Whatever It Takes: Women on Women's Sports

Women's sports have come a long way, though it has taken a long time to get to where we are today.

Brandi Chastain's victory (and uproar over her Nike bra) brought more attention to women's soccer than it had ever received. And the Women's U.S. soccer team deserves that attention, with athletes that can compete on any level. And they are hardly the only ones.

A recent book edited by Joli Sandoz and Joby Winans has an excellent view on just how far women athlethes have come. It is titled Whatever It Takes: Women on Women's Sport and features short articles, stories and even poetry from women athletes in every arena.

The stories are both uplifting, sad, tender and exciting. They really show the love and respect the women hold for the sports they love.

One story in particular struck me. A Swimming Lesson by Jewelle Gomez hits a lot of different themes: the relationship between older and younger generations, what it means to be an African-American female athlete and even how little things can mean a lot.

The really great thing about this book is that it isn't just filled with names you know. It truly tells the story of the unsung women athletes on every level (including high school unknowns). Even if you aren't a big sports fan, this is a great book for you to read (especially with your daughter).