Brace for Impact

A Memoir

By: Gabe Montesanti

Narrated by: Gabe Montesanti

A powerful and redemptive story of how the dazzling world of roller derby helped one young woman transform her fear and self-doubt into gutsy, big-hearted, adventurous living

“A universal story of healing and triumph, made all the more beautiful, wild, and free by Gabe’s fierce love for roller derby and her team, who become her family.”—ABBY WAMBACH, Olympian, activist, and author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Wolfpack

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: Book Riot

Growing up queer in a conservative Midwestern town, Gabe Montesanti never felt comfortable in her own skin. A competitive swimmer, she turned to perfectionism and self-control to create a sense of safety, only to develop an eating disorder and constantly second-guess her instincts. When she enters graduate school in St. Louis, she is determined to put the baggage of her childhood behind her. With no prior experience, she joins Arch Rival, one of the top-ranked roller derby leagues in the world. Gabe instantly falls in love with the sport’s roughness, intensity, and open embrace of people who are literally and figuratively scarred. She soon finds community and a sense of belonging, reveling in the tattoos, glitter, and campiness.

But when Gabe suffers a catastrophic injury, she can no longer ignore the parallels between the physicality of roller derby and the unresolved trauma of her upbringing. Rendered inactive, forced to be still, Gabe realizes she needs to heal her emotional wounds as much as her physical ones; she must confront her fear and self-diminishment in order to feel truly alive.

Told with unflinching honesty and a giant dose of wonder, Brace for Impact is a tender, inspiring memoir about the everyday heroism of pursuing a life less ordinary, and the deeply human need to be at peace with who you are.

Critic reviews

“The way Gabe writes about her instinct to be gentle toward others yet strict, regimented, and disciplined toward herself is beautiful, bold, and utterly relatable. Brace for Impact helped me know myself better.”—Cameron Esposito, bestselling author of Save Yourself

“Gabe Montesanti’s story of resilience and courage is a shining example of what it looks like to chase a dream. Her willingness to confront her past, her unflinching excavation of her relationship with her body, and her persistent quest for peace are deeply inspiring.”—Alexi Pappas, author of Bravey

“Brace for Impact bursts with honest, vulnerable, lifesaving storytelling. This book helped me grow and finally understand that I belong to myself.”—Tara Schuster, author of Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies

“A riveting story of redemption, adventure, and the pursuit of joy. I finished Brace for Impact believing true change is possible, within ourselves, our families, and the world around us. . . . A stunning memoir.”—Christina McDowell, author of After Perfect and The Cave Dwellers

“An uplifting memoir of slow work towards self-acceptance, and of the healing and support Montesanti found in roller derby . . . Montesanti effectively mixes difficult self-reflection with lighter tales (derby recruitment, team practices, even a climactic trip to RollerCon).”—Library Journal

“This propulsive debut from Montesanti explores queer belonging, body image, and emotional healing through the exhilarating lens of roller derby. . . . Her bracing story veers from fraught to exuberantly cathartic. . . . This spirited coming-of-age account brims with joy and resilience.”—Publishers Weekly

The honesty!

I loved the raw honestly this book holds. It was as if someone was telling my own story during some part.

All the feels

I too found myself in the sport of derby. The sport gave me a community, challenged me, but most of all gave me a safe space to figure out who I was. Gabe’s book was a roller coaster of emotions. She took us on a journey of self discovery and allowed us to dip into the memories from her childhood that molded her, for better or worse, into a fiercely focused and determined derby player. I cried, I laughed, and I felt boat loads of nostalgia. A great listen for roller derby enthusiasts and non derby affiliated alike. There are some heavy topics but such is life. We live, we grow, and if we’re lucky we find our own community.

Make this Book a TV series STAT

I love when an author reads their own story. I'm not sure if I'd have been able to, if this story was mine. Her thoughts and moments shared are so honest and intimate even though the feelings are complex and uncomfortable. It's also amazing to hear the roller derby community described by an insider. I binge-listened because so many little bites on her Instagram left me ravenous for the book!

Great book

Great read for anyone interested in roller derby or LGBTQ issues. A story of triumph.

Wonderful writing

Gabe is an amazing story teller. This book made me laugh and made me cry. I felt like I was a fly on the wall in the middle of the derby Skatium. I love this book and will read/listen many more times!

Inspirational

As a new derby skater, I loved this story. More than just derby, it’s about overcoming struggles and being true to yourself. Gabe’s story is an inspiration for all. Loved it!

Speak to me

I’m not queer but right there with you. Changing my life a little it. Enjoyed this immensely.

Healing & True

I have never related more to a memoir in my life! The journey of unpacking familial trauma within sport is one that I believe many roller derby humans have experienced, but not us alone! I felt as if I was healing along with Montesanti as she details a piece of the queer experience oh so well. Comorbidity with queerness, religious trauma and parental narcissism… ooof! It’s an emotionally charged and engaging tale. Detailing even medical trauma through new injuries and seeing how even the bare minimum from chosen family in taking care of us can feel so special to those who didn’t receive it as children. The acknowledgment that although our parents went through their own traumas, it doesn’t excuse the ones they imposed on us. I felt so seen through this whole book. Thank you!

Amazing

Great story about how roller derby changes your life and the amazing community you become a part of! Very relatable. I highly recommend this book!

Wow - LOVED this book!

Wow - what an incredible book. So many layers, so much depth, woven together SO beautifully. Laughed out loud multiple times, heart broke open multiple times, and now I want to try roller derby. Loved it!