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The Fire She Fights
It's dangerous to be an extraordinary woman.
Four women―Ruby, Dana, Brazil, and Jessie―choose the extraordinary when they join the Minneapolis Fire Department. Prepared to fight literal fires, none of them anticipates the threats lurking in the dark corners of the firehouse.
Each must decide: Is it better to secure her own place in a flawed system or fight for a better system for everyone?
Based on true stories, The Fire She Fights follows these courageous women as they form friendships and support one another, no matter the cost and despite the danger.
Four women―Ruby, Dana, Brazil, and Jessie―choose the extraordinary when they join the Minneapolis Fire Department. Prepared to fight literal fires, none of them anticipates the threats lurking in the dark corners of the firehouse.
Each must decide: Is it better to secure her own place in a flawed system or fight for a better system for everyone?
Based on true stories, The Fire She Fights follows these courageous women as they form friendships and support one another, no matter the cost and despite the danger.
- GenresFiction
326 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2021
26 people are currently reading
2312 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Moore
2 books21 followersInspired by the true stories of over thirty women firefighters. This first-of-its-kind novel brings female firefighter stories blazing onto bookshelves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 3, 2021
A book that begs to be turned into a feature film. The Fire She Fights is the story of female firefighters and is relatable to anyone that has faced adversity in a work environment. Author Tracy Moore artfully weaves stories of relatable characters as they struggle to balance family, individual struggles, and working in a male-dominated profession. I silently cheered the character’s strength, determination, and successes and felt gut wrenching disgust with the situations and systems they had to navigate. This book demonstrates how far women have come and unabashedly calls the question of why women firefighters are on the decline in the City of Minneapolis. I highly recommend this book for individual readers, book clubs, and those interested in a behind the scenes look at how culture impacts who shows up at your home in emergency situations.
May 30, 2022
I love the fire service; I’ve been an active participant in it for 25 years. The thought of leaving it is devastating. The thought of leaving it without making it (my agency, the industry as a whole, and my role) better is criminal. Tracy Moore’s novel The Fire She Fights has reminded me that so much remains undone, unchallenged, and unnatural. This book, which is based on the stories of firefighters, reveals the traditional misogynistic and bullying cultures in the American fire service.
I tried the bully lifestyle once. I briefly targeted a fellow student while walking home from elementary school one afternoon. Then a bigger bully appeared and in a 3-minute epiphany, I discovered the futility of bullying and that I wasn’t cut out for the job of perpetrator. I was far better suited for the job of target. It’s strange that I would find a home in an industry with a tradition of “eating” (devaluing, underestimating, and undermining) its young, but I have done so bringing my strengths and vulnerabilities with a goal of improving each agency and myself along the way. Moore’s book exposes the shady, uncomfortable side of the fire service while reminding readers not only of its necessity but also of its goodness. It’s that goodness and the potential for greater goodness that beckons me and so many others to do more.
I appreciate that Moore’s characters are complex. None of the women or men is strictly good or bad. Each is a complicated human with tons of baggage… as we all are. Aspects of each main character and many of the situations resonated with me. They also inspired me to question critically how I confront (or contribute to) bullying and discrimination. This book reinforces stories I’ve heard from my Tribe who are in the fire service and that I’ve witnessed. It also reinforces my desire to do more to stop that crap. The wisdom of going together in order to go far is clear to me.
If you seek a romantic version of the American fire service, you need to read this book for a good dose of reality. If you seek a realistic version of the American fire service, you should read this book, too. Yes, it’s a novel, but don’t be fooled into thinking Captain Moore doesn’t know the subject intimately. She served as a firefighter for over 20 years. She no doubt knows the potential for goodness and the seediness of this industry. I certainly recommend this book.
I tried the bully lifestyle once. I briefly targeted a fellow student while walking home from elementary school one afternoon. Then a bigger bully appeared and in a 3-minute epiphany, I discovered the futility of bullying and that I wasn’t cut out for the job of perpetrator. I was far better suited for the job of target. It’s strange that I would find a home in an industry with a tradition of “eating” (devaluing, underestimating, and undermining) its young, but I have done so bringing my strengths and vulnerabilities with a goal of improving each agency and myself along the way. Moore’s book exposes the shady, uncomfortable side of the fire service while reminding readers not only of its necessity but also of its goodness. It’s that goodness and the potential for greater goodness that beckons me and so many others to do more.
