What do you think?
Rate this book
The Sender: A Story About When Right Words Make All The Difference
Sometimes the right words make all the difference
A few months ago he was a high school football coach. Now Charlie Cristo is a cancer patient, battling not only an aggressive disease but also years of bitterness and disappointment. Then anonymous letters start arriving from a source known only as The Sender.
Lift your spirits. Work the process. Help one another. The short, wise counsel in the letters challenged Charlie Cristo to fight the disease ravaging his body and the anger threatening his soul.
What will you do with The Sender's advice?
A few months ago he was a high school football coach. Now Charlie Cristo is a cancer patient, battling not only an aggressive disease but also years of bitterness and disappointment. Then anonymous letters start arriving from a source known only as The Sender.
Lift your spirits. Work the process. Help one another. The short, wise counsel in the letters challenged Charlie Cristo to fight the disease ravaging his body and the anger threatening his soul.
What will you do with The Sender's advice?
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2016
49 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 1, 2020
Let me just say I LOVED this book. Vision > Circumstance. Very inspirational book and easy read.
August 4, 2025
I read this book because my son had it for an assignment and he wanted to make sure his answers made since…but I’m so glad that I did!!!
This book through a series of real life letters has changed the way I look at the world. It has great and valuable life lessons throughout! Bravo!
This book through a series of real life letters has changed the way I look at the world. It has great and valuable life lessons throughout! Bravo!
September 6, 2016
You can find a copy of this review at:
https://thequidnuncblog.wordpress.com...
CANCER - it is never easy to talk about it, especially when you have been through it. My family has, and even though it has been 10 years since it was all over, and my Dad is all healthy and full of energy it just stigmatises you and changes you for life.
Every once in a while a pick up a book that deals with the matter, just to make sure I don't forget how precious life is and that there are still people in the world who go through the same struggles, but not all of them have the lucky outcome my family did.
If I have to compare The Sender to anything it will be P.S. I Love You meets The Fault in Our Stars... it is a very touching narrative that will restore your belief in humanity. It is inspired by the real-life story of Chuck Pagano’s fight against cancer. Although the story line is fiction, the letters are the ones that Pagano actually received from the mysterious persona, “The Sender,” and the life lessons contained therein are applicable to anyone, regardless of your particular struggle in life.
Throughout the story, there was a strong emphasis on choosing over feeling. This is usually not easy, regardless of your circumstances. And when it comes to circumstances, The Sender encourages the coach to “live in the vision” instead of living in his circumstances. Other lessons include choosing to be better instead of bitter, winning on three levels, fighting weary, and being where your feet are. My favourite lesson in the book, though, was the one about “fixin’ to”.
It is go-to book for when you need advice, consort or you have lost your hope. I definitely recommend it to every one, it is not just about people overcoming cancer, it is about living life and enjoying it. Exquisite read!
https://thequidnuncblog.wordpress.com...
CANCER - it is never easy to talk about it, especially when you have been through it. My family has, and even though it has been 10 years since it was all over, and my Dad is all healthy and full of energy it just stigmatises you and changes you for life.
Every once in a while a pick up a book that deals with the matter, just to make sure I don't forget how precious life is and that there are still people in the world who go through the same struggles, but not all of them have the lucky outcome my family did.
If I have to compare The Sender to anything it will be P.S. I Love You meets The Fault in Our Stars... it is a very touching narrative that will restore your belief in humanity. It is inspired by the real-life story of Chuck Pagano’s fight against cancer. Although the story line is fiction, the letters are the ones that Pagano actually received from the mysterious persona, “The Sender,” and the life lessons contained therein are applicable to anyone, regardless of your particular struggle in life.
Throughout the story, there was a strong emphasis on choosing over feeling. This is usually not easy, regardless of your circumstances. And when it comes to circumstances, The Sender encourages the coach to “live in the vision” instead of living in his circumstances. Other lessons include choosing to be better instead of bitter, winning on three levels, fighting weary, and being where your feet are. My favourite lesson in the book, though, was the one about “fixin’ to”.
It is go-to book for when you need advice, consort or you have lost your hope. I definitely recommend it to every one, it is not just about people overcoming cancer, it is about living life and enjoying it. Exquisite read!
May 3, 2016
Worthy Publishing and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of The Sender, in exchange for an honest review.
Coach Charlie Cristo is a football coach, getting by day after day, until he is diagnosed with cancer. Charlie is at the darkest point in his life when a ray of hope appears. Through a series of anonymous letters, Charlie learns some important lessons about his life and reflects upon how he has acted in the past.
