Straight Up: Honest, Unfiltered, As-Real-As-I-Can-Put-It Advice for Life’s Biggest Challenges

by Trent Shelton

Trent Shelton is a motivational speaker, former NFL player, and founder of the non-profit RehabTime. Trent reaches millions of followers of all ages each week with his videos and messages about relationships, personal success, life, and faith.

Who do you have in your life who’s not afraid to tell you the honest-to-God truth? Who do you have who’s a real source of wisdom when life gets real?

With his trademark combination of raw honesty and practical next-steps, Trent Shelton will help you navigate through some of the most confusing topics of life, including relationships, friendships, fear, depression and your own past trauma. And while you might not make it out of the storms of life unscathed, the wisdom and lessons in this book can help you can make it out stronger.

This book is:


imminently honest and practical, helping you take real next steps toward being the best you.
easy-to-read. It is organized into 64 different bite-sized chunks of content that you can pick up and read when you have time.
real and raw. Trent vulnerably shares his own story, including his own missteps that have resulted in the hard-won lessons he shares.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Audiobook, Memoir

368 pages, Hardcover

Published August 4, 2020

Reviews

[Steph Carr (LiteraryHypeWoman) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tbh, I didn't realize it was for teens when I started this. 🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️
Trent has good information im this book (as well as activities for readers), so I'm not docking him for connect at all. I enjoy his podcasts and videos, but something about his writing style just drives me bonkers. Idk what it is, but a large majority of this dragged for me. I want to like it more, but it's just not my vibe.

[Isabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight Up! // by Trent Shelton // narrated by Trent Shelton

About the author: Trent Shelton is a motivational speaker, former NFL player, and founder of the nonprofit RehabTime. Trent reaches millions of followers of all ages each week with his videos and messages about relationships, personal success, life, and faith.

Straight Up! by Trent Shelton is an honest and practical guide on how to become the best You you can be. He gives advice on several different topics (such as relationships, trauma, depression, and fear) and uses his own life and the experiences of others to show how you can learn to do and be better in your own life. The book and audiobook are divided into 64 sections (aka lessons) that are straight up, unfiltered,and full of honesty.

I want to start out by saying that I ADORE this audiobook and highly recommend you to listen to this rather than read it - at least the first time around. I have a feeling that I personally will be listening to this several more times. I am so glad that Trent chose to read this himself because it adds a whole new level to the honesty and truth of his statements. While he does stumble over a word here and there, that actually adds even more to the authenticity of his message. I listened to the majority of this book during workouts at the gym and found it extremely motivating, both for the gym and for the rest of my life. It put a new perspective on several aspects of my life currently and I cannot wait to put some of his suggestions into action. I liked that each chapter was relatively short because it allowed me to finish each section quickly and reflect on it before moving onto the next one.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I hope to see much more from Trent Shelton soon!

[Kelly Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me say how excited I was to receive an advance audiobook from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review. Not just any audiobook but one by one of my absolute favorite motivational speakers Trent Shelton. Trent Shelton’s book Straight Up, Honest, Unfiltered, As-Real-As-I-Can-Put-It Advice for Life’s Biggest Challenges was so raw and so beautiful written. You could truly hear Trent’s passion to help others throughout the book.

Grab a notebook and be prepare for some Note taking on quality ways to improve your life and relationships. Solid advice on not just that but about dealing with your fears, past traumas to make you stronger and the best person you can be. This book is for anyone! Everyone can gain some great advice, knowledge and change your life In the best way possible with one quick listen. It’s definitely an audiobook I’ll be listening to over and over because it hits you right in your feels. You can’t help but to want what Trent is talking about. He definitely has advice for all of life’s biggest challenges.

I HIGHLY recommend this one. Looking forward to whatever Trent has coming next! The takeaway from Trent is always so empowering. Thank you for your words of wisdom and your passionate heart!

[Mandy Hazen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trent is amazing. Everything he writes and says. This is your entire life of motivational speeches you need in one book. Covers so many areas of life. Strongly strongly recommend. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the book I didn't know I needed when I was in middle & high school (and still need today).

Be prepared to take notes. Trent gives such tangible, real life information that you truly need to take notes so you don't miss anything.

Since I listened to the audio book, I got to hear Trent's passion for helping others and it reminded me of when I got to hear him on stage!

I would recommend this everyone. There is something for everyone. Even if you aren't struggling, there are so many tips provided to help you improve your life and your relationships.