I appreciate that Moore’s characters are complex. None of the women or men is strictly good or bad. Each is a complicated human with tons of baggage… as we all are. Aspects of each main character and many of the situations resonated with me. They also inspired me to question critically how I confront (or contribute to) bullying and discrimination. This book reinforces stories I’ve heard from my Tribe who are in the fire service and that I’ve witnessed. It also reinforces my desire to do more to stop that crap. The wisdom of going together in order to go far is clear to me.
If you seek a romantic version of the American fire service, you need to read this book for a good dose of reality. If you seek a realistic version of the American fire service, you should read this book, too. Yes, it’s a novel, but don’t be fooled into thinking Captain Moore doesn’t know the subject intimately. She served as a firefighter for over 20 years. She no doubt knows the potential for goodness and the seediness of this industry. I certainly recommend this book.
October 24, 2021
The Fire She Fights reads like a first-rate mini series, with plenty of action and plenty of soul. The topic of the ravages female firefighters fight ... beyond the fires ... is way too topical. Readers will learn from, will empathize with, and will root for these fierce and powerful women who also demonstrate vulnerabilities that make them even more effective.
January 13, 2024
I don’t recall specifically how THE FIRE SHE FIGHTS got onto my radar. I want to say that I saw it as a Goodreads Giveaway which I, naturally, lost. The premise about the struggles of female firefighters in a male-dominated field was certainly intriguing to me, so even though I guess I lost the giveaway I remained interested in the book and kept it on my WTRs, eventually requesting that my county library purchase a copy. Having now gotten the opportunity to read the book, my verdict on it is: it was alright. I keep notes on pretty much every book I read because I know I’ll be writing a review afterward and want to keep tabs on particular quotes or ideas which I want to include or address in my critique. I began a new note for this book, wrote the title down, and then nothing else. It’s not that I felt the book was bad, but that it did little to excite me.
The word that comes to mind to describe Tracy Moore’s writing is “journeyman”. It’s serviceable, but not outstanding. The back of the book states that Moore was a firefighter and captain in Minneapolis for over 20 years, and it seems apparent to me that she’s not necessarily a writer by trade. Though I don’t have any specific examples to point to, my feeling reading much of the book was that it was very limited in its ability to get into the minds of its characters, despite the fact that the emotional journey they experience is arguably more central to their stories than the physical challenges they face. Even as the four primary characters whose narratives are chronicled here (Ruby, Dana, Jessie, and Brazil) experience sometimes traumatic events, as a reader I never really felt the weight of those moments. The book tells more than it shows.
Of the books I’ve read, one that jumps to mind for me as a parallel to THE FIRE SHE FIGHTS is Roland Merullo’s GOLFING WITH GOD. Merullo’s book is focused on golf to a fault – its rules, strategies, and specific terminology. This all could have been boring, but I actually found it kind of charming because of just how single-minded it was. Moore’s book is similarly focused on firefighting: its terminology (each chapter begins with a dictionary definition of a firefighting term) and the specific procedures involved in the use of each tool in the firefighter’s arsenal. This didn’t charm me as much as GOLFING WITH GOD, though, because it seemed to me that Moore was more interested in working in her knowledge about firefighting than in making a compelling story. The book quickly shoots between one emergency call to the next—perhaps that’s true-to-life, the number of emergency calls coming in such volume that it’s hard to get fully invested in any one scenario, but I found myself wishing that the book could slow its pace, linger in the intensity of a single moment instead of rushing through.
There are of course scenes where the male firefighters are antagonistic toward their female counterparts and the protagonists experience embarrassment, frustration, anger, and doubts about their decision to join the crew as a result. I’ve no doubt the behavior of the men is realistic and the ways the women choose to respond—or choose not to respond—to their provocations also true to life. Once again, I can’t quite put it into words but though the mix of emotions our foursome feel is addressed but not communicated, in my view. We are told how they feel, yet, perhaps because of the book’s eagerness to talk about eductors and hydrant wrenches and FMOs, I did not feel drawn in to their troubles. When they show their mettle and get some level of comeuppance over the men who’d dismissed them, it should leave the reader feeling a fist-pumping cheer. I never felt that.
