Brandon Hatmaker

Unsure what I'd find in this book, I was pleasantly surprised by Brandon Hatmaker's conversational style and various ways of illustrating his points. I loved that I could read for two minutes and take away something to think about, or settle in for 30 minutes and really meditate on what I was seeing spotlighted in my own life.

I've had to reconsider my definition of "neighbor." I've realized that my viewpoint both of myself and of others could use some more grace, when compared to God's perspective of us all.

I need to reread A Mile Wide and take notes because there was too much good stuff for me to process the first time through.


I received a PDF file of the ARC in exchange for my honest review.… (mere)

I don't remember the last time I read a work of Christian nonfiction by a male author.

Scratch that - I do. I remember getting so mad at John Piper in college that I swore I would never read another straight, white dude's ideas about God ever. EVER.

So fast-forward a whole bunch of years, and I discover and fall in love with Jen Hatmaker. So when I hear her husband has a new book coming out, I am - despite my best intentions - curious. I decide to give it a shot.

And it was good. And honestly, that's saying something, because I've read some pretty amazing books in this genre this year, so he had a fairly high standard to live up to. His book was a nice mixture of big dreams - as Christians, we are called to step out and meet the needs of the world - as well as practical steps - start by slowing down, and identifying what actually needs to be done where you live. Hatmaker introduces a new way of living and relating to the world, but doesn't stop at the ideas - he gives individual people the tools to make change, in their own house, neighborhood, and community. His words are challenging, and I found myself nodding with agreement on one page, and feeling convicted on the next.

There are a couple of tiny, stylistic things that kept me from falling completely in love, but overall I found it to be excellent. I'm so glad I put my misconceptions aside and gave this one a try. Definitely recommended!… (mere)