How could you not like this book? It was written by a cancer survivor! Even with all of the football clichés, the book was an interesting read. However after reading it, I felt empty. I knew no more about Chuck Pagan than I did before I read the book. I knew more about the Indianapolis Colts, their opponents, and their schedule, but where is Coach Pagan, the cancer patient? What went through his mind as he fought for his life? What were the high points of his fight with cancer? The low points of his fight with cancer? How did he deal with cancer, outside of football? The reader really never finds out. Empty. One thumb up. ( )

Sidelined by Chuck Pagano is Coach Chuck Pagano’s story of his battle to beat leukemia. This book, like in life and football, is about digging deep and fighting with all the strength, courage, and perseverance you can muster then add in the most important ingredient Faith and you have Chuck Pagano’s fight to concur his battle with leukemia. You do not have to be a football fan or even know anything about football to read this book. The lessons about believing and having faith in God’s plan for what is happening in your life is the most important thing to take away from this book and that is for everyone football fanatic or not.

Coach Pagano had everything going for him, a great family, a wonderful wife and the dream job he had always wanted when he was blindsided by this disease. He didn’t give up and with the help of family, friends and his Faith in God he found strength to win his battle with leukemia. This book is an excellent encourager and really a guide to how to face adversity. It shows that if you believe God loves you and wants to use you in all situations than half the battle is won. I recommend this book not just for reading an amazing story about a famous football coach who overcame the odds but also to those who might be going through a struggle of some kind. Just remember to have Kleenex close by when reading this.

I know what it is like to be in a good place and then out of nowhere you are hit with a disease that changes everything. I always said and believed God was trusting me to use me through my illness to help others and that is what Chuck Pagano’s friend Kevin Elko tells him in one of my favorite lines from the book. Kevin Elko is telling Chuck that God is preparing to use him through this illness, “Chuck, you are going to come out of this battle—and you will come out of it victorious—and when you do, you will be closer to God. You will be drawn to helping people more than you have ever been . “ pg 100 “ Later he tells him “ The tree will be pruned, and when it is pruned, it will bear fruit. You were selected to be pruned. And you are going to be different than you ever were.” Pg 101

I hope you will read this book it will encourage you I am sure.

If you would like to learn more about this book go to

http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/id/269224/



I received this book from Family Christian to review and give my honest opinion. ( )

Title: Sidelined (Overcoming Odds through Unity and Passion, Perseverance)
Author: Chuck Pagano with Bruce A. Tollner
Pages: 224
Year: 2014
Publisher: Zondervan
Where were you or what were you doing when the Indianapolis Colts began their 2012 season with their new coach? Even if you aren’t a football fan or a Colts fan, it does people good to look at what has happened in others’ lives because sometimes it brings a perspective we wouldn’t gain otherwise. Such was the case with Coach Pagano and the year “Chuck Strong!” was the battle cry not of just the Colts team, but of many people even players from other teams. The NFL is more than a game or a championship; it is more like a family due to the amount of time the guys are together on the team. Plus relationships between families are built and retained regardless of their husband’s job.
I received the book yesterday and sat outside, turning pages until the very end of the book. Readers get a glimpse into what the Strong family, Colt Team and organization went through during Pagano’s rookie coaching season. As I read, my memory went back to when my sister-in-law and best friend went through their battles with cancer, along with another friend who also went through a battle with this bullying disease. While I had to say good-bye to each, never do I forget the lessons I learned or the way God blessed us during those times.
Sometimes when someone we don’t know is suffering it is far enough away not to really affect us, but when our coach got sick, it impacted Indianapolis and its ripples are still going forth. I believe people who make time to read the story Chuck shares will come away with hope, faith and a fighting spirit. Many people will identify with the various way players and friends reacted at the unexpected news Coach got in 2012 and will walk away encouraged along with challenged to be encouraging others. The biggest lesson we can learn and utilize in our personal lives, careers, families, and nation is to look out for each other and serve each other. The call to serve is the most rewarding, challenging, sacrificial and fulfilling life we can ever imagine and more!
My rating is 5 stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/ . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457 ( )