The Keeper: A Life of Saving Goals and Achieving Them

by Tim Howard

In this inspiring, down-to-earth memoir the revered goalkeeper and American icon  idolized by millions worldwide for his dependability, daring, and humility recounts his rise to stardom at the 2014 World Cup, the psychological and professional challenges he has faced, and the enduring faith that has sustained him.

In The Keeper, the man who electrified the world with his amazing performance in Brazil does something he would never do on a soccer he drops his guard. As fiercely protective about his privacy as he is guarding the goal on the field, Howard opens up for the first time about how a hyperactive kid from New Jersey with Tourette’s syndrome defied the odds to become one of the world’s premier goalkeepers.

The Keeper recalls his childhood, being raised by a single mother who instilled in him a love of sports and a devout Christian faith that helped him cope when he was diagnosed with Tourette’s in the fifth grade. He looks back over his fifteen-year professional career—from becoming the youngest player to win MLS Goalkeeper of the Year to his storied move to the English Premier League with Manchester United and his current team, Liverpool’s Everton, to becoming an overnight star after his record-making performance with the United States Men’s National Team. He also talks about the things closest to his heart—the importance of family and the Christian beliefs that guide him.

Told in his thoughtful and articulate voice, The Keeper is an illuminating look at a remarkable man who is an inspirational role model for all of us.

The Keeper is illustrated with two 8-page color photo inserts.

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Soccer, Biography, Memoir, Biography Memoir, Football

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 9, 2014

Reviews

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars

Full disclosure : I am a soccer nut!! So I loved this book!

The writing is inspiring, honest and down-to-earth. Tim Howard, the famous goalkeeper idolized by millions worldwide writes a memoir recounting his rise and his achievements at the 2014 World Cup,

Howard shares very personal information about how a hyperactive kid with Tourette's syndrome overcame the odds to become one of the world's top goalkeepers. The Keeper is also a chronicle of the personal sacrifices made for a career, including divorce from his “addiction to winning"

I recommend

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so many thoughts about this book but I don't think any of them will do justice right now.

If you're a sports fan, you need to read this. If you've never heard of Tim Howard, you need to read this. I love everything about this book. I am so happy.

[Molly Jae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love watching Tim Howard defend the goal. His play in the most recent World Cup was incredible. I loved reading about his life. I admired the challenges he faced and overcame in his life. His success certainly inspires others to face challenges and work hard for ALL of your life. Raised by a single mom in poverty, living with OCD and Tourette's Syndrome were only the beginning of the many challenges he faced. So glad he shared his story and has given courage and hope to so many with TS. I was sad to see a professional athlete go through a divorce. It's a really hard life to live, certainly difficult for any family. I guess I always hope that those who grow up in single parent homes will have a stable marriage and family life as they grow older. He sounds like a wonderful father as much as he can be.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fun read, and provides a unique insight on being a pro-athlete. Mr. Howard is an All-American hero who is honest about his flaws and not afraid to poke fun at himself. I appreciated Mr. Howard's forthrightness. He didn't sugar coat his experiences but he didn't wallow in his misfortunes, either. I wish the book came with a highlight reel of his saves but you can't have everything.

[Aidan Mccarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way that I ended up reading "The Keeper" by Tim Howard was that I saw it in Barnes and Noble, and since my family are fans of him, I decided to give it to my younger brother for Christmas, and he let me read it.

This book shows the life that Tim leads, form New Brunswick, New Jersey, to representing the U.S. in the World Cup. What impressed me about this book was the way that Mr. Howard seemed so down to earth and modest, unlike wanting to be idolized by everyone. On page 292, he says, "Fifteen saves. The number was meaningless, divorced completely from this hollowed out moment in time.". This shows that the record he set is something that he should care a lot about, but he doesn't, and therefore he is being modest about his accomplishment. To also make himself seem more human, he tells embarrassing stories of his life, such as: "One time, we scored a great goal. I ran to midfield to congratulate my teammates, and while I stood there, the other team executed a quick kickoff and launched the ball into my empty net." (p. 56), showing that even he makes mistakes.

