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Shaken: Fighting to Stand Strong No Matter What Comes Your Way

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The Heisman Trophy winner and New York Times best-selling author of Shaken shares a vision for young Christians still forming their identity and finding their God-given purpose--even when life doesn't go as planned. Tebow is the beloved college football champion who was drafted in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft, but after a miracle season and playoff appearance with the Denver Broncos, he experienced a disappointing end to his pro career with three other teams. In his life Tebow's won big victories and felt the depths of failure. In Shaken: The Young Reader's Edition, Tebow writes about how neither the highs nor the lows of his life define him. Ultimately, only God can do that. Tebow's goal in this writing is to inspire young people to find their identity and purpose in God too.

208 pages, Hardcover

First published September 12, 2017

70 people are currently reading
618 people want to read

About the author

Tim Tebow

38 books521 followers
Tim Tebow is one of the most accomplished players in college football history. A two-time winner of the NCAA National Football Championship with the University of Florida, Tim is also the first-ever sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy. He then went on to become a two-time winner of the Maxwell Award for the nation’s top football player, while also winning the Davey O’Brien Award for the nation’s best college quarterback and the James E. Sullivan Award for the most outstanding amateur athlete in any sport. He is the founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation which was started to bring faith, hope, and love to those needing a brighter day in the darkest hour of need, and in April 2010, Tim was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. He lives in Colorado.

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5 stars
109 (55%)
4 stars
54 (27%)
3 stars
23 (11%)
2 stars
10 (5%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Anna-Catherine Lunsford.
55 reviews
August 2, 2018
I don’t understand football. I don’t keep up with athletes. In fact, I probably still couldn’t tell you the teams Tim Tebow has played for even though I just read “Shaken.” All I know is that I have the deepest respect for him. Regardless of getting cut from teams, being criticized by the media, etc., Tebow’s life is successful because he knows abundant life only comes through Jesus Christ. Tebow’s humility is inspiring in a world where people constantly boast about themselves and their talents. Tebow gives everything back to God, whether good or bad, and glorifies His Savior in many ways, from prison ministry, to praying after a game, to serving on mission trips. There are many YA autobiographies out there, but none of them have affected me the way “Shaken” has. Tebow gives practical ways to live for Jesus and shows readers how unique and purposeful their lives are. If I ever have a son, I will make him read this book because Tim Tebow truly is an upright role model for young people, men, and just Americans in general. I cannot praise “Shaken” enough and will recommend it to all of my friends.
Profile Image for morgan s.
62 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2024
⭐️5

This book made me fall further in love with Jesus.
Profile Image for Lovely Loveday.
2,870 reviews
October 14, 2017
Tim Tebow writes from the heart in this very spiritual, uplifting, and inspirational book. He shares his own experiences with stories of ups and downs. This book has an overall message of love, hope, and faith in God. Throughout this book there is scripture and reflection. A perfect read for anyone who needs encouragement. This book would make a great gift or a nice treat for yourself.
19 reviews4 followers
October 1, 2017
Honestly, in a way it made me miss God. Tim Tebow recounts his struggles and failings in a personable and genuine way which was much different than your average joe celebrity. I loved the parts in which he relates the different times he spent with kids dealing with serious illnesses and being inspired by their positive and resilient attitudes towards life. Not ashamed to say I shed a tear or two.
3 reviews
January 31, 2020
I am a big Tim Tebow fan and this book was recommended to me by a friend. It was a great read and I highly recommend it to all my friends. Tim is a great role model and he has inspired many people but he lets you know many times in this book that he is not perfect. He leads by faith and has a great story to motivate anyone through hard times
Profile Image for Skylar Newbury.
217 reviews10 followers
November 1, 2017
When I saw that he would write a young readers copy of his original book, that I read and loved, I was ecstatic! I adore Tim with everything he does, and this book is no different!

The book starts off with Tim going through a tough time in his life, getting let off from the Eagles. He explains how he got through it and how we can all get through tough times by letting God lead us and remembering his love for us. Throughout the book he let's us into the kid's life's that he has worked with and how tough they have it and what he has learned from it. He never comes off as having an ego and always tries to tell us that it doesn't matter how people view you on Earth, it doesn't matter if you are popular, we are all equal in God's eyes!

I believe this book would be perfect for any child going through a tough time (especially if they know Tim and enjoy football). It really manages to hold the readers attention.

Thanks for Blogging for Books for sending me a copy to review.
Profile Image for Evianrei.
278 reviews24 followers
August 15, 2018
I never though I'd read a book by Tim Tebow. For one, I had no idea who he was, (well I mean, I sort of did, my husband mentioned some football player that 'tebowed' but it didn't click in my head that this was the guy until I read the first two chapters). This book fell into my lap as a tutoring read, I tutor one kid with his reading, writing, and memory a couple days a week and he chose this book.

