Headshot

"This novel about women's wrestling and ambition aligns with Barack Obama's consistent interest in stories exploring diverse American experiences and the pursuit of excellence. It's an expected read for someone exploring the complexities of competition and identity."

"Unlike anything else that I've read in ages."

"Finalist"

"Headshot is a real one-two punch of a novel. Eight teenage girl boxers have come to Bob’s Boxing Palace in Reno, Nev., for the 12th annual Women’s 18 & Under Daughters of America Cup. As each fight plays out in the ring – sometimes brutally, ferociously – Rita Bullwinkel brings to life the internal monologues of the girls. They recite the digits of pi, think about their pasts, their futures, their dreams of being the best in the world – and also of making their opponents chomp on a mouthful of pennies until their teeth break. Bullwinkel’s dynamic writing – moving back and forth in time, in and out of the boxing gym – and short, punchy sentences are a perfect mirror of the girls’ jabs in the ring. It’s a knockout."