Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown

Synopsis:

Growing up, Adam Brown started his life like many American boys. He loved taking risks, pursuing adventures, and playing football for his high school team. But when he died on March 17, 2010 in the Hindu Kush Mountains of Afghanistan, he had become a man who served his country with excellence as an elite warrior and leader. Fearless by Eric Blehm is a tribute to the life and legacy of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown.

As a young man, Adam always tried to honor his family, but there was a time when it seemed that his life might take a downward turn. Lacking purpose after high school, Adam fell in with the wrong crowd and became addicted to drugs, landing himself in jail. Taking the wake-up call to turn his life around, Adam began to search for meaning. He found it in giving his life to Jesus Christ, finding the love of his life, Kelly, and in the dream to become a Navy SEAL.

Adam's determination and hard work propelled him to reach higher and higher until his dream of becoming a Navy Seal was realized. Even after reaching his goal, Adam was always the first to volunteer for the most dangerous assignments. His final act of bravery led to the ultimate sacrifice, and the devoted family man and soldier was killed in action. Fearless is an unforgettable tale of a true American hero--a man of courage and daring who gave his all in service to his country.          CBD product description

Review:

This was a terrific book I genuinely enjoyed. Adam’s story is very well told, and you get an honest look into his life and struggles. You also get to see what an impact he had on the people around him. He’s someone you relate to and root for.

The book wasn’t preachy, but had a lot of lessons that jump out at you as you read. Just a few of the things that stood out to me were how hard Adam worked, how he cared for his wife, and what a fun dad he was.

I’d highly recommend this book to fathers and young adults. A father may want to read through the book first before giving it to their son, as an honest look is taken at drug addiction. It’s not too graphic, but it is honest.

It was amazing being able to read Adam’s story, and I’m so thankful I got the opportunity.

5 out of 5 stars

Author:

Eric Blehm is a bestselling and award-winning author of nonfiction books.

In 2006, Eric Blehm won the Barnes & Noble Discover Award for The Last Season (HarperCollins), a gripping account of the disappearance of legendary National Park Service ranger Randy Morgenson; The Last Season was also named by Outside magazine as one of the ten “greatest adventure biographies ever written” in 2009. Eric Blehm’s next book, New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller The Only Thing Worth Dying For (HarperCollins, 2010), was hailed by former congressman Charlie Wilson, of Charlie Wilson’s War, as a “must read” among books about the current war in Afghanistan.

In 1999, Eric Blehm became the first journalist to accompany and keep pace with an elite Army Ranger unit on a training mission. His access into the Special Operations community and reportage set an important milestone for American war journalism two years before reporters began to gain widespread embedded status with the U.S. military in the War Against Terror. Blehm’s immersion with the Rangers is what led him to the previously untold story of an elite team of eleven Green Berets who operated in the hinterland of Taliban-held Afghanistan just weeks after 9/11 (The Only Thing Worth Dying For), as well as to his current book: FEARLESS (Waterbrook/Multnomah; Random House). On sale in May 2012, Fearless is the heartrending and inspiring story of Naval Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Adam Brown, who overcame tremendous odds in his rise to the top tier of the U.S. military: SEAL Team SIX.

Eric Blehm is the founder of Molly the Owl Books, the independent publishing company behind Molly the Owl—his popular nonfiction children’s book about a barn owl and her family—which won the 2011 Nautilus Award and the 2011 San Diego Book Award. Currently, he is working on his next nonfiction book, which takes place during the Cold War era.

Blehm lives in Southern California with his wife and children.

Good Call: Reflections on Faith, Family, and Fowl by Jase Robertson

Synopsis:

The straight-faced funnyman of Duck Dynasty has his own story to tell---from his first "fake date" with Missy to frog hunting! Tying lessons of faith to his personal experiences, Robertson opens up about his life, pointing out what worked and what didn't---so that you can find the courage and strength to overcome the challenges in your life. 256 pages, hardcover from Howard.

                   

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What did I think?

Good Call is a great read. You get to learn a lot about Jase Robertson’s life, and will also be encouraged as you see examples of him living out his faith.

The book ranges Jase's entire life in an honest and true way. You see the trials that Jase and the Robertson family have gone through to get where they are. You get lots of funny stories and learn a lot about Jase, but most of all you see a man trying to live for Christ and bring Him glory in the way God has gifted him.

