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Role of a Lifetime
We live in a world that all too often operates under the overriding template of self-promotion, embracing a "hooray for me" attitude, and which measures success in increasingly small timeframes dotted with markers of temporal value.
Millions of viewers know James Brown as a sports commentator and former athlete. With ROLE OF A LIFETIME , James reveals a different side of his character. Part memoir and part self-help, this book draws on James' lessons from his life experiences to guide readers to find fulfillment and significance. He offers values and encouragment to others of all generations, assisting them in their search for meaning in navigating a world that increasingly promotes transient values, if any at all. His message that shortcuts and gimmicks are counterproductive to a person's success provides hope that there is a God who cares about them and their futures.
Millions of viewers know James Brown as a sports commentator and former athlete. With ROLE OF A LIFETIME , James reveals a different side of his character. Part memoir and part self-help, this book draws on James' lessons from his life experiences to guide readers to find fulfillment and significance. He offers values and encouragment to others of all generations, assisting them in their search for meaning in navigating a world that increasingly promotes transient values, if any at all. His message that shortcuts and gimmicks are counterproductive to a person's success provides hope that there is a God who cares about them and their futures.
239 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
About the author
James Brown
4 books1 followerLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
James Brown (born February 25, 1951), commonly called "J.B.", is an American sportscaster known for being the host of The NFL Today on CBS and Inside the NFL on Showtime. He is the former host of the FOX network's NFL pregame show, Fox NFL Sunday.
Source: Wikipedia.
James Brown (born February 25, 1951), commonly called "J.B.", is an American sportscaster known for being the host of The NFL Today on CBS and Inside the NFL on Showtime. He is the former host of the FOX network's NFL pregame show, Fox NFL Sunday.
Source: Wikipedia.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 2, 2024
Inspiring
February 6, 2026
Inspiring!
September 26, 2009
James Brown grew up in Washington, D.C. He attended DeMatha Catholic High School and later Harvard University where he earned a degree in American Government. Brown was also a three time All Ivy League basketball player. James Brown has won three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Studio Host. He is currently the host of CBS Sports' The NFL Today and Showtime's Inside the NFL.
Role of a Lifetime is much more than just an autobiography of James Brown. The book relates Brown's plan for living a successful life. He had many mentors along the way to help form his foundation including his mother, father, Coach Wooten, his wife Dorothy, and most important to him, God. James learned from many people along the way and now serves as a role model for anyone wishing to be successful in life.
Life was not always easy for James Brown. He loved to play basketball. He was very successful in high school and then later at Harvard. He dreamed of playing in the NBA and attended NBA training camps twice. Unfortunately, he was the last player to be released both times. But he accepted this both times and made the right decisions at the time to remain successful in life.
While working for Xerox, James worked under Addison Barry Rand, a member of the senior management team who outlined certain principles for success. Brown took this list and refined it over the years to become what he calls his "Ingredients for Successful Living". The seven ingredients are: Good Communications Skills, Appearance, Personal Relations, Punctuality, Thirst for Knowledge, Being a Team Player, and Overcoming Adversity.
It is very entertaining to read how James Brown learned the ropes of sports broadcasting and moved his way up the chain until finally reaching a hosting spot with Fox Sports. The overall theme here is learning from your mistakes and continuing to strive in an honest and moral fashion. Brown does address the thought process behind leaving Fox for CBS, something that he is constantly asked.
I found this book very interesting and not what I expected when I first learned of the book. There is plenty of information about James Brown's life and background, but the best part of the book, in my opinion, is the overall blueprint for being successful and remaining a good person.
Role of a Lifetime is much more than just an autobiography of James Brown. The book relates Brown's plan for living a successful life. He had many mentors along the way to help form his foundation including his mother, father, Coach Wooten, his wife Dorothy, and most important to him, God. James learned from many people along the way and now serves as a role model for anyone wishing to be successful in life.
