Rollergirl: Totally True Tales from the Track Paperback – Illustrated, February 6, 2007

I bought this book just before buying a pair of beginner skates and deciding that roller derby might be just what I want to do.I wanted a firsthand account of starting derby out of nowhere from newbie to veteran.More or less, this is what I got. The fresh meat part wasn't as thorough as I'd hoped, but it was still nice to get some insight.The writing is fun and light, and its an easy read to just keep turning the page, turning the page. Melicious has a great sense of humor and really adds personality to the book (as if it could possibly be lacking when its about derby girls!!)I totally reccomend the book, and as a plus it comes with a lot of pics and some background on how the flat track derby league was started.I also reccomend watching "Hell on Wheels" to understand the work and trials that the original derby gal's overcame in order for the sport to bew what it is today.

Fantastic behind-the-scenes writing about the resurgence of a new (and much better) version of American Roller Derby! Melissa (whom I had the pleasure of meeting at an event in Tucson) is the stuff - an ordinary girl, maybe even a little on the homely side, sheds her day skin and becomes a queen of the track.If you haven't heard about Flat Track Roller Derby, this book is THE place to start. The competitors are accessible, friendly, and oh-so-entertaining. And to boot, this is a serious sport, folks. Not the fabricated WWF sideshow of old. Flat Track Roller Derby is tough, competitive, bruising, and just way too much fun!

Finding books on the sport of Roller Derby is hard. I was thrilled to read this and could not put it down! I finished it in less than a day. It had a fun section on how to choose a Derby Name (of course I read this right after name submissions) and I learned why so many leagues are "by the skater, for the skater!" I had never considered what it would be like to be in a league where the board wasn't as concerned with our safety as our board is. I appreciate how much hard work went into forming my league and I am so grateful to the girls that paved the way.Thank you so much Melicious! You entertained me and made me learn something at the same time!

This book was just what I needed. I just started as freshmeat with the Philly Roller Girls and read this book before I went to tryouts. It gave me an inside look at what I might expect in the derby world. Reading about Melissa's experience coming into her league and starting from scratch was really inspiring. She explains what it takes to be a derby girl, what to expect, how tough it all really is, and how rewarding it and the derby community can be. I definitely recommend this book if you're at all interested in the most recent derby revolution. It's taking over and it's awesome!

I picked this up just weeks into learning how to skate on quads in an effort to join my local league. I read it in record time, feeling her passion, experiencing the ups and downs, and celebrating along the way. It really ignited my interest in roller derby and helped me to not give up. I just participated in my first bout, and then I really understood the high and elation expressed in Rollergirl. This easy and interesting read is perfect for anyone who is curious about flat track derby, loves sports, or is a fan or rollergirl.

What a good story about one of the original roller girls. My friends and I had recently gone to a roller derby match. It was a first for all of us and it was a blast. The author, Melissa, is a very good story teller. Her descriptions are hilarious and it was great matching a face to a photo as the book is loaded with picture.

I struggled through this whole book. It was just very boring.

I could not get enough of this book! Melicious has written an perfect description of today's roller derby that mirrors my own experiences. And, she's done it with humor and accurate detail. Even if you are not involved in this sport, I am certain it would still be a fascinating read. Its an entertaining and informative peek into a world not many will experience.

There are many derby blogs out there about people's personal experiences at being involved in derby and in a league but this has it all in one easy place to read. Admittedly I haven't got through all of this book yet but I am loving what I have already read. The only reason I haven't read it all yet is I got it when I started my maternity leave to satisfy my derby-itch on my 'nine month injury' and now it's hard to find the time, so it's sat waiting for me to complete! It's certainly one to have in the derby collection!

This book is funny and easy to read. As a budding roller girl I could relate to lots of the stories. I'm sure anyone who has anything to do with the world of derby would enjoy it too.