Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations (2008)

IN SHORT: Challenging people not to take the easy route in life. WHO FOR: Aimed at teenagers (but for anyone), Christian or not. THOUGHTS: At first I wasn't sure about the book.  I felt it was a bit of pop-psychology and moralism. I was concerned the message was just 'Be-the-best-you-can-be-which-is-better-than-you-think.' Having pressed on with the book, my fears were unfounded.  I would recommend that you read the appendix first.  It explains that the book is for non-Christians as well as Christians. QUote that bit. Functions like wisdom literature.   GOODBAD

Brad borrowed one copy and Amber has the other (July 25th)

NCLA Review -Written by 19-year-old twin brothers, this book challenges teenagers to stop thinking of adolescence as the last bastion of childhood and use the period to attempt hard things that will shape their character for meaningful adulthood. As the brothers illustrate from their own and others’ experiences, “hard things” doesn’t necessarily mean unpleasant things. Rather, they are vehicles for growth, stretching oneself by voluntarily taking on responsibilities that are usually reserved for adults. Such as daring to apply for internships to Alabama ’s Supreme Court (successful), though they were only 16 and had never been away from home. Later, they set up an immensely popular blog to encourage other teens to join the “rebelution” against low expectations. The book is packed with inspiring stories of teens who responded. Although the authors agree that doing the hard thing will pay off for anyone, they are obviously evangelical Christians. My one reservation about the book is that teens unaccustomed to the language of conservative Christians may not give its message a hearing. Rating: 3 —DKW 241p, cloth, Multnomah 2008, ISBN 13: 978-1-60142-112-8, $16.99 [YA 248.8] ( )

The Harris brothers are challenging everything this culture believes about teenagers. Through their book and website they have started a movement called "The Rebelution". It is a call for teens to do hard things and rebel against low expectations. Most teens today are hardly expected to do chores, let alone make a mark on the world, but the Harris twins argue that teens are in a very unique place and time to tackle big things. Using real life examples of themselves and teens around the world, Alex and Brett encourage teens to get up and make a difference. Some examples include leading political campaigns, providing housing for low-income families, feeding the homeless...all in BIG ways, by people under 17 years old. A true call to action for teens and young adults, and an inspiration for any age. Well written; presents the whys and hows, and real-life stories. A must read! ( )

I'm fourteen, so when I first read this book I was expecting it to be written for teenagers. It's written for the world. Alex and Brett Harris challenge you to move outside of your comfort zone and overcome the sluggish habits of discontentment and laziness. If you want to change the world around you or find a purpose for your life...read this book! ( )