Life was not always easy for James Brown. He loved to play basketball. He was very successful in high school and then later at Harvard. He dreamed of playing in the NBA and attended NBA training camps twice. Unfortunately, he was the last player to be released both times. But he accepted this both times and made the right decisions at the time to remain successful in life.
While working for Xerox, James worked under Addison Barry Rand, a member of the senior management team who outlined certain principles for success. Brown took this list and refined it over the years to become what he calls his "Ingredients for Successful Living". The seven ingredients are: Good Communications Skills, Appearance, Personal Relations, Punctuality, Thirst for Knowledge, Being a Team Player, and Overcoming Adversity.
It is very entertaining to read how James Brown learned the ropes of sports broadcasting and moved his way up the chain until finally reaching a hosting spot with Fox Sports. The overall theme here is learning from your mistakes and continuing to strive in an honest and moral fashion. Brown does address the thought process behind leaving Fox for CBS, something that he is constantly asked.
I found this book very interesting and not what I expected when I first learned of the book. There is plenty of information about James Brown's life and background, but the best part of the book, in my opinion, is the overall blueprint for being successful and remaining a good person.
September 16, 2009
I freely admit that I am not a television viewer. While there was a time in my life where I was up on sports and knew everything that was going on with my two favorite NFL teams, that time is not now. And, while I was aware that James Brown was a sports show analyst and commentator, I knew nothing about the man himself.
Honestly, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I thought it would simply be entertaining. I didn't expect to be moved, much less inspired.
James Brown writes candidly about his life and his ups and downs and successes and failures. Being drafted into the NBA was his dream come true. Being released after training camp was a defeat. He's honest and open and never once do you think that he's feeling sorry for himself. On the contrary, this is a book about finding the role that you were born to live, and the role that God wants for you.
I appreciated James' view that we maximize our own potential as much by building others up and letting them shine, as we do on our own. James speaks openly about finding his faith and living it. His faith and family are important to him and he is who he is, in part, because of his mother's example of goodness. In his eyes, success is making a difference in the lives of others, and we can only do that with God's help. He's very quick to give credit to those people who've made a difference in his life and who've taught him and helped him get to where he is today.
If I have any complaints at all with the book, it's that I felt it needed a good edit. But, that's just me. I know a book is good when I want to high-light passages for future reference, and there were several here where I did just that. I'd love to hear James speak in person. I think his message would be both inspirational and motivational.
Honestly, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I thought it would simply be entertaining. I didn't expect to be moved, much less inspired.
James Brown writes candidly about his life and his ups and downs and successes and failures. Being drafted into the NBA was his dream come true. Being released after training camp was a defeat. He's honest and open and never once do you think that he's feeling sorry for himself. On the contrary, this is a book about finding the role that you were born to live, and the role that God wants for you.
I appreciated James' view that we maximize our own potential as much by building others up and letting them shine, as we do on our own. James speaks openly about finding his faith and living it. His faith and family are important to him and he is who he is, in part, because of his mother's example of goodness. In his eyes, success is making a difference in the lives of others, and we can only do that with God's help. He's very quick to give credit to those people who've made a difference in his life and who've taught him and helped him get to where he is today.
If I have any complaints at all with the book, it's that I felt it needed a good edit. But, that's just me. I know a book is good when I want to high-light passages for future reference, and there were several here where I did just that. I'd love to hear James speak in person. I think his message would be both inspirational and motivational.
November 1, 2009
ROLE OF A LIFETIME
I am not a sport's fanatic...I know virtually nothing about sports, but I cracked the book open and in doing so I learned a thing or two.
James Brown was born and raised in Washington. He accepted a basketball scholarship to Harvard, where he was noted as a three-time basketball player. He worked seven years at Xerox. Five years in, an opportunity arose for him to work in broadcasting for the now Washington Wizards. After Xerox he left to work at Eastman Kodak. When a CBS affiliate called and had James fill in for a sportscaster that was sick, he jumped at the chance, although he had never done it before. This lead to the door opening to many more opportunities.