I received this audio book for free in exchange for an honest review from the publisher and Netgalley.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Straight Up contains a lot of unique and applicable advice. All the sections carry nuggets of truth that are applicable to everyone. It is written for a younger audience, but the truths and topics are relevant to all age groups. Even if you don’t think you need a self-help book, this is a great book simply to get you pumped up and excited for life.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

very motivational

[Nyssy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a lot of "ah ha" moments and "why'didn't I think of that?" or "oh! y-e-a-h!"

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly recommend the audio version of this forthcoming book by Trent Shelton. Trent is an excellent narrator, and is equal parts soothing and encouraging, tough love “older brother” in his style. He’s direct in giving his advice— and boldly sharing his Christian faith— “straight up” in short, bite size chapters that can be finished in a short drive to the gym or running errands. Each of the 52 “lessons” are nearly guaranteed to leave you in a better mood, or more inspired to thoughtfully reflect on how you view challenges, disappointments, and failures.

My favorite was Lesson 13, You Were Given Worth at Birth, a timely reminder that God gives your life worth, not the opinions of others.

I especially think this book would be a great gift for teens & young adults.

I received an Advance Listener Copy of this audiobook from NetGalley, Zondervan and Dreamscape Media in exchange for an honest review.

[Pammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight Up is a AWESOME book. I listened to Straight Up on audio, Trent Shelton is the narrator, which is PERFECT!!! Straight Up is a VERY inspirational book. Trent is VERY inspiring and you must read this! I would recommend to ANYONE!!! We all have issues, Trent tells you Straight Up how to deal with it. I always leave very happy after listening/reading this book. Happy reading. :))

[Kale Fountain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight Up by Trent Shelton.
“I praise you God because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Shelton 288).” This quote is the soul reason Trent Shelton chose to write his book Straight Up. His main focus in this book was leading people to God because in the Bible it says, “God created you on purpose” (Shelton 288). As I read Straight Up, I continuously felt like God and I were connecting and almost as if I was in his wonderful kingdom. I’m at a point in my life where I am trying to figure out how to successfully connect with God and cope with life’s problems. Which is why I love this book and it easily deserves a 5 star rating given the fact it has helped me a lot. The important life lessons he teaches us about, helping and telling us how to trust and believe in our Heavenly Father, and finally teaching us how he developed as a person with the help of others is what makes this book meaningful.
Straight Up is a book about a former NFL football player who has been through a lot in his life. He is not ashamed to tell you about his mistakes or explain to you what he has done wrong in his lifetime because he wants us to learn from his mistakes. My favorite part about this amazing book is the short and easy to read 64 lessons which include important life lessons and advice. The reason this book is so great for anyone is because it’s not something meant to be read once and put away forever. The author Trent Shelton wants us to use his book as a resource for advice and help whenever we need it. For example, If I’m having trouble with facing fear in my life I can go to lesson 42, page 276 and read the entire lesson called, “How to Hack Fear”. In six pages I learned some great advice and methods to help me. This is just one of the many great quotes, “Fear is creating a known result from a situation you haven’t experienced yet” (Shelton 277). This meaning, you are already determining the outcome of a situation before you even try if you have fear. This shows how easy it is to find advice and learn quickly from this book. Another reason why I love this book is because in every lesson, Trent gives an example of a mistake he made in his life which pertains to the lesson he is writing about. This is important and comforting to me because now I know I’m not the only one who made these mistakes and also needs help fixing them. Lastly, if anyone was ever in a situation where they needed someone to talk to (let’s be honest we have all been there before) they can easily find the advice and help they need in this book. This book will never lie to you and will always be honest and Straight Up with the reader. This is not just a book you would read for fun, it can help anyone in any way they need it.
Trent Shelton became a big believer in the religion Christianity after he was at an all time low in his life. In lesson 5 he talks about being when he used to party every night and make bad decisions with the same friends again and again. While trying to balance the life of being a dad to his new baby boy and a NFL running back. He talked about being overwhelmed and feeling like he can’t handle everything coming his way. He decided he was ready for a change which meant burning some bridges with those friends and spending more time on things that will never leave him, God, his son, and football. Progressively throughout the book, Trent Shelton explains more in detail about his relationship with God as he matured and started to understand how to cope with life. He tells the reader continuously, God is our greatest resource because he is the definition of a perfect friend. He will always listen to us, never leave us, always support us, and never judge us. Trent Shelton made sure God was a big topic in his book Straight Up and this is another reason why this book is amazing. Not only does Trent Shelton give us valuable advice, he shows God and himself cares about us and wants us to go down the right path.
The cherry on top of this amazing book is the way he made this book so entertaining and easy to follow without the use of main characters or a plot. This book is in the genre young adult nonfiction which means the book is geared towards teenagers who are looking for answers to their problems. The most amazing thing about the book is there were only two or three characters he actually said the names of. Those three characters are himself, his kid Tristan Shelton, and his life-long friend Alicia. All the other characters he used in a vague setting without using their names. For example, when he talked about partying with the same group of people every night he never once said the names of the people but, still found a way to explain each person while still making the book interesting. To go along with this, he would find ways to use other people's lives and tie them into his own to show how to fix mistakes and tackle obstacles you face. This feature of the book is what truly sold me into believing this is one of the best books I’ve ever read. He found ways to explain himself as the main character and how he developed throughout the book and his life. This makes him a dynamic and well rounded character because he started off weak in the beginning of the book and ended stronger than ever at the end of the book. Even though there wasn't a storyline to the book, no setting or plot, and no characters other than himself to explain he still made it possible to make an amazing book. Just like one of his life lessons, he knew writing this book would be difficult, but that didn’t stop him from trying.
After reading Straight Up by Trent Shelton I can safely say my perspective on life and God has changed. Even though I may not have needed any of the lessons or advice he provided right now, it was good to learn how to cope with problems when I eventually encounter them. I would recommend this book to anyone of any age that has the ability to read because this book has everything you need. Trent Shelton said it best, “Straight up, honest, unfiltered, as-real-as-I-can-put-it advice for life’s biggest challenges. Don’t be fooled though, just because this book doesn’t have a lot of characters and a plot or setting doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read it. You would be surprised, this will be one of the better books you read and you will gain a lot of necessary knowledge for life along the way.

[Kevin Mcbeath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved sitting down Sunday mornings and reading a chapter. Big fan of Trent and appreciate his wisdom.

[Brigitte Ayerves Valderas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight Up is a series of life lessons packaged in a book by former NFL player Trent Shelton. Shelton weaves in stories from the bible and bible quotes throughout the lessons. Dealing with fear is a predominant topic throughout his book, but he also addresses issues like comparison, forgiveness, failure, and integrity.

Shelton's narration adds to the contents of the book. He embraces a motivational approach and repetitive phrases that support his message. Shelton's tone is inspirational and adds a sense of urgency where warranted.

I believe you would want to listen to this book a few times, especially when you are feeling down, struggling through a life event, or in need of motivation and discipline. I think the one topic I would have loved to hear him speak about more is discipline. I would encourage him to write a book about discipline based on his experiences as an athlete.

I also like how he talks about the end of his football career. It's the reality of the sport. It ends. It reminded me of Kansas City Chiefs guard, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif. Tardif is the first active NFL player to graduate from medical school. The Canadian player ensured he had a future outside of football. This second career enabled him to opt out of playing football during the beginning of the 2020 season to fight the coronavirus outbreak at a long-term care facility in Quebec.

I highly recommend this book to parents of teenagers, especially African-American males. Shelton reinforces all the lessons parents try to teach their kids, which makes him a helpful mentor. He's real about the situations he's faced, which supports the different realities young adults based on their environments.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trent Shelton delivers again!

Last year, I listened to his book "The Greatest You" and I just finished listening to "Straight Up." As the title implies, Trent gives it to us straight.

He dishes out 60-plus easy-to-understand life lessons--from ditching friends that no longer serve us to facing our fears to living in our unique purpose.

Trent's narrative voice, tone and inflection is quite inspiring, so I highly recommend the audio format.

While a white, suburban mom in her mid-40's is not exactly Shelton's prime target market, I took a ton of notes, and very much enjoyed the 6-hour pep talk. I learned about living with bravery, honesty, integrity, purpose, forgiveness, trust and more. The inspiring messages around these characteristics serve as a great reminder of how to live as a wife, mom, colleague, neighbor and mentor.

This motivational book is published by Zondervan, a Christian-based media company, so you can expect references to God, Jesus and the Bible. But I didn't find the content over-the-top or off-putting.

Overall, this a solid read! Definitely recommended for young audiences. This might make a great birthday or gift for the holidays!

[Kayla Littleton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was provided an eARC by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoy Trent Shelton's vibe. I could listen to him talk all day! He exudes pure motivation. I struggled with a few of his ideas, specifically how much he linked God/religion/the bible into success and being a good person, but I also don't come from a faith background and so of course wouldn't connect with that. My struggles aside, I really enjoyed how authentic this book felt to who Trent is and can absolutely see it resonating with teens who come from a faith background.

Do I agree with all of the messages? No (I especially struggled with the chapter about sex). But did I enjoy listening to Trent's stories and motivation? Absolutely.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me access to this eARC!

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

💬 ”Blaming and complaining makes you feel good about doing nothing.”

