Book Review - START HERE

Start Here is a follow-up book to Alex & Brett Harris' book DO HARD THINGS. I have not read Do Hard Things - however, excepts from it were in a newsletter I get, and I wrote about it in March of 2009: here. I was impressed with what these teenagers had to say back then - they were far more spiritually mature than I was at their age and actually had something to say to me as an adult. Start Here is kind of a "manual" on how-to do hard things. As the back cover says the book is "Filled with stories and insights ... a powerful and practical guide to doing hard things, right where you are."



Before I give you my "take" on this book, let me give you the facts. This paperback book is available from Random House and can be also be found at amazon.com (new & used).



I was given this book for review by Waterbrook Press/Multnomah at no cost to me.



I guess I should start my review by saying the book did not really apply or appeal to me personally, but I do think these two young adults are inspiring if you are a young person with big plans and goals for God. I am just a housewife, looking for a simple life, attempting to raise godly children and to be a good wife and church member. My goals are not global, nor are they to do things that affect thousands. I am just tickled that I get to share a little of my life with a few ladies on my humble little blog. :) I seek advice more than I give it; I am learning more than I am teaching. As I have said before, I am learning that at this stage in my life, my family IS my ministry. I guess you would say that is where I got my start.



Start Here is filled with stories and scenarios of young people doing extraordinary things - with the sincere goal of doing them for God's glory. That I can condone and even rejoice in. There are stories of teens who raised thousands of dollars for missions, who hosted fundraisers for ministry, and who dreamed and prayed BIG. If that is what you feel like God is leading you to, then by all means, trust Him to use you for BIG THINGS. As for me, I'm going to remain a homebody mom and wife behind the scenes - but I can definitely PRAY for those who are out there doing these big things.

By no means does this book say that if you are just doing "small" things that you are wrong. In fact, God can use any personality and any ability. I think the gist of the book is to not just sit there wishing to be used by God - but to ATTEMPT things for God's glory, whether great or small. And to that I can say: AMEN.