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A Fighting Chance: A 40-Year Journey from My Birth until My Brother’s Death
A great example of what we can accomplish when we refuse to quit.
Dan Gable-Olympic Gold Medalist
Dan Blanchard has lived a life that few have.
Jordan Harbinger-Top Podcast in the World
Dan spent most of his childhood trying to hide in plain sight. A raw, abusive upbringing tarnished his entire family. Dan and his older brother, Chris, were born under the brutal fists of their father, impacting them emotionally and physically. Somehow, Dan found his way out through sports and with one success after another. Chris wasn’t so lucky. Most say Chris never had a chance. When Chris died, Dan knew this story needed to be told. For anyone going through a hard time, this is the book that will give one hope to continue on. And for those already living a good life, this book will inspire one to live a great life.
There were definitely villains in Dan's life… Dan overcame one obstacle after another…
Heather Monahan-Top 50 Keynote Speaker in the World
It's a true underdog story and finding the victory circle through sheer grit and determination.
Hala Taha- #1 Education Podcast and CEO of YAP Media
A wonderful look into the life of the prolific bestselling author and award-winning educator…
Scott Schulte- NY Times Bestselling Author
Dan Gable-Olympic Gold Medalist
Dan Blanchard has lived a life that few have.
Jordan Harbinger-Top Podcast in the World
Dan spent most of his childhood trying to hide in plain sight. A raw, abusive upbringing tarnished his entire family. Dan and his older brother, Chris, were born under the brutal fists of their father, impacting them emotionally and physically. Somehow, Dan found his way out through sports and with one success after another. Chris wasn’t so lucky. Most say Chris never had a chance. When Chris died, Dan knew this story needed to be told. For anyone going through a hard time, this is the book that will give one hope to continue on. And for those already living a good life, this book will inspire one to live a great life.
There were definitely villains in Dan's life… Dan overcame one obstacle after another…
Heather Monahan-Top 50 Keynote Speaker in the World
It's a true underdog story and finding the victory circle through sheer grit and determination.
Hala Taha- #1 Education Podcast and CEO of YAP Media
A wonderful look into the life of the prolific bestselling author and award-winning educator…
Scott Schulte- NY Times Bestselling Author
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2022
32 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 25, 2023
An Insightful, Worthwhile and Important Read
When fellow author, Dan Blanchard, asked me to review his memoir, A Fighting Chance, I hesitated. At 53 years old as of the writing of the book, it seemed to me as though Dan’s memoir might be premature. He probably has as many years of productive work ahead of him as he had already lived, so what was the urgency and value of writing a memoir at such a young age? Having known Dan for a number of years however, I’ve been curious about what drives him to work so hard at excelling in so many areas, so after some delay, I agreed to his request. Reading the book soundly answered my question.
A Fighting Chance covers a significant and critically important segment of Dan Blanchard’s life, and more importantly, how it applies to our larger society and possibly to our own lives. Dan tells his story in a casual, matter-of-fact manner, which only amplifies the horrors of the earlier chapters as he describes how his deranged, angry and violent alcoholic father subjected him, his mother, and his siblings to crushing abuse. As I read the book and made copious notes on each chapter, it raised more questions, some of which it addressed, others that remained unanswered, and still others that skilled counselors, doctors, and researchers will benefit greatly by analyzing. For instance, why did Dan’s mother, a highly educated nurse and military veteran, remain in such an abusive relationship? If not for herself, what prevented her from protecting her children? How did an abusive monster like Dan’s father hide in plain sight and evade detection or intervention by clergy, counselors and law enforcement? What prevented the children caught in this violence from striking back for so long, and even caused them to defend their abuser from those who could potentially help? Perhaps most importantly, what drives some abuse victims to spiral out of control in self-destructive behavior while driving others to overcome their past and even excel in their future?
