[Book Review] Focused by Noelle Pikus Pace

Photo Credit: goodreads.com

Focused 

by 

Noelle Pikus Pace

Blurb:

"Where are your choices leading you? Regardless of our circumstances, each moment presents us with decisions to make. It doesn't matter what question, trial, or success we experience--each traces back to a choice. At any given moment, we can choose to doubt, fear, worry; to be prideful, angry, depressed, or miserable--or we can choose to be a light. We can choose to be happy. The choice is always ours, and each choice can be a step forward on the path of life we want for ourselves. The life lessons learned by Olympic athlete Noelle Pikus Pace can equip each of us to turn daily choices and challenges into opportunities for growth. In her warm and relatable style, Noelle shares touching personal stories and teaches how these experiences can help us keep a healthy perspective on the things that matter most. She helps us to see that though all of our goals and trials are different, we each can choose to become the best versions of ourselves one day at a time."

My Review:

What an inspiring woman! Wow! I loved this book! I love how positive her message is. Her writing style is fun and light, even when discussing some difficult situations. She has the ability to take hard things and make them better. I am always telling my children that they have the choice to make each day a great one or a miserable one, and I'm glad I finally have someone to back me up on this! I love her message and think it is so needed today. We don't need to be victims. We don't need to let what happens in the world or in our lives bring us down, we get to choose to make it better. I enjoyed reading about her life leading up to her Olympic dream, and thought that her goal setting suggestions were right on. I love that she says to dream big and then work hard to make that dream happen. Her message of having integrity hit home. Be yourself. Stand up for yourself and your standards or your values. Be honest. I liked this quote, 

I know who I am and what I stand for regardless of what others say or think. 

Skeleton is just a sport. My integrity is everything. 

There are a lot of great quotes in this book. I think I'm going to copy some of them and put them in my kids' rooms. I am also going to have my boys (13 and 11) read this book. I know she's a girl, but the message is fabulous for both boys and girls. And, the good thing is, it's great for everyone, not just athletes. The message applies to every aspect of our lives. I highly recommend this book! Reading it makes you feel like you can conquer the world (or at least achieve your goals)!

There is a slightly religious undertone to this book, which didn't bother me at all. She quotes some scripture and some religious leaders (she also quotes nonreligious leaders and has a bunch of nonreligious poems). It isn't about religion, and it's not preachy at all, she just uses the scriptures and quotes to emphasize her points. I don't think it matters if you are religious or not, this book has such a positive and uplifting message that it's great for everyone. I definitely recommend this book!

Rating: G (Clean!)

Age Recommendation: Fifth grade and up as a silent read. First grade and up as a read-aloud. I'm going to read it to my daughters (6 and 9), and I think they'll understand it just fine. There are a few things I'll need to explain to them (miscarriage is one thing that comes to mind), but I want them to hear the message.

Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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*This post was originally posted on 10/6/14, and was updated on 1/10/18.