In the "ROLE OF A LIFETIME: Reflections of Faith, Family, and Significant Living" is chocked full of great quotes such as: "To carry bitterness or a sense of having been wronged within us only holds us back from becoming all we were created to be." Mr. Brown also shares personal funny stories, like the time he did not stop to smell the roses (literally)...his wife had dropped rose petals that led to her, and he was too busy sweeping them up so she wouldn't have to clean up the mess. Mr. Brown talks with great pride and love about his family and his faith in God. In reading this book, I got to see a glimpse into Mr. Brown's character. Although he may be a celebrity he makes it a point to talk and get to know anyone and everyone, always saying a kind word in passing.
Reviewed by: LeonaR
I am not a sport's fanatic...I know virtually nothing about sports, but I cracked the book open and in doing so I learned a thing or two.
James Brown was born and raised in Washington. He accepted a basketball scholarship to Harvard, where he was noted as a three-time basketball player. He worked seven years at Xerox. Five years in, an opportunity arose for him to work in broadcasting for the now Washington Wizards. After Xerox he left to work at Eastman Kodak. When a CBS affiliate called and had James fill in for a sportscaster that was sick, he jumped at the chance, although he had never done it before. This lead to the door opening to many more opportunities.
In the "ROLE OF A LIFETIME: Reflections of Faith, Family, and Significant Living" is chocked full of great quotes such as: "To carry bitterness or a sense of having been wronged within us only holds us back from becoming all we were created to be." Mr. Brown also shares personal funny stories, like the time he did not stop to smell the roses (literally)...his wife had dropped rose petals that led to her, and he was too busy sweeping them up so she wouldn't have to clean up the mess. Mr. Brown talks with great pride and love about his family and his faith in God. In reading this book, I got to see a glimpse into Mr. Brown's character. Although he may be a celebrity he makes it a point to talk and get to know anyone and everyone, always saying a kind word in passing.
Reviewed by: LeonaR
May 5, 2010
Title: ROLE OF A LIFETIME
Author: James Brown with Nathan Whitaker
Publisher: Faith Words
September 2009
ISBN: 978-0-446-54117-6
Genre: Memoir
James Brown is a well-known athlete and sports commentator, but not everyone knows his personal story. In ROLE OF A LIFETIME, Mr. Brown shares his story of how he became a devout Christian, the disappointments he endured, and the people along the way that helped him become the man he became.
Mr. Brown says that this book is partially self-help and part memoir. To quote from the back cover, “The definition of success and what it takes to be successful has been warped and twisted. Self-promotion and self-importance have become the norms, and the individuals we’re taught to look up to for guidance—the high-profile role models—are often looking for a guiding light themselves.”
The premise of ROLE OF A LIFETIME is the belief that finding and living the role we were meant to play should be our focus. Mr. Brown shares the lessons he learned in his own life so that we can make the most of our roles.
ROLE OF A LIFETIME: Reflections on Faith, Family, and Significant Living, like I said is a memoir. I don’t really enjoy reading these types of books, but Mr. Brown’s style is very friendly, almost like he’s sharing his story over a cup of coffee at the kitchen table. I did enjoy this slant.
If you are a sports fan—or just enjoy reading memoirs—then you will appreciate reading ROLE OF A LIFETIME. Also an awesome gift for sports fans or for Father’s Day. 200 pages. $24.99 hardcover.
Author: James Brown with Nathan Whitaker
Publisher: Faith Words
September 2009
ISBN: 978-0-446-54117-6
Genre: Memoir
James Brown is a well-known athlete and sports commentator, but not everyone knows his personal story. In ROLE OF A LIFETIME, Mr. Brown shares his story of how he became a devout Christian, the disappointments he endured, and the people along the way that helped him become the man he became.
