JULY 2020 - AudioFile
James Conner is the star running back at the University of Pittsburgh and is on top of the college sports world. By his junior year, he tears a tendon and from routine blood work performed, he is diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Narrator David Sadzin’s performance makes it clear that cancer is not in the driver’s seat. His voice and delivery reflect the strength Conner uses to keep moving forward, even though no one expects that of him. Because of his faith and determination, he goes to every practice and every game. He believes in his motto and trusts that God will give him the strength to defeat fear and his disease. Sadzin’s heartwarming presentation documents his incredible journey to the NFL. E.E.S. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
Life is full of choices and decisions, and it’s clear in Fear Is a Choice that James chose not to be a victim of his circumstances. His vulnerability makes this book so relatable. James decided during one of the toughest battles in his life to be an inspiration for everyone who will follow. Fear Is a Choice is more than a great book—it’s a mentality.” — Akbar Gbajabiamila, host of American Ninja Warrior
"Fear Is a Choice will inspire every reader to become better through invaluable lifelong lessons and powerful perspective. James teaches us that if we harness fear and meet life's challenges with faith, determination, and hard work there is nothing we can't accomplish." — Kyle Carpenter, USMC Medal of Honor recipient and national bestselling author of You Are Worth It
"You don’t have to be a football fan to be inspired by James Conner. On the field, James has never backed down from an opponent. He scored the biggest victory of his life—beating cancer—with that same courage and resolve. Like one of James’s powerful touchdown runs, this very personal story will make you want to stand and cheer." — Pat Narduzzi, head coach of the University of Pittsburgh football team
"When faced with the biggest adversity an athlete can face, James Conner chose every emotion but fear. In Fear Is a Choice, he shares his journey and his belief that we are all playing for someone who can’t. We must give it our best shot. A truly inspirational book by an incredible role model we all can learn from." — Brittany Wagner, star of Last Chance U
Pat Narduzzi
"You don’t have to be a football fan to be inspired by James Conner. On the field, James has never backed down from an opponent. He scored the biggest victory of his life—beating cancer—with that same courage and resolve. Like one of James’s powerful touchdown runs, this very personal story will make you want to stand and cheer."
Kyle Carpenter
"Fear Is a Choice will inspire every reader to become better through invaluable lifelong lessons and powerful perspective. James teaches us that if we harness fear and meet life's challenges with faith, determination, and hard work there is nothing we can't accomplish."
Akbar Gbajabiamila
Life is full of choices and decisions, and it’s clear in Fear Is a Choice that James chose not to be a victim of his circumstances. His vulnerability makes this book so relatable. James decided during one of the toughest battles in his life to be an inspiration for everyone who will follow. Fear Is a Choice is more than a great book—it’s a mentality.”
Brittany Wagner
"When faced with the biggest adversity an athlete can face, James Conner chose every emotion but fear. In Fear Is a Choice, he shares his journey and his belief that we are all playing for someone who can’t. We must give it our best shot. A truly inspirational book by an incredible role model we all can learn from."
Library Journal
06/01/2020
In his second season in the NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner put himself in the national spotlight with his powerful running style and ability to find the end zone. His debut shares every step of the journey that led Conner to the National Football League. He also describes living with Hodgkin's lymphoma, which became a national story while he was still in college at the University of Pittsburgh, being named the 2014 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Player of the year. Expectations were high for Conner heading into the 2015 season, but he tore his MCL during the first game of the season, which led him to sit out the rest of the year. A few months later he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, and decided to become an advocate for the disease. This fast-paced book is accessible to both teen and adult readers. Even those who are already familiar with Conner's story will learn more about the details of his life, and the people who helped him along the way. VERDICT This memoir will find a home among not just sports fans, but those who enjoy motivational memoirs.—Pamela Calfo, Bridgeville P.L., PA
JULY 2020 - AudioFile
James Conner is the star running back at the University of Pittsburgh and is on top of the college sports world. By his junior year, he tears a tendon and from routine blood work performed, he is diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Narrator David Sadzin’s performance makes it clear that cancer is not in the driver’s seat. His voice and delivery reflect the strength Conner uses to keep moving forward, even though no one expects that of him. Because of his faith and determination, he goes to every practice and every game. He believes in his motto and trusts that God will give him the strength to defeat fear and his disease. Sadzin’s heartwarming presentation documents his incredible journey to the NFL. E.E.S. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
