“When Suzette Howe’s “Broken Before Battle” trilogy is completed, this second book may hold up as the most important work of the three. In “Broken Before Battle: Raising Champions for Tomorrow”, Howe again employs her vast resources to talk to some truly world-class athletes about their formative years. She also effectively takes an even deeper dive with those who are parents to talk about their philosophies on raising children and how it may or may not dovetail with the way they were brought up. Many of the subjects have been hardened yet forged by, some challenging life experiences.

As the mother of former two-time UFC bantamweight titleholder, Dominick Cruz, Howe has had a front seat to witness her son’s evolution from curious child to bonafide world champion. And although she deflects credit, she clearly created a championship-level foundation upon which her children have thrived.

I also found it powerful that Howe seamlessly incorporated some of her own childhood experiences, which helped to give the book important meat and context. Clearly, the author is much more than just a writer. She has left no stone unturned in her efforts to get high-profile subjects to speak on critically important matters in a way that is relatable and empowering. As a parent, I have found a lot of inspiration in the “Broken Before Battle” series and I look forward to the completion of the trilogy.”