Take Your Best Shot: Do Something Bigger Than Yourself

by Austin Gutwein

Discover how you can respond to God's call in your own life, whether it's in your own town or on the other side of the world.

Teen Austin Gutwein has taken his best shot several thousand times to help AIDS orphans in Africa and in the process has built a school and a medical clinic!  Take Your Best Shot tells how one boy made an incredible difference in the lives of those without hope while challenging the reader to do the same. 

The interactive dialogue will leave space for the reader to respond. By the end of the book, the reader will know the testimony of Austin and other teens from around the world who are committed to a life of sharing Christ’s love, and will have begun to search for God’s voice in their own lives. The book will also equip and challenge readers with information on a variety of ministries and organizations around the world to help people, animals, and the environment.  



“Austin is an outstanding young man! He inspires us to dream bigger, reach higher and love deeper. His story deserves a wide hearing.” Max Lucado

“I am very impressed with Austin Gutwein’s story in Take Your Best Shot. This book is filled with words of encouragement, inspiration, and hope. It’s guaranteed to motivate you into action.” Pat Williams, Senior Vice President, Orlando Magic

“I spent a day with Austin and his family and found them inspiring. His story, I believe, challenges us all. The first thing I thought as I drove to the airport What was I doing when I was twelve? And then, of course, the next What, exactly, am I doing now?” John Larson, Former NBC National Correspondent

“When people ask me how they can possibly make a difference fighting a problem as big as ‘global poverty’, I tell them about a boy named Austin who, like David, stared Goliath in the eye without flinching. This young man has done more to make a difference in the lives of children orphaned by AIDS than most American churches, let alone individuals. If you are older than 10 and you haven’t yet done your part to change the world, read Take Your Best Shot and be inspired. Austin Gutwein shows us the way”. Richard Stearns, President, World Vision US, Author of The Hole in Our Gospel

“When people ask who has most impacted me over the last year, without hesitation I can say Austin Gutwein and the story of Hoops of Hope. I am around amazing leaders all the time, and Austin rivals all of them. Austin is my friend. And Austin is one of my heroes. You can’t be around Austin or the amazing work of Hoops of Hope without being deeply impacted and inspired. Trust me. Do yourself a favor and read this book and the incredible story. But once you do, be prepared to be changed and challenged. You’ll see the world and your significant role in helping those less fortunate in an amazingly fresh way.” Brad Lomenick, Executive Director, Catalyst

“Austin’s story is one of modern day heroism. He represents a new generation that can carry us all into the twenty-first a world of hope, peace and selfless love. Austin completely inspires me.” Daniel Biro, Hawk Nelson

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 29, 2000

About the author

In the spring of 2004, Austin watched a video that showed children who had lost their parents to AIDS. After watching the video, he realized these kids weren’t any different from him except they were suffering. Austin felt God calling him to do something to help them. He decided to shoot free throws and on World AIDS Day, 2004, he shot 2,057 free throws to represent the 2,057 kids who would be orphaned during his day at school. Friends and family sponsored Austin and he was able to raise almost $3,000. That year, the money was used to provide hope to 8 orphan children.

Over the past nine years, Austin's effort has turned into the largest free throw marathon in the world with an estimated 40,000 people in more than 25 countries participating in Hoops of Hope. By doing something as simple as shooting free throws, Hoops of Hope participants have raised more than $3 million. The efforts have led to the construction of the only high school in a rural region in Southern Zambia, four dormitories, two medical clinics, two computer laboratories, feeding programs, multiple water projects as well as the funding of a dormitory at an orphanage in Kenya and a school in India.

Austin has been featured on NBC Today Show, NBC Nightly News, CBS Evening News, CBS NCAA Pregame Show, Time Magazine, Christianity Today and many others. He has had the opportunity to share his story of hope to more than 500,000 people on four continents including stops at the Secondary Schools' United Nations Symposium in Montreal and the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

Austin's message is one of hope. A message that anyone, no matter what their age or skills has a purpose and can make a difference that lasts forever. His message weaves stories from his many trips to Africa that will leave the listener inspired and encouraged to make a difference.
In 2009, Austin was selected as one of the Top 10 Most Caring Americans by the Caring Institute in Washington, DC. That same year, Thomas Nelson released his first book, Take Your Best Shot. Austin's second book, Live to Give, was released in August, 2012.

Austin is currently a freshman at Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana. He is majoring in Political Science and Economics.

Reviews

[Karessa A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was extremely inspirational. Being a person that is always looking for motivation and inspiration it was a great quick read for me. I was very impressed with the way it flowed and was written. I noticed that in parts such as when he brought up that courage is contagious he then mentioned it and tied into the end of the chapter and that really made me believe that he was writing legitimately to spread an important topic to him because he put the little extra work to tie things in. I was impressed. And remember this kid is ONLY 15!!! It is crazy what his story is and that he was able and still is touching so many. But one warning I would like to put out there is that this book is extremely religious so if you are not religious or Christian then I suggest you enter this book with caution. Otherwise a pretty well-written book, I was just a little surprised and taken aback by the religious aspect which earned it a 3.

[Matt Sanders · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Take Your Best Shot" is definately one of those books that can really motivate someone. This book really shows the reader that they can achieve things way beyond themselves. I would recommend this book to anyone who is determined and strong-willed. It is about how one boy can use free throws to help out thousands of kids on the other side of the world. Although it may not seem like it, this book has lots of religious views in it too.
There were a few especially good point that came out of this story, which was actually written by the young men who founded this organization, Austin Gutwein. One of the things I really enjoyed was how there were basically tiny little bible studies within the book. It really helped the reader connect with Austin and the deprived country. Another part I really enjoyed was how he would frequently tell of a story of how God had worked through him, or another teen from around the world.
One of the things I wasn't too fond of was how Austin repeated himself throughout the story, and almost over-explained some of his points. He had many good points, but was very repetetive about it. Another thing that I didn't particularly like was how the writing it self was poor and made the story slow to develope. One thing to remember on this point, is that the author, Austin Gutwein, is still fairly young when writing this story.
Overall, this book was fairly good and in the end I would still recommend it. Austin definately made it his own. The story is truely remarkable and this book helps take the reader throughout the entire journey. So in the end I would recommend this book mainly to young Christians' who are ambitious and willing to make sacrifice. This book can definately develope one's relationship with Christ

[Jimin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really like this book. This book came to me someday suddenly. Even I didn't know what about this book is. This book was about our God. The author, Austin Gutwein is not only wrote this book but also he is main charachter in this book.

When he was nine-year-old, he set out on an unexpected journey and he met children halfway around the world. It was really big turing point of his life. He went to Africa, he saw many children who cannot eat because there is no food, even he saw children who is dying because food. He felt that he came to Africa because God wants him to work such as God's work. This part was really impressed. He said, it all started with a very simple phrase: "GOD WANTS TO USE YOU". He was normal enought, but for some reason he've gotten swept along on an adventure that's totally abnormal. He was nine-year-old but God has already used him by being frindly with children such as his age. I think because he was young, he could approach more easlily to children in Africa.

I personally loved it. It's a good book, it tought me that working of God is not tired thing but pleasure. I would recommend it to anyone really, because I think that God wants to use all of us.:)

[Belissa Etienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Take Your Best Shot includes some of my favorite things; God,helping people, and basketball. Austin Gutwein is a young guy who should be an example all age groups. He was just nine when he started doing free throws to make money for young kids in Africa who had AIDS. Throughout his process of helping others he has helped to make a school and a medical center. I have gotten a chance to meet him and he is a nice guy as you can probably tell due to what he has done.
I would refer this book to anyone. I am pretty sure many people have read this book. Any age group is able to read this book because it is pretty easy.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable story. It's written more towards kids/teens/young adults to encourage them to do something bigger than themselves, but it's definitely worth the read for adults as well. It's never too late to start doing something outside yourself and the story of this then 9 year old boy and the difference he made half a world away in Zambia is truly inspiring. I think any youth group should read this book together and then see what happens.

