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The Seven Longest Yards: Our Love Story of Pushing the Limits while Leaning on Each Other
He was told he'd never walk again. She was losing hope that she'd ever feel whole again. This is their miraculous true story of defying the impossible.
"In my very first impression of Chris, I was blown away by his determination to stay positive, do the work, and trust that God had a bigger story in mind . . . this book is a master class in the power of perseverance." -Tim Tebow
Quadriplegics simply do not walk again - yet millions watched as Chris Norton defied incredible odds and took step by impossible step across his graduation stage. With his fiancée Emily by his side, those unbelievable steps became the start of an extraordinary journey for them both. Told from both of their unique perspectives, this moving story invites you to find, as Chris and Emily have, that God can transform our lowest points into life's greatest gifts.
In a moment, Chris went from a talented college football player with a promising future to a quadriplegic with a 3 percent chance of ever moving or feeling anything below his neck, much less walking again. Determined to prove the doctors wrong, he pushed himself through grueling, daily workouts to achieve his goal four years later: walking the stage to receive his college diploma with Emily's help, and to the world's astonished applause.
Meanwhile, Emily faced her own challenges as she sunk into a deep battle against anxiety and depression, despite her life's outward blessings. Day by day, decision by decision, Chris and Emily committed themselves to taking the extra step, trusting God, and leaning on the help of others. In a story of courageous faith and grit, this extraordinary couple's journey ultimately led them to tackle the seven longest yards - down the wedding aisle and into a new life together.
And what a new life it is: Chris and Emily have adopted five beautiful girls and welcomed foster children - seventeen and counting! - into their home and hearts. Let this book be your inspiration for defying your own impossible, and finding joy on the other side.
"In my very first impression of Chris, I was blown away by his determination to stay positive, do the work, and trust that God had a bigger story in mind . . . this book is a master class in the power of perseverance." -Tim Tebow
Quadriplegics simply do not walk again - yet millions watched as Chris Norton defied incredible odds and took step by impossible step across his graduation stage. With his fiancée Emily by his side, those unbelievable steps became the start of an extraordinary journey for them both. Told from both of their unique perspectives, this moving story invites you to find, as Chris and Emily have, that God can transform our lowest points into life's greatest gifts.
In a moment, Chris went from a talented college football player with a promising future to a quadriplegic with a 3 percent chance of ever moving or feeling anything below his neck, much less walking again. Determined to prove the doctors wrong, he pushed himself through grueling, daily workouts to achieve his goal four years later: walking the stage to receive his college diploma with Emily's help, and to the world's astonished applause.
Meanwhile, Emily faced her own challenges as she sunk into a deep battle against anxiety and depression, despite her life's outward blessings. Day by day, decision by decision, Chris and Emily committed themselves to taking the extra step, trusting God, and leaning on the help of others. In a story of courageous faith and grit, this extraordinary couple's journey ultimately led them to tackle the seven longest yards - down the wedding aisle and into a new life together.
And what a new life it is: Chris and Emily have adopted five beautiful girls and welcomed foster children - seventeen and counting! - into their home and hearts. Let this book be your inspiration for defying your own impossible, and finding joy on the other side.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published July 9, 2019
95 people are currently reading
949 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
December 20, 2019
I liked reading about Chris's injury and his recovery. The later part of the book which is more about Emily's depression did not flow well and give enough insight as to what was going on and it felt like it jumped around. I probably should have read his other book with his Father about his injury and recovery. I am sure I would have enjoyed it more.
July 9, 2019
Years ago, I can remember seeing the video of this brave young man and the love of his life helping him walk to get his diploma. Then, I read the back story and it was so heartwarming. I thanked God for all I have and thanked God for them. They hadn’t given up no matter how difficult things were. Fast forward to 2019 and I’m again reminded of this amazing young couple. I read their book and have had to wipe my eyes a few times. They were such an encouragement already, now they’re loving all of these kids from various living situations who haven’t known pure parental love until now. I really enjoyed this book and I’d recommend it for anyone who thinks they have it tough. The 7 Longest Yards is outstanding and definitely deserves to find a place in your home and heart, just like the kids in the Norton household.
