I have purchased at least fifty of these, since its publication (35 hardcover) and am still buying and gifting it. I worked for Family Christian Stores and sold more of these books than anyone. Many people bought multiples and it usually had a ripple effect.

This is a moving and motivating read for men and women. If you haven't read it, please do yourself a favor and do so.

*There is a movie available, and while it's enjoyable, the book is a must for accuracy.

This book is about a professional woman who goes out to minster to the homeless people and learns that she is the same kind of different as they are.

I viewed the movie first, then read this book and the follow- up book What Difference Do It Make. I cannot say anymore than has already been said in the previous reviews. You will laugh, you will cry, you will never look at homelessness the same after reading this.

A Modern-Day Slave, An International Art Dealer, And The Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together.

The Incredible True Story That Inspired Millions

He was a black man born to sharecroppers. Sharecroppers were still basically owned by "the Man". He kept track of what they made taking care of cotton and he kept track of what they bought from his store and somehow at the end of the year, there was also a debt to "the Man." This is the life Denver Moore was born into, though his was even worse as he was the son of a sharecropper and then there weren't even records kept, he just lived and worked there with no chance of a better life, until one day he decided to ride the rails. He lived homeless, he lived in jail for the next many, many years.

He was born to lower middle-class parents. His grandpa also had black people working his plantation, though he treated them a bit better. He grew up and became an international art dealer, living high-end and making millions. This was Ron Hall. The unlikely woman? His wife Debbie.

It's just a great story of what God can do when people are willing to listen and follow through. Debbie was an exceptional woman. Hearing of her husband's affair, she fought for their marriage. This included calling the woman he had an affair with and forgiving her and taking part of the blame for not being the wife Ron needed. Amazing courage. And it was Debbie that first forced Ron to the Union Gospel Mission and forced him to become friends with Denver Moore.

And now I need to stop or I will tell the whole story. Suffice it to say, there's a movie out telling this story and another book called "What Difference Do It Make?" telling more of Denver's story. Both are ones I really want to see and read. Denver may have been homeless, but when he spoke, there was wisdom.

If you want to read about bravery, courage, prayer, commitment, etc. read this book. It will increase your knowledge of what the homeless go through and increase your faith that there are rich people willing to get down and get dirty and make a difference with their hands and not just their money. A challenge for those of us in middle-class America to make a difference.

It's just a compelling story. Go read it for yourself.

I received this book from Book Look Bloggers and was not required to write a positive review.

While in the theater to see Steve McQueen an American Icon, I watched the trailer for Same Kind of Different As Me. I didn't realize it was a book until I saw it available for review. What caught my eye was a phrase on the cover: modern-day slave. My curiositywas what truly led me to read the book. What exactly is a modern-day slave?

This book switches between Ron's perspective and Denver's perspective. It may be a bit jarring at first, but it's necessary. I mean, if Ron were the only one writing the story, would anyone really believe it or would they think it was merely a White man's embellishments to look good on paper. And if it were just Denver's side, the reader wouldn't truly understand how Deborah's persistence led the couple to the homeless shelter in the first place. This version of the book (the special movie edition) includes pictures of Denver, Ron, Deborah, as well as the cast and crew of the movie.

"The Word says God don't give us credit for lovin the folks we want to love anyway. No, He gives us credit for loving the unlovable."

What was my favorite part? Honestly, I enjoyed reading all of it. Denver's side painted a picture of life in the South. Some good some bad. As a kid, I grew up learning about heroes like Martin Luther King, Jr. Sadly, those textbooks didn't show what was going on in other, more rural areas at the same time. It was eye-opening. And to see the world through Denver's eyes? I found myself chuckling at his comments, especially when he first met the Halls. Denver's story was fascinating and for the first part of the book, that's what kept me reading. Ron's life was painted (heh) as a banker moving over to an art dealer. Once the Halls met Denver, the reading just got even more interesting and, at times, funny. There's a lot that each individual in the book had to overcome: prejudices and past hurt on both sides. How amazing it is: the simple act of loving as Christ loved can heal all wounds and overcome all obstacles.

"When you is precious to God, you become important to Satan."

The one thing I found tough to read through was their experience with cancer. It hit close to home because colon cancer was how I lost my friend: diagnosed at age 30 and passed away at age 35. Still, even during those moments, there was great insight, a lot of the times from Denver's perspective. His idea that since everyone would be praying during the day, he'd stay up and pray during the night? That's the sign of a prayer warrior. Sacrificing all comfort to pray fervently.

Can you tell I loved this book? There's a lot I could put into this review, but I don't want to spoil it. Trust me, though, when I say it was a really good read. I may watch the movie to see how it compares, but we all know movies rarely do a book justice. I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest opinion.