This book can teach anyone the lesson that even if you are at a disadvantage, if you work hard, you can surprise even yourself. Tim shows this when he has Tourette Syndrome and becomes successful, and when his team is not as good as Belgium (I am not anti-American), and they play really well against them.

[Robert Hopkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book but just know that when he gets to his divorce you will loose all respect for Tim. He brags about how he never quits anything and lives for a challenge - even continues to play with broken vertebra - but breaks like a twig when it comes to his marriage. The bad thing is that he writes about it for us but has no reason whatsoever for leaving his family. Goes to South Africa and comes back not wanting to be married anymore. Then he brags about how much he works to be a father to his kids. Ummm. I don't get it. I know it's not my right to judge but he's the one who decided to devote A LOT of his book to his triumphant divorce. You really feel dirty reading it - like a politician using words like, "collateral damage" instead of "innocent people died."
Honestly, as an Everton fan, I wish I had never read it. The football stuff was good - the personal stuff - not so much. I just feel like reading this will change people's view of Tim in a negative way.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this autobiography from Tim Howard. The narrative had me laughing out loud, tearing up in empathy or recalling the emotions from the US games. I loved his passion for the USA and how he encouraged the foreign born players to learn the anthem. His ability to be personable when sharing his struggles and triumphs of his personal life. I also appreciated his camaraderie with his teammates and how he shares his perspective of the game.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this - it may be teary at times - but I also wanted to shout at Tim Howard for not even trying to work with his wife on his marriage. I mean, it's a partnership and you just bailed, but were raving about not letting down your team. Sigh. But overall, I really admired Howard and his story.

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book straight through in three hours. It's cute, personal, and really makes me miss this past summer's World Cup fever. Highly recommend this read for anyone with even a passing interest in the sport, because it's just a fun look into the life of one of the US's most popular players.

[Kevin]

This book was more emotional and moving than I expected it to be. While the narrative moves along with Howard's career and contains the sports stories and anecdotes you'd expect, there are some extremely moving moments. I commend Howard for his openness and honesty.

I wished this book had gone up to his later career in MLS and his new efforts with Memphis 901 FC, and hope there will be an updated edition or even another book one day.

[Colleen Semanek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It made me wish I had payed more attention to him earlier. I've been a fan for several years, but apparently only half of his career. He seems like a good guy and a really good dad.
This book also made me realize how little I knew about Tourette's. That alone was worthwhile.
I'll have to add him to the list of celebrities that I think I could be friends with if the stars aligned and we ever ran in the same circle. I get that it's highly unlikely, but I'm sure Tom Hanks, Tim Howard, Barack Obama and I would have a great time hanging out.