[Travis]

I think it was really boring because it was a Cristian book and I'm athiest. But I thought it was a very cool concept.

[Seanan DeGrave · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best book ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Larissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read with Evan as a home bible study, lots of good topics for the family.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so amazing I'd give it 10 stars!!

[Rania Attafi · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

A really cool story, but way too little narrative. Plus, author keeps jumping around in time. Really confusing. I already knew all the stories he mentioned, and I had even memorized portions of some. Definitely for kids, and for kids who haven't heard these stories their whole lives, and for kids who aren't already mission oriented. Would be cool if author wrote another, separate book about his adventures with Hoops for Hope and in Africa.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the presentation eg the different fonts and pale colored pictures ... an amazing young man and a truly inspirational read -- I especially liked the quotes at start of each chapter eg we're too young to realize that certain things are impossible! so we do them anyway (young William Pitt (former UK prime minister and William Wilberforce ( from the movie amazing grace)
Lots of helps and other information to take action.

[Ronnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful inspirational story! I started listening to this and I just want my kids to hear it and I want to see what they will be inspired to do. And I just pray now to God that I will be a support to enable them to do as this young boy did :)

[Megan Knippenberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiring story in the words of a young teen with wisdom well beyond his years

[Carlin Nasiatka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring and written with a lot of humor, this 15yr old boy’s story is littered with wisdom some of us adults would do well to emulate!

[Blake Koppendrayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a book about "doing something bigger than yourself." The author, Austin Gutwein, tells his very inspirational story about how he went from being an average kid to becoming a person that changed thousands of lives across the world. Each chapter talks about the individual steps he took and the steps the reader has to take to accomplish such a feat as he did. One of my favorite chapters was about how you have to reflect upon yourself and change yourself before you can go about changing other people. Each chapter begins with a quote from a fomous person and is related to the chapter. The quote from my favorite chapter, Reflections, is a quote by Leo Tolstoy: "everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself" (29).

The book focuses a lot on how even teens and kids can change the world.The last chapter is similar to The Great Commission in the Bible. in this case, however, Austin is commissioning the reader to go out into the world and change it. He says "...we are inheriting a world in great need. One day we will be the presidents, the pastors, and the missionaries of the next generation. Slowly our generation will be taking over." (204) He is trying to make the reader (assuming that they are in their early years) that they have a big future ahead of them. This totally relates to me because I am a visionary and I have big dreams of changing the world.

He goes on to explain how God has worked through his life and the lives of many others and how he is working though "your" (the readers) life. He says on page 206 that "God is creating world-changers from our generation in every corner of the globe." I really believe this is true because you hear stories about it all the time and about how some average kid went out and did something incredible that nobody expected him to do, and it's inspiring to me.

[Kelly Hager · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gutwein is a high school student in Phoenix and he started Hoops for Hope. If you're unfamiliar with that, it's the group that raises money for children in Africa. Basically, you take 1,000 free throws in a row and people sponsor you and that money goes to Africa.

Africa's been devastated by the AIDS epidemic, but also by poverty. In the book, there are some statistics. 1.3 billion people worldwide live in poverty, living on less than $1 per day. I live paycheck to paycheck, but according to a global income calculator website, I am one of the richest 4% in the world.

Most of this book is how Gutwein started Hoops for Hope--he saw a video about a young girl (a girl his age, in fact) in Africa, who lived in a small hut with her great-grandmother (her parents and other relatives died of AIDS). He knew he wanted to make a difference, but he didn't know how. After asking family and friends (and prayer), he decided to start Hoops for Hope and use his passion for basketball to make a difference.

But the rest of this book is how the rest of us can do the same--find our passion and use it to make a difference in the world. At the end of each chapter, there's some scripture and also questions that you can answer to help you determine exactly how to make a difference.

It's written for teenagers, so the language is very simple and accessible. I'd recommend this to teenagers, and hopefully this will help everyone want to make a difference. :)

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just recently finished the book Take Your Best Shot. This book had a lot of text to world connections. For example, Austin goes to Africa and helps raise money for the orphans by shooting hoops. It sound kind of silly to shoot hoops to raise money but it really worked for Austin. He got just about most of the world to help him raise money. His goal, 1,200 shots.
This is a text to world connection because many places in the world have poverty and homeless children. Austin saw a video of a little girl and she had lost her whole entire family to a earthquake. All she had left was her long distant grand mother that she didn't know a lot about. It was refreshing to see that people of such a young age can help the whole world. For example, Austin set a goal that he could shoot 1,200 shots and for every shot, he would raise money to donate. I think that this is a very great idea. If you see something that is so sad you cant explain how you feel, you CAN do something. Never doubt yourself.
This book has really inspired me. When my mom asked me to read that book, I read the book and was so in LOVE with it! Then when i got to the end, I saw his e-mail address. I thought that i might give him a shout out, But I kind of knew that he would be way to busy to reply. Turns out he wasn't! He e-mailed me back within the very next day! If you have any questions or comments, you should e-mail him. Enjoy the book!

[Jill Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would happen if you decided to change the world? Think you're too young? Too poor? Too plain? Austin Gutwein was only nine when his heart was broken by the truth of AIDS orphans in Africa. More than just wanting to make a difference, Austin had to. He couldn't sit by and pretend the problem wasn't his. It took him a while, but he finally found a way. He would ask people to sponsor him to shoot free throws. That was the start of something that in now a major non profit organization. Hoops for Hope has saved a generation of Africans by providing food, clothing, education, medical supplies, and hope.

Praise the Lord for a young man who wasn't willing to say, "No." His story moved me right down to the Pet rocks. I am honored to live on earth with such a courageous young man. In this book he tells his story. How it started, what he was thinking, the doubts and fears he had, and how God took his small effort and multiplied it again and again.

God designed you for a purpose. Have you found your purpose yet? Read this book. It will change your life. Highly recommended.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take Your Best Shot was definitely geared towards the younger generation. The author often talks directly to them, telling them that although they are young, they can make a difference. That didn't dampen my enjoyment of the book at all. I was touched and inspired. The author talks about finding your passion and then working on a vision for helping make the world better, and after reading this book, that's something that I will be praying about. There is a lot of scripture throughout the book, which was great, and I think this is exactly the kind of book kids need to read. I would recommend it for anyone of any age. Kids and teenagers especially!

[Amy Litzelman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have only read the first few chapters, but I think it an amazing and inspiring story. For a 9-year-old boy (now 16) to make such a difference in a country thousands of miles away... it gives me courage to keep doing the little things that make a difference. We never know where they will lead.

...I started this and it was so good that I passed it on to my son before finishing it :) I'm sure I'll get to read the whole thing soon.

[Elijahv · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was really fun and really Christian because it talks about the power of God and about his miracles on earth.I really liked the plot about how the boy wants to make a difference and he makes the best difference in the world by doing kids do almost everyday and he does.This book was very good and I can't find another amazing tremendous awesome book like the one I read

[Alec · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book!!! it was a little slow at the start but it was worth it in the end, i't sends a strong message to you through out the book. I loved how the book is trying to get more and more kids involved in the worlds problems.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story! We need more people like Austin Gutwein in this world. He was only a small nine year old boy, but his heart was enormous! His heart & belief in God pushed him to make a difference. And what a difference he made!

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so inspiring that a young boy with God's help, can make such a difference. We need to do the same.

[Bob Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational. Makes you look at your life in a different way.

[Tyler Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

very sad

[Natalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

really good, very inspirational!

[Michele Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, easy read with a powerful message! Never doubt how God's amazing love can work through a child to impact the world!

[Jonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books for inspiration.