The heartbeat of family life is the thump of fists on a heavy bag.

In the 1970s, Janet Hurley's older brother, Brian, was the teenage protégé of a World Heavyweight Champion who lived in their hometown. Brian was a young man of brilliance and wit. His talents were broad, yet boxing was the path he chose. And, soon enough, family life revolved around his training, his bouts, his future: Olympic medals? A pro career?

Glove Shy is a tender-tough memoir, a loving look at how a sport as elemental as boxing can obscure the powerful forces this family never saw coming. But, when one of your own is in the ring, slugging, being slugged, what else can matter?

Glove Shy is a well-told story of what happens when the blows hit far beyond the ropes. Hurley is a talented writer, with strong and vivid prose. She is also brave, willing to get in the ring with her own past.