To be honest, I really rather liked the book. We both (tutor student and I) thought this book was going to be more focused on football (that's why he chose it) but it actually centered more around religion and Tim Tebow explaining his relationship with God, and his identity (which is grounded in God). For me, this wasn't a terrible thing, I don't dislike football, I actually like it but my husband still has to teach me the ropes on everything, so any football jargon or plays in here were a bit difficult to understand for me. It was just nice to not have the whole thing be about football, and then I myself struggle to understand its content while trying to tutor someone.

No, instead this book focuses on God, Jesus, identity, and on helping others. I am also fairly new to the Christian religion (having recently found God myself) so my religious knowledge was lacking as well in the pronunciation of certain words and names referenced, but my husband helped with that.

After stepping back and reflecting on it, I enjoyed the book. Sometimes the sports scenarios were a bit uninteresting (for me), but the overall message Tim was trying to get across struck home. I believe this book would be good for those who have a low self-esteem or have trouble seeing their worth, if they are open to religious advice that is. If you don't read it to help yourself have a better understanding of perspective, identity, and of your purpose, I suppose you're reading it to learn more about Tim Tebow. Which you do! I can honestly say he's the first football player (now baseball player) I know anything about other than his name and team, and I have to say, I think I'm a fan of his goal to stay humble, and to serve God.

I don't feel like I've wasted my time reading this book, and I'm glad it found its way to me because I never would have read it otherwise. It definitely will stick in my mind and I find myself thinking about the messages in it and how to apply them in everyday life.
2 reviews
June 5, 2018
GoodReads Review
Shaken by Tim Tebow talks about how we can fight to stay strong in life, no matter what comes our way. Tim shared many stories of challenges that he faced throughout his life and football career. In these challenges the way he got through them were his convictions. When he shares his stories I can relate to them and it’s very inspiring. I really liked this book.
The book starts off talking about Tim getting cut from the New England Patriots. He was very disappointed and it questioned who he really was. Despite all the negative comments from the media he learned that his foundation was grounded in his faith. He continued to go back to this foundation as he faced different challenges over the next few years. Tim got another chance with the Denver Broncos but then was traded to the New York Jets. The media attention in New York was filled with negativity, and the criticism was really painful. His faith was an ally during these difficult times.This book really brought a positive impact on me.
This book also talks about how we are all unique and special. No matter what our flaws are we should strive for greatness. We shouldn’t just try to fit in and be normal. As Tim shared how he went through the same phases, he learned to push through and work hard to be the best he can be. I really like that he never gives up even after going through many obstacles. Just as important as working hard is having courage. He explains courage with the book “Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway’. I love that quote because that’s what courage is.
Overall, this book was very motivating and uplifting in many ways. It inspired me to stand up for what I believe in because that is what Tim Tebow did. He was not afraid to share his faith and he lived his life to the fullest. I learned many awesome things from reading this book. I would give this book 4 stars.
Profile Image for Valerie McEnroe.
1,725 reviews63 followers
February 27, 2019
I had a hard time figuring out what rating to give this book. In the end, I had to decide whether to rate it on sports or religion. From a sports perspective, it's just ok, and I would have rated it lower. There's not as many football stories as I would have liked. Tebow definitely could have dug deeper into specific games, plays, conversations, etc. to appeal to a wider fan base. The football component is pretty limited and generalized. He talks mainly about his brief time with the Jets, Patriots, and Eagles, waiting to see if he had made the team. In each case he was told that he wasn't the right fit. He also talks about disabled children he has met through his charity work who stand brave in the midst of their struggles.

From a religious standpoint, his football struggles are excellent examples of his faith in God's plan. Each time he was cut from the team, he drew strength from his belief that God wanted him for something else. Any time Tebow has doubts about anything in his life, he prays, knowing God has his back, and that gives him peace.

It's an inspirational book with great advice for religious teens. It definitely fills a niche. I haven't found many really good books on religion that teens can relate to. We owe it to all kids, religious or not, to provide them with the books the seek.
Profile Image for Connie.
923 reviews8 followers
March 26, 2020
I did not know there is a Shaken for adults (Shaken: Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life's Storms) until receiving this young-readers edition from my public library book request. I may sometime read the other, but this was great. I plan to order it to send to grandchildren, through whose eyes I would often find myself reading it.

Tim is honest about his struggles and genuinely expresses his faith. Also inspiring are the stories of young people he has met and served through his foundation, the Bible stories, and the quotes that precede each chapter.

It is exciting to see a young man using his platforms to speak the Gospel without apology. Not in this book, but in an interview, Tim was questioned about the lack of bitterness expressed in his book. Tim’s emphatic paraphrased response was “Bitterness and Faith cannot co-exist” (with Ravi Zacharias).

About being overcome by emotions: “. . . faith helps you avoid staying stuck in that place.”

“You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life” (Winston Churchill).

“If you are trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be” (Maya Angelou).
Profile Image for Caroline.
677 reviews
September 26, 2017
Tim Tebow writes candidly about his difficulties in football and emphasizes energetically how his connection to God is what helps him through life. Tebow encourages young readers that their identity in God is what's ultimately important, and never changes even though when go through ups and downs.

I wasn't familiar with Tim Tebow before this book, I'm not a big football fan, but I'm looking forward to learning more about him. His message to young people is very encouraging. He's an inspiration for Christians looking for a role model in the public eye and for anyone looking for a better way to navigate life.
4 reviews
January 22, 2018
The book that I read is called Shaken. The author of my book is by Tim Tebow in this book, Tim talks about how God helped through his up and downs in his football career. Following a great football career with the Flordia Gators and an amazing playoff run with the Denver Broncos, Tebow was traded to the New York Jets. He was released after one season with them. I really liked the message that Tebow was told throughout the story. It got me thinking about a lot of things. I would recommend this book to my grandma. I think she would really like this book. Also, I would recommend this book to a couple of my friends.
Profile Image for Anne.
5,130 reviews52 followers
March 15, 2018
In this young reader's version of his memoir, Tim Tebow talks about his life, and especially his football career, in terms of his Christian faith. He talks about the many challenges that he has faced and how his God and his faith have helped him through these difficult times. He relates them to things that students and young people may struggle with and how they may be able to cope with them if they were to also have a personal relationship with God.
Overall, I found this book to be too much proselytising. I have read other books where people talk about challenges and faith but without so much of it being crammed down your throat in an attempt to convert you.
Profile Image for Jenny Claiborne.
189 reviews
January 2, 2018
I have always really admired Tim Tebow for his willingness to express his faith. This book is a wonderful way for him to show young readers that life's not about fame, popularity, or however we define "success." It's about what God has purposed for you. What an incredible role model! Loved the anecdotes and how he makes them relatable to what young people may be facing in their own lives at this moment. Uplifting read!
1 review
May 21, 2019
Very inspiring

Tim’s expression of his faith and care for others really inspired my teenage boys. They could relate to Tim. The stories Tim shares in the book caused my sons to reflect on their own lives and what mattered to them. Definitely inspirational and well worth the read!
Profile Image for Dawn Rodriguez.
43 reviews7 followers
July 13, 2017
This book was a truly inspiring! Not only do you get to know the true Timmy Tebow you learn so much more about having faith and love in God.
130 reviews
March 29, 2018
Probably more of a 2.5star rating. I liked it, but just ok!
Profile Image for Jon Den Houter.
253 reviews6 followers
December 30, 2024
The young reader's version is about 20 pages shorter than the regular book, and from what I noticed, this book applies Tim's points specifically to young people. For example, Tebow, writing with A.J. Gregory, says,
Sometimes we can pray hard and believe God will do amazing things. Sometimes we're sure He's gone a certain plan in mind for us. Sometimes, even while being faithful, a crisis hits us out of nowhere. And the doubts come.

It's what happens when you pray for months that God will keep your parents from getting divorced, but they do anyway.

It's what happens when you study for hours but still get a failing grade.

It's what happens when you do the right thing but get teased mercilessly because of it.

When life throws us curvevalls, it's easy to allow doubt to creep in, no matter how strong our faith is. Why me? Why now? Why? We doubt ourselves. We doubt God's plan. We even doubt God.... I can't tell you why bad things happen or why our dreams fail and plans shatter... This is something Job, a man in the Bible, struggled with... (88)
You see how the examples are aimed at young people. I'm not sure what the regular book says at this point, but I imagine the examples are aimed at adults.

Timmy (the name by which Tebow refers to himself) and A.J. shared some great stories I had never heard before. Just to name a few: On the night that Michael Jordan scored 69 points, rookie Stacey King said what he'd always remember about that game was that it was him and MJ together scored 70 points (36); Mark Stuart, the founder and lead singer of the Christian rock band Audio Adrenaline, lost his voice due to a vocal disorder, left the band in 2006, and eventually found peace, saying "God fills up so much of my life with good things that I don't miss what I don't have anymore" (34); and one of the most memorable moments of Timmy's life was leading the Bronco's 11-second overtime win against the Steelers, during which he threw for 316 yards, averaged 31.6 yards per completion, the Bronco's time of possession was 31:06, the ratings were 31.6 million, 3 years to the day after he wore John 3:16 eyeblack playing for the Gators (175). About that Bronco's game, Timmy makes the excellent point, "That day I was reminded that God is a big God. And He is always at work--with or without me.... Some my think you're crazy for doing it [putting Bible verses in your eyeblack]. But know that God can take that willingness and do amazing things through it, even you don't have a clue. Because that's how big He is" (146).

What I liked most about this book was getting to know Tebow as a person. He says he is ultra-competitive, which makes sense; it seems like the best athletes have to be this way. But as much as he hungers to win on the field, he hungers to live for Jesus Christ. And I enjoyed reading about how he sought to live out his faith as an all-star football player. In this book he doesn't talk about his marriage to Demi-Leigh in 2000 (this book was published in 2017), but he says he was a virgin on his wedding night. That is an incredible testimony to him putting Jesus first in his life, for as a Heisman-trophy-winning quarterback, he could have had most any girl he wanted. But Tebow's faith is real; like he says at the end of the book: "You are not defined by the highs in life or the lows. From this day forward, let God define who you are. Continue to fight. Continue to hope. Continue to have faith. I promse you, it's worth it" (185). Tebow's declaration that living for Jesus is worth it reminds me of Hebrews 11:24-26: "By faith Moses... chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward." Tebow has much the same faith.

tl;dr: As I read about both the lows of his NFL career and the highs of the beautiful work of the Tim Tebow Foundation, I saw Timmy's faith shine.
Profile Image for Allen Herring.
347 reviews2 followers
January 6, 2021
I know that God has blessed me and the world with this book. He shined his light down on us with his message, but Jesus Christ why did I read this, I humbly ask myself. Because God blessed me and the world with the hotness that is Tim Tebow - the gifts, the talent, the body that God provided in the package of this former NFL and collegiate star who humbly kneeled on the sidelines praising the one worthy of our prayers. So yes, I read this because I humbly prayed that I would hear the secret message that this courageous man would finally come out, but I'm embarrassed to say that the message from above was that Tim Tebow is a devoted messenger of God and does not fall on his knees to pray at the glory hole that is God.

Alas, there was not enough skin, there was not enough ass, and there was not enough of who Tim Tebow actually is, but rather a saccharine message about how one should be bold, brave, and courageous to be that which God wanted us to be. So in the end, my prayers that Tim would finally come out were not realized and instead God and Jesus Christ did their best to convert me to their fantasy league - no such luck. In the end, no guts, no glory.
Profile Image for Connor Castner.
69 reviews
November 6, 2021
Tim Tebow in this book writes about how your life can get Shaken. I know I was shocked as well 😂. In all honesty though Tim knows what it’s like to have his world shaken. Cut from multiple teams including his most recent one with the Jaguars. He tells stories of these kids and when you read these short paragraphs of what people go through you realize your life isn’t so bad. He brings up a few people who have Cerebral Palsy (CP), which I have as well. I’m reading this and I’m thinking I don’t have it as bad as these people do. Sure m, I’ve had multiple surgeries, even brain surgery when I was 6, and have more to come. People have it so much worse than me. I love how Tim opens your eyes and makes you see the world not just different, but also making you aware you should be helping others not for yourself, but to do it because that’s what Jesus wants. Our whole goal in life is to be more like Jesus.
103 reviews
Read
June 13, 2021
I wondered why the advice seemed a little basic/ elementary! It's not until I'm logging this here that I realized this is for young readers, which makes sense why he has two books with the same title but different subtitles and images. Not that I would have read the adult one anyway since I got this book from my library and it only has this one in an audio format (not the other one), but I would be curious to see how the content differs.
Profile Image for Steven Jerris.
24 reviews
May 12, 2022
Hello fellow readers,

Read this book. This book is filled with a bunch of amazing, wonderful stories. It is most certainly a book that can inspire. I'm glad God did amazing things for Tim Tebow so that he could give it back to other people.
24 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2025
This book is one that I think is worth reading, as it’s messages are very inspiring. The writing however is mediocre and it reads like a book written for middle schoolers. That being said, it’s a good spiritual book that will uplift you.
1 review
April 27, 2021
Great book 👍

I dont know 8 I just liked the book and it was fun to read together with our book club.
Profile Image for Kaleb.
12 reviews
January 7, 2022
I love how he shows you that whatever the world throws at you God will always be there and be in control.
6 reviews
Read
January 8, 2018
shaken is about tim tebows experience dealing with the pain and struggle of the bad sides of life. he makes alot of good points about trusting in god and to gave hope no matter what happens, having faith and having a good trust in god goes along ways, i really loved this book because its motivational and easy to read.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 30 reviews

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