The book is an entertaining and meaningful read, and I plan to read it many more times. I was encouraged by seeing how Jase has lived out his faith to this point in his life, and I’m sure you would be as well.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Authors

Jase Robertson is the second oldest Robertson son and one of the favorite stars of A&E®’s Duck Dynasty®. Jase has been involved in the family business making duck calls since he was a boy. He graduated from Bible college after high school and worked part-time in ministry for two years before becoming Duck Commander’s first paid employee in the mid ‘90s. Now, family, hunting, and helping the family business succeed consume most of Jase’s time. Jase runs the manufacturing part of Duck Commander, making sure that every call is hand-tuned to be the best possible call. He and his wife, Missy, live in West Monroe, Louisiana, with their children and the rest of the Robertson clan.

You can follow Jase on twitter

Mark Schlabach is the coauthor of the New York Times bestselling books, Happy, Happy, Happy, Si-cology 1, and The Duck Commander Family. He is one of the most respected and popular college football columnists in the country. He and his wife live in Madison, Georgia, with their three children.

You can follow Mark on twitter

You can buy Good Call on CBD

Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy with Nathan Whitaker

Setup:

“In  the pages of this fascinating memoir, Tony Dungy reveals the secrets to his success­-principles, practices, and priorities that have kept him on track despite overwhelming obstacles, including firings, stereotyping, and the tragic loss of a child. His thoughts on leading, succeeding, and attaining true significance will inspire you to take a long hard look at the things that really matter in your own life.” Quiet Strength, Back cover

What did I think?

Quiet Strength is a great read. I’ve read this book many times over the past few years, and each time it is more enlightening.

It is great to be able to look at the story of Tony’s life, and learn from it. You will get a chance to learn a lot of lessons about integrity, respect, and hard work. 

The book is very interesting for sport fans, as they get to learn a bit about Tony’s coaching philosophy, but I enjoyed seeing Tony live out his faith in these moments of trials the most.

            This book was an encouragement to me to be a better man and work harder for the glory of Christ. I’d highly recommend it. 

Tony Dungy was a long tenured NFL coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis colts; winning the Super Bowl in 2007.

To learn more about Tony Dungy, check out his website.

Nathan Whitaker is a Harvard Law Graduate whose firm represents NFL and college coaches and administrators.

To learn more about Nathan Whitaker, check out his website.

Feel free to buy Quiet Strength on Amazon.

Linspired:The Remarkable Rise of Jeremy Lin, by Mike Yorkey

Synopsis:

“Linspired” shows us Jeremy Lin’s journey to becoming the first Asian-American player to play in the NBA. Right from his parents immigration to America, to the phenomenon of “Linsanity” that took place during the 2011-12 NBA season.

The book includes conversations with tennis’ Michael Chang, Lin’s pastor, Stephen Chen; and Pat Williams, senior vice-president of the Orlando Magic. There are also multiple interviews with Jeremy himself.

Notable Excerpts:

• He [Lin] would listen to his coaches, work on his weaknesses, and play hard. (p. 72)
• Lin: “It’s definitely out there if you want it [temptations], but I choose to take it out of play. Once you take a stand for something at the beginning, everybody respects that, and they don’t bother you about it.” (p.77)
• “I picked up some good ideas [from conversation with Michael Chang], like having a consistent devotional time and a prayer team behind you. So I formed a small team that I sent e-mails to every once in a while with prayer requests and praise reports.” (p. 130)
• Lin:  “They [Jeremy’s parents] make sure I have the right attitude, that I don’t yell at my teammates or the refs and that I’m always under control. They make sure I have a godly attitude and when I don’t, they call me out on it and make me accountable.” (p. 151)
• Lin: “I want to be able to be able to sit back when I’m done with my career and say that I gave everything I could and that I did it for God’s glory.” (p. 153)

Violence, sex, drugs, other:

• It’s referenced how some women are looking to be impregnated by NBA players.
• The tempting life of the NBA is discussed. 

What did I think?

“Linspired” is worth the read if you’re a sports fan or a fan of the underdog. You get a good look at all of the hard work Jeremy put in to be able to make it to the NBA. In the same breath, you see that Jeremy’s priorities are not being a great basketball player, but his relationship with God.

Not only was Jeremy’s story very interesting, the interview with former tennis star Michael Chang was full of great advice for Jeremy, and all Christians for that matter.

I’d recommend “Linspired” in a heartbeat. It won’t take you long to read, but it’ll leave you motivated to go and work harder where God has called you.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

“Linspired” is authored by Mike Yorkey. Yorkey, author and coauthor of over 75 books, has written on sports all his life.

To learn more about Mike, check out his website: www.mikeyorkey.com