Every Day I Fight

by Stuart Scott, Larry Platt

“When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer.  You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live.” – Stuart Scott

The fearless, intimate, and inspiring story behind ESPN anchor Stuart Scott’s unrelenting fight against cancer, with a foreword by Robin Roberts.

Shortly before he passed away, on January 4, 2015, Stuart Scott completed work on this memoir. It was both a labor of love and a love letter to life itself. Not only did Stuart relate his personal story—his childhood in North Carolina, his supportive family, his athletic escapades, his on-the-job training as a fledgling sportscaster, his being hired and eventual triumphs at ESPN—he shared his intimate struggles to keep his story going. Struck by appendiceal cancer in 2007, Stuart battled this rare disease with an unimaginable tenacity and vigor. Countless surgeries, enervating chemotherapies, endless shuttling from home to hospital to office and back—Stuart continued defying fate, pushing himself through exercises and workout routines that kept him strong. He wanted to be there for his teenage daughters, Sydni and Taelor, not simply as their dad, but as an immutable example of determination and courage.

Every Day I Fight is a saga of love, an inspiration to us all.

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Audiobook, Autobiography, Biography Memoir

298 pages, Hardcover

First published March 10, 2015

About the author

Stuart Orlando Scott was a well respected American sportscaster and anchor on ESPN.

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Ezi Chinny · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This is what Cancer does. It makes everything profound. It makes everything urgent.”
I just finished this book and I feel inspired. I have lost family members to cancer and I hate cancer for the insidious disease it is. But listening to this audiobook, I felt hope and courage. Stuart Scott said “You beat Cancer by continuing to live, by refusing to be just a cancer patient.” And he did his best to live despite having this disease that ravaged his body.

To hear his life told from his own words was so thought-provoking and motivating. He said about cancer “it can kill you and make you stronger, all at the same time.” What an intense, yet poignant outlook on the sickness that did eventually take Stuart’s life. The narrator Adam Lazarre-White was amazing.
From the beginning, through his voice I heard Stuart Scott and forgot it was another person narrating. He had all the same general easy going tone and even excitement that drew audiences from every facet of the sports universe. It is a thing of beauty when the narrator doesn’t displace the narrative, but instead, immerses the listener into the words on the page.

It felt like hearing Stuart in my ears, directly from his own mouth. This is one of the most reflective audiobooks that I have ever listened to. I heard the author’s love of his life, his family and his job. If there is one thing I saw on ESPN, it was that Stuart enjoyed relating the daily goings-on in sports. This was a man who brought his all and made it entertaining and relatable to me.
This book also gave me a different insight into the life of a person trying to live despite cancer. It was eye opening that hearing what I considered words of support such as “you are going to beat this” or “you are stronger than this disease” may not be what the cancer patient may want to hear. It also made me cognizant that “the cancer” not be the subject discussed all the time since they already live it every minute of every day.
This memoir also serves a love note to his fans but most of all, to his loved ones to tell everyone how much he enjoyed his life and loved his family. It also imparts to the reader that Stuart recognized the trust sports fans all over placed in him. This narrator delivered this story with confidence and it was amazing that Stuart was devoid of self-pity. That’s not say Stuart didn’t express misery at times, but he continued in spite of his despair. That is what I take away from this memoir. As Stuart said: "Cancer can kill you. But it can also make the man you always wanted to be."
I take that quote to mean that I should make every minute count. So I will hug my family and tell them what they mean to me by words and deeds daily. When I don’t feel like working out or eating properly, I will remind myself, that Stuart Scott went to work out for 45 minutes after each chemotherapy treatment. When I don’t feel like doing my job because I don’t feel like it, I will remember the effort it took for Stuart to pull himself together to accept the Jimmy V award at the 2014 ESPY. He embraced each opportunity he could in his 49 years of life; I will seek to do the same.



*Special Thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Blue Rider Press via Netgalley

[Dianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a big fan of Stuart Scott so was glad to see this on the shelf at my library. Stuart recounts his life's journey and his battle with cancer in his trademark candid and "real" style. The book has some genuinely inspirational, thoughtful and moving moments.

Recommended for fans of Stuart Scott and people who have been in the fight with cancer.

[Deacon Tom F. (Recovering from a big heart attack) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touched my heart and brought me to tears on different occasions.

