As part of the NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley, readers are encouraged to draw inspiration from a story of dedication and success by reading Brave Enough, the memoir by Olympic gold medalist and hometown hero Jessie Diggins and co-writer Todd Smith. Diggins shares the story of her journey from her childhood in Afton, MN, to one of the greatest sports moments in our nation’s history: her historic sprint to the finish line for Gold in the team sprint event at the Pyeongchang Olympics. Read her stories of races and ribbons as well as stories about the challenges and frustrations of becoming a serious athlete.

Todd Smith is author of Hockey Strong and co author of Brave Enough with Jessie Diggins. His sportswriting has contributed to Minnesota Hockey, USA Hockey, and the Minnesota Wild on the NHL Network. His work has been published in The Rake Magazine, Minnesota Monthly, and Twin Cities METRO Magazine, and he has been a commentator on Minnesota Public Radio’s 89.3 The Current, WCCO Radio and Fox 9 Sports Now.  He is a graduate of the University of Montana.

Brave Enough was chosen as a companion book to the 2020 NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley’s book selection, Lab Girl – a memoir by geobiologist and Minnesota native Hope Jahren. Learn more about other NEA Big Read events at artreachstcroix.org/bigread/