People often make book recommendations. "Oh, you gotta read this." "This is the best story ever." However, it's a little like music -- there's a certain level of personal preference involved in books and stories. I do appreciate the suggestions and I do always want to read that really good book, but reading was just not a high enough priority for me which means I never made the time. Well, times have changed and now I am that person making a book recommendation. I get it now. I guess when you are moved by something you read, you really want to share it with everyone so that they can hopefully have a similar feeling and get the same enjoyment out of it!
A couple days ago, Jeff's mom casually mentioned a book that she was reading. She didn't get a chance to say too much about it because there were two little cute ones to attend to. But for some reason I felt compelled to follow up on this particular book with the tricky sounding title. I went online and sure enough, The Colony library happened to have it (on the New Book shelf. Note: the book is from 2006!)
Anyways, I checked it out the next day and started reading it during Danielle's long nap. Fortunately, she's a good sleeper because I couldn't stop reading. I did eventually have to put it down, but I finished the book the next day.
It is a truly remarkable story. It's a true story about a rich guy, his amazing wife and a homeless man who has an unbelievable past. It takes place in Ft. Worth and Dallas (and Louisiana) so there are tons of familiar references, which makes it even more interesting to read. It touches so many different topics: relationships, volunteerism, faith and spirituality, disease, homelessness. The book is written from the perspective of the two men where several events are told twice from each side. It made such an impact on me. I'll never look at a homeless person the same way -- I can't believe (and am ashamed to admit) that I ever viewed a homeless guy as just some lazy, drunk bum that was virtually disposable, completely neglecting the human side of him.
I wish I could better represent this book and do it justice, but I am not a very good writer. Fortunately, I don't have to be. Ron Hall and Denver Moore tell their story best. Check it out: Same Kind of Different as Me.
You said it all very well...great book. m/g
ReplyDeleteThank you for recommending "Same Kind of Different as Me" on your blog! I work with Thomas Nelson, and we would love to follow your blog and hear what readers think of this moving book. I also want to let you know that Ron and Denver have just released a new book "What Difference Do It Make?" which updates readers on their activity since the first book came out. Please contact me with your mailing address if you are interested in receiving a complimentary copy of the new book for review on your site at your convenience.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Jodi Hughes
pubintern@thomasnelson.com
(Jodi: what a nice offer! I hope Jenny accepts, then I can borrow her copy... :)
ReplyDeleteJenny, your comments reminded me of your book reviews you did for school long ago. Nicely Done! In fact, it induced me to read the book, which I thoroughly enjoyed (except for losing Deborah.)
This book is a 'must read' for anyone who has lived in the South and who has a functioning heart. It stings - as I remembered my attitude towards "colored people" and poor people as I was growing up in the same period. Denver's story brings to life the plight and the humanity of sharecroppers and street people in a way that TV sound bites can never approach. It affirms - there are people among us who truly are different, and live on a plane 'in the world, but not of the world'.
Great book... great people.