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Chasing a Dream: The Carl English Story
"Never doubt yourself, never stop chasing your dreams, and always believe the impossible.” — Carl English
When Carl English was five years old, he was faced with an unimaginable tragedy. The loss of his parents in a fire would change his life as he knew it. But he found an outlet, a comfort zone, a way out of the emotional turmoil he basketball. He played, hours upon hours, on the side of the highway, in rain, wind, and even snow. As time passed, basketball grew into a passion, and then a dream.
Where would it take him? How big could he dream? And what would he need to make this dream a reality? Hard work, discipline, practice, determination, and most important, self-belief. Basketball has taken Carl all around the world and, in his own words, has blessed him with so much.
Chasing a Dream is the memoir of Newfoundland basketball phenom Carl English. It’s an inspirational true story of persevering through hard work and dedication to make a dream become reality. In Carl’s case, he always dreamed of playing in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Although he went undrafted through all his years playing, he enjoyed the career of a lifetime playing the sport he loves. The basketball pro from small-town Newfoundland travelled overseas and crushed the European basketball circuit. He became a superstar in his own right, by playing in Europe and for the Canadian national team, and returned to his home province to a hero’s welcome.
When Carl English was five years old, he was faced with an unimaginable tragedy. The loss of his parents in a fire would change his life as he knew it. But he found an outlet, a comfort zone, a way out of the emotional turmoil he basketball. He played, hours upon hours, on the side of the highway, in rain, wind, and even snow. As time passed, basketball grew into a passion, and then a dream.
Where would it take him? How big could he dream? And what would he need to make this dream a reality? Hard work, discipline, practice, determination, and most important, self-belief. Basketball has taken Carl all around the world and, in his own words, has blessed him with so much.
Chasing a Dream is the memoir of Newfoundland basketball phenom Carl English. It’s an inspirational true story of persevering through hard work and dedication to make a dream become reality. In Carl’s case, he always dreamed of playing in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Although he went undrafted through all his years playing, he enjoyed the career of a lifetime playing the sport he loves. The basketball pro from small-town Newfoundland travelled overseas and crushed the European basketball circuit. He became a superstar in his own right, by playing in Europe and for the Canadian national team, and returned to his home province to a hero’s welcome.
- GenresBiography
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2019
6 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 16, 2019
Carl has an amazing story, but it's one he could use a bit more help in telling.
Whether it's the more careful eye of an editor or the help of an established writer, the book needs something to unify it in a common voice, and to be parsed for coherency. I get the impression it was rushed out for impact given the simple typographical errors and jumpy composition. Carl often repeats himself and the same thoughts in near-identical words chapter to chapter, and much of the writing feels disjoint in general, a sort of stream of consciousness. In reading the testimonials at the end, I was struck by how powerfully Leo Rautins summed up Carl's story, and wished for more of that wordsmithing that I didn't find in the short volume.
On content alone, the book is quite good. You have to feel for the man on a whole for whom Lady Luck has been most unkind, and you reel emotionally for English at every fork in the road. He has navigated the ups and downs of the unforgiving world of sport when most would have given him no chance, and with none of the advantages young star athletes are afforded today in terms of exposure. Where some coaches deemed him a square peg in a round hole, he bore his own notch with grit and determination the likes of which few have ever seen. It was a privilege to watch what may have been his final two seasons in person, and share in the history of our native son It is definitely a story young athletes or anyone struggling with adversity should read and internalize.
Whether it's the more careful eye of an editor or the help of an established writer, the book needs something to unify it in a common voice, and to be parsed for coherency. I get the impression it was rushed out for impact given the simple typographical errors and jumpy composition. Carl often repeats himself and the same thoughts in near-identical words chapter to chapter, and much of the writing feels disjoint in general, a sort of stream of consciousness. In reading the testimonials at the end, I was struck by how powerfully Leo Rautins summed up Carl's story, and wished for more of that wordsmithing that I didn't find in the short volume.
On content alone, the book is quite good. You have to feel for the man on a whole for whom Lady Luck has been most unkind, and you reel emotionally for English at every fork in the road. He has navigated the ups and downs of the unforgiving world of sport when most would have given him no chance, and with none of the advantages young star athletes are afforded today in terms of exposure. Where some coaches deemed him a square peg in a round hole, he bore his own notch with grit and determination the likes of which few have ever seen. It was a privilege to watch what may have been his final two seasons in person, and share in the history of our native son It is definitely a story young athletes or anyone struggling with adversity should read and internalize.
January 24, 2020
An amazing read! Being a basketball lover, a fan of Carl, and having my family from Branch, I feel in love with this read! I knew a lot about Carl’s story but not in depth as his book provided. Glad I did sit down to read this book and get a better understanding of what Carl’s professional basketball career and life was like!
February 3, 2020
Carl's story is truly amazing. To go through so many setbacks and still persevere and maintain a positive attitude is astounding. I have read this novel aloud to two eighth grade classes. Students were captivated and motivated by Carl's life story.
The editing in this novel is lacking. Several areas of the book are extremely repetitive- to the point where I would internally say "ok... we get it..." as I read for the third time in one Chapter that Carl was doing great at a certain basketball camp. There are at least two spelling mistakes and some other issues that make the novel weaker than what it would have been with a strong editing team behind the novel.
The editing in this novel is lacking. Several areas of the book are extremely repetitive- to the point where I would internally say "ok... we get it..." as I read for the third time in one Chapter that Carl was doing great at a certain basketball camp. There are at least two spelling mistakes and some other issues that make the novel weaker than what it would have been with a strong editing team behind the novel.
December 30, 2019
I bought this book because I wanted to read the young life story of Carl. I wasn't disappointed. I enjoyed the first three chapters. I wasn't really interested in all the basketball hardships although I admire his tenacity to succeed. I liked how the book concluded. It was well written.
February 12, 2020
Read complete review at this link:
https://www.saltwire.com/lifestyles/l...
https://www.saltwire.com/lifestyles/l...
April 15, 2020
Inspiring read!
November 7, 2020
Every (young) person should read this book... Carl English triumph thru such trying times shows what the human psyche is capable of... inspirational and moving.
May 21, 2023
Enjoyed the read but it was a bit too technical.
August 16, 2021
Carl English is a Canadian basketball legend.
August 30, 2024
Really enjoyed this book
I’ve became quite a big fan of the publisher over the years and every time I see “ FlankerPress” on any book I grab it right away
I didn’t know much about Carl English
Or his story
Until this book
What a good story about overcoming obstacles and believing in yourself
He should be very proud of his career and his book
A true Newfoundland legend
Read while at work on Tanker Damia Desgagnes
I’ve became quite a big fan of the publisher over the years and every time I see “ FlankerPress” on any book I grab it right away
I didn’t know much about Carl English
Or his story
Until this book
What a good story about overcoming obstacles and believing in yourself
He should be very proud of his career and his book
A true Newfoundland legend
Read while at work on Tanker Damia Desgagnes
January 19, 2024
English story is powerful, honest and uplifting. He’s a survivor of a horrific family tragedy but this didn’t stop him from reaching for the stars. English has had a successful basketball career from his hard work ethic, dedication and athletic ability. This is a much read for anyone, just not for the sports fan.
December 18, 2025
Crazy what Carl English was able to accomplish given his traumatic childhood, not to mention minimal help and horrible luck. A Newfoundland Icon who could’ve easily been NL’s only NBA player if the ball bounced a bit differently.
The writing here is not very concise or cohesive, but the story is compelling so can’t really complain.
The writing here is not very concise or cohesive, but the story is compelling so can’t really complain.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews