PASSING SHOTS: Para Shriver on Tour

With Evert-Lloyd and Navratilova pushing each other to greater heights, Shriver is, though capable, frustrated in achieving her goal of becoming a Grand Slam winner. So she takes a break to reassess her career and in the process gives us this delightful diary-style journal. We read of the friendships formed on the tour only to be broken across the net cord, of the misinterpretations of the press that cause further friction, particularly between herself and Evert-Lloyd. Navratilova is a loyal ally and doubles partner--they've won 109 consecutive matches together. The conflicts between her two coaches and the closeness Para feels for them is refreshing and healthy. Boyfriend problems are discussed here, too--especially the penchant of people who see her with ladies all the time to label her as a lesbian (definitely not!). Home life is very important to Para, as are her friendships on the tour, over which she agonizes herself into insomnia. The loneliness of the hotel life is evident here, too. Sometimes, though, there are glamorous perks, such as when she is invited to play tennis with George Bush at Camp David. An outspoken grand slam by an outspoken lady who deserves to win one.