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Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, the authors weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life and map a clear trajectory for long-term fulfillment and eternal impact. Written by teens for teens, Do Hard Things is packed with humorous personal anecdotes and stories of teens in action.

As a young man, I discovered the power of doing hard things. Abject poverty, a father’s alcoholism and desertion of our family, and my own shyness were a few of the obstacles I faced and overcame growing up. My mother always told me, “God has a plan for your life.” And she’s right. Each of us is called to reach for greatness. There really is a hero in all of us. We’ve all been designed by God to be a blessing to many—a hero to some. But there’s only one way to get there—it’s described by the title of this book: Do Hard Things.

Today we live in a culture that promotes comfort, not challenges. Everything is about finding ways to escape hardship, avoid pain, and dodge duty. In the past, young people were expected to make significant contributions to society. Today, our culture expects very little from teens—not much more than staying in school and doing a few chores. A sad consequence of such low expectations is that life-changing lessons go unlearned. To whom can we turn to motivate a new generation of giants? I’ve found the answer. Alex and Brett Harris and their book, Do Hard Things.

I know the twins personally and can vouch for their integrity and wisdom. I’ve seen their passion to raise up a new generation of tough-spirited young people. They are amazing young men, uniquely qualified to inspire others to reach for great things.

One of my life’s principles is to develop myself to the maximum of my potential in all ways and to help others do the same. Brett and Alex come straight from the same mold, but with an even greater potential to reach young people around the world.

Their book is far more than a typical how-to book. From an insightful historical overview of the teen years to personal plans for helping teens hurdle tough obstacles, the authors sound a battle cry to raise the cultural bar on teenage potential and to challenge young people to reach for their Godgiven best.

Do Hard Things will help recruit, develop, and deploy a new generation of young culture warriors. With God’s help, the book you’re holding will usher in an era in which it can once again be said of our youth, “I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one” (1 John 2:14).

Start reading now. Then do hard things!
—Chuck Norris

Written by teens for teens, Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris is a wonderful wake-up call for today’s youth. Beginning with the “myth of adolescence”, the Harris brothers reveal that it is only in recent days (the term “teenager was coined in 1941 in Reader’s Digest) that the youth of our culture has been allowed to act and think as children.

It is the premise of this book that our young adults (teens) have the capacity to do great things- even hard things, given the proper motivation, resources, and adult expectations. The brothers go on to cite teens in their “Rebelution” who, bucking the current childlike-adult trend, have purposed to Do Hard Things to make a difference in their world.

The Harris are unashamedly Christian, and this book is peppered with Scripture quotes that confirm their stance. However, even the non-Christian teen would benefit from their motivational challenge to reach their God-given potential. At the closing of the book, the brothers lay out the Gospel message and invite readers to believe on Jesus, who has done the ultimate Hard Thing: Dying in our place that we might be saved. It was a beautiful ending to a very inspirational book.

As a parent of a son who is on the edge of adolescence, I found this book to be inspiring, challenging, and a call to raise my expectations for my kids to step out and Do Hard Things. -- Tracey Bonsell, www.christianbookpreviews.com

Average Rating:

8 of 69 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)

Reviewed by Virginia Mcpeak (Fair Oaks, CA), March 08, 2010

Great book for teens and young adults. Knowing that there are teens out there doing hard things to please God, helps other teens to do the same. Great job!

Reviewed by M Moore (Christchurch 8042, New Zealand), March 05, 2010

This is a challenge to teens to get out of their comfort zones, to take on tasks that will stretch them. Here is a guide to combat boredom, to achieve something thoroughly worthwhile.

Reviewed by Laurie Barrett (Portland, OR), February 18, 2010

I love this book! Although I am far from being a teenager, there are so many thoughts that relate directly to ME and stepping out to do hard things in my world. I ordered the book with a friend's 4 daughters in mind, but am now thinking of getting several more copies for other friends' teens. I highly recommend it for teens and for adults!

Reviewed by Greg Bippes (Rolla, MO), January 24, 2010

Excellent book for teens and pre-teens. It challenges them to do better what the world believes teens are to be. They rise above other teens by being productive people and active contributors in positive ways to our society and the world.

Reviewed by Lynda Weir (El Granada, CA), January 04, 2010

Great inspiration for the teens! I bought enough for every teenager in my life. I am praying that they take it and apply it. What a great family testimony. Thanks!!

Reviewed by Deb Grooms (Cranbury, NJ), December 31, 2009

Excellent! What a great challenge for young people by young people. I appreciated their honesty and zeal. Having a bold purpose is important at any age. Encouraging fellow teens to stand for righteousness is so needed.

Reviewed by Real Hope Christian Assembly (Deep River, On,), November 19, 2009

We found this book to be challenging and exciting all at the same time. WHile written for teens by teens, its value is not limited to teens. Great read for young adults, and adults.

Reviewed by Henrietta (Lethbridge, AB), November 18, 2009

This book is fantastic!! We all need to read this & have the guts to stand up for what we believe. As a 20-something year-old, I mourn the time wasted during my teenage years but am motivated to make a difference today!!

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