Mr. Brown says that this book is partially self-help and part memoir. To quote from the back cover, “The definition of success and what it takes to be successful has been warped and twisted. Self-promotion and self-importance have become the norms, and the individuals we’re taught to look up to for guidance—the high-profile role models—are often looking for a guiding light themselves.”
The premise of ROLE OF A LIFETIME is the belief that finding and living the role we were meant to play should be our focus. Mr. Brown shares the lessons he learned in his own life so that we can make the most of our roles.
ROLE OF A LIFETIME: Reflections on Faith, Family, and Significant Living, like I said is a memoir. I don’t really enjoy reading these types of books, but Mr. Brown’s style is very friendly, almost like he’s sharing his story over a cup of coffee at the kitchen table. I did enjoy this slant.
If you are a sports fan—or just enjoy reading memoirs—then you will appreciate reading ROLE OF A LIFETIME. Also an awesome gift for sports fans or for Father’s Day. 200 pages. $24.99 hardcover.
October 22, 2012
Millions of viewers know James Brown as a sports commentator and former athlete. With ROLE OF A LIFETIME, James reveals a different side of his character.
Brown rose from a middle-class home to earn a scholarship to Harvard and a chance at a professional sports career before moving on to broadcast journalism. Part memoir and part self-help, this book draws on James's lessons from his faith and life experiences to guide readers to find fulfillment and significance.
He offers values and encouragement to others of all generations, assisting them in their search for meaning in navigating a world that increasingly promotes transient values. His message that shortcuts and gimmicks are counterproductive to a person's success provides hope that there is a God who cares about them and their futures.
Brown rose from a middle-class home to earn a scholarship to Harvard and a chance at a professional sports career before moving on to broadcast journalism. Part memoir and part self-help, this book draws on James's lessons from his faith and life experiences to guide readers to find fulfillment and significance.
He offers values and encouragement to others of all generations, assisting them in their search for meaning in navigating a world that increasingly promotes transient values. His message that shortcuts and gimmicks are counterproductive to a person's success provides hope that there is a God who cares about them and their futures.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2009
Role of a Lifetime by James Brown, was an excellent book awarded to me by Goodreads/FirstReads. Most of us know Brown as a prfessional athlete, now commentator. This book tells of his walk with Christ and teaches us that we have to first have a relationship with God to make our worldly relationships flourish, and also to listen to God's plans ofr the rolls that we will play in our lifetime.
January 10, 2010
While I never knew much about James Brown except that he was a sports anchor, I find him to be a man of purpose. He showed that while he is human and made mistakes of pride in his early years, he never forgot his upbringing. I have a respect for him because he seems to understand now that nothing worth having comes easy. You must put forth the effort.
August 12, 2010
I thought that I would read this and then just pass it along to my husband and a few specific friends..... but it's a keeper! I was delightfully surprised. Interesting, funny, smart and even inspiring. Mr. Brown is not just an athlete celebrity. Actually, it was so good that I have passed it along to friends! Enjoy
November 17, 2009
I was sent this wonderful book by Goodreads and I so enjoyed reading it. I love football and often watch James Brown on the commentary shows but his story is spiritual, earthy and real. Good for him!!!!
Want to Read
September 29, 2009I just won this book through the First Reads program, and am excited to read it! It sounds like an interesting story, and I am sure my husband will also want to read it after I am through with it!
Read
November 29, 2009I won this on first-reads.
It was very enlightening. I learned a lot.
It was very enlightening. I learned a lot.
Read
November 2, 2009This was a good book, i liked it
May 26, 2010
Role of a Lifetime is an interesting look at what drives James Brown. It could be viewed as inspirationsl. It reads well.
April 5, 2010
He is a man with a lot of determination and drive. His parents gave him lots of positive support.
January 28, 2016
A memoir reflecting on James Brown and his faith, family, professional life and Christian living.
Read
November 9, 2009It was intresting to learn more about James Brown. I enjoyed reading this.
January 9, 2010
A great inspiring book. A great message about faith. I would recommend this book to everyone.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews