Have you ever started a book, put it down because it didn't grab your interest, but pick it back up later and end up loving it? That was the case for me with this book. I thought it was going to be "just another memoir" - but oh, no, it is MUCH better than that. Here is my review of "Fear Is a Choice."
Title/Author:
“Fear Is a Choice: Tackling Life's Challenges with Dignity, Faith and Determination" by James Connor with Tiffany Yecke Brooks
Tags:
Football (American), memoir,
Pitt, Steelers, disease
Publish date:
June 16, 2020
Length:
224 pages
Rating:
5 of 5 stars (outstanding)
Review:
James Connor seemed to have everything going or him. Growing up in a working class family in Erie, Pennsylvania he worked hard to earn a football scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh. Then after an outstanding sophomore season at running back, he learned that he had Hodgkin's lymphoma. His battle to not only overcome the disease but also to become an important member of the Pittsburgh Steelers is a story that is a terrific read.
In the world of sports memoirs, one will usually read about the author's
childhood, overcoming whatever obstacles came his way and that was able to be
achieved through the love of friends, family or other important people in the athlete's
life. Many times, there is introspection
by the author to describe how he or she came to see what it truly important in life. Of course, there is descriptions of the
success of the athlete in the chosen sport and how his or her career has gone.
This book has all of those elements.
So, if this has all the typical elements of a sports memoir, what makes this one so good? It is the combination of the story told, the honesty and emotions that Connor describes in his journey and the devotion Connor has to his Christian faith, the important people in his life and even those who he met only briefly but told him how much his story meant to them. While reading the book, especially during his chemotherapy, it is clear to the reader that Connor has much love to give and will work hard at whatever task is at hand, whether undergoing intravenous chemotherapy or extra time in the weight room.
One story that illustrates his work ethic was during a chemotherapy
session, he was studying other college running backs by watching video on his
phone while the drugs dripped in the bags. By studying them, he was determined
to not only return to the field after beating the cancer, but also to be a
better running back. For the love he expresses
for practically everyone in his life, just reading about his interactions with
everyone at the oncology clinic – from the doctors and nurses to the cafeteria
and cleaning staff – it is clear that he believes every single person there
played an important part of his recovery.
It is hard to write about what a pleasure it was to read this book because no description of Connor's words will do justice to his story or the way he wants to tell it. It is easy to see why his jersey has been one of the best selling NFL jersey since he came into the league given his humility and deeply felt thanks when telling his story. There isn't a lot of football talk in this book, so even if a reader is not much of a football fan, there is a lot to enjoy while reading this book.
I wish to thank HarperCollins Publishers for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Book Format Read:
E-book (Kindle)
Buying Links:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fear-is-a-choice-james-conner/1134982137?ean=9780062938435
This story touches close to home. As a Pitt alum and avid panther fan I am privileged to have read this book and to have seen him play in person many times during his college career. Conner and co-author did a pretty good job of telling an important and inspirational story.
ReplyDeleteAgreed Richard
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