It is apparent in A Fighting Chance that Dan still struggles with some of these questions and the observant reader may even see implications in the later chapters of which the author himself may be unaware. It is also apparent from the many glowing reviews that this book touches many readers deeply. Many of us will see something ourselves in this memoir and question our own motives for what we do and why. The critical reader may find portions of the book that are not as polished as they would be under revision by a professional editor, yet that may be part of its power. Dan tells this story in a raw, unfiltered manner in which his voice clearly emerges, and for many that will be a plus. Likewise, content in the later chapters that others might have omitted provide examples of how Dan has compensated for what might have driven others to despair. Ultimately, this is a book about triumph over evil. In a subtle way, it also challenges the concept of the “self-made-man.” Even though others might not have directly intervened to stop the violence, the people who provided Dan with guidance, encouragement and opportunity greatly influenced his own journey toward self-reliance. Perhaps we all benefit from such angels, unaware.
A Fighting Chance is an insightful, worthwhile and important read. What affected me most about the book came at the very end when Dan explored his motivation and aspirations for becoming a teacher and coach at an inner-city school. To me, it brought the book full-circle and by itself, more than justified the time spent reading it.
When fellow author, Dan Blanchard, asked me to review his memoir, A Fighting Chance, I hesitated. At 53 years old as of the writing of the book, it seemed to me as though Dan’s memoir might be premature. He probably has as many years of productive work ahead of him as he had already lived, so what was the urgency and value of writing a memoir at such a young age? Having known Dan for a number of years however, I’ve been curious about what drives him to work so hard at excelling in so many areas, so after some delay, I agreed to his request. Reading the book soundly answered my question.
A Fighting Chance covers a significant and critically important segment of Dan Blanchard’s life, and more importantly, how it applies to our larger society and possibly to our own lives. Dan tells his story in a casual, matter-of-fact manner, which only amplifies the horrors of the earlier chapters as he describes how his deranged, angry and violent alcoholic father subjected him, his mother, and his siblings to crushing abuse. As I read the book and made copious notes on each chapter, it raised more questions, some of which it addressed, others that remained unanswered, and still others that skilled counselors, doctors, and researchers will benefit greatly by analyzing. For instance, why did Dan’s mother, a highly educated nurse and military veteran, remain in such an abusive relationship? If not for herself, what prevented her from protecting her children? How did an abusive monster like Dan’s father hide in plain sight and evade detection or intervention by clergy, counselors and law enforcement? What prevented the children caught in this violence from striking back for so long, and even caused them to defend their abuser from those who could potentially help? Perhaps most importantly, what drives some abuse victims to spiral out of control in self-destructive behavior while driving others to overcome their past and even excel in their future?
It is apparent in A Fighting Chance that Dan still struggles with some of these questions and the observant reader may even see implications in the later chapters of which the author himself may be unaware. It is also apparent from the many glowing reviews that this book touches many readers deeply. Many of us will see something ourselves in this memoir and question our own motives for what we do and why. The critical reader may find portions of the book that are not as polished as they would be under revision by a professional editor, yet that may be part of its power. Dan tells this story in a raw, unfiltered manner in which his voice clearly emerges, and for many that will be a plus. Likewise, content in the later chapters that others might have omitted provide examples of how Dan has compensated for what might have driven others to despair. Ultimately, this is a book about triumph over evil. In a subtle way, it also challenges the concept of the “self-made-man.” Even though others might not have directly intervened to stop the violence, the people who provided Dan with guidance, encouragement and opportunity greatly influenced his own journey toward self-reliance. Perhaps we all benefit from such angels, unaware.
A Fighting Chance is an insightful, worthwhile and important read. What affected me most about the book came at the very end when Dan explored his motivation and aspirations for becoming a teacher and coach at an inner-city school. To me, it brought the book full-circle and by itself, more than justified the time spent reading it.
January 7, 2023
A book of positive outcomes despite some of the toughest of times!
A Fighting Chance, by Daniel Blanchard, is a memoir in which the author has decided to revisit some of the most harrowing times of his life in order to move forward for himself, his family, and his students. I can understand why it took him until after losing his father to open up and trust readers with some very private and undeniably shameful-feeling stories of his own abuse and his ability to rise above it.
