#brookebentley #sidelineconfidential #womeninsports #sportsjournalism
From former sports anchor and award-winning sports journalist Brooke Bentley comes Sideline Confidential – a behind-the-scenes peek at the obstacles and double standards facing women in the male-dominated space of sports journalism.
When young sports journalist Blake Kirk lands her dream gig – working as a reporter for her hometown’s pro football team – she anticipates many of the challenges that accompany the gig – long hours in the office and on the field, many days of travel, immense pressure to succeed as a woman in sports journalism. What she doesn’t expect are the double standards and old-school entitlement that trip her up at every turn. As suggestive notes appear on her desk and a consensual celebrity hookup is weaponized against her, Blake’s dream devolves into a nightmare, and she is forced to choose between her dignity and her career.
Buy the Book:
Amazon (Paperback) | Amazon (Kindle)
My Thoughts:
When I was a little girl, I had a grandfather who always told me that I could do whatever I wanted as long as I was willing to put in the effort and hard work that it would take. But what we didn’t get a chance to discuss before his passing when I was only 13, was how often women are still held back from being allowed entry into certain careers. Sports careers are a big one that we’ve all seen women finally making some headway, but the process to get there hasn’t been easy.
We follow Blake as she takes on the challenges of her chosen career, experiencing the unsavory realities of what has been dominated by men. Her journey helps us open our eyes on the troubling atmosphere. I love how Brooke allows for Blake’s character to make mistakes of her own as it make her more of a relatable, likeable character. My heart ached at all the times she felt that she had to remain silent to prevent ruffling feathers and losing her career. Unfortunately, that is still all-too-real of a situation for women!
As we enter football season, I feel this is a book we should all pick up and take to heart, remembering how far women have come in the industry when we’re enjoying the games!
I received a complimentary copy for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
About the Author:
Brooke Bentley is a former television anchor and award-winning sports reporter. After graduating with a master’s in journalism from the University of Southern California, she spent two years working for the Houston Texans as a media personality and over a decade working in sports journalism. Brooke now devotes her time to championing local nonprofits, including Homemade Hope, where she served as the development director. She and her husband live in Houston and are raising two young boys.