Danica: Crossing the Line

We've only heard bits and pieces of the background of Danica Patrick and what got her to Indy, but by reading this book you learn the details. Karting, Formula Ford in UK, her patron sponsors, Bobby Rahal discovering her, her families dedication to her, her romance with her eventual husband. My own feelings about her - having been someone myself who went to England to race FF1600 at 26 - is that her biggest accomplishment was going to England at 16 for 3 years to race. She didn't get good cars, and no one was there to look out for her and it affected her results of course. It took a lot of guts. (She has guts!) I came away being a fan of her's - I wasn't before.

I originally purchased this book for my daughter as she has recently turned 15 and involved with cart racing. I read it first and was impressed not only with the racing aspects that my daughter can relate to but the life lessons to be learned by someone who has been there. It seems it's sometimes better coming from someone other than DAD. To have my daughter passionate about racing is a godsend and I am so proud of my daughter just like the Patrick's must be of their daughter. I recommend it to any parent of a teenage daughter AND as a gift to a teenage daughter. The boys are on their own!

This book is inspiring to all ages and is highly recommended to young women! You do not need to be a racing fanatic to enjoy this book. Danica Patrick is an amazing woman who sets an excellent example that any dream is possible if you have passion, stay focused on your goals and have a good support network. As I myself am a woman working in a male-dominated career, her descriptions of the challenges faced and what it takes to succeed are right-on target. The quantity of photos was a great extra as well as the diary entries. I liked that she responded to complaints by her critics. I gave it four stars because I would have enjoyed fewer inspirational quotes and more tangible details about her car, the typical day, her racing education, etc.

Danica Patrick is amazing. She took the auto racing world by storm in 2005 in her record setting rookie season. She became the first woman to ever lead a lap at the Indy 500 and her fourth place finish was the highest ever for a female driver at that race. 2005 also saw her named Indy Racing 2005's rookie of the year, she got married and wrote this book too. She's only 24 years old so it's early to choose to write her biography, but did so because there was a lot of interest in her story and she knows she's overcome a lot of things and achieved so much already, she thought it was time. She's also a role model to younger girls. This is very interesting (even for someone like me who's not into racing so much). She's made a lot of sacrifices - she left school, left her family and left for England to train. She writes how it's hard to be the only female around for a while because she might be labelled a B whether she opens her mouth or not. It can be challenging. I think this book will appeal to so many different people - young kids (girls AND boys), sports fans, women (even those not interested in car racing) etc. There is something here for everyone and it's inspiring for younger kids too. This is a great read.

Danica's book was incredible, well written, with many emotions that she nailed from cover to cover. I could not put it down and when I was finish, I wanted to read it again. .. Which I did :).. I laughed, felt the emotions with each and every word, her insight on life and her journey was heartfelt and easy to relate with. Every quote, Every word in Danica Patrick's book speaks for it self, what an honor to have read and find someone who can express themselves in a matter that speaks volumes and WILL change anyone life for the good. She did mine at 36 years old. You GO Danica.. Patricia Wilson Raleigh, NC