Daniel Blanchard grew up in Connecticut and came from a family with low economic resources. His mother, a nurse, was the leading provider for the family, as his father, who also worked, spent his money on drinking and other things that suited him, not considering his kids. Daniel was one of six kids and, being one of the oldest, realized as he grew up that it would be his job to keep the others and his mother safe. There was verbal and emotional abuse as well as physical abuse. Despite the awful stories he shares with us, regrettably, Daniel’s older brother Chris was the first target and the most abused. It is a sad story of survival and of one boy’s rise to major accomplishments. Daniel achieved accolades in multiple sports and even went on to coach his own children’s sports teams. He is now a father of five, happily married, and successful in all realms of his life. His former life is like a horrible nightmare that he may now be able to leave behind. The positive note to acknowledge is all of the learning Daniel had in his recollections, learning more about who he was, who his brother was, and all they had to deal with.
I was shocked and amazed to hear about the troubles Daniel and his siblings faced growing up. I too grew up in Connecticut and have even worked in some of the same places Daniel talks about in his book as I was also a teacher of emotionally disturbed children in one of the state’s poorest cities. But the most impressive part was to read of all of his accomplishments despite all of the barriers which were in front of him growing up. I gave this book four out of five stars for its heartfelt writing and the continual uplifting spirit Daniel seems to weave throughout his story, both in real life and on the pages of the book. It is unclear whether Daniel’s sisters suffered in the home as well, and there is not much mention of them once they were old enough to move out of that harsh household.
I recommend this book, especially to educators, those who have kids like this in front of them every day whether they are aware of it or not. Unfortunately, there are limits to what an outsider can actually do when it comes to abuse in the home, but those limits must be tested so we may help heal many of these poor children. I also recommend this book to all the boys and girls who feel like there is no hope for them because Daniel has clearly exemplified the ability to overcome some of life’s worst adversities.
A Fighting Chance, by Daniel Blanchard, is a memoir in which the author has decided to revisit some of the most harrowing times of his life in order to move forward for himself, his family, and his students. I can understand why it took him until after losing his father to open up and trust readers with some very private and undeniably shameful-feeling stories of his own abuse and his ability to rise above it.
Daniel Blanchard grew up in Connecticut and came from a family with low economic resources. His mother, a nurse, was the leading provider for the family, as his father, who also worked, spent his money on drinking and other things that suited him, not considering his kids. Daniel was one of six kids and, being one of the oldest, realized as he grew up that it would be his job to keep the others and his mother safe. There was verbal and emotional abuse as well as physical abuse. Despite the awful stories he shares with us, regrettably, Daniel’s older brother Chris was the first target and the most abused. It is a sad story of survival and of one boy’s rise to major accomplishments. Daniel achieved accolades in multiple sports and even went on to coach his own children’s sports teams. He is now a father of five, happily married, and successful in all realms of his life. His former life is like a horrible nightmare that he may now be able to leave behind. The positive note to acknowledge is all of the learning Daniel had in his recollections, learning more about who he was, who his brother was, and all they had to deal with.
I was shocked and amazed to hear about the troubles Daniel and his siblings faced growing up. I too grew up in Connecticut and have even worked in some of the same places Daniel talks about in his book as I was also a teacher of emotionally disturbed children in one of the state’s poorest cities. But the most impressive part was to read of all of his accomplishments despite all of the barriers which were in front of him growing up. I gave this book four out of five stars for its heartfelt writing and the continual uplifting spirit Daniel seems to weave throughout his story, both in real life and on the pages of the book. It is unclear whether Daniel’s sisters suffered in the home as well, and there is not much mention of them once they were old enough to move out of that harsh household.
