Coming Back Stronger: Unleashing the Hidden Power of Adversity

Touchdown Drew Brees! (2010-09-02) : 5/5
I asked my wife to get this book for me as I am a die-hard Saints and Drew Brees fan. In an effort to be totally honest, I wasn't expecting a whole lot; for a couple of reasons.

First reason, Drew is only 31 years old. I'll admit that I thought to myself, "heck, I've got underwear approaching that age" (well, to hear my wife you would think that). What could he possibly write about when it comes to adversity (and I've been a full-time law enforcement officer for 33 years)!

Second reason, he's a jock! Most jocks (not all), when I was growing up, were not known for their articulate literary ability (in fact I'm not sure many of them could spell that much less tell you what it meant).

However and whatever the reason I asked her to buy the book, I'm truly happy that I did. Yes, it's true that I've been employed in the same job for longer than Drew is old but the adversity, the unknown and the unasked question "what happens if I can't get this fixed?" that he and Brittany faced in their relatively young lives, would have kept MANY a 'better man' down for the count.

As for the 'jock' notion, that never even entered the picture after I began reading (the book was truly hard to put down). It's not only well written in the sense that it's articulate but it flows well and it's easy to keep up with where he was during a given event.

During the few days I spent reading the book, I kept telling my wife, "this is a good book!" She finally couldn't take anymore and she picked it up and began reading.

Finally and to me personally, most importantly, it remains funny to me how one person will percieve something while the person right next to them will have seen something totally different. God knows, I've seen that event countless times in my career as a police officer but for here, I am referring to at least one of the other reviews on this same book.

I read where one other reviewer was 'reminding' Drew that there is no 'I' in teamwork. And while it's true, there is no 'I' in teamwork, I remained consistently and constantly, not to mention, pleasantly surpised to whom Drew did give credit. Virtually every other page had him giving the credit to whom credit should have been given but is often overlooked, if not ignored. God.

Drew Brees is a star quarterback of a team that I suspect will go down in history as making the comeback of the century, yet he did not lose sight of who blessed him with his gift, his focus and the family and team that backs and supports him. To me, that says more than any book can hold in print, about the man.

Great book Drew! Well done! God bless you, your family and your team.
Drew Brees - A hero on and off the field (2010-08-28) : 5/5
As a female Saints fanatic and season ticket holder since '72, this book definitely fulfilled my expectations! Drew Brees is a one in a million guy, and I believe it when he says God led him to N.O. We needed a hero, and Drew fulfilled that need, along with many other caring people, in helping to restore 'the city that care forgot'.

The book was inspirational to me. I laughed, smiled, giggled, and cried. It was so well written that I felt I was sitting there with Drew as he told his story. In the face of so much adversity, his faith kept him going. So many of us would have thrown in the towel, but this man had the strength, determination, and faith to go on.

I don't think I'll read a more heartfelt book for a long while to come. I could barely put it down until I finished it. And the photos! Oh my, they tell the story as well.

A great read for anyone, whether or not a sports fan. A true story of a good man who has achieved great success is my kind of book! Who dat? Drew dat!
Life changer (2010-08-27) : 5/5
I recently had my faith tested, not in a religious fashion but faith in myself. I am working on a project that I created and am at the stage of development where others are now involved. I have been told from nearly everyone that, for one reason or the other, I have to change what I have created and do it the way everyone else does. I was close to caving to these critics when I heard and interview with Drew Brees. He talked about staying strong and using adversity as a tool to grow. He talked about having faith in yourself and your abilities. He touched me and I immediately made the call to tell my critics that this project would move forward according to my vision and no one elses. Twenty minutes later, by total coincidence, a good friend calls me from San Diego. She tells me that she is in line at a book store and has just bought me a copy of Drew Brees' new book and is in line to have it autographed. If that isn't the universe reaching out then I don't know what is.
She sent the book, I read it immediately, and can truly say that it has changed my life. I highly recommend it to anyone who needs a lift.
I am also a 29 year San Diego Charger season ticket holder. I was at most of the Charger games that he references in the book. I was there when he hurt his shoulder. I miss him in SD. An awful lot of character walked out the door with Drew when he left.
Hey Drew, I read your book, how about you return the favor? LOL.
Justice Rules - 2010 Finalist Pacific Northwest Writers Association Literary Contest (A Brian Wylie Novel)
Coming Back Stronger (2010-08-24) : 5/5
This is a great read for football fans (Saints fans in particular), but it is also an encouragement to all who have faced tragedy (such as the suicide of Drew's mother) or have had to overcome adversity (as Drew did following his shoulder injury and as the folks of New Orleans have done since Katrina). It is also encouraging to read of the Christian faith which I share with Drew. I highly recommend this book.
Inviting and motivating (2010-08-22) : 4/5
Helps the non-athlete drive to the goals in life and remain motivated when the oomph wains.