Who Says I Can't
The Astonishing Story of a Fearless Life
On Sale: 2021-09-07
Price: $18.99
Format: Downloadable audio file
Book Summary
Get ready to become one of the innumerable people inspired by Coach Rob Mendez, who was born without limbs yet powers through life with strength and courage. Who Says I Can’t? shares his story of tenacity in the face of adversity.
About the Book
On paper, Coach Rob Mendez sounds like any other football coach on any other field across America: passionate, authoritative, knowledgeable. But he’s unlike any other coach you know--in fact, he’s probably unlike any other person you know.
Born with an extraordinarily rare condition called tetra-Amelia syndrome, Rob has no arms or legs. He moves with the assistance of a custom-made, motorized wheelchair that he operates with his back and shoulders.
Many people look at Rob and see limitation, yet Rob sees opportunity: Opportunity to pursue his passion for football. Opportunity to change the way people perceive physical disability. Opportunity to serve as a role model for the hundreds of kids he’s coached over the years.
Told with both humor and frankness, Who Says I Can’t? takes readers on Rob’s incredible journey, from his birth to loving parents who wanted to afford him every chance for happiness, to the emotional and physical hurdles he faced while seeking independence, to receiving the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the ESPY Awards in 2019.
Each day, Coach Rob rolls onto the field and shows his players that dreams are achievable when you show up, do the work, and believe in yourself. And after reading this book you, too, will believe that anything is possible.
Reviews
'As the person who spent a full year with Rob documenting his every move for our ESPN documentary, I was shocked at how much more I learned about Rob and his journey. To anyone who has ever doubted themselves -- Rob's memoir is a must read!'
'As the person who spent a full year with Rob documenting his every move for our ESPN documentary, I was shocked at how much more I learned about Rob and his journey. To anyone who has ever doubted themselves -- Rob's memoir is a must read!' - KRISTEN LAPPAS, Producer/Director ESPN FILMS
'Coach Rob's story of overcoming adversity to achieve his dreams reminds us of the power we have as individuals to inspire those around us.'
'Coach Rob's story of overcoming adversity to achieve his dreams reminds us of the power we have as individuals to inspire those around us.' - DONALD DRIVER, Green Bay Packers All-Time Leading Receiver, Super Bowl Champion, Dancing with the Stars Champion and New York Times Bestselling Author
'Even as ESPN and other media began to take an interest in Mendez's life, he emphasizes that, though his circumstances were extraordinary, he's more than just 'a limbless man who also happen[s] to be a football coach.' Readers will be riveted by this inspiring story.'
'Even as ESPN and other media began to take an interest in Mendez's life, he emphasizes that, though his circumstances were extraordinary, he's more than just 'a limbless man who also happen[s] to be a football coach.' Readers will be riveted by this inspiring story.' -- Publishers Weekly
'Born without limbs, this inspiring author shares tales from his life as a high-school football coach in the Bay Area. Now 32, Mendez became well known in 2019, when ESPN released a documentary about him, Who Says I Can't? Supported by remarkable parents who help him focus on what he can do, he doesn't dwell on how he needs help with everyday tasks. He knows that he's never going to be able to play football, but he sure can coach it and help young people realize their potential. Mendez's success earns him ESPN's Jimmy V Award, named after Jimmy Valvano, the North Carolina State basketball coach and TV broadcaster who was known for perseverance. Like Valvano, Mendez believes people need to do three things every day--laugh, think, and cry (tears of happiness count). 'Crying means you care,' he says. Mendez also writes about how he turns to the Bible for guidance. This memoir is also a love letter to football as Mendez clearly adores its intricacies along with the young players who embrace him and the sport.'
'Who Says I Can't inspires us all to push through setbacks and never give up on our dreams.'
'Who Says I Can't inspires us all to push through setbacks and never give up on our dreams.' - TOM BRADY, Seven-Time Super Bowl Champion, Four-Time Super Bowl MVP, Three-Time NFL MVP
Product Details
- ISBN: 9780785239420
- ISBN 10: 0785239421
- Imprint: Harper Horizon
- On Sale: 2021-09-07
- List Price: $18.99
- Publisher: Harper Horizon
- Publication Date: 2021-09-07
- Category 1 : BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Personal Memoirs
- Category 2 : SELF-HELP / Motivational & Inspirational
- Category 3 : SPORTS & RECREATION / Coaching / Football
- Category 4 : BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / People with Disabilities *
