Chess Queens

The True Story of a Chess Champion and the Greatest Female Players of All Time

By: Jennifer Shahade

Narrated by: Jennifer Shahade

For fans of The Queen's Gambit, this is the real-life story of a female chess champion travelling the world to compete in a male-dominated sport with the most famous players of all time.

Jennifer Shahade, a two-time US Women's Chess Champion, spent her teens and twenties travelling the world playing chess. Tournaments have taken her from Istanbul to Moscow, and introduced her to players from Zambia to China. In this ultra male-dominated sport, Jennifer found shocking sexism, as well as an incredible history of the top female players that has often been ignored. But she also found friendships, feminism and hope.

Through her own story, as well as in-depth profiles of pioneers of the game, Jennifer invites us into the extremely competitive world of chess. She shows us the rivalry and the camaraderie, the ecstatic highs and the excruciating losses, the glamour and the hard work. She describes the coach who told her that her period will affect her standard of play, and gives us thrilling blow by blow accounts of the matches that made history.

Intertwined with Jennifer's own story are those of the top female players from around the world. We meet the famous Polgar sisters, the three Hungarian girls who were all child prodigies; we meet the glamorous jet setters who travel the world partying, and the players who escaped war-torn countries to become champions against the odds.

Chess Queens is a fascinating glimpse into the exhilarating world of chess and an essential audiobook for all the aspiring chess queens of today.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Jennifer Shahade (P)2022 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Chess Queens: A Winning Story

Jennifer Shahade's “Chess Queens” is a captivating journey through the history of women in chess and paints vivid portraits of remarkable players, bringing their inspiring stories and struggles to life with rich prose and engaging anecdotes. Shahade masterfully crafts a story from historical information, personal accounts, and her own experiences, illuminating the challenges these women have faced and the diverse ways they've navigated them. I am an adult woman tournament chess player and organizer and there were women in this book I knew nothing about and am so glad I was able to learn about their stories. The book is able to make chess compelling even for those new to the game. Beyond individual stories, "Chess Queens" delivers a crucial message about the underrepresentation of women in chess media, highlighting their vital contributions and inspiring a call for greater inclusivity. Shahade's passion is clear, making this a truly enjoyable and important work.

oof

great topic. accent is incredibly distracting. really hard to listen to. needs less valley girl.

exceptionally researched and narrated

Jennifer Shahade writes a very interesting story and narrates it with an unforgettable voice! I love chess and this book has brought much of the unknown and uncelebrated accomplishments by women chess players. Definitely a recommended read for anyone who likes history and/or chess.

Chess Queens checks all the boxes

Entertaining and informative from start to finish. Jennifer Shahade weaves her own story and experiences throughout the chapters, and she takes the reader through a thoroughly enjoyable journey across the landscape of women chess player champions. Bravo Jen

A true gem!

Chess Queens is a fascinating glimpse into Chess history.
This book is not only a brilliant homage to past Women grandmasters, but will also surely serve as inspiration to Chess Queens of the future. Can’t recommend enough!