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Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations
A generation stands on the brink of a "rebelution."
A growing movement of young people is rebelling against the low expectations of today's culture by choosing to "do hard things" for the glory of God. And Alex and Brett Harris are leading the charge.
Do Hard Things is the Harris twins' revolutionary message in its purest and most compelling form, giving readers a tangible glimpse of what is possible for teens who actively resist cultural lies that limit their potential.
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. Then they map out five powerful ways teens can respond for personal and social change.
Written by teens for teens, Do Hard Things is packed with humorous personal anecdotes, practical examples, and stories of real-life rebelutionaries in action. This rallying cry from the heart of an already-happening teen revolution challenges a generation to lay claim to a brighter future, starting today.
A growing movement of young people is rebelling against the low expectations of today's culture by choosing to "do hard things" for the glory of God. And Alex and Brett Harris are leading the charge.
Do Hard Things is the Harris twins' revolutionary message in its purest and most compelling form, giving readers a tangible glimpse of what is possible for teens who actively resist cultural lies that limit their potential.
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. Then they map out five powerful ways teens can respond for personal and social change.
Written by teens for teens, Do Hard Things is packed with humorous personal anecdotes, practical examples, and stories of real-life rebelutionaries in action. This rallying cry from the heart of an already-happening teen revolution challenges a generation to lay claim to a brighter future, starting today.
242 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
739 people are currently reading
10473 people want to read
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January 17, 2019
LOOK AT ME BRILLIANTLY KICKING OFF 2019 WITH AN AMAZING FIVE STAR READ!!
and may I just tell you it was 100% totally completely beautifully five stars.
there's this book I once read (another favorite) in which the guy is like - so you're a christian young person who's grown up in church and got 'saved' and you don't do any of the 'bad stuff'. what do you do? and he says as a young person he was somewhat lost bc he'd been taught full what christians believe but no one had shown him what they do.
here's your answer.
this book is for you, my beautiful friends, tired of seeing the ya protagonists doing all the normal stuff one expects of rebellious standard useless teens. this book is for you, the dreamers, the aspiring world changers, you aren't yet stuck in the mold of just-do-what-you-gotta-do-to-survive.
I want you all to read this.
why I love this book :
I. the message is one we sorely need hear bc if fiction is anything by which to judge the expectations for teens, then we fall into all the traps this book points out. this books tells us that teens are capable and full of potential and they're clever and smart and talented and not too young to change the world.
II. this book was written for ME. and for you if you're a teen. it was written by teens for teens and while it's all great to learn from adults talking about adult stuff to their adult audience there's something freaking special to hear this message from someone like you meant for YOU. it's like I DID IT and if I COULD SO CAN YOU. and see the examples are relatable and the lingo is relatable and the sheer positive enthusiasm is relatable (and contagious).
III. it's heavily inspiring. you'll come away wanting to CHANGE THE WORLD which is basically the point. (hint: don't read unless you're ready to DO HARD THINGS K?) it's jam packed with truth and challenges and good examples and sky high expectations and like, BRO THIS IS WHAT WE WERE MADE FOR LET'S LIVE FOR IT.
IV. it looks at it on all levels. when we talk about world changing we think about people raising millions of dollars to help folks in africa right? well look at that these guys talk about it too. BUT NOT ONLY THAT. they remember the excellence in small things which is so vital and for that I love them.
V. it's dream worthy and it's practical and they address your fears and the problems you'll face and they point you back at God again and again.
VI. this book resonates with my soul and it's like LET ME TELL YOU A SECRET MY FRIEND YOU ARE THE CHOSEN ONE THE ONE MEANT FOR GREATER THINGS. and like hey yes I agree. aren't we all?
pls read this. but also a fair warning: it's not an entertainment read like dude these guys expect you TO ACT once you're done.
all my christian friends I think you'll love this and all my nonchristian friends I think that, if you don't mind the bros coming from a christian pov, you just might love it too.
in any case the teen world needs this.
I was reading an article by millenials for millenials and the were like - we're actually quite proud of gen z and how the are concerned about social issues and other people and not into so much 'low' stuff as the generation before them (aka the millenials) and I was like, hey my dude maybe the Harris bros were one small reason for that 😂😂😂
and may I just tell you it was 100% totally completely beautifully five stars.
there's this book I once read (another favorite) in which the guy is like - so you're a christian young person who's grown up in church and got 'saved' and you don't do any of the 'bad stuff'. