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I Beat the Odds: From Homelessness, to The Blind Side, and Beyond Audiobook
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(3.82) - 22 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
The football star made famous in the hit film The Blind Side reflects on how far he has come from the circumstances of his youth. Michael Oher is the young man at the center of the true story depicted in The Blind Side movie (and book) that swept up awards and accolades. Though the odds were heavily stacked against him, Michael had a burning desire deep within his soul to break out of the Memphis inner-city ghetto and into a world of opportunity. While many people are now familiar with Oher's amazing journey, this is the first time he shares his account of his story in his own words, revealing his thoughts and feelings with details that only he knows, and offering his point of view on how anyone can achieve a better life. Looking back on how he went from being a homeless child in Memphis to playing in the NFL, Michael talks about the goals he had for himself in order to break out of the cycle of poverty, addiction, and hopelessness that trapped his family for so long. He recounts poignant stories growing up in the projects and running from child services and foster care over and over again in search of some familiarity. Eventually he grasped onto football as his ticket out of the madness and worked hard to make his dream into a reality. But Oher also knew he would not be successful alone. With his adoptive family, the Touhys, and other influential people in mind, he describes the absolute necessity of seeking out positive role models and good friends who share the same values to achieve one's dreams. Sharing untold stories of heartache, determination, courage, and love, I Beat the Odds is an incredibly rousing tale of one young man's quest to achieve the American dream.
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"This book told way more about Michael Oher's story but didn't really coincide so much with the movie. He spent a lot of time encouraging kids and kind of giving them a self help manual. it had tender moments in it that made me cry but also had lots of moments that weren't very personal. "
— Colleen (4 out of 5 stars)
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“Amazing and compelling…I Beat the Odds is thoughtful and heartfelt.”
— Washington Post -
“The real Michael Oher just might be the first person with more sparkle and good looks than his movie counterpart…the book offers a harrowing first-person account…of the Dickensian conditions many American kids endure.”
— USA Today -
“I Beat the Odds successfully expresses Mr. Oher’s winning attitude, with a life story to back it up.”
— Washington Times -
“I Beat the Odds is a real-life inner city Cinderella fable that possesses a poignancy that you could not make up.”
— Barnes & Noble, editorial review -
“An inspirational book.”
— Library Journal -
“Oher scores points with good intentions and an unrelentingly positive message.”
— Kirkus Reviews -
“This is an inspiring tale, sure to be popular with teens whether they are in need of help or in a position to provide it.”
— Convent of the Sacred Heart (New York City)
Awards
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A Publishers Weekly bestseller
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A New York Times bestseller
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A USA Today bestseller
I Beat the Odds Listener Reviews
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Jackie Medina, 2/26/2022
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antoinette suttie, 2/7/2017
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" A fantastic book for kids in foster care. "
— Thorn, 5/23/2011 -
" It was nice to hear which parts of the movie were not true, and more about the early years in his life. He really has learned a lot and has a lot of wisdom for those children who may be in similar circumstances. I enjoyed this book. "
— Mary, 5/20/2011 -
" I'd give it 3 1/2 stars...really great story...inspiration for both youth and adults. Different viewpoint than The Blind Side. Definitely worth reading!! "
— melody, 5/17/2011 -
" Great book! Nice to hear his side of the story. "
— Panthersas, 5/10/2011 -
" Interesting book. I didn't read "Blind Side" but I did see the movie. I admire Mr. Oher very much. "
— Nancy, 5/7/2011 -
" I was interested in reading Michael's story first hand. It's hard to believe a mom could be so neglectful and amazing that someone could get passed it. He was very lucky to have people looking out for him even before the Tuohy's took him in.<br/>I like a happy ending. "
— Adrienne, 4/30/2011 -
" A very straightforward account of Michael's life from childhood to his present day fame in the NFL and resulting from The Blind Side. Ohler also gives advice and resources to other kids in foster care and community members who want to assist those kids. "
— Shannon, 4/22/2011 -
" Easy, quick read. Humbling and uplifting; it should be required reading for all high school aged students. "
— Jill, 4/11/2011 -
" Having watched "The Blind Side" a million times, I really enjoyed hearing the story from Oher's point of view. Seems like this is truly an athlete to admire. "
— Leslie, 4/10/2011
About Michael Oher
Michael Oher is an American
football offensive tackle for the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. He was drafted by the
Ravens in the first round of the 2009 draft. He played college football at the
University of Mississippi for the Ole Miss Rebels and is best known as the
subject of Michael Lewis’ 2006 book, The Blind Side: Evolution of a
Game, and the even more popular 2009 film The Blind Side, in
which Michael is portrayed by Quinton Aaron.
About Michael Boatman
Michael Boatman is an Earphones Award–winning narrator and twice winner of the prestigious Audie Award for narration. He is a versatile television, film, and stage actor whose work on the hit TV show Spin City garnered him a GLAAD Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series and nominations for two NAACP Image Awards. For his work playing Stanley Babson on the long-running HBO series ARLI$$, he was nominated five times for the Image Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.