Christian • Motivational • Practical

❤️/ 💔 Now even though that title screams “warning “, this is very PG-13 for the young ones. Adolescent marketed motivational books are the best. The tone is typically straightforward. The content is usually relatable. The message is always universal! This book was no different. While the author’s personal experience as a preacher’s kid, retired NFL player, podcast host, and motivational speaker is encouraging alone, he also relies heavily on his faith to reiterate concepts. Non-Christians please be advised, scripture is heavily woven throughout. I appreciated the practical advice with applicable suggestions. Each short chapter ended with a recap and exercise making the content easily retained while holding shorter attention spans.

✨ Discover this title for yourself!

[Rhiannon Sibley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly I love Trent's speeches and I love this podcast but this book was not what I expected. I feel like it is much more geared toward kids just out of high school, or maybe even in high school. While I have no problem with some religious content I feel like it was much more religious based content than I expected but overall just not geared toward adults or helpful for adults. I bought both of his books at the same time because I have always appreciated his perspective, but now I'm second guessing spending the time to read the second book because of how disappointed I was with this book. But I gave it 3 stars because I do feel like it could be helpful to some one young, just starting to find their way in life, more so than some one who is grown and has life experiences.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received the audio of this from #Netgalley and was happily surprised at how much information I digested from this book. I highly.recommend if for the breakdown of pressures and stresses for teens and young adults today. Trent lays it out in a way that no matter a child's background you can relate. Girls and boys; and even though this book is bound to Christianity in a beautiful way- it isn't deep and intense and over someone's head if they are just finding Jesus or learning about a relationship with God. I enjoyed listening to Trent read this book and appreciated that it was the author whom read. I have added this book to my gift list to be purchased for graduates in the future.

[Angie Botner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another classic by my favorite motivational speaker Trent Shelton.

He starts the book with a very relatable story about having to sink or swim, and when reaching out for help is necessary. He re-covers some main highlights from "The Greatest You" such as forgiveness and the importance of protecting your peace, all while offering new and refreshing examples that help make the lessons relatable.

Absolutely loved listening to this book and can't WAIT for Protect Your Peace to come out next month!

[Monique Rosenbaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have come across a few of trent shelton's works on fb and enjoy them so thought this might be a good positive read. Straight up is just that - straight up good, helpful positive lessons we all need to be reminded of to be decent kind people. I think there was 60+ lessons but they were short & divided to easily ponder each one before moving on. I like how Trent uses his own experiences as well in his writings.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion from NetGalley

[Olivia Tessmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this because one of my favorite speakers had a hand in the creation; I actually didn't realize it was geared toward young adults. Regardless that I wasn't the target demographic, I found it to be honest, compassionate and insightful guidance. There were a couple chapters that landed deeply for me and I was left reflecting their wisdom for days after. I will definitely be putting this on my son and daughters bookshelf when they reach the appropriate age.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Trent hits a home run with this amazing motivational book! The chapters are broken down into easy-to-read, bite size chunks which make it much easier to consume. I loved the tips, tricks and hard truths that Trent shared in this book. MUST read for people off all life stages.

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book, but all views are my own.

[Rachel Fein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a decent book but when he initially marketed it, he said nothing about it being meant for high school kids. Being an adult in my late 30’s, I didn’t find the book very helpful. I gave it four stars though because it would be great for Christian high school kids to read as it does include a lot of religion as well.

[Runa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened on audiobook and really loved this. worth the read. Good advice. Won't be reading again, because I feel like it's straight forward and engaging not like a highlighting type book, but brought up some thoughts especially around purpose I found super helpful

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by Trent Sheltonnis full of useful advice for young people as well as adults. Many of them are inspiring and some are practical. I listened to the audio version of this book and it that version best convey his personality and sincerity in sharing his compassion and wisdom.

Appreciate it.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took me a long time to get through this book, not because it was poorly written or constructed. It wasn't. Stuff that he was talking about, I was dealing with, and although the intended audience is the young adult range, older adults can benefit from Trent's words of wisdom.

[Kristina Goodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book could be a 4 ⭐️ or 5 ⭐️ for me- it would be five start had I not listened to most of not all of his podcasts. This book contained much of the same vibe and information in a different platform. Still really enjoy his ideals and experience that are shared.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love listening to Trent Shelton. I have a pretty good life so usually 75% of the book doesn’t feel like it applies to me but the parts I take from his books are always *GOLD*. My favorite from this book is the house metaphor with friends. 😘

[Stacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Straight talk from Trent.

Another well-written motivational speech from Trent. Love him and his stories. Follow him on social. He brings these words to life in video.

[Marc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much god talk for me and a lot of cliche advice. I like his podcast a lot better for some reason.