Book Review: Sidelined

Chuck Pagano, head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, has become one of the most inspiring, intriguing personalities in the game of football. Only three games into his rookie season in 2012, Pagano was diagnosed with leukemia, sidelined by the side effects chemotherapy and months of recovery.

Undeterred, Pagano didn t let the confines of his hospital bed keep him from coaching: texts, calls, and emails kept him in constant contact with players, staff, and assistants. Motivated to be just as strong and determined as their ailing coach the team started winning game after game, compiling an impressive 11-5 record.

The players weren t the only ones touched by Pagano s hope and strength of character. Inspired by the tenacity and toughness of their beloved coach, a newcomer to town, thousands of fans united to form Chuckstrong, a movement that soon raised millions to help beat cancer. Pagano, fueled by his faith, his family, and his love of football, returned to lead the Colts to another winning season and the divisional playoffs in 2013.

With Pagano's practical lessons on living, loving, and leading, Sidelined, which includes an 8-page color photo section, inspires us all to stay in the game and never accept defeat.

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Ask my oldest and he'll tell you that unless it's his brother playing, mom doesn't care much about football. So, when this book came up as an option for review, I picked it up, not for me, but for him. After finishing it, I'm putting it on the family shelf, not his personal shelf. It has been a very long time since I picked up a book and less than halfway through it, I was reaching for a notebook to jot down some of the quotes. Even if you're not a diehard football fan, you can't help but be inspired. I've had this book for a couple of months, but something led me to pick it up the other night and the timing was perfect. I'm about to make some changes and this book is one that when things are tough, I'm going to come back to time and time again. I honestly cannot say enough positive things, so instead, I'm going to leave you with one of my favorite quotes from the book:

              "But regardless of our circumstances, they do not define us - not unless we give in and let                    them. Circumstances never determine who we are; they reveal who we are."
                                   -- Coach Chuck Pagano


I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.
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