September 9, 2019
The Seven Longest Yards is a love story between a boy with catastrophic spinal cord injuries, a girl with crippling depression, and the God who brings them together to “above all, love each other deeply” (1 Peter 4:8). It’s a parenting story about kids who need the most love ask for it in the most unloving ways. It’s a story about being broken and learning to walk all over again...in the footsteps of Jesus:
Boy: “I’m in a wheelchair, we’re not married, we live in an apartment, and we’d be taking in a seventeen-year-old with a laundry list of behavior issues.”
Girl: “Before we moved across the country, before my depression, before we were foster parents, I sat in his lap and felt in my soul that if had Chris, everything would be okay.”
Boy + Girl: “When God said the word, we would say yes, whether that meant training a paralyzed man to walk to caring for five kids in one house.”
“Our relationship [with God] was more like the one I had with my fire extinguisher...faith had become something we’d turn to only when we needed to break glass in case of an emergency...
On the surface it looked like our life--and my mental well-being--had improved drastically. The truth was, I was a great actress...Emily was clearly suffering from depression, and no amount of motivational speeches, exercise, or time pursuing her passion was going to snap her out of it. Right after Emily came out of her depression, God gave us this platform to make a difference. Depression...prepared me to let God take the reins.”
“A positive mindset is the most amazing gift anyone could have...The truest thing about me is what God says about me, and my attitude had the power to change my reality...If you want to see things you have never seen before, then you need to start doing things you have never done before. Don’t let your past keep you from your purpose.”
“At the end of the day, all that matters is that we’re married. Everything else is just a bonus.” Bad news always goes down better with ice cream...and a good book! Chris and Emily’s real life love story will inspire you and ignite your faith in the God of the impossible. The Seven Longest Yards will linger in your mind and heart long after the last page.
Boy: “I’m in a wheelchair, we’re not married, we live in an apartment, and we’d be taking in a seventeen-year-old with a laundry list of behavior issues.”
Girl: “Before we moved across the country, before my depression, before we were foster parents, I sat in his lap and felt in my soul that if had Chris, everything would be okay.”
Boy + Girl: “When God said the word, we would say yes, whether that meant training a paralyzed man to walk to caring for five kids in one house.”
“Our relationship [with God] was more like the one I had with my fire extinguisher...faith had become something we’d turn to only when we needed to break glass in case of an emergency...
On the surface it looked like our life--and my mental well-being--had improved drastically. The truth was, I was a great actress...Emily was clearly suffering from depression, and no amount of motivational speeches, exercise, or time pursuing her passion was going to snap her out of it. Right after Emily came out of her depression, God gave us this platform to make a difference. Depression...prepared me to let God take the reins.”
“A positive mindset is the most amazing gift anyone could have...The truest thing about me is what God says about me, and my attitude had the power to change my reality...If you want to see things you have never seen before, then you need to start doing things you have never done before. Don’t let your past keep you from your purpose.”
“At the end of the day, all that matters is that we’re married. Everything else is just a bonus.” Bad news always goes down better with ice cream...and a good book! Chris and Emily’s real life love story will inspire you and ignite your faith in the God of the impossible. The Seven Longest Yards will linger in your mind and heart long after the last page.
July 9, 2019
Without question, The Seven Longest Yards is one of the best books I’ve ever read on overcoming hardship and the unexpected in life.
May 19, 2020
amazing book every one should read this true book. A christian inspire book that everyone need to read.
September 8, 2020
A truly inspirational story of two young people who love and faith in God, overcome spinal cord injury, and severe depression .
April 25, 2021
Inspiring!
I watched Chris and Emily’s story on Netflix and was so inspired by it that I had to read the book. Reading a more in depth account of their life helped me grow in my faith and inspired me to look on the positive side of life. Chris and Emily are an amazing couple and I highly recommend this book!
I watched Chris and Emily’s story on Netflix and was so inspired by it that I had to read the book. Reading a more in depth account of their life helped me grow in my faith and inspired me to look on the positive side of life. Chris and Emily are an amazing couple and I highly recommend this book!
June 19, 2019
While waiting for this book to be released, I had the honor to be one of the lucky ones who got to read it before you could buy it!
Thank You Chris and Emily for opening up your hearts, your faith, your family, and your emotions. Love has no limits and God has great plans for you.
Thank You Chris and Emily for opening up your hearts, your faith, your family, and your emotions. Love has no limits and God has great plans for you.
August 21, 2019
It was ok. Pretty surface level story. A good story of gods faith and working hard leads to the path HE has you on, not your own. Could’ve been more in depth, but given he is a fellow Iowan, I was pulling for him!!!
December 4, 2019
First 130 pages gets One Star, it reads like a teenager's blog and drove me crazier "than you could possibly imagine." Second half gets slightly better, two stars. I decided to round up.
December 16, 2019
Triumphant story, poorly written,
October 11, 2025
“Will I ever walk again?” The doctor bowed his head. “I don’t know Chris, I don't know.” That was the beginning of a lifelong battle Chris will have to face. When all hope seems lost, Chris meets Emily, and their story begins. Their relationship hits a halt and it seems like the bond they once had is either fading fast, or gone. As they work through a host of trials a new fire is lit and things begin to turn around.
It’s a wild ride for Chris and Emily, but the courage and perseverance they both show during their struggles are so inspiring. Being in Chris’ position, knowing you may never be able to walk for the rest of your life, let alone move, the emotions that must be going through his mind are probably unbearable. Prior to meeting Chris, Emily had been going through her own struggles. She was supporting a friend who had been abused her whole life both physically and emotionally, including walking alongside her after multiple suicide attempts. The stress on her would've been insufferable. But yet, through all this, they didn’t collapse. They relied on close family and friends and most importantly each other and God for support and help. Through the grace and love of Jesus, their prayers were answered. Chris got to walk Emily down the aisle on their wedding day, and Emily’s best friend got the help and love she wanted.
Readers who enjoy a story with sports, a little love, a little drama, and a tale about never giving up hope and clinging to the people closest to you will find this book exciting. Those who don’t like some drama might find something more fitting, this book does include suicide attempt, depression, and violence. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this story and embarking on Chris and Emily’s journey.
It’s a wild ride for Chris and Emily, but the courage and perseverance they both show during their struggles are so inspiring. Being in Chris’ position, knowing you may never be able to walk for the rest of your life, let alone move, the emotions that must be going through his mind are probably unbearable. Prior to meeting Chris, Emily had been going through her own struggles. She was supporting a friend who had been abused her whole life both physically and emotionally, including walking alongside her after multiple suicide attempts. The stress on her would've been insufferable. But yet, through all this, they didn’t collapse. They relied on close family and friends and most importantly each other and God for support and help. Through the grace and love of Jesus, their prayers were answered. Chris got to walk Emily down the aisle on their wedding day, and Emily’s best friend got the help and love she wanted.
Readers who enjoy a story with sports, a little love, a little drama, and a tale about never giving up hope and clinging to the people closest to you will find this book exciting. Those who don’t like some drama might find something more fitting, this book does include suicide attempt, depression, and violence. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this story and embarking on Chris and Emily’s journey.
April 30, 2021
Better than the Netflix documentary
I watched the Netflix documentary. It enjoyed the book far more as a book allows more details and going through each experience in the story at a slower pace. I don't recall if much was said about Emily's anxiety and depression and their struggles as a couple and parents. The book really give a lot more richness to their story and more time to really experience it but I did enjoy the documentary too, finding myself crying and laughing a lot.
Overall I found their story to be inspiring and as a person with a disability I was curious how Chris dealt with his disability for example there is a passage where his foster daughters say some rude things about his being in a wheelchair, something I for sure fear, so it gave me some comfort.
I was also interested to learn more about Emily and how she saw Chris and what she valued about him and why she married him.
Overall I found it helpful to see they didn't have all the answers and struggled, disability or not. I found the Netflix documentary a highlight reels of mostly the good things. The book was a bit of a shock but was more real and relatable.
I watched the Netflix documentary. It enjoyed the book far more as a book allows more details and going through each experience in the story at a slower pace. I don't recall if much was said about Emily's anxiety and depression and their struggles as a couple and parents. The book really give a lot more richness to their story and more time to really experience it but I did enjoy the documentary too, finding myself crying and laughing a lot.
Overall I found their story to be inspiring and as a person with a disability I was curious how Chris dealt with his disability for example there is a passage where his foster daughters say some rude things about his being in a wheelchair, something I for sure fear, so it gave me some comfort.
I was also interested to learn more about Emily and how she saw Chris and what she valued about him and why she married him.
Overall I found it helpful to see they didn't have all the answers and struggled, disability or not. I found the Netflix documentary a highlight reels of mostly the good things. The book was a bit of a shock but was more real and relatable.
September 23, 2023
Quadriplegics simply do not walk again - yet millions watched as Chris Norton defied incredible odds and took step by impossible step across his graduation stage. With his fiancée Emily by his side, those unbelievable steps became the start of an extraordinary journey for them both. Told from both of their unique perspectives, this moving story invites you to find, as Chris and Emily have, that God can transform our lowest points into life's greatest gifts. [amazon synopsis]
A college football injury in college gave Chris a 3 o/o chance of walking again. With the help of Emily & their faith, he made it through grueling PT & depression to walk across the stage at graduation with her help. Then, Chris walked back down the aisle at their wedding. Today, they have adopted 5 children and fostered many more.
Chris is an amazing person - so inspirational. Emily, not so much. She is very self centered and out for a pat on the back.
I got this book as Emily picked out her wedding dress at Kleinfeld's and I saw their part of Say Yes to the Dress.
A college football injury in college gave Chris a 3 o/o chance of walking again. With the help of Emily & their faith, he made it through grueling PT & depression to walk across the stage at graduation with her help. Then, Chris walked back down the aisle at their wedding. Today, they have adopted 5 children and fostered many more.
Chris is an amazing person - so inspirational. Emily, not so much. She is very self centered and out for a pat on the back.
I got this book as Emily picked out her wedding dress at Kleinfeld's and I saw their part of Say Yes to the Dress.
July 18, 2020
3.5 stars I truly admire the Nortons for what they have accomplished with their lives and their positive attitudes. My one complaint with the book was that I felt it glossed over the hardships Chris faces as a quadriplegic, but mostly the difficulties Emily must deal with as the wife of someone who can't even put his arm around her voluntarily (not to mention a mother of 5 adopted daughters as well). Imagine the laundry, cleaning, cooking, childcare on top of the huge amount of work being a full-time carer (catheters, lifting, bathing, etc) is. Then the reader really is left wondering how a marriage can actually work when one partner is a quadriplegic- obviously it does, they love eachother and are happy together, but it would also give other people hope if the realities were discussed. So as amazing and inspiring as the story is, I felt it lacked a rawness and reality which was unfortunate.
September 4, 2019
Norton's story is a very inspirational story of overcoming obstacles and meeting one's goals. The story is told by both Chris and his partner, Emily, and the journey they take together through times of conflict and triumph. Chris writes about his injury and how he chose to focus on what he could do instead of what he was unable to do. The book goes through how Chris and Emily met and how their relationship progresses. Emily records her own struggles and how she was able to work through dark times in her life which enabled her to better relate to others who have suffered through similar trials.
October 3, 2019
After I heard the Norton’s story on the Nothing is Wasted podcast, I knew I had to read the book. It will make you laugh, it’ll make you cry...it reminded me that God works ALL things for the good of those who love Him. I was so inspired and filled with hope. Chris and Emily were so authentic and real about the hills and valleys they faced. Their journey of saying yes to kids in the foster system helped me recognize the true sacrifice and selflessness of people who take on foster kids. Cheering them on. Such a special couple.
May 5, 2021
I enjoyed reading this one. But somehow finished feeling like it was incomplete. I picked it up after reading How to Walk Away, which featured a character with a spinal cord injury. I thought it would feature more in-depth details about Chris’s injury and recovery than it did.
Emily really impressed me. From her great desire to help kids in need to her honest struggle with depression and anxiety. She and Chris were pretty candid about their struggles and I think they are pretty amazing people. Their strength of character really comes through.
Emily really impressed me. From her great desire to help kids in need to her honest struggle with depression and anxiety. She and Chris were pretty candid about their struggles and I think they are pretty amazing people. Their strength of character really comes through.
