Hungarian-American chess grandmaster Susan Polgar recounts her remarkable journey in her memoir, 'Rebel Queen: The Cold War, Misogyny, and the Making of a Grandmaster.' Growing up in Hungary as the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Polgar overcame entrenched sexism and antisemitism to become the first woman to earn the grandmaster title by traditional standards. Despite being barred from men's tournaments and facing hostility from officials and peers, she broke numerous records and led her sisters to international chess stardom.

Polgar's story details not only her triumphs on the chessboard but also the personal and societal challenges she faced, including discrimination and even assault. After retiring from competitive play, she became a celebrated coach and advocate for chess, building championship collegiate teams and promoting the game globally. Her memoir offers insights into the world of elite chess, the persistence required to succeed, and the broader lessons of resilience and passion.