I've had this book on my shelf for a long time, and I'm so glad I picked the right time to read it. Chuck is a legend, an icon, if you will, and what's so funny is that I'm positive Chuck wouldn't agree with any of those things. He's so humble and a devout Christian and believes heavily in his faith and God. His "soul" purpose is to serve others, and I think Chuck does a great job at that. Not only was I a fan of his work in martial arts, but taking his expertise to a whole new level by lending his skills to film, making some of the best action-packed movies. My brother and I loved seeing Chuck on film, for he was always the good guy, and there was certainly a reason for that.One of the things I really admire about him is his determination and drive. One of his students asked, "what is your secret to success?" And Chuck responded, "there isn't a secret." He couldn't be more right. His belief is that there are only two paths any human being may embark down -- either a positive path or negative. It's what you choose to do in which determines your success whether that be positive or negative. What incredible words to say to a young impressionable mind. What I loved is that he didn't just write about his accolades and accomplishments, but admitted he's human and have made mistakes along the way. He's human and he proved that throughout the pages. From his competitive nature, to his humbling life experiences, Chuck is, and will always be, in my mind, an amazing talent and wonderful human being. Many people think Karate is used for violence, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Martial Arts makes you disciplined and focused. No wonder he's almost always made the right decisions in his life. He tells his readers about his 30-year marriage to his first wife, and his amazing second chance at fatherhood with his second wife, Gena. From faith, to failure, to rising above, and falling sometimes, Chuck always manages to dig himself out and it all started with his faith in God. This was an outstanding memoir! There was always something about Chuck that I loved, and after having read his story, I see that what he projects on TV and film, is what he truly is -- The Good Guy! He's a superstar in more ways than one. If you have this sitting on your shelf, grab it and read. You will not be sorry! Great story!(SIDENOTE: The Kindle version did not have any pictures).
One variation on the popular Internet meme about Chuck Norris and his toughness is that "You don't find Chuck Norris; Chuck Norris finds you." That might be said of this book, which I picked up at a used bookstore more than a year ago but finished reading more recently, at a time when its "never give up" message has more resonance for me than it otherwise might.This is part biography, part pep talk, and all written in a conversational style that Chuck's experienced coauthor had the sense to leave alone. A proofreading error ("Marine Corp" without the trailing "s") bothered me, and the chronology of events described here sometimes doubles back on itself. For example, Gena Norris is first mentioned in the chapter about the TV series "Walker: Texas Ranger". Chuck and Gena were introduced to each other by a mutual friend at that time, but the "Walker" chapter precedes the "Soul Mate" chapter where Chuck describes meeting the woman who would become his second wife. Similarly, the Norris family makes its home in Dallas but has several properties, and there are occasions where readers might suppose that something happened in Texas when it did not, because the narrative later mentions that Chuck was somewhere else at the time.Parts of the book may have been sanitized for the sake of increasing its audience. Nevertheless, Chuck Norris, in spite of his flaws, seems to be a man of integrity. He's also a Christian, so it's quite possible, for example, for him to have asked security guards to escort an apparently homeless woman off a TV set by instructing them to "remove that dear lady."I do not mean to imply that the book is seriously flawed, or that Chuck never steps out of his reputation as an actor and martial arts icon. In fact, Chuck is honest throughout. His fans would expect nothing less, and in this 2004 memoir, Chuck does not let us down. It would be harder to say the same about his coauthor and his editor, who may perhaps have been charmed by his genuine earnestness. Even so, the book remains a good read, and in many ways, an inspiring one. I'm glad I read it.
Do You like book Against All Odds: My Story (2004)?
I picked up the Kindle edition of this book last week when it was on sale at Amazon for 99 cents. It still is if you're interested!I really enjoyed this book, and I wouldn't have really called myself a "Chuck Norris fan." I used to watch "Walker, Texas Ranger", but that's about it. And, I didn't realize that he was a strong Christian.I enjoyed reading this book both as a story of his life, as a sports motivator, and as he shared Christian wisdom. Yes, he isn't perfect. But, I love how he shares his struggles, failures & triumphs alongside his successes and triumphs!Here are a few quotes I enjoyed:"Negative thoughts bring negative results, just as positive thoughts encourage positive results.""If you believe you can, you will. If you believe you cannot, you will not.""It only takes one person to change the world, either positively or negatively.""We never know what a day will bring, but we can know the One who brings the day. Robert's death was a strong reminder to me that a man's life is not built on the years he has lived but on the accomplishments he has achieved and the difference he has made in other people's lives. Only what is done for God will truly last the test of time.""... there are two distinct paths we can follow in life - a positive path and a negative one. On the positive path you don't wait for things to happen; you make them happen by setting goals and working hard to achieve them, no matter how long it takes. On the negative path you fell like you can never accomplish anything, and that nothing good will ever come your way. If you say to yourself, "I can't do this or that," can't becomes the operative word in your mind and results in self-fulling failure. The person who says, "I can," has already started on the path toward success."
—Dana
Most celebrity stories are disappointing. They rarely live up to the tv personality they portrayed but Chuck Norris focuses on living a life true to the God-fearing, good guy he most often played. In a business (& world) that so blatantly pushes a life of immorality, Norris' faith-based lifestyle is refreshing. He is a role model I greatly appreciate, however I would warn readers that not all of his convictions are scriptural and encourage them to read the gospel for themselves to find the truth.
—Melissa
I ordered "Against All Odds: My Story" on a whim and am I glad I did. I knew who Chuck Norris was and a little of his accomplishments as a martial artist so thought it would be a fun read. (I may have accidentally bumped into him a tournament a few years back, although not totally sure.) "Against All Odds" is a relatively easy read and for the most part clearly lays out the life experiences that developed Mr. Norris' character. He shares many personal memories that are obviously important to him. Some of these stories may seem trifling but taken as a whole you can see the evolution of character and faith.The book is liberally strewn with stories of Mr. Norris' personal interactions with many folks the rest of us have heard of - Bruce Lee, George Bush, Steve McQueen. Occasionally it feels like name dropping but from somebody whose entire professional life has been based on building relationships, it seems quite normal and acceptable.He writes with clarity about martial arts competition, something that prior to reading the book I was concerned would be made overly complicated or drawn out. Discussing his faith in the early part of the book seems awkward, hesitant, and out of place. However, by the end, his beliefs are comfortably intertwined with his life experiences.The essence of the book that I truly appreciated was its straight-forwardness. Some readers may consider it grandiose and bragging but when he achieved a major accomplishment he is not hesitant to claim quiet victory. And when he failed to meet a goal or reveals a character flaw, he does so with humility. Both time honored traits of a true martial artist and Christian. The only issue I had with the book that I sometimes got lost in the time line of where I was in his experiences. The detours weren't long and I was quickly back on track.
—Toby Brennen
