures female athletes at every level.

This powerful book has garnered acclaim from notable personalities and critics alike. Renowned author Malcolm Gladwell praises it, stating, "Women's sports have needed a manifesto for a long time. With Good for a Girl we finally have one." The Times commends Fleshman for her engaging writing and raw honesty, asserting that the book succeeds in delivering a compelling sporting manifesto. Adharanand Finn, author of The Rise of the Ultra Runners, emphasises its importance, saying, "Needs to be read by anyone involved in women's sport."

Kate Fagan, author of What Made Maddy Run, adds, "This is the book we've been waiting for." Meanwhile, Emily Oster, bestselling author of Crib Sheet, describes it as "A call to action in how we think about girls and women in elite sports." Olympian Alysia Montano, co-founder of &Mother and author of Feel-Good Fitness, highlights the book's significance, referring to it as "The invitation to have a long overdue conversation for a long overdue cultural shift."

Good for a Girl is not merely a book but a clarion call for change, urging readers to rethink how female athletes are treated and supported. It is essential reading for athletes, coaches, sports enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the dynamics of gender equality in sports.