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marc_s's review against another edition
challenging
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
This book is about teens rising above America’s low expectations for them by doing hard things. It aims to motivate teens to do hard things beyond what those around them would expect them to be capable of at their age.
Before I critique the Harris twins’ work, I will say that I agree with them on their general premise. I am glad that they have been able to accomplish great feats and am thankful that they have motivated other young people to do so as well.
Aside from that, I didn’t like this book all that much. It was very difficult to read through. I believe part of this was because the book dragged on for far too long and crawled at a snail’s pace. I imagine the substance of the book could have been communicated just as well if all of the chapters were halved in length (and some of the chapters could probably be removed entirely). Although it is not necessarily wrong, I also particularly dislike when authors come up with novel words that are for their pet project/cobbled together from other words, so although I understand what was trying to be communicated by the various flavors of the term “rebelution,” the over usage of the term got to be annoying quite early in the book.
Another thing I found odd was the manner in which the Bible was used in this book. The Harris twins wrote this book from a Christian background (the appendix is a gospel presentation in case it wasn’t clear), but I often found that their engagement with the provided texts was very surface level. I’m a few years past my teens but I thought that the twins could have expected a bit more from their (presumably teenage) readers in this respect, and even if not, they could have given them the opportunity to “do hard things” in understanding the theology they were communicating. I don’t think a whole lot of depth is needed for a message that boils down to not being a sluggard, but there was some untapped potential here in my view.
Another cause for concern in this department was the book’s unqualified platforming and subtle endorsement of Smith Wigglesworth, an early Pentecostal, who, at one point during his ministry, threw an infant against a wall and kicked the infant in a healing attempt. Although he is only the subject of one example in chapter five, the book’s unqualified presentation and subtle approval of Wigglesworth is naive at best and potentially dangerous otherwise.
To summarize, although I generally support the Harris twins’ goal to get teens to do difficult things, I did not enjoy this book. It was too long-winded, theologically shallow, and subtly endorsed a theologically dubious figure.
Before I critique the Harris twins’ work, I will say that I agree with them on their general premise. I am glad that they have been able to accomplish great feats and am thankful that they have motivated other young people to do so as well.
Aside from that, I didn’t like this book all that much. It was very difficult to read through. I believe part of this was because the book dragged on for far too long and crawled at a snail’s pace. I imagine the substance of the book could have been communicated just as well if all of the chapters were halved in length (and some of the chapters could probably be removed entirely). Although it is not necessarily wrong, I also particularly dislike when authors come up with novel words that are for their pet project/cobbled together from other words, so although I understand what was trying to be communicated by the various flavors of the term “rebelution,” the over usage of the term got to be annoying quite early in the book.
Another thing I found odd was the manner in which the Bible was used in this book. The Harris twins wrote this book from a Christian background (the appendix is a gospel presentation in case it wasn’t clear), but I often found that their engagement with the provided texts was very surface level. I’m a few years past my teens but I thought that the twins could have expected a bit more from their (presumably teenage) readers in this respect, and even if not, they could have given them the opportunity to “do hard things” in understanding the theology they were communicating. I don’t think a whole lot of depth is needed for a message that boils down to not being a sluggard, but there was some untapped potential here in my view.
Another cause for concern in this department was the book’s unqualified platforming and subtle endorsement of Smith Wigglesworth, an early Pentecostal, who, at one point during his ministry, threw an infant against a wall and kicked the infant in a healing attempt. Although he is only the subject of one example in chapter five, the book’s unqualified presentation and subtle approval of Wigglesworth is naive at best and potentially dangerous otherwise.
To summarize, although I generally support the Harris twins’ goal to get teens to do difficult things, I did not enjoy this book. It was too long-winded, theologically shallow, and subtly endorsed a theologically dubious figure.
miyei_is_reading's review against another edition
5.0
Five stars for me! This book was so compelling and honest. Even though it was directed at (and written by) the generation before most teens now, it is surprisingly even more relevant today. I also loved that, as I said before, the book was written by teenage/YA brothers. This is a wonderful spark to ignite our passion to glorify God in all of life.
One of my favorite concepts is the idea that since the bar in our culture has been set so low, it's relatively easy to look like a good kid, compared to those around you. However, you're missing out on so much potential to learn, serve, and glorify God if you believe you only have to be a "pretty good kid". I was convicted of my own tendency to look at those around me and believe "I'm not as bad as them". Not only is that prideful and condescending because we are all sinful, but it also prevents me from desiring growth and acknowledging my own sin.
Technology was touched on in general, but I believe there are related books by Sara Barratt concerning more specific issues of today.
I am looking forward to sharing this with my tween brother. If you want a fresh perspective along the lines of 1 Timothy 4:12, definitely check this book out!
One of my favorite concepts is the idea that since the bar in our culture has been set so low, it's relatively easy to look like a good kid, compared to those around you. However, you're missing out on so much potential to learn, serve, and glorify God if you believe you only have to be a "pretty good kid". I was convicted of my own tendency to look at those around me and believe "I'm not as bad as them". Not only is that prideful and condescending because we are all sinful, but it also prevents me from desiring growth and acknowledging my own sin.
Technology was touched on in general, but I believe there are related books by Sara Barratt concerning more specific issues of today.
I am looking forward to sharing this with my tween brother. If you want a fresh perspective along the lines of 1 Timothy 4:12, definitely check this book out!
rparks's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
taneilcasey's review against another edition
5.0
This book was simply incredible. It was inspiring, challenging, and thought-provoking. It discussed how teens need to become responsible people, participating actively at home, in the community, and in the world. Not just for themselves, or for others, but for the glory of an almighty God. Both Bluejane and I agreed that we should have a couple of copies on hand to give to people.
I would recommend this to any teens, as well as any adults. I think that all of them could benefit from reading this book.
I would recommend this to any teens, as well as any adults. I think that all of them could benefit from reading this book.
krysm's review against another edition
5.0
I am greatly enjoying this book! I love how they say that doing hard things can simply be answering the phone, for me that used to be hard thing. Making phone calls...still is. I think my favourite 'theme' so far is this: Be known for what you do, instead of what you don't do. :-)
uscrx's review against another edition
4.0
Great motivation to make the most of your time and life! Although written primarily for teenagers, the principles are applicable for everyone in every stage of life. I am thinking through a couple of things to do that are hard for me, but worth doing. Highly recommended!
caitlin_89's review against another edition
5.0
This is such a great book for teens, and everyone else, really.
It encourages youth yo step above average, to live against complacency, and strive to achieve great things for God. It's very convicting, very enthusiastic, and encouraging.
It encourages youth yo step above average, to live against complacency, and strive to achieve great things for God. It's very convicting, very enthusiastic, and encouraging.
saraemmapope's review
5.0
I’m different for reading this book. That’s highest praise a book can be given.
calypsogilstrap's review against another edition
4.0
If you have teens in your life, make them read this book!