For those who know of the story, we lost Mr Scott to cancer. This is the story of his struggle and fight to the very end.

It really touched me because I have leukemia and have experienced my of the same emotions as Stuart.

It helped me refocus on my victories thus far and get out of the deep valley of fear I have been in lately.

Wow! I love books.

This is a true winner.

[Elizabeth☮ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently started keeping a notebook of quotes I like from books. I will mark a page with a post-it as I read and then write down the quotes once I am done. This book would require me to copy entire pages.

Scott's story is one of empowerment. He got his cancer diagnosis and didn't let it take over his life. Until it finally did and now we are left to fight against cancer. But he leaves the world better because his words resonate with survivors and their families.

If you know someone with cancer, read this book. If you have cancer, read this book. If cancer has ever touched your life, read it.

Peace to all of the people dealing with this monster of a disease.

[Mendy-Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stuart Scott was an amazingly strong person and his deep dedication to and love of his daughters showed through in this book. By sharing this book, he was sharing some of his deepest, most personal moments as he made his journey....even near the end as he came to terms with allowing himself not to be a warrior anymore.

Favorite quote: This is what cancer does. It makes everything profound. It makes everything urgent.

[Paul Moreton · Rating 1 out of 5]

Great into, unfortunately it could've stopped there. The book has some touching moments and even a few inspirational thoughts from Scott. However they don't make up for what turns out to be a description of what it's like to be a rich celebrity with cancer. It's hard to relate, let alone feel sympathy, when Tiger Woods is loaning out his private jet to get Scott from a golf tournament in Vegas to a doctor appointment.

[Laura Ann she-her · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir was amazing, powerful, and moving. This man and his words are now a part of me and my soul. Stuart is an exemplary person and such a gentle, strength to to him and his words. This is the second book I have read in 2016, and it has already had an impact on my life and how I live. Joyful!

[Norm · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Stuart Scott passed away in January of 2015, I was shocked-I knew he'd been battling cancer for years but I always just assumed he'd come back like he had before.

But cancer's a dick.

I really enjoyed this memoir, highlighting his life from his childhood to his years of playing sports, to his college years and him finding his passion-the news. You learn quite a bit about how he started at ESPN and just how much they were behind him there. And of course, you learn all about his battle with cancer.
Probably one of the things I love most about this book is that you can hear Stu's voice in your head, like he's there tell you all these things. He's a real family man and it feels like his entire fight was for his two daughters that he loved very much. I'd recommend this book to anyone. The back cover also has his most remembered quote from the 2014 ESPYs, when he received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. You'll always be missed, Mr. Scott-I didn't know you personally but through this book I feel like I got a good look at the person you were. Thank you for sharing with us.

"When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live."

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stu Scott was an awesome guy. Because of this, I've felt compelled to rate the book higher than I really believe it deserved.

The book was a total bore. It was pages upon pages about how great of a person he was - he arrogance flew off the page with every word that was written. I'm happy that others enjoyed the book, but this is definitely not one I would recommend to anyone to read. I prefer to remember the Stu Scott from Sports Center who brought a gritty realness to reporting, not the arrogant person who doesn't come across with a sense of humility.

[Connor Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll give this a 5 star rating.

I grew up watching Stuart Scott on sportscenter and absolutely loved him. It’s funny though , seeing him on tv all the time you feel like you know him. Although I had no idea he was from my hometown, went to my high school, and ultimately was battling cancer for 7 years.

This book was a little bit about his upbringing and ESPN and a little about his battle with cancer/ love of his daughters. About fifty/fifty. I loved it. I started crying a little at the end to be honest. Life is precious.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If you're living with a diagnosis of cancer and you wake up the next morning, you should then and there be considered a cancer survivor- period. Every day you've survived cancer. Every day is a win." This book was hearfelt and real. His emotion and writing really connected. I enjoyed and admire his fight more than ever.

[Jay Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes you look at life a lot different. #courage

[Denise Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! This book was challenging as a parent to live in the every moment and don’t take things for granted. Stuart Scott loved being a parent and his urgency to be an excellent parent became more apparent as cancer entered his life. I watched Stuart Scott win the ESPY Jimmy V award for perseverance a few years back and enjoyed listening to his audio biography. Although it was difficult to listen as things hit close to home with a friend who also experienced a rare form of cancer, it was an excellent insight into what a fight against cancer can look like.

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating:
5 of 5 stars (Outstanding)

Review:
Like every other sports fan, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Stuart Scott on January 4, 2015 to cancer. Since first being diagnosed with appendiceal cancer in 2007, Scott still lived life and was seen on ESPN for his work regularly. This memoir of his life is written in a manner that will make the reader think that he or she is watching an ESPN production about Scott – complete with some of his trademark catch phrases.

There is plenty of sports talk and recaps in the book, and the reader will even learn about a couple of those expressions that Scott made famous. For example, he does talk about the origination of “Booyah!” and how he simply decided to be himself when he got his break by being an original broadcaster on ESPN2. His rise in his career would be an inspiring story by itself.

However, the book gets even better after Scott learns about his diagnosis. It was a moving account of not only what he did to combat the disease (don’t talk about it as a fight, as he states he doesn’t particularly like that phrase), but the love he felt for his daughters Sydni and Taelor. He never took any time with them for granted, from the time they were born until the end of the book. That love for them also was what drove him.

Scott still appeared on ESPN for various assignments after learning his diagnosis and through bouts of chemotherapy and multiple surgeries. Like the love for his daughters, he loved his line of work and it showed in how he brought the same energy and compassion for his on-air work as well. One of the more poignant passages that combined these two loves was when he admitted to doing something that a sports journalist never says – that he was openly rooting for a team. It came in the 2014 NBA Finals. Which team Scott cheered for and why is a wonderful story of love that will tug at the heartstrings of every reader.

No matter if the reader likes sports or couldn’t care less, or whether or not cancer has touched the reader’s life, this is a book that should be read by everyone as a message of inspiration, of the fight to enjoy life and as a story of love. This was an outstanding memoir from a man that was taken from us far too soon.

I wish to thank NetGalley and Penguin Group Blue Rider Press for providing an advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Did I skim?
No.

Pace of the book:
Much like one of his SportsCenter newscasts, the book moves at a fast pace that the reader wants to keep up with. It was a very quick read – one that I completed in less three hours.

Do I recommend?
This book will touch everyone who has ever had to be part of that team that has faced cancer – whether as a patient, family member, friend, colleague or medical professional. Scott’s attitude and enthusiasm for life will leave the reader cheering – then heartbroken knowing that he has passed away.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giving this book 5 stars was an easy decision. It was clearly a labor of love as Stu was writing all the way up to the bitter end. I grew up watching Stu on Sportscenter, and something about hearing his voice on the highlights was soothing and just right. He always had total command of everything he did on television and absolutely owned it. While I clearly never knew the man, I was surprised at how affected I was by his passing emotionally. Something about never again being able to hear that suave hip-hop voice deliver a highlight package was hard to wrap my head around. I think my attachment to his work is a testament to how genuine and passionate he was about what he was doing. My absolute favorite part about this book is that I could hear Stu's voice in my head as I read, as if he were sitting in the room telling his own story. For the brief time it took me to read the book, it was as if he were still here. RIP Stu, we all miss you, man. God Bless Taelor and Sydni whom you clearly loved more than words can ever express.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up watching Stuart Scott on ESPN. I’d get excited anytime he was anchoring the 11 pm SportsCenter. When he died, I was heartbroken. His memoir is a pretty powerful, and oftentimes tough, read. He had a fascinating childhood that I really enjoyed reading about. I was pleasantly surprised to hear how much he enjoys the craft of writing, and could see it in a lot of his descriptions of events.

I couldn’t give it 5 stars though, for a few reasons. He references products like P90X just a few too many times to the point where it became a little annoying – or felt like product placement. I know, I know, that’s likely not the case, but still. I also understand he had a lot of people at ESPN be there for him during his chemo, but, he defends the Mothership a little too much on various topics (coverage of certain events, bias towards certain athletes, etc.). These things are in the public eye, because ESPN makes them be in the public eye.

However, this is a must read for fans of Scott, ESPN, or just terrific autobiographies in general.

[John Ferringer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of it was mostly autobiographical, some good insights into the difference between how he approached sports journalism and how people perceived his approach and/or relationships with athletes. Can't say that I agree with what he was saying, but its good to hear his take on it. Second half of the book detailing his fight with cancer is insightful, strong, and ultimately bittersweet. Better than I expected, and relate-able for me as a father.

[Reca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book showed a unique perspective to the battle with cancer that Stuart Scott fought. By unique perspective, I mean in the way he fought the cancer that got a hold of him in 2007 and never would let go. I was impressed that he kept up his workout regimen while undergoing chemotherapy, until close to the end. He showed us that each day is a gift and to treat it as such. I was defInitely inspired.

[Anita Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't realize how much I miss Stuart Scott until I read his own words. To meet the making of the man that I admire even posthumously, makes me admire him even more. To live with the burden of his terminal demise, and to still create a fine work of literature is admirable. My heart goes out to the family of Stuart Scott and to millions of fans that miss him.

[Mike Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome insight to the life and journey of a man I grew up watching every morning on SportsCenter. Truly one of the voices of my childhood, that helped grow my love for sports. Very well written, but most importantly provides a very real peak behind the curtain of life. It gets very emotionally heavy towards the end of the book. Fuck cancer. “BOO-YAH”

[Alex Dissing · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Life consists of two dates with a dash in between. Make the dash count." What a great book by a great man. This book made me an even bigger Stuart Scott fan, which I didn't think was possible. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

[Carmen Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Random House for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Everyday I Fight by Stuart Scott with Larry Platt Five out of Five

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make the most of your dash...you know the one between the day you are born and the day you die. Stuart did...he kicked cancers ass by the way he lived. Outstanding memoir.

[Drew Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tremendous book! Hard to read as a father of all girls and reading what he was thinking as he battled cancer.

[Hannah (hannah_reads_) · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so moving. Truly felt like you were just having a conversation with Stuart.

[LaShanda Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, let me tell you, delving into this one was tough! Stuart Scott, the legendary ESPN personality we all adored, was truly one of my absolute favorites at the network. Ever since his passing in January 2015, the network just hasn’t felt the same. His book hit the shelves a few months later in March 2015, and I'll be honest, it took some serious courage to crack it open.

In his memoir, Stuart Scott bares his soul, sharing deeply personal stories from his life as a sports commentator. He holds nothing back, opening up about his career highs and lows, as well as his most intimate struggles, particularly his fierce battle with cancer. Despite the immense challenges he faced, Stuart's unwavering love for his family shines through brightly. He goes out of his way to create unforgettable moments with his daughters, showcasing his undying devotion to them.

I can’t express enough how much I admire Stuart for his candidness about his cancer journey. His openness and vulnerability truly touched my heart. I’m beyond grateful that I finally summoned the courage to immerse myself in his memoir. Let me tell you, it was an experience I’ll never forget! Without a doubt, I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a story that will both tug at your heartstrings and uplift your spirit.

[Christine (Queen of Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sobbed about as much as I knew I would.

I grew up on SportsCenter, and Stuart Scott was my man. I never had the great fortune of meeting him, but when he died, it felt like losing an acquaintance I'd always loved. I'm grateful this book gave me a chance to learn a bit more about his life.

Stories from his time coming up in broadcast were my favorite part of the book, though his love for his daughters also was touching. A fair amount of the back end is about his cancer journey and his reflections on that and life in general.

I only have one complaint, which is regarding the ads ESPN put out. He described them as depicting the "American male sports fantasy." It was the female sports fantasy too, Stu. Wish you were here so I could remind you that - I know you know.

[Nichelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

When someone saw me reading this book, they told me they wouldn't read it because it's sad..It was not sad to me. It told of Stuart's journey. Why and how he fought the good fight. I know how the story was going to end. But it wasn't sad until the very end..Some of my favorite quotes:

Who says that life is what happens when you are busy making other plans..

Your life is made up of two dates and a dash..so you better make the most out of the dash....

Gotta handle your business. Gotta keep pounding the rock, and maybe one day, it will split in two...Stuart Scott

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were parts of this book that did really resonate with me. Overall, it was a good book. I did the audio version.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because I'm not a sports fan, I was only vaguely familiar with the story of Stuart Scott and his fight against cancer. This book was very inspiring and made me feel that we have lost a great person on this earth. The disease really ravaged his body and for 7 years he put up an amazing fight.