[John Cornfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the book, The Keeper, it goes through the life story of Tim Howard right up to the last World Cup game he had against Belgium in 2014. Tim grew up with Tourette Syndrome (TS), which made his life difficult in many ways. Tim proved that with the right determination, anything is possible. He worked very hard to try and overcome his disorder and actually tried to use it for his advantage. He proved that living with a disorder doesn't have to stop anyone from living up to their dream.
Throughout the book, Tim always had a lot of details about the smallest things even though some of them were 10 plus years in the past. During one point in the book, he mentioned meeting with another TS patient, Kim Rice. After he met with Kim Rice and his parents, his mom told him later, “Kim’s symptoms were pretty severe, huh? I didn’t realize how lucky we were that your symptoms were mild.” (Howard 67). Tim was able to recite exactly what his mom said and exactly how he felt, meanwhile I can’t remember what I had for breakfast. These little details Tim included made you feel like you had front-row seats to his life. It made the book very interesting and very hard to put down.
Throughout the book, he took us through the all of the excitement and disappointments he went through throughout his career. For example, he talked about when he got a call from Tony Coton, the goalie coach for the soccer super-house, Manchester United. Tony told Tim, “Tim Howard? Tony Coton here. I'm the goalkeeping coach at Manchester United. We've seen some tapes of you play, and we're a bit interested. No need to do anything. Just wanted to let you know we've got our eyes on you. Maybe we'll even come see you play sometime down the road. Take care.” (Howard 80). For soccer players, goalies in particular, this is like being told you’ve won the lottry, but better. Tim showed us what it feels like to have hard work pay off, and not have disorders hold you back. But, the media didn’t give Tim an easy time. Headlines emerged stating, “United Want American With Brain Disorder.” (Howard 90). Others also stated, “Manchester United Trying To Sign Disabled Goalkeeper. We Swear It’s True: Tourette’s Sufferer Target For United.” (Howard 90). Tim had trouble dealing with how harsh the media was, he claimed, “I never read the articles below the headlines. I didn’t need that kind of garbage cluttering up my brain.” (Howard 90).
The one thing that the book lacked, was in-game stories. The ones he had hooked the reader within a blink of an eye. For example, he was talking about when he got injured in a game and how he played through it. He said, “While I was up in the air, the ball was high over my head, Bonehead barged straight into me. He had no intent to play the ball.” (Howard 251). He then said, “I should have limped off the field and gone straight to the training room. But I couldn’t. I wouldn’t. I wasn’t finished. I hadn’t seen this game out yet. The adrenaline, I rationalized. Surely that adrenaline will numb this.” (Howard 252). He did finish the game, and the next game as well. He later found he was playing with two broken vertebras. Meanwhile, some players can’t play with bruises. I thought that story was so interesting and all I wanted was more.
Overall, The Keeper, is an excellent book that is a must read for all. It captures the reader right from the first page, all the way to the end. It accurately shows that living with a disorder doesn’t have to ever hold you back. Everyone is always in a position to succeed in life, you just need to find out in which area that is. As Tim Howard says, “I’m Tim Howard. I have Tourette Syndrome. I live with TS. I try to excel with TS. What I don’t do is suffer from TS. And you don’t have to either.” (Howard 68).

[James · Rating 2 out of 5]

First, all the complaints. The style is very repetitive. No one who picks this up is expecting Henry James, but the single-sentence paragraphs get old quickly. And the sentences that follow. Most are five or six words. Or two. See? It gets irritating. Again, no one should expect some well-balanced rhetorical display, but the ghostwriter for Pele’s book did a much better job of keeping it readable.

Howard recently revised, in interviews, the passage in which he paints Brad Friedel as a louse, “delibereatly trying to sabotage his own countryman.” In Howard’s telling, Friedel is spiteful and tries to block Howard getting a work permit in England because he, Friedel, had a hard time getting one. Friedel called him out on it and Howard has since said that all subsequent editions of the book will have the passage changed or cut. (If you own the first edition, hold onto it.) This raises all kinds of questions about the veracity of Howard’s other stories—or it would if the other ones were sensational enough. They aren’t. I'm not ashamed to say I wanted more dirt. Who's a stand-up guy? Who's a prima donna? (And didn’t HarperCollins employ a fact-checker?)

The parts in which Howard describes the end of his marriage are cringe-worthy. There are whole sentences in italics, such as, “This could be the end of my marriage, I thought,” and, “No, I do not want to be married. But these sleeping children upstairs are my heartbeat. They are everything.” This is bad stuff from a creative writing course. He also never notes the irony of the book's subtitle when applied to his marriage. In the last third of the book, the reader has to hear about how great his ex-wife’s new husband is and how they all get along so well! All for the kids! Hey! How great is that? It all worked out! Divorce is just a phase and now we're all pals! It reads like he’s pretending that parents’ getting divorced doesn’t affect kids in the worst ways. I wanted him to stop and talk about soccer--who really cares about his ex-wife?

But—every three or four pages there’s a great item that reveals what it’s like to play in the BPL or USNT. There’s a funny scene in which an old woman berates him in a supermarket. The chapter on when the USNT beat Mexico at the Azteca is well done and the last chapter on USA v. Belgium effectively conveys Howard’s sense that the loss was almost beside the point—his fifteen saves still made it feel, if not like a win, then less of a loss. And the parts about his Tourette’s are free from the kind of sentimentality and mawkishness that the subject would be given elsewhere. He doesn’t cry like a victim at all and comes off admirably in this regard, although what he actually did for the kids with Tourette's other than "inspire them" is never detailed.

Back to the complaints. So many of the subjects are treated in a very cursory way. What’s Jürgen Klinsman really like? Howard tells us that Klinsman “wanted to mold us, shape us, push us further than we could imagine.” So does any coach. What makes Klinsman different? What does Howard really think of FIFA and the recent bribery scandals? Howard’s ghostwriter needs a lesson on the telling anecdote. This could have been shaved down into a good long article.

But he’s still our man in the goal. If you can read this in a weekend, it’s fine. If it takes you longer than that. you'll lose your enthusiasm.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tim Howard is a great goalkeeper. He grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. With a mom and one brother. But he also had tourettes, which made people criticize him. He played soccer lots growing up and eventually made it to the Metrostars. A team in the MLS. He was then transferred to Manchester United after a fantastic season in the MLS. He was back-up to legendary goalkeeper, Edward Van Der Sar. he got limited playing time but when he did he took advantage of it. After wanting to leave, he went to Everton. Which he played lots of games with them. And even scored a goal! In 2014 he had a stunning world cup with 16 saves in the round of 16. In 2016 he transferred from Everton to the Colorado Rapids. And plays there currently. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy soccer and autobiographies.

[Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who watched the US play in the 2014 World Cup is probably already a fan of Tim Howard. The book just makes you like him more. Howard talks about how he overcame his Tourette's syndrome and OCD and used them to his advantage on the soccer field. This was a pretty inspiring book about a guy with the deck stacked against him.

[Luke Granholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This truthfully was one of the best books I have ever read, it is humorous and very entertaining at the same time. It showed how much effort we need to put into life in order to get good results and that even with struggles we can do it. This book has inspired me, I highly suggest you read it.

[Nick Savino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give the autobiography titled The Keeper, by Tim Howard a rating of 5 stars. I rate this book very high, I enjoy Tim’s explanation of his feelings throughout his soccer career, the way he communicated his plans with his teammates during games, and in general how descriptive he was when talking.
Some examples of where you can find these areas in the book start with how Tim talks to the reader using his feeling and maybe sharing the information that he otherwise wouldn’t want to tell just anyone: “ I had OCD and Tourette Syndrome” (28). This quote is showing us one of the reasons why I enjoyed reading this book a lot more than just any other book. Tim tells us things here that he probably wouldn’t openly go out and say and that is the reason I enjoy it, it adds character to the book because even though it is a bad thing it adds a piece of context that thickens the plot development and the plot in general. The second reason I really like reading this autobiography was the fact that he had this slick communication with his teammates while in a game: “I glanced at Matt Besler, who gave me a slight shake of his head” (282). This is showing the reader how the people that Tim plays with treat him. It is clear from this quote that Tim has a strong relationship with Matt. This also tells us that teammates should not only be teammates, but also be your friends on and off the pitch. In this specific moment Matt, Tim, and the rest of the team were attempting to hold onto a certain score, by them holding on it guaranteed them a spot in the “Round of 16”. This means they would advance into the next round of the 2014 World Cup. My third and final reason why I enjoyed reading this book, and why you probably will as well was in those moments when Tim described everything to the max. One area where I noticed this the most was here: “I had broken 2 vertebraes” (254). Now this just might sound like good description, but he could’ve easily have just said oh yeah, I broke my back. This might get the same idea across the readers mind, but the reader will stop and think for a minute because Tim makes everything sound differently and more descriptive, it adds enjoyment and detail to the story.
There were a variety of characters throughout the book, but it is quite clear to see who the most interesting, and my most favorite character is. My favorite character is the one and only Tim Howard. Not only for the reasons above, but just for the fact he is one of the only significant characters who play soccer, this is important to me because that was one of the reasons I also picked this book. I personally play soccer, and I am very happy when I am reading a book that I can relate to in daily life.
My favorite quote of the book was: “I will always try my hardest” (12). This was my favorite quote, because I base my daily life off of it. I always try to give my hardest 24/7 and I agree with Tim Howard in how he is committed and will never stop for soccer.
That is why I give the autobiography on Tim Howard a 5 star rating.

