Pretty Good for a Girl

October 15, 2003
A pioneer in the upstart sport of snowboarding, Basich had the skill, drive, and nerve to compete as a professional, getting endorsements, media attention, and the ultimate accolade: becoming a character in a snowboarding video game. Born in Sacramento to unconventional parents, she went to an alternative school where creativity ruled and was soon drawn to skateboarding and later snowboarding for their "outlaw" standing. Her career spans the time from when boarders weren't even allowed on slopes to its final acceptance as an Olympic sport in 1998. She describes the adrenaline rush of helisnowboarding in Alaska and how she practiced a difficult new trick for the Winter X Games. Many photos enliven the book, from breathtaking action pictures to party shots with rock stars such as the Beastie Boys and Foo Fighters to photos of the boards painted by Basich herself. Sprinkled throughout is practical advice, e.g., on choosing a snowboard or how to get sponsored. Young women, especially, would enjoy this well-written book. Recommended for public libraries where winter sports are popular.-Kathy Ruffle, Coll. of New Caledonia Lib., Prince George, B.C.

Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.