I recommend this book, especially to educators, those who have kids like this in front of them every day whether they are aware of it or not. Unfortunately, there are limits to what an outsider can actually do when it comes to abuse in the home, but those limits must be tested so we may help heal many of these poor children. I also recommend this book to all the boys and girls who feel like there is no hope for them because Daniel has clearly exemplified the ability to overcome some of life’s worst adversities.
January 6, 2023
Determination Leads the Way In This Story or Resileince
“But I was determined…” . That phrase is often repeated, and deservedly so, in this memoir of a child of abuse finding his way to the ultimate success: becoming a good man. Along the way, he earned many accolades for his accomplishments in sports, education, teaching, coaching and becoming a devoted family man.
Themes of resilience abound - and also honest admissions of his own mistakes.
Dan’s success in life resounds with credit paid to coaches, sports, sibling love, and the value of hard work, purpose, and -yes - determination.
Dan Blanchard is a teacher, coach, speaker, author —- and I think his presence is a great gift to those he mentors in teen leadership.
“But I was determined…” . That phrase is often repeated, and deservedly so, in this memoir of a child of abuse finding his way to the ultimate success: becoming a good man. Along the way, he earned many accolades for his accomplishments in sports, education, teaching, coaching and becoming a devoted family man.
Themes of resilience abound - and also honest admissions of his own mistakes.
Dan’s success in life resounds with credit paid to coaches, sports, sibling love, and the value of hard work, purpose, and -yes - determination.
Dan Blanchard is a teacher, coach, speaker, author —- and I think his presence is a great gift to those he mentors in teen leadership.
August 1, 2023
This is why memoirs need to be told!
Dan Blanchard writes his memories in this beautifully chronological tale which portrays the reality of all that he is. The manner in which his stories are told, unfold his future. There is an art of memoir writing which allows a reader to witness scenes in another’s life. Dan masters this as he shares intimate details, embarrassing facts, and most of all allows his inner voice to be heard. This inner voice is what guided him to become the teacher, coach, and father which he lacked as a child. His determination, drive, and self awareness really demonstrates the characteristics of success. I loved reading about his adventures, and witnessing his dedication towards his goals.
Dan Blanchard writes his memories in this beautifully chronological tale which portrays the reality of all that he is. The manner in which his stories are told, unfold his future. There is an art of memoir writing which allows a reader to witness scenes in another’s life. Dan masters this as he shares intimate details, embarrassing facts, and most of all allows his inner voice to be heard. This inner voice is what guided him to become the teacher, coach, and father which he lacked as a child. His determination, drive, and self awareness really demonstrates the characteristics of success. I loved reading about his adventures, and witnessing his dedication towards his goals.
October 30, 2022
Uplifting and inspiring!
Dan’s memoir is a great read that gives the reader pause. When you read the book, you will ask yourself, just HOW did this man come to be the wonderful teacher and coach he is, after surviving such a horrible childhood? Thank you, Dan, for sharing your story. I feel sure that many students, friends, and fans will be inspired by your life story.
Dan’s memoir is a great read that gives the reader pause. When you read the book, you will ask yourself, just HOW did this man come to be the wonderful teacher and coach he is, after surviving such a horrible childhood? Thank you, Dan, for sharing your story. I feel sure that many students, friends, and fans will be inspired by your life story.
February 18, 2023
From victim to victor
A great story of a family terrorized under the abuse of an abusing father. Congratulations Dan, instead of sinking into despair and remaining a victim you changed your story from victim to victor.
A great story of a family terrorized under the abuse of an abusing father. Congratulations Dan, instead of sinking into despair and remaining a victim you changed your story from victim to victor.
April 23, 2024
What a fitting title. This is a sad but true story of how Dan fought his way out of a horrible childhood. Dan was a victim of his father’s abuse, but never allowed himself to embrace the victim mentality. Sadly, his brother Chris wasn’t able to do the same. As adults, they went down opposite paths. Through teaching, coaching, speaking, parenting, and writing this memoir, Dan not only helps us believe that we can have a fighting chance, but that we can help give others a fighting chance too.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews