Dream Again, Isaiah Austin
Dream Again, Isaiah Austin
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Dream Again

Author: Isaiah Austin, Matt Litton

Narrator: Caz Harleaux

Unabridged: 4 hr 54 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 06/23/2015


Synopsis

The inspiring story of Isaiah Austin, the man who captured our hearts when he was made the honorary NBA draft pick after a shocking diagnosis ended his professional basketball career before he could even step onto the court.

“There are two choices in life: you make it your excuse or you make it your story.” Isaiah Austin’s mother shared these words of wisdom with him as a child as he came to terms with a torn retina taking away the ability to see with his right eye. Faced with adversity at a young age, Isaiah had to choose—let his disability define him or overcome the challenge and shine.

Overcoming that challenge is exactly what Isaiah did as he made a name for himself on Baylor University’s NCAA Division 1 basketball team. Everyone expected Isaiah to have a successful career in the NBA after college, but on June 21, 2014—just five days before the NBA draft—Austin was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue, putting him at risk of rupturing his heart if he continued to play basketball. In seconds, Austin’s hopes for a career in the NBA became impossible.

After hearing about Isaiah’s diagnosis, NBA commissioner Adam Silver invited Austin to attend the 2014 draft as his personal guest. The League recognized Isaiah’s courage, resilience, and determination in a bittersweet moment when he was made an Honorary Draft Pick.

Rather than letting another challenge destroy his faith, Austin has once again strived to overcome adversity by becoming a spokesperson for The Marfan Foundation, raising awareness and understanding for the disease. He has also founded his own non-profit organization, The Isaiah Austin Foundation, to provide support and research for Marfan syndrome and those affected by it. Despite the many heartbreaking challenges he has faced, Isaiah’s story is inspirational and full of hope as he encourages everyone to tower in the face of adversity and keep living out their dreams, no matter what life throws their way.

The book includes a foreword from Robert Griffin III—the Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback.

About Isaiah Austin

Isaiah Austin completed his very successful college career for the Baylor Bears in 2014. He had been considered a first-round prospect until he was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome just days prior to the NBA Draft. On June 26, 2014, between the fifteenth and sixteenth picks of the 2014 Draft, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver made Austin a ceremonial pick, which fulfilled his dream of getting drafted. The crowd gave him a standing ovation as he walked up to the podium.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Laura

I knew a bit about Austin's story before reading this book, but nothing beyond a few ESPN/SI articles. He is definitely a strong person, and I think there are a lot of people that would really enjoy this book. I'm personally not a very religious person, and Austin talks a lot about religion and how......more

Goodreads review by Rachel

I loved this book and was so inspired by Isaiah’s story. I too have Marfan Syndrome and know how hard the diagnosis is when no one else in your family has it. I also know how hard life can be living with Marfan and the mental strength it takes to deal with the challenges it presents. I can’t imagine......more

Goodreads review by Sean

Being a former collegiate basketball player I was never diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome but was tested every season just as a precaution. Seeing Isaiah's story unfold my senior year of college really made me take a step back and be thankful for the current state I was in but to also relate to someone......more

Goodreads review by Michael

Very positive, faith-filled book about trusting God and His path wherever it leads. The consistent theme is "let your hardships be your story, not your excuse." It will be great to see what God does in the future with Isaiah's life.......more