February 11, 2022
Excellent message on perseverance, resilience, and relying on God! The faith of Chris in the midst of adversity is one to emulate, and Emily's steadfastness in not only being an encouragement to Chris, but also being vulnerable to the readers in her own personal struggles, shows authenticity and transparency that is not seen often in society today. Their love to share Christ with all they encounter and to love "the least of these" by fostering and adoption, is a beautiful reflection of God's love.
June 9, 2021
Thiss book is both a feel good story and a heart breaker. A young man is told that he will never walk again. He is determined to do so. With the aid of his girlfriend/wife, he is able to walk across the stage and receive his dipolma. The struggle that he went through was unbeivable! He struggled to move, but with great difficulty he did manage to move again. The book gave insight into his life.
August 7, 2022
A very uplifting read. Definitely gave me a new perspective on relationships. However, I’m not going to lie there were some parts I considered hard to get through. And I’m not one to usually find non fiction books boring but there were some times this one lost me. Chris and Emily’s love for children and each other did melt my heart. I did find myself really digging deep thinking about how I can identify with Emily’s struggles. All in all not a bad read.
August 28, 2022
This Book is a tear Jerker. It’s written from a “his/her” perspective and gives a great insight into the trials of building a sustainable relationship despite all obstacles and personal limitations. It’s centered around having religion in your life, so some may think it’s preachy, but and as some one who doesn’t practice any religion regularly, I equated that to having faith in something bigger than yourself. Good book, easy read, and inspires me to do good in the world.
July 24, 2019
Fantastic book of trust, love and hope ! Highly recommend very uplifting for someone going through struggles, depression, pain just a great read. Very well written !! I felt as if I knew each one by the end of the book. Have recommended it to others.
Great. .......!!!!!!!! Once you start reading this you dont want to put it down so you let the work go
Great. .......!!!!!!!! Once you start reading this you dont want to put it down so you let the work go
November 26, 2019
This book wasn't written for me (i.e., a non-believer). It had crosses at the top of each new chapter heading and is meant to be inspirational for those who walk with christ. I am emphatically not one of those people, and I had hoped this book would have more story and substance, but instead it felt ghostwritten and both Chris and Emily's stories were written in the same voice. It was meh for me.
February 11, 2020
Wown just wow what an amazing inspirational story. This is a book that everyone can learn something from. It changes the way you think and react and deal with situations. Chris says focus on what you can do not what you can't do. If only we all had that kind of positive outlook in life. And Emily is just an amazing person. I recommend this to everyone
February 15, 2020
I listened to the entire audiobook today. This story was so, so incredible. It was so much more than a spinal cord injury recovery story. Wow. I've always wanted to foster and adopt, and while I know *now* isn't the time for me, you guys inspire me to really trust God with His path, even if it's hard.
March 20, 2020
True life story that had woven throughout it the truth that God’s plans are Always bigger & better than our own. The book concludes saying so beautifully... “It’s safe to say, we have no idea what the future holds. If the past is any indicator, it won’t look anything like what we imagine even now.”
April 14, 2020
Wow...wow...wow! This is the best book that I've read in a very long time! I am beyond impressed by this young couple. They put their hardships, challenges and struggles out there for everyone to not only see, but learn from. They are truly an inspiration, on so many levels. I highly recommend this book.
September 10, 2020
Why I rated this a five star: through all the struggles, Chris used his triumphs to glorify God
Because I too experienced what Chris overcame, I appreciated the honesty of his sharing the hard things along with the good. It's hard be humbled when adversity hits. But oh the joy when we know God has a plan and we follow.
Because I too experienced what Chris overcame, I appreciated the honesty of his sharing the hard things along with the good. It's hard be humbled when adversity hits. But oh the joy when we know God has a plan and we follow.
November 14, 2020
A Testimony for the Strength of GOD and Player ****
3 Stars. The storyline was about an 18 yr. old high school football player who suffered a neck injury that left him paralyzed from his neck down. He pretty much accepted that he would never attain any of his life goals. What he did accomplish was way beyond anything he had ever dreamed.
3 Stars. The storyline was about an 18 yr. old high school football player who suffered a neck injury that left him paralyzed from his neck down. He pretty much accepted that he would never attain any of his life goals. What he did accomplish was way beyond anything he had ever dreamed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews