{"product_id":"rise-a-soldier-a-dream-and-a-promise-kept-9780544570368","title":"Rise: A Soldier, a Dream, and a Promise Kept","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eThe unforgettable story of a young soldier who survived one of the bloodiest battles in Afghanistan and, against all odds, lived to pursue his dream of playing Division I college football. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAt 5-foot-8, 175 pounds, Daniel Rodriguez was an unlikely recruit for the gridiron. But on the battlefield, under the daily rain of sniper fire, he made a promise to his best friend. \"When I get out of this shithole, I'm going to play college football.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDaniel had joined the army just weeks after graduating from high school, having recently suffered a devastating loss. At age nineteen he had no idea what war really was; he just wanted to get out of town. Almost immediately, he was deployed to Iraq (and would later serve in Afghanistan). And he grew up fast--stopped sleeping, started smoking. Killing became second nature. He fought in the infamous Battle of Kamdesh and for his bravery he was awarded a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. But his best friend was not so lucky.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAgainst all odds, Daniel returned home--broken, but still alive. Stuck in the clutches of PTSD, Daniel remembered that fateful promise to his friend and knew he had to make good on it. He embarked on a grueling training regimen and when he posted a video of his efforts, it went viral overnight. By some mix of grit, determination, and the power of the Internet, he earned a spot on the Clemson University football team.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA powerfully delivered narrative of a young soldier, his unlikely dream, and how he found his way out of darkness, \u003cem\u003eRise\u003c\/em\u003e is inspiring, quintessentially American, and will resonate with anyone who has ever fought for what they wanted.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eDANIEL RODRIGUEZ was a Division I football player for Clemson University. He has served tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan and is a decorated war hero. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e JOE LAYDEN is an award-winning journalist and best-selling author who has written more than thirty books. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Harper Perennial","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52174024507666,"sku":"9780544570368","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_86d3085f-0568-46a8-b320-50fb2c91082e.jpg?v=1775558380","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/rise-a-soldier-a-dream-and-a-promise-kept-9780544570368","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}