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: 5 out of 5 stars(5 out of 5 stars)
8 of 63 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)
4.5 out of 5 stars
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.
5 out of 5 stars
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!!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jeff Derr (Middletown, MD), October 21, 2009
While written by teens for teens, this book should be read by parents and all those who work with teens as well. The principles presented are not only applicable to teens, but also to all who strive to live for the Lord.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Vicki Roedel (Aloha, OR), September 20, 2009
It's written in such a way that gives even a pre-teen the process to overcome the trap of low expectations and begin a life long journey of the potential the Lord has put in each one of us.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jeanette (Fenwick, Ontario), September 16, 2009
My husband and I are youth leaders in our church, and the youth are loving this book- the first week we played games because not everyone had a book yet, and there were a few disappointed youth! They wanted to study and discuss the book together instead of playing games. We have enjoyed it, and what makes it nice for youth, is that it is easy reading, and they have lots of examples, and stories about things that they have done, and gone through. I think that when all is said and done- the youth will be recommending it to some of their friends!
2.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Karen in Colorado (Arvada, CO), September 11, 2009
As an adult I found this book a little dry and a bit boring. Although the intent of the book was great, it failed to engage (me)the reader. An easy book to set aside and not one I would hardly wait to finish reading. I found the writing stle to be very typical of the contemeporary books that for me have the same issue. I had purchased this book for my teenage nephew and will hope that his reading experience is better than mine.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Joe Brannon (Lakewood Ranch, FL), September 09, 2009
Great book! I teach school and plan to use some of the contents to challenge my students. I also sponsor Fellowship of Christian Athletes and plan to encourage the leadership to read it.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Suzanne Keefer (Fair Oaks, CA), September 09, 2009
This is very effective to reach teens because it is written by teens. I think their discs about their experiences is very powerful, but the book is a good follow-up, especially if it is used in a high school/jr high school sunday school.
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