[Harrison Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the book The Keeper: A life of saving goals and achieving them, it talks about the main subject which is a soccer goalkeeper. He has played for the national team and many teams in the U.S and also a select few of soccer teams in England. In the book it talks about how he has always had his guard up and he's always “defended the goal” but instead he lets us into a little bit of his life when he was younger and how he grew up and the struggles he has been through, and now how he wants to help kids with problems to make them happy and live a better life than they have had or just tell the end of it. I really liked this book not just because it has to deal with soccer, but it also gives me a chance to get into his mind and become closer to him. I feel like he's more of a role model in my life because of the things he's done and what he is doing. I have much more respect for him and what he is doing for others, he also has gone through things that i have been through too so it means a lot more that someone so successful has had trials too and they aren't perfect. I never have really read a book about someone's life before and i think it is something everyone should do especially if they have a role model or anyone in their life that has an impact because it mind give them more of a boost than anything else and will help you go after your dreams, also it gives you a good idea of what type of person they are in life and what they truly want out of life and how they want to help others not just themselves.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim Howard’s The Keeper is more than a memoir about soccer—it’s a deeply personal and inspiring story of resilience and self-discovery. From his humble beginnings in New Jersey to becoming a Premier League star and World Cup hero, Howard takes readers on a fascinating journey filled with triumphs and challenges. His unflinching honesty about living with Tourette syndrome and OCD adds a layer of vulnerability that makes his story relatable and compelling, even for those who aren’t soccer enthusiasts.

What sets this book apart is its universal appeal. While soccer fans will relish the behind-the-scenes insights into iconic matches and figures, the book’s core message of perseverance transcends the sport. Howard’s reflections on overcoming adversity, embracing his unique struggles, and striving for greatness offer valuable lessons for readers from all walks of life. The writing is crisp, engaging, and well-paced, drawing readers into both the highs and lows of his journey.

Whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or simply looking for an inspiring memoir, The Keeper delivers. Howard’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, self-belief, and determination, leaving readers inspired long after they turn the final page. Highly recommended!

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice reflection on Howard's life and career through the 2014 World Cup. The structure seems borrowed from such sports gems as Jane Leavy's Sandy Koufax, and generally works, though I don't know think it contributes to the story as significantly as it does in Leavy's book.

The book is good at tying Howard's on-field exploits to his family life and his work to deal with Tourette's Syndrome. The writing isn't particularly inventive or interesting - I would've liked a better ghost writer - but it's not a fatal flaw. I do think the book would've been more interesting had it been written a few years later, when he had less at stake in his professional career. There were a few moments when I would've loved a more honest assessment of the soccer situation. For example, the dropping of long-time friend Carlos Bocanegra gets mentioned, but in a pretty clinical sort of way. How did Howard really feel about it? A number of situations like this are dealt with in an arms-length sort of way, and I wonder if that would've been the case when he no longer had to worry about Martinez, Klinsmann or any other coach's good graces.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written right after the 2014 World Cup when Tim Howard was with Everton. Howard was a multi sport athlete in High School (soccer and basketball) and grew up playing all kinds of sports against older kids, which he credits for giving him the skills he needed to succeed in soccer. Skipping college for the pros after finding school hard to deal with his Tourette Syndrome (TS) and OCD, he started out in the American minors with the North Jersey Imperials, to the Metro Stars of the MLS, to Man. U of the Premiere League to Everton, as well as playing for the USMNT. An interesting view of soccer life and overcoming adversity to become a soccer great, and I enjoyed his discussion of TS and his work with TS charities. While still a ghostwritten memoir I thought this book was readable while also letting Tim Howard's personality through.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Keeper is a well structured sports biography that covers numerous aspects in good order. One of the best I’ve read.
It’s full of good insight into football, the commitments and challenges and how despite being a famous football player doesn’t lead to an instantly happy family life. The challenges of TS and the achievements of Tim are pretty inspiring and it makes me want to don a pair of gloves and jump in goal myself. That should be what these books are about right? Inspiration. There’s plenty of it here. Perhaps could have done with some more fun anecdotes but that’s perhaps a harsh criticism when the book deals with more challenging issues than locker room pranks but otherwise a great read.

[MARY HILLENBRAND · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a soccer/football fan. Not that I dislike it, the sport was not played in my family so it didn’t get followed. While watching the CONCACAF finals USA vs Mexico someone mentioned Tim Howard and his background. They mentioned this book. Two days later with Amazon prime and I have the book.

I couldn’t put it down!! This book is written so the reader is along for the ride. This is more about his soccer career and how he overcame obstacles to achieve his goals. Hence the title. I am surprised at what goals he placed above others, but that was his to choose.

Regardless if you are a fan of the sport, this is about an individual who plays a sport and how he navigated the challenges to be himself at the end of the day.

[Bobby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really cool for me because tim howard is one of my favorite goalkeeps and he plays at the highest level. Tim does a really great job of explaining how he got to where he is now and some of the ups and downs that he had. He talks about how some obstacles pop up in your life (hes was having Tourette syndrome and how he had to deal with it being a kid)I would reccomend this book to anyone thats interested to see whats the next level like, or an yone that likes a well written book by a proffesional athglete because it gives you a different perspective on them

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! This book is inspiring and fascinating. Must read for all soccer fans and all sports fans alike. Listening to Tim’s memories brought back a lot of my own. I went through all the emotions while reading. Thank you Tim for opening up and being vulnerable. Thank you for sharing your stories and memories. You have changed so many peoples lives for the better and I can’t wait for your future in and out of soccer. Watching and cheering for you over the years has meant so much. We love you Tim Howard and we believe in you!

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a huge soccer fan, but seeing the US men's team starting to compete at the world cup, certainly got me interested. I don't think the US will ever be as fanatical about soccer as other countries are, but hopefully we'll start to recognize these athletes as much as other professional athletes for their skill. Tim Howard is an exceptional athlete, though reading this book made me grateful I was never competitive enough to play professionally in any sport. Maybe if I read this back in high school, I'd feel differently.

[Kristi Lyn Reddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having always admired Tim as a goal keeper I was intrigued to read his story in his own words. As the mom of a GK, I felt connected to him as I related to much of what he went through. (Spoiler) I found it surprising to fins myself disappointed when he and his wife divorced. I wanted to reach through the pages and smack some sense into him. I found I admired how they moved forward as a family, all the while, questioning if my son will find himself in a similar situation one day. This book is a fantastic read, especially if you are the parent of a keeper!

[#Sèphora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing.

I found this book very entertaining to read but also it was really raw, which is why I found it so enjoyable. As a Goalkeeper myself, I can relate to some of the context he was talking about. I learned about some struggles in his life, like his TS, and what made him stronger. Overall, I loved this book. I treasure it and take each piece of advice he gives to become a better version of myself. Definitely someone I look up to. 😁

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

7/10

CW: Medical Content, Divorce, Verbal Abuse, Profanity

Pros:
• Tim Howard is unafraid to share his shortcomings both as a player and person.
• Speaks candidly on what his experience with Tourette’s Syndrome looks and feels like.
• Discussed not just the glamorous parts of being a professional goalkeeper but the pressure and pitfalls too.
• Repeats themes of family, friendship, resilience, faith in God, and wanting to do good for others.

Cons:

• A timeline of events that could be referenced would have been super helpful.
• Some parts felt cut short.

[David Gooldy · Rating 2 out of 5]

A must read for any sports fan or one who sits down to watch Olympic soccer every 4 years. Tim Howard walks us through the re-development of USMNT, and a reemergence on the World Cup stage. A story of perseverance and challenges, both with a diagnosis of Tourette's as well as with setting an example by which USA came around to reinvigorate soccer back into America.
Written as an easy read, most likely targeted to allow for young adults to read and get fired up about soccer; yet not childish (enough) to be put down by interested adults.