Customer Reviews

Charlie's Touchdown

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I'm 19 years old, from Bogata, Columbia. As I read Charlie's Touchdown I was very interested in the medical aspects of Charlie's condition. Little did I realize just how much this book was going to change my life forever. The wonderful attitude of this young boy during his 14 short years on this earth and the deep faith of his mother touched my heart deeply. I could see the obvious suffering of Charlie and his family, but as I read on hardly able to put the book down, I could truly see
how God can take an obvious tragedy and turn it into something beautiful if only we love and have faith placing all things in God's capable hands. My faith was not what it should have been, but after reading Charlie's story I can tell you it has increased a hundredfold. I wish I could have known Charlie, but thanks to Mary Jo, I now feel like I do. Not only has my faith deepened in this wonderful God we have, but by the time I finished this book I knew without any doubt in my mind that I wanted to become a physician, not only to help relieve suffering, but to help those who's suffering seems almost unbearable to know that there truly is such a thing as redemptive suffering and I believe with all my heart that Charlie is responsible for the saving of many souls. I only pray that my life's work as a physician and healer of the body can also bring about a comfort and healing to the soul. I begin my studies to become a doctor later this year. Thanks Charlie, you just scored another big TOUCHDOWN because your beautiful story has changed my life forever and brought me closer to Jesus.

This is the most hearwarming profound diary of a loving child and his family that reachs in and grabs your heart and won't let go. Mary Jo and Charlie's journey made me take a look at my own life. This is a "get me a box of tissue" next to the fireplace, and trust me, you will not put it down story. The love of this child and the determination of his family is a study and lesson for all of us. I am a much richer person reading this, and everyone should read this lesson in life's journey. This book changed my life. It will change yours. Do yourself a favor and read this incredible travel with life, love and Charlie's family.
You will not put it down the same person.

"Charlie's Touchdown" is a wonderful inspirational book. Mary Jo Stopher's faith is encouraging and an example to follow. The pain and challenges Charlie and his family face are heart wrenching, yet I was uplifted spiritually, as Christ is always the center of their lives. As a parent, another aspect that I found truly moving was their ability not to place limitations on Charlie because of his multiple disabilities, but rather to strive that he would have quality of life. "Charlie's Touchdown" is a story you will not soon forget, it will touch your heart and increase your faith. I know it did mine.

I have found Mary Jo's book to be one of the most heartwarming expressions of love, not only in the family, but love for God. Her exact recall of explicit events in this book could only have come with the help of the Holy Spirit. Most of us sometimes wonder why we have to suffer so much. Charlie's Touchdown expresses in great detail the power behind redemptive suffering and how to cope with the most tragic times in our lives. Congratulations Mary Jo on a book well written and thank you for showing us that the love of Jesus and Mary can carry us through our most difficult times, no matter what they may be.

Charlie's Touchdown is such an inspirational true story. I am not usually an avid reader, but found that I could not put this book down until I had completed it! What a touching story! As a mother of five myself, I found myself putting myself in Mary Jo's place and what admiration I have for her! This book shows a mother's love in every true sense, never-ending faith,triumph over tragedy, and hope over despair. This is a book that I have recommended to everyone I know & look forward to reading it again!

I loved this book. It really touched my soul. Mary Jo is such a powerful writer, but even more importantly, a strong person. I was so emotional after the birth of our first child and I was brought to tears many times while reading. The book also gave me so much insight into parenthood. The sacrifices, the communication, the joy of seeing a child thrilled with the things we take for granted. Throughout the book, I couldn't help but think what a selfless person Mary Jo is. And to think someone thought it was selfish of her to have so many children. What is their rationale, a bigger house, a new boat, a nice vacation.

The other aspect of the book was the faith journey. While I was raised a fundamental catholic, I completely lost my way in my adulthood. The faith and strength Mary Jo showed throughout her life is an inspiration to me. The book at least made me think about trying again.

Thank you for such a wonderful gift. I feel like I can almost hear young Charlie laughing. There is nothing more delightful than the laughter of a child. Charlie also blessed me with his positive attitude. To be so young, yet able to encourage his brohter Marty from the sidelines. For a child to act selflessly is such a miracle and an inspiration to us all.

This book describes the short life of a child who never gave up on the belief that he would some day be able to live like other children, although he knew very well the limitations of his disabilities. It's a heart warming story that later ended in tragedy. The inspiration that his story gives the reader is beyond compair. The book could also have been titled "Against All Odds" but the selection of "Charlie's Touchdown" is more than appropriate because of his enthusiasm for the sport. It's a book well worth anyone's time and will certainly leave an everlasting impression on any reader.

I first had the pleasure of reading "Charlie's Touchdown" in 2004. I have recently savored the story again and enjoyed it just as much. The story, told through the eyes of his mother, focuses on Charlie, a courageous and inspiring boy who was born with multiple heart anomalies. The book is written in a conversant manner; you can't help but feel like you come to know Charlie and his family. The summation of Charlie's life is so much more than his medical problems. The truest meaning of life is exemplified by the example of this young man. His life, though relatively brief, was a woven tapestry of hope, determination, faith, trust, love, humilty, joy and gave validity to the value of suffering.
I highly recommend this book. After reading "Charlie's Touchdown" you will readily see the appropriateness of the book's title.

Vickie Batcheldor

This book is an inspiring example of how much we can rely on God to help us through the pain of this life. Mary Jo's reliance on faith to provide strength in her most painful and difficult experiences helped me see that we can and must TRUST God ... His plan is eternel and reaches far beyond this life. Thank you, Mary Jo, for sharing this experience with the world and demonstrating the very faith and trust that Jesus told us was possible.

"Charlie's Touchdown" is an awesome testimony of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness (no matter the daily struggles, the never-ending challenges, the pain of human suffering, and the grief of the human heart). Charlie, his family, and their faith will inspire you. And you will find plenty of the Holy Spirit all along the way!

A powerful read for anyone; an especially uplifting read for bereaved parents and those grieving the loss of a loved one.