The Spaniard’s Books

Hard-Hitting Life Lessons from a #1 Best Selling Author

Thanks for your interest in my books. Below is a bit more information about each.

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Driven by Charlie Brenneman

Driven: My Unlikely Journey from Classroom to Cage

I wrote this book at the very conclusion of my fighting career. It was initially meant to answer all the questions I had been asked along the way – questions about the pain, the money, the fear, the people, the reason behind it. What resulted is a very real look at what it looks like to have a dream and go after it, a dream as crazy as transitioning from a junior high Spanish teacher to a UFC fighter.

Amazon Reviews

  • A terrific read for those who may be on the fence at taking a chance or risk on something.
  • The Spaniard takes us on an epic journey in this book that inspires you to dig deep, as he did, in order to live up to your full potential.

  • Reading Charlie’s book has made me a better person.

  • A fantastic read which gives you a first-hand look into the life of a UFC fighter!!!!! I literally couldn’t put this book down!!!!

  • Great story of courage and overcoming obstacles.

  • I have read hundreds of books about sports, coaches, athletes, etc. and this is one of the best I have ever read.

Becoming the World's Toughest Life-Long Learner by Charlie Brenneman

Becoming the World’s Toughest Life-Long Learner

I wrote this book with a much more business centered approach. Chronicling my career after fighting, it is filled with teachable lessons about pursuit. And though the book’s stories and examples come from speaking, writing and podcasting – outside the cage – the knockdowns and get-back-ups keep on comin’. This is what building a business looks like on the day to day.

Amazon Reviews

  • Undefeated in enthusiasm.

  • The growth that Charlie shares in such a raw way blows me away. He makes you feel that you’re not alone.

  • Whether it’s big dreams or just navigating the ups and downs of life, Charlie lays out the best ways to maintain your vision, boldness, and authenticity to come out of the pursuit a better, tougher, and more educated person.

  • A memoir + lessons (still learning) + funny stories + podcast highlights + great quotes + books that the author has studied… you will NOT be bored reading this and when you start, you won’t put it down easily.

  • This is a great read for anybody wondering if they should take the figurative leap into doing something creative. Heck, it’s a great read for anybody looking for a story about learning and trying.

  • Another great read from The Spaniard.

Driven: My Unlikely Journey from Classroom to Cage (Young Readers Edition)

This is the story of Charlie “THE SPANIARD” Brenneman, an anxious kid who rose to the highest ranks of professional combat sports. Guided by strong family values and instincts honed by a lifetime of wrestling, THE SPANIARD is a unique mix of small town and bright lights. After landing his dream job in education, Charlie left to enter the new world of professional mixed martial arts (MMA). As he shares lessons from nearly a decade in the cage, THE SPANIARD brings you inside. What’s it like fighting a world title contender on live national TV, igniting a Twitter storm with the toughest man on Earth and starting a family along the way? Step into the mind and life of a mixed martial artist who fights not only for money but for prizes far more lasting.

This version of DRIVEN, originally published in 2015, was prepared especially for middle & high school readers. It includes dozens of comments and questions sent to THE SPANIARD by students.

    DAYS of SPANIARD Book 1
    GO FIGURE

    DAYS OF SPANIARD is a series of life skill stories that help kids grow up. Aimed at ages 10-15 in grades 4-9, this series is an entertaining and enlightening resource for counselors, parents, teachers, coaches and school administrators. DAYS OF SPANIARD fiction books are instructive fables that expand on the real-life adventures of The Spaniard. Read more about the series here.

    IN BOOK 1 OF THE SERIES, follow along as THE SPANIARD receives a mysterious message that introduces a fantastic new way for him to inspire students! Is it too good to be true? Or maybe, just maybe, can it be even better?

    DAYS of SPANIARD Book 2
    WATCH ME

    DAYS OF SPANIARD is a series of life skill stories that help kids grow up. Aimed at ages 10-15 in grades 4-9, this series is an entertaining and enlightening resource for counselors, parents, teachers, coaches and school administrators. DAYS OF SPANIARD fiction books are instructive fables that expand on the real-life adventures of The Spaniard. Read more about the series here.

    IN BOOK 2 OF THE SERIES, follow along as THE SPANIARD confronts student bullying that reminds him of being targeted himself during middle school. To help solve the conflict, THE SPANIARD tells how he, as young Charlie, tried to defend himself and a prized gift.

    DAYS of SPANIARD Book 3
    THE DAY MY BRAIN BROKE

    DAYS OF SPANIARD is a series of life skill stories that help kids grow up. Aimed at ages 10-15 in grades 4-9, this series is an entertaining and enlightening resource for counselors, parents, teachers, coaches and school administrators. DAYS OF SPANIARD fiction books are instructive fables that expand on the real-life adventures of The Spaniard. Read more about the series here.

    IN BOOK 3 OF THE SERIES, follow along as THE SPANIARD takes you inside your own head by sharing how his brain took him by surprise and made him wonder if it would ever work again. His story will help you understand and protect your own precious brain.

    DAYS of SPANIARD Book 4
    THE COLLECTOR CARD

    DAYS OF SPANIARD is a series of life skill stories that help kids grow up. Aimed at ages 10-15 in grades 4-9, this series is an entertaining and enlightening resource for counselors, parents, teachers, coaches and school administrators. DAYS OF SPANIARD fiction books are instructive fables that expand on the real-life adventures of The Spaniard. Read more about the series here.

    IN BOOK 4 OF THE SERIES, follow along as THE SPANIARD honors you–yes, YOU–as he closely examines a special card that you gave him. It’s a journey of imagination into your biggest challenges and other struggles faced by countless students today.