Speechless. This story is powerful, raw, honest, moving, inspirational, and entirely centered on faith. I have always been a fan of James Conner since his days at Pitt, but after reading his autobiography, I have reached a whole new level of appreciation for him both on and off the football field. His experiences and advice can connect with any reader and the obstacles they are facing. Above all else, I want to thank James Conner for writing this remarkable story, encouraging us with the power of prayer, and instilling in us that God is in control.

James Connor seemed to have everything going or him. Growing up in a working class family in Erie, Pennsylvania he worked hard to earn a football scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh. Then after an outstanding sophomore season at running back, he learned that he had Hodgkin's lymphoma. His battle to not only overcome the disease but also to become an important member of the Pittsburgh Steelers is a story that is a terrific read.

In the world of sports memoirs, one will usually read about the author's childhood, overcoming whatever obstacles came his way and that was able to be achieved through the love of friends, family or other important people in the athlete's life. Many times, there is introspection by the author to describe how he or she came to see what it truly important in life. Of course, there is descriptions of the success of the athlete in the chosen sport and how his or her career has gone. This book has all of those elements.

So, if this has all the typical elements of a sports memoir, what makes this one so good? It is the combination of the story told, the honesty and emotions that Connor describes in his journey and the devotion Connor has to his Christian faith, the important people in his life and even those who he met only briefly but told him how much his story meant to them. While reading the book, especially during his chemotherapy, it is clear to the reader that Connor has much love to give and will work hard at whatever task is at hand, whether undergoing intravenous chemotherapy or extra time in the weight room.

One story that illustrates his work ethic was during a chemotherapy session, he was studying other college running backs by watching video on his phone while the drugs dripped in the bags. By studying them, he was determined to not only return to the field after beating the cancer, but also to be a better running back. For the love he expresses for practically everyone in his life, just reading about his interactions with everyone at the oncology clinic – from the doctors and nurses to the cafeteria and cleaning staff – it is clear that he believes every single person there played an important part of his recovery.

It is hard to write about what a pleasure it was to read this book because no description of Connor's words will do justice to his story or the way he wants to tell it. It is easy to see why his jersey has been one of the best selling NFL jersey since he came into the league given his humility and deeply felt thanks when telling his story. There isn't a lot of football talk in this book, so even if a reader is not much of a football fan, there is a lot to enjoy while reading this book.

I wish to thank HarperCollins Publishers for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

When I first started this book I thought that I couldn’t read it. It was way to positive and upbeat and no one could be that way all the time. Yuk!

I kept reading though and my whole attitude about the book changed and at the end I was crying over the wonderful outlook and sincerity of James Conner. He has taken his hardships and turned them into positive lessons of life. He sees how our life is a gift from God and that you should be present in it and effect the ones around you for good.

I am a Steeler fan thanks to my Western Pennsylvania husband that is why I wanted to read this, but as I read it became much more than that! James Conner is an inspiring person for so much more then football.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review. I am so glad I got to read this!

As a Steelers fan I was so happy to receive a ARC of this book and let me just say that it did not disappoint I loved hearing about James Conner and his strength and how he kept all his strength through all that he went through, I cannot wait to buy a physical copy of this book, This will make you laugh and cry and be happy all in one.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Fear Is A Choice by James Conner that I read and reviewed.
I am a huge Steelers fans so when I saw this book I had to read it because I have grown to love Conner in the field so I wanted to learn more about him. Reading this book I learned so much about what a special man he off the field as well. I was not sure if the book would be one of those “I am great” things but this book truly shows what a humble and special man he is. He went through so much with his cancer diagnosis and it might have broken some people but it motivated him and made him look inside himself and to God and made him better himself and his game.
Fear Is A Choice I found very interesting because Conner was so open and real in this book and it really did not talk about what his career has done to improve his life financially. Instead this book is more about how his life has improved emotionally and spiritually since his cancer diagnosis and how he is trying to be more selfless now. I have more respect for him now has a human overall then I had before and I really liked him as a football player before. I really loved this insight into James Conner the man. Not just James Conner the football player.
Fear Is a Choice gets five out five stars from me.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My goodness, if more people had a tiny fraction of the faith, work ethic, and positivity that James Connor has, the world would be a much better place. As a Steelers fan, I know about Connor’s achievements on the field, and I knew he had survived cancer. What I didn’t know is how incredible his attitude was through it all, and what an amazing support system he has in his family and friends. Yes, this book is filled with every cliche you can think of related to working hard and remaining positive, but since James Connor truly lives every one of those statements, they don’t feel false. James Connor is the real deal, and this book should be required reading for every high school athlete who dreams of becoming a professional.