Defending the Line~The David Luiz Story by Alex Carpenter

Zondervan provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

“Everything in life belongs to God.  Our purpose has already been mapped out.” ~David Luiz

Defending the Line~The David Luiz Story was written by Alex Carpenter.  The book first starts out with different definitions or the “Learning the Lingo” page so that you understand the terms in the book.  The story starts by telling you about David, his life as a young child and his determination to do what God wanted with his life.   He knew that “God had big plans” for his life and that he needed to take it day by day to figure out what that was, as he stated in an interview.   The story highlights how his faith has shaped his life and what kind of person he is.  He prayed, WITH a teammate, FOR them, instead of praying for a win that was so desperately wanted.  Even when he was benched he didn’t look at it as a failure he knew that God had a plan for him and he would use this time to consult with him.  David came from a small town and knows what it is like to struggle.  The book explains the path that David took during his rise to fame.  He can now provide for his family but hasn’t forgotten where he came from.  He has started an organization to help those less fortunate, the ACAO Social ( The David Luiz Socal Action), which provides canned foods and fun events for underprivileged kids.    What an inspiration to anyone and a must read for any avid soccer player.  It takes dedication, sacrifice and most importantly faith to live the life that you are called to live as David Luiz has. 
     From the back of the book:  One of the rising stars in international soccer, David Luz has been impressing crowds since he was a boy.  But it is his faith, not his fame, that drives him to greater success and keeps him “defending the line.”  David made his debut in professional soccer as  a left full back when he was just 19.  He was then picked up by Portugal’s Benfica team and named player of the year for the 2009-2010 season.  As a star defender and vice captain for the Brazilian national team, David shines both on and off the field, inspiring athletes around the world with his incredible soccer skills and his unwavering faith.  David currently plays for England”s Chelsea Football Club, one of the premier club teams in the world and his is expected to play for Brazil in the 2014 World Cup.
     About the Author: (from the book cover)  Alex Carpenter was born and raised in Brazil but attended the international English-language school, allowing him to be fluent in Portuguese and English.  Alex played soccer in high school in Brazil and is a fan of both Brazilian and European soccer,  He attended the film school at Biola University and then worked in Hollywood as personal assistant to director Gary Ross (Seabiscuit, The Hunger Games.)  He later earned an MFA in creative writing from Chapman University and now teaches English and literature at an inner-city high school in downtown Los Angeles.  He and his wife, Lisa live in long Beach California.

  Thank you Zondervan for the opportunity to review this book!