The Sender is a fictional book, but it includes the real notes that sports performance consultant Kevin Elko sent daily to Indianapolis Colts Coach Chuck Pagano when he was undergoing chemotherapy as a treatment for leukemia. The writing style is a bit choppy, but the book has a good message. Charlie's demeanor at the beginning of the book comes through loud and clear. I found myself rooting for Charlie, not only with the cancer treatments, but also with his attitude. There has been a lot said in articles about how attitude can affect your recovery from illness. Charlie's reflection on how he has acted in the past provides a powerful message which will resonate with some readers.
Coach Charlie Cristo is a football coach, getting by day after day, until he is diagnosed with cancer. Charlie is at the darkest point in his life when a ray of hope appears. Through a series of anonymous letters, Charlie learns some important lessons about his life and reflects upon how he has acted in the past.
The Sender is a fictional book, but it includes the real notes that sports performance consultant Kevin Elko sent daily to Indianapolis Colts Coach Chuck Pagano when he was undergoing chemotherapy as a treatment for leukemia. The writing style is a bit choppy, but the book has a good message. Charlie's demeanor at the beginning of the book comes through loud and clear. I found myself rooting for Charlie, not only with the cancer treatments, but also with his attitude. There has been a lot said in articles about how attitude can affect your recovery from illness. Charlie's reflection on how he has acted in the past provides a powerful message which will resonate with some readers.
April 26, 2016
This story is a combination of the real letters sent to former Indianapolis Colts coach Pagano while he fought cancer and a fictional story about a high school coach facing chemo. While it might be a tad religious for some readers, I think the inspirational message of how to be a positive support to those around you and how to accept the same from them is wonderfully presented and applicable regardless of your situation. The Sender was a refreshing story, not all rainbows and unicorns, but a quick read that felt honest and true. This book would be perfect for a church or community reading group or someone who wants to forget about nasty politics for a few hours.
A preview copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Worthy Publishing in exchange for an objective review.
A preview copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Worthy Publishing in exchange for an objective review.
July 26, 2017
Preachy. Thoughtful. Not realistic medically.
April 16, 2020
The Sender is food for the soul
I started reading this in a hard cover book and realized I wanted to highlight many areas, so switched to a Kindle book. The story pulled me immediately. My mother had breast cancer but did not have chemotherapy,so it was a learning situation. I can see why support is so important for many major illnesses, especially cancer. One needs a pep club who can encourage you during treatment.
The letters incorporated the book were sent by Kevin Elmo to a personal friend who had cancer. They are very insightful and I will go back and review them many times in my life.
I started reading this in a hard cover book and realized I wanted to highlight many areas, so switched to a Kindle book. The story pulled me immediately. My mother had breast cancer but did not have chemotherapy,so it was a learning situation. I can see why support is so important for many major illnesses, especially cancer. One needs a pep club who can encourage you during treatment.
The letters incorporated the book were sent by Kevin Elmo to a personal friend who had cancer. They are very insightful and I will go back and review them many times in my life.
November 15, 2020
Cancer sucks so hard. I've had two close cousins die from brain and colon cancer and I've seen first hand the despair and pensive thoughts that inevitably come to those that are suffering. It's horrible to watch but sprinkled within those feelings are the times they fight through it and don't let their spirits die. I'm a huge football fan and realizing this was based on the life of Chuck Pagano warmed my heart. I followed Chuck's situation intently and having that context made this book worth so much more to me but it was extremely heartwarming and heartfelt and would be a great read for anyone regardless of their knowledge of Chuck's journey.
January 16, 2021
Phenomenal. Loved it. Finished in 4 days. Would recommend to anyone fingering for their health. Love the writing style. Inspiring in a way that makes you want to tell and write better stories that can be a blessing to others. Other messages include better not bitter...lessons get tested....hart and Vito story...right message right time....do it now and stop fixin to....fight weary....I’m strong if you’re strong. Are you strong?
July 19, 2023
This was an emotional story to read- an easy read and very heart warming.
It was a tale of the letters that were written to Indianapolis colts head coach
Chuck Pagano when he was undergoing cancer treatment. The letters were
To give inspiration, advice,and help endure the treatment and look for
The good around you. Encouragement goes a long way. Recommended.
It was a tale of the letters that were written to Indianapolis colts head coach
Chuck Pagano when he was undergoing cancer treatment. The letters were
To give inspiration, advice,and help endure the treatment and look for
The good around you. Encouragement goes a long way. Recommended.
July 22, 2023
Quick, easy read. Based on a true story, so no surprises. But very insightful and full of good nuggets that make you think and appreciate life. I had honestly been avoiding it because the topic was hitting a bit close to home recently..but it’s actually more uplifting and positive; leaves you feeling more inspired than expected.
October 20, 2024
Lessons for Life
The title of this book could not be more appropriate. It is the story of a man going through a grueling course of chemotherapy & his choices in dealing with it. We can all learn from The Sender. I know I have & will continue to refer back to the letters to enhance my life. Truly a must read.
The title of this book could not be more appropriate. It is the story of a man going through a grueling course of chemotherapy & his choices in dealing with it. We can all learn from The Sender. I know I have & will continue to refer back to the letters to enhance my life. Truly a must read.
November 3, 2025
It's all about choice!
Loved this book. There's a lot of wisdom packed into these pages and it is beautifully summed up in the last sentence. I highly recommend this book to anyone facing adversity, anyone helping someone else face adversity, and anyone who may face adversity in their life. Awesome book.
Loved this book. There's a lot of wisdom packed into these pages and it is beautifully summed up in the last sentence. I highly recommend this book to anyone facing adversity, anyone helping someone else face adversity, and anyone who may face adversity in their life. Awesome book.
June 25, 2017
I truly loved this book. Although it was mainly written about about a man dealing with cancer, I think everyone could benefit from reading this book. It was such an uplifting positive book. It really makes you think and regroup. I feel like I will read this one again and again.
January 31, 2019
I heard the author of this book speak at a corporate event. The book consists of a compulation of motivational letters that a cancer patient received each day from the sender. While sad at times, great advise was always found in the letters.
February 6, 2019
Such an inspirational book. The true meaning of the right words at the right time. Positive thinking. Be where your feet are. God has a plan for me. Just a few of the lines that will be remembered
December 17, 2022
I enjoyed this book not my usual style but it was really good. The story, his diagnoses, the new friends he makes, his cancer treatment etc it did hit home and it was a book I could really relate to.
May 22, 2017
Amazing and full of simple reminders anbout living life.
January 15, 2019
Read this while a friend was going thru cancer! Very good!
September 24, 2019
Incredible book!!!!
February 24, 2020
This is an interesting find. The storyline isn't new or fancy. But the golden nuggets of truth and life lessons are huge. This is a book I will reference often for those nuggets.
February 3, 2021
Motivating and inspiring. Emotional.
February 27, 2021
Awesome story! Very inspiring
January 13, 2023
Very heartwarming and easy read. Lots of great life lessons to learn from it! I will definitely add it to my list of books to read again!
July 4, 2023
Such an inspirational book! Made me rethink some of life’s challenges.
December 11, 2024
One I will read again. So many great one liner. So much great insight. Chose the Vision not the circumstances.
January 12, 2025
Inspirational book, short read, based on true events. Some scripture references taken out of context.
August 30, 2025
This one is unforgettable.
May 8, 2016
The Sender: A Story About When the Right Words Make All the Difference by Kevin Elko & Bill Beausay is a well-blended mixture of fiction and reality. It is a fictionalized account of a high school football coach who has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing treatment. Charlie was about at his lowest point before the diagnosis; career in a downward spiral, marriage at its end, non-existent relationships with his daughters, he is not a happy man. And then comes cancer! Anonymous letters sent to him daily through his three courses of his treatment change his perspective and his life. The letters included in the book are real letters written to Indianapolis Colts Coach Pagano by his friend and sports performance consultant Kevin Elko while Pagano was battling leukemia.
It is hard not to be moved and affected by this book. It is one which I highlighted continually, and a good one to share with others. The encouragement Elko gives to the coach and to so many others through the passing along of the letters, and this book, is amazing - what a way with words!! A good lesson in how adversity can be used for our growth and betterment, and that attitude and love make all the difference.
Very readable, and a book you'll want to keep, even if you lend it to everyone you know!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Worthy Publishing for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
It is hard not to be moved and affected by this book. It is one which I highlighted continually, and a good one to share with others. The encouragement Elko gives to the coach and to so many others through the passing along of the letters, and this book, is amazing - what a way with words!! A good lesson in how adversity can be used for our growth and betterment, and that attitude and love make all the difference.
Very readable, and a book you'll want to keep, even if you lend it to everyone you know!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Worthy Publishing for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews