Book Review: Shaken by Tim Tebow
Tim Tebow’s Shaken: Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life’s Storms is an inspiring book that dives into the heart of struggle, identity, and faith. Released in 2016, this book goes beyond Tebow’s well-known image as a football star and sports commentator. Instead, Tebow uses his own life experiences—both the triumphs and the setbacks—to encourage readers to find a strong sense of self-worth rooted in faith, even when circumstances are less than ideal.
Overview
In Shaken, Tebow shares deeply personal stories about the highs and lows of his career. Despite his success as a college quarterback, winning the Heisman Trophy, and briefly playing in the NFL, Tebow faced criticism and setbacks throughout his journey. For example, Tebow recounts his highly publicized departure from the NFL, a humbling experience that left him feeling lost and unsure about his future. This, as he explains, was one of his “shaken” moments—a time when his identity and purpose felt insecure. Instead of letting these disappointments define him, Tebow turned to his faith for guidance and strength, and Shaken reflects his journey of finding purpose amid life’s uncertainties.
One of the strongest elements of Shaken is its focus on identity. Tebow urges readers to understand that our worth isn’t tied to what we accomplish or how others perceive us. He advocates for a faith-based perspective on self-worth, reminding us that our identity should come from our relationship with God, not external achievements or failures. This message resonates throughout the book, as Tebow uses biblical stories and passages to illustrate how faith can sustain a person even when the world seems to fall apart.
Key Themes
A major theme in Shaken is resilience. Tebow explains that being resilient isn’t just about bouncing back from failure; it’s about drawing strength from one’s faith to find meaning even in the darkest of moments. This is something Tebow has dealt with throughout his career. The way he presents this message feels authentic and relatable, especially as he avoids glossing over his challenges. He provides specific anecdotes about being criticized, overlooked, and doubted by fans and coaches alike, but each time he faced a setback, he leaned into his belief that God had a plan for him.
Another powerful theme in Shaken is the importance of service and compassion. Tebow has spent much of his life involved in charitable work through the Tim Tebow Foundation, which he discusses in the book. From visiting sick children to assisting people with special needs, Tebow shows how serving others can give life meaning and fulfillment beyond personal success. This part of the book gives insight into how Tebow’s values shape his actions and priorities, offering readers a glimpse into how faith and service go hand in hand.
Writing Style and Accessibility
Tebow’s writing style is straightforward, conversational, and accessible, which makes Shaken a book that appeals to a broad audience. His sincerity and honesty shine through, creating a tone that feels genuine. The language is simple and direct, which helps Tebow’s message come across clearly. While Tebow isn’t a trained theologian, he uses relatable language and references Scripture to back up his points, which might appeal to readers looking for a mix of personal narrative and spiritual encouragement.
Comparisons to His Other Books
Shaken is one of several books Tebow has written, including Through My Eyes and This Is the Day: Reclaim Your Dream. Ignite Your Passion. Live Your Purpose. Through My Eyes is more focused on Tebow’s early life and sports career, particularly his years playing college football for the University of Florida, while This Is the Day is an empowering guide to taking action and living purposefully. Shaken differs from these other works because it’s less about achieving dreams and more about handling life’s inevitable setbacks.
Final Thoughts and Rating
Shaken is a book filled with encouragement and wisdom for anyone facing adversity. Whether you’re a sports fan or not, the life lessons Tebow shares are universally applicable. By focusing on faith and identity, Shaken challenges readers to redefine success and find confidence in who they are, regardless of life’s ups and downs.
For readers who are open to Christian perspectives and enjoy personal stories of faith in action, Shaken is a meaningful and uplifting read. While it may not offer groundbreaking theology, its simple, heartfelt message is impactful. I’d rate Shaken 4 out of 5 stars for its authenticity and the positive encouragement it offers to those seeking direction and reassurance.