Which, to reiterate, does not leave me feeling it was a bad book. The firefighting terminology and procedure is interesting. The stories of facing discrimination, even if they were not as resonant as I’d hoped they would be, still do describe an enervating situation which is obviously based in fact and therefore retains some weight. And there are some moments of tension, such as when Jessie withholds information about a medical condition causing her to faint and the reader is left wondering whether this will manifest during a fire call, making an already emergency event even more stressful, or when Brazil is made into an outcast for supposedly filing a complaint against her co-workers even though in reality she was not the person who made the complaint. Each of these threads, though, does conclude in a rather limp way: Jessie faints while driving and does end up in a wreck, but survives and is put on desk duty for a while until she’s eventually cleared to return to work—all of this happens in quick succession and without much handwringing—and Brazil eventually learns who made the actual complaint but the moment is also speedily touched on and then moved past absent a lot of soul-searching.
I still appreciate the overall story THE FIRE SHE FIGHTS tells. Giving voice to these women’s stories (the specific women in the book are fictional, but inspired by actual experiences) is worthwhile and, don’t get me wrong, the book is enjoyable. I do wish it was written with more flair than it is, but it’s still decent overall.
The word that comes to mind to describe Tracy Moore’s writing is “journeyman”. It’s serviceable, but not outstanding. The back of the book states that Moore was a firefighter and captain in Minneapolis for over 20 years, and it seems apparent to me that she’s not necessarily a writer by trade. Though I don’t have any specific examples to point to, my feeling reading much of the book was that it was very limited in its ability to get into the minds of its characters, despite the fact that the emotional journey they experience is arguably more central to their stories than the physical challenges they face. Even as the four primary characters whose narratives are chronicled here (Ruby, Dana, Jessie, and Brazil) experience sometimes traumatic events, as a reader I never really felt the weight of those moments. The book tells more than it shows.
Of the books I’ve read, one that jumps to mind for me as a parallel to THE FIRE SHE FIGHTS is Roland Merullo’s GOLFING WITH GOD. Merullo’s book is focused on golf to a fault – its rules, strategies, and specific terminology. This all could have been boring, but I actually found it kind of charming because of just how single-minded it was. Moore’s book is similarly focused on firefighting: its terminology (each chapter begins with a dictionary definition of a firefighting term) and the specific procedures involved in the use of each tool in the firefighter’s arsenal. This didn’t charm me as much as GOLFING WITH GOD, though, because it seemed to me that Moore was more interested in working in her knowledge about firefighting than in making a compelling story. The book quickly shoots between one emergency call to the next—perhaps that’s true-to-life, the number of emergency calls coming in such volume that it’s hard to get fully invested in any one scenario, but I found myself wishing that the book could slow its pace, linger in the intensity of a single moment instead of rushing through.
There are of course scenes where the male firefighters are antagonistic toward their female counterparts and the protagonists experience embarrassment, frustration, anger, and doubts about their decision to join the crew as a result. I’ve no doubt the behavior of the men is realistic and the ways the women choose to respond—or choose not to respond—to their provocations also true to life. Once again, I can’t quite put it into words but though the mix of emotions our foursome feel is addressed but not communicated, in my view. We are told how they feel, yet, perhaps because of the book’s eagerness to talk about eductors and hydrant wrenches and FMOs, I did not feel drawn in to their troubles. When they show their mettle and get some level of comeuppance over the men who’d dismissed them, it should leave the reader feeling a fist-pumping cheer. I never felt that.
Which, to reiterate, does not leave me feeling it was a bad book. The firefighting terminology and procedure is interesting. The stories of facing discrimination, even if they were not as resonant as I’d hoped they would be, still do describe an enervating situation which is obviously based in fact and therefore retains some weight. And there are some moments of tension, such as when Jessie withholds information about a medical condition causing her to faint and the reader is left wondering whether this will manifest during a fire call, making an already emergency event even more stressful, or when Brazil is made into an outcast for supposedly filing a complaint against her co-workers even though in reality she was not the person who made the complaint. Each of these threads, though, does conclude in a rather limp way: Jessie faints while driving and does end up in a wreck, but survives and is put on desk duty for a while until she’s eventually cleared to return to work—all of this happens in quick succession and without much handwringing—and Brazil eventually learns who made the actual complaint but the moment is also speedily touched on and then moved past absent a lot of soul-searching.
I still appreciate the overall story THE FIRE SHE FIGHTS tells. Giving voice to these women’s stories (the specific women in the book are fictional, but inspired by actual experiences) is worthwhile and, don’t get me wrong, the book is enjoyable. I do wish it was written with more flair than it is, but it’s still decent overall.
September 26, 2021
Great read, can’t wait for the next book!
December 28, 2021
This is a well-written book that brings the reader into the real world of firefighting with details and actions that hook the reader and make it hard to put the book down. The author, a veteran firefighter and captain, gives the reader a realistic lens into the experiences of female firefighters and the humiliation, retaliation and isolation endured. It's a powerful book that reinforces the importance of speaking one's truth and working toward an inclusive, non-discriminatory workplace for the benefit of all.
November 11, 2021
As a 25 plus year veteran of the professional fire service I was very eager to order The Fire She Fights.
It did however take me some time to get the courage to read it. The stories told by the four main characters definitely triggered some of my memories of being a rookie and also how I chose to navigate through my career.
Being from Minnesota, I remember the news reports about the catastrophic truck accident on I-35.
I recommend this book to everyone, in the fire service and out. I plan on buying a copy for my current Chief as I feel that it should be required reading for new hires.
November 11, 2021
What a great and easy read!!! This book brings to light the struggles women have gone through and conquered to be in the fire service. All women should read this and men should too. Women can be inspired by the stories of these 4 brave women and the men who read it will understand better what their wife, sister, partner, friend has gone through. Men may also recognize themselves or someone they know and see what that behavior created. This book may say 'A Novel' but it is non fiction. I highly recommend it!
October 8, 2021
I supported this book on Kickstarter and got my copy last week. It was a page turner that I finished in two evenings. This tells the stories of four female firefighters. It is fiction based on the author's career in the Minneapolis Fire Department and stories other women have shared with her. Firefighters have a close knit good old boy network that's hard to crack, and the struggles and perserverece these women show is real.
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October 25, 2023Real stories of actual women firefighter woven into a story that will keep you cheering for the characters. An insiders view of the fire service and the experiences of the women who blazed the trail.
Recently featured in The MN Women's Press. Read about why I wrote the book. Also included, an adaptation of Chapter 8 when a main character first realizes, maybe fitting in isn't as important as standing by her values. https://www.womenspress.com/the-fire-...
Recently featured in The MN Women's Press. Read about why I wrote the book. Also included, an adaptation of Chapter 8 when a main character first realizes, maybe fitting in isn't as important as standing by her values. https://www.womenspress.com/the-fire-...
October 2, 2022
Women have been in the fire service since 1815 yet they still get treated differently then the men do.
Tracy Moore puts the difference into words in this book. Her writing flows & draws tou into the story about the dermal firefighters of the Minneapolis Fire Department. Who can tell A story better then someone who is a female in a fire department.
I had the privilege to attend a conference & be in a seminar that Tracy Moore was the speaker of. She was awesome!
Tracy Moore puts the difference into words in this book. Her writing flows & draws tou into the story about the dermal firefighters of the Minneapolis Fire Department. Who can tell A story better then someone who is a female in a fire department.
I had the privilege to attend a conference & be in a seminar that Tracy Moore was the speaker of. She was awesome!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2021
The Fire She Fights is a powerful depiction of the experiences of women firefighters across the world as told through the eyes of 4 fictional women through the 90’s and onward. Ultimately, this novel showcases how much we are stronger together!
October 25, 2021
An inspiring story of the women in Fire and the challenges they face, their courage and their persistence to make it better for future generations of Women In Fire. Excellent read.
February 10, 2022
“The Fire She Fights” by Tracy Moore is the story of four young women of diverse backgrounds and individual personal reasons for choosing a career in firefighting.
Written as a book of fiction but based on real life scenarios, the book follows the women’s struggles in this traditionally male-dominated field from trainee to full-fledged fire fighter -- from college hazing-like stunts, to verbal and physical abuse. It was hard to read at times – maddening is an emotion that comes to mind -- but also inspiring as you see the women persevere and grow.
Firefighters (like others in public safety) deal with real life and death situations every day they put on their uniforms. They never quite know what awaits them at a scene when answering a call, what unforeseen situations might arise, who’s behind the door needing assistance but may not be able to communicate their location or circumstance, or whether they will make it out safely. But, they go in prepared and do the best they can because their lives, their fellow firefighter’s lives, and the communities in which they serve depends on it. It takes TEAM WORK to make it all happen. But, it’s to the detriment of the team and to the community in which they serve when animosity, hostilities, misconduct and discrimination clouds judgement.
It should be noted that as the story unfolds, unacceptable behavior proves not always to be solely a male/female issue. Two of the females in this story were at odds at one point with each other as well – but, to their credit, they worked through their issues and became stronger as a result. That’s progress. That’s safety in the making. Good teams are made up of people of diverse backgrounds, experiences and strengths. When members of a team work together for the common good, good things happen be it in this or other professions.
A friend of mine has a son in another state who just became a firefighter and I shared information about this book with her. I’m hoping she’ll order the book, read it and pass it on to him and his team.
I liked the book overall. It was well thought out and written in such a way that a layperson could understand. I particularly liked that the author included descriptions of tools and/or techniques used in their work at the beginning of each chapter. It helped to visualize what was happening and made it seem more real.
Submitted by Mary Jo Wiseman, CMP | Author, “The Meeting Planning Process: A Guide to Planning Successful Meetings”
Written as a book of fiction but based on real life scenarios, the book follows the women’s struggles in this traditionally male-dominated field from trainee to full-fledged fire fighter -- from college hazing-like stunts, to verbal and physical abuse. It was hard to read at times – maddening is an emotion that comes to mind -- but also inspiring as you see the women persevere and grow.
Firefighters (like others in public safety) deal with real life and death situations every day they put on their uniforms. They never quite know what awaits them at a scene when answering a call, what unforeseen situations might arise, who’s behind the door needing assistance but may not be able to communicate their location or circumstance, or whether they will make it out safely. But, they go in prepared and do the best they can because their lives, their fellow firefighter’s lives, and the communities in which they serve depends on it. It takes TEAM WORK to make it all happen. But, it’s to the detriment of the team and to the community in which they serve when animosity, hostilities, misconduct and discrimination clouds judgement.
It should be noted that as the story unfolds, unacceptable behavior proves not always to be solely a male/female issue. Two of the females in this story were at odds at one point with each other as well – but, to their credit, they worked through their issues and became stronger as a result. That’s progress. That’s safety in the making. Good teams are made up of people of diverse backgrounds, experiences and strengths. When members of a team work together for the common good, good things happen be it in this or other professions.
A friend of mine has a son in another state who just became a firefighter and I shared information about this book with her. I’m hoping she’ll order the book, read it and pass it on to him and his team.
I liked the book overall. It was well thought out and written in such a way that a layperson could understand. I particularly liked that the author included descriptions of tools and/or techniques used in their work at the beginning of each chapter. It helped to visualize what was happening and made it seem more real.
Submitted by Mary Jo Wiseman, CMP | Author, “The Meeting Planning Process: A Guide to Planning Successful Meetings”
November 10, 2021
I am just getting started and I love this book so far!!! I have been anxious to read The Fire She Fights since I heard it was going to release. The battle female firefighters fight to prove their worth and value in this field is much different than the battle the rookie male firefighters fight. While the book is fictional, I am certain many woman have fought similar battles. Time to grab a warm coffee and cuddle up for a good read!
October 4, 2021
Tracy Moore is a smart, strong and (probably sweet -- have not yet met her) woman who is both a fire-sister and, with publication of this, her first novel, writing colleague. So, yeah, I'm biased. But I've been around the emergency services for >40 years (including a too-short time in the fire service due to age) and have been writing professionally since 1979. This book has the sorta-shaky legs of a first novel, but, DANG!, she nails so many things well. She is adept at making characters who stick with you after the read. She is clear in her writing, and direct. The courageous writing Tracy has done has given the world a glimpse of the incredible add-on difficulties of being a female in the fire service along with a fair depiction of the Brotherhood, both upside and downside. I'm glad for this book. Read it.
October 27, 2021
Fast read. Well written for a first novel. Such a creative way to share the stories of women firefighters and the insidiousness of the racist and sexist culture they face. Definitely not fiction. Thank you for writing this book!!!
October 25, 2021
I couldn’t put this one down. Completely relatable and well written. Highly recommended!
December 30, 2021
This book was truly inspirational. The feelings and emotions were honest and raw. Thank you "chicks" for laying the groundwork to a sisterhood in the fire service. I have since purchased more books to give to incoming sisters on our department.
November 17, 2021
A fast read and thoroughly engaging page turner. The characters are vivid; their unique stories engaging and moving. I laughed, empathized (I believe any woman can relate), cried and cheered the women on. As a non-firefighter, I learned a great deal about the profession. Brava to Ms. Moore for writing such a wonderfully entertaining and thought-provoking novel. I would love to see these characters on the screen someday.
November 20, 2021
This book was so eye opening. I was engaged after a few pages and couldn’t put it down.
I keep thinking about the characters well after the book was complete.
I would highly recommend this book.
I keep thinking about the characters well after the book was complete.
I would highly recommend this book.
April 26, 2023
Wow! What a great book written by a former firefighter who interviewed 30 female firefighters before writing this novel. Everything in the book actually happened to women firefighters in Minneapolis. The stories in this book would make an excellent feature film or mini-series. Does anyone know how to reach Reese Witherspoon?
October 23, 2021
I absolutely love this book, as a female firefighter, it hits really close to home. I would recommend this book to anyone. Especially women working in pro dominantly male occupations. I couldn’t put it down and read it in one day.
October 23, 2021
I absolutely love this book, as a female firefighter, it hits really close to home. I would recommend this book to anyone. Especially women working in pro dominantly male occupations. I couldn’t put it down and read it in one day.
May 4, 2023
A Blaze of Courage, Friendship, and Strength
I enjoyed immersing myself in the inspiring and riveting world of "The Fire She Fights" by Tracy Moore. Based on true stories, this novel is a powerful tribute to the courageous women who challenge societal norms and choose the extraordinary by joining the Minneapolis Fire Department. The book is a captivating tale of friendship, perseverance, and the strength of women in a male-dominated profession. I couldn't put it down, and by the end, I was left craving more of the author's captivating storytelling.
The novel revolves around four extraordinary women - Ruby, Dana, Brazil, and Jessie. Each character is beautifully developed, showcasing their unique backgrounds, strengths, and vulnerabilities. Their journey through the trials and tribulations of their profession is enthralling, and I found myself rooting for them from the beginning. Moore's writing skillfully brings each woman to life, making connecting with and empathizing with their stories easy.
As they join the Minneapolis Fire Department, they are prepared to fight literal fires, but they soon realize the dangers lurking in the dark corners of the firehouse. Their challenges – from sexism to harassment – feel authentic and painfully relevant. The novel addresses the systemic issues within the fire department and invites us to reflect on the broader implications of these challenges in our society.
One of the things I adored about this novel was the portrayal of friendship. The unwavering bond between these four women is the heart of the story. Through thick and thin, they support and uplift one another in a heartwarming and inspiring way. Their genuine and relatable friendships make you wish you could be part of their inner circle. This strong sense of sisterhood is a testament to the power of women supporting women, and it left me feeling empowered and encouraged.
Moore's writing style is engaging, and she expertly navigates the complexities of the characters' personal lives, their professional struggles, and the broader issues at play. The story's pacing is just right, with each scene providing enough tension and resolution to keep you invested in the narrative. The author's attention to detail regarding firefighting procedures and protocols adds an authentic layer to the story, making it all the more compelling.
"The Fire She Fights" is a gripping, emotional journey that will make you question the status quo and celebrate the power of female friendship. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking a thought-provoking and captivating read that packs an emotional punch. I can't give it anything less than a 4.5 out of 5 stars, as it has left a lasting impression on me.
I enjoyed immersing myself in the inspiring and riveting world of "The Fire She Fights" by Tracy Moore. Based on true stories, this novel is a powerful tribute to the courageous women who challenge societal norms and choose the extraordinary by joining the Minneapolis Fire Department. The book is a captivating tale of friendship, perseverance, and the strength of women in a male-dominated profession. I couldn't put it down, and by the end, I was left craving more of the author's captivating storytelling.
The novel revolves around four extraordinary women - Ruby, Dana, Brazil, and Jessie. Each character is beautifully developed, showcasing their unique backgrounds, strengths, and vulnerabilities. Their journey through the trials and tribulations of their profession is enthralling, and I found myself rooting for them from the beginning. Moore's writing skillfully brings each woman to life, making connecting with and empathizing with their stories easy.
As they join the Minneapolis Fire Department, they are prepared to fight literal fires, but they soon realize the dangers lurking in the dark corners of the firehouse. Their challenges – from sexism to harassment – feel authentic and painfully relevant. The novel addresses the systemic issues within the fire department and invites us to reflect on the broader implications of these challenges in our society.
One of the things I adored about this novel was the portrayal of friendship. The unwavering bond between these four women is the heart of the story. Through thick and thin, they support and uplift one another in a heartwarming and inspiring way. Their genuine and relatable friendships make you wish you could be part of their inner circle. This strong sense of sisterhood is a testament to the power of women supporting women, and it left me feeling empowered and encouraged.
Moore's writing style is engaging, and she expertly navigates the complexities of the characters' personal lives, their professional struggles, and the broader issues at play. The story's pacing is just right, with each scene providing enough tension and resolution to keep you invested in the narrative. The author's attention to detail regarding firefighting procedures and protocols adds an authentic layer to the story, making it all the more compelling.
"The Fire She Fights" is a gripping, emotional journey that will make you question the status quo and celebrate the power of female friendship. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking a thought-provoking and captivating read that packs an emotional punch. I can't give it anything less than a 4.5 out of 5 stars, as it has left a lasting impression on me.
November 20, 2023
I was hoping for a more realistic account of the day by day grind rather than the events often outlined in the popular fire shows. Also, I am extremely disappointed in the repeated insinuation of sexual conduct in the fire house like many of the shows also support. These are the images and stories that many fire wives take as truth, which creates hesitations with their husbands working with females. I am not saying it's never happened, but I am implying that it is a very rare occurrence and reprimanded appropriately. A job as a professional firefighter is just that, professional.
With that said, I respect the author as a Captain and appreciate her for her service.
With that said, I respect the author as a Captain and appreciate her for her service.
October 29, 2022
Love the structure of this book, with chapter headings giving us a bit of insider Fire-fighter lingo! This book is an essential chronicle of one tiny piece of the women's movement. Thanks to all the women who broke barriers and braved toxic situations in order to crack the surface of an unfair world. Read it for the historic value of our changing times. Not every fire consumes oxygen, some consume the soul.
March 24, 2023
This book would make a great movie!
While the lives of Female Firefighters are not exposed, we sure have a glimpse into what their day-to-day lives are like.
The book catches your interest immediately, and we get to know the characters and what happens to them while they are serving their communities.
We all should feel empowered to appreciate all firefighters but also understand the hardships that being a woman in a field that is mostly men, has to cope with.
Perfect title for the book and highly recommend it!
While the lives of Female Firefighters are not exposed, we sure have a glimpse into what their day-to-day lives are like.
The book catches your interest immediately, and we get to know the characters and what happens to them while they are serving their communities.
We all should feel empowered to appreciate all firefighters but also understand the hardships that being a woman in a field that is mostly men, has to cope with.
Perfect title for the book and highly recommend it!
October 3, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book from new author Tracy Moore. The characters are well written and researched. Their stories are powerful and I learned so much about fire fighting from the definitions at the beginng of each chapter. Ms. Moore did a beautiful job of connecting the dots between the characters and there is a richness to this story and her writing skills. Brava!
March 26, 2023
This book was so well written.
I met the author at a book/author fair. She was so interesting, I just had to purchase her book. And I'm very glad I did.
It's about the women in the fire department in my city.
So hard to read what these women went through to be able to fight fires and rescue and help people.
I met the author at a book/author fair. She was so interesting, I just had to purchase her book. And I'm very glad I did.
It's about the women in the fire department in my city.
So hard to read what these women went through to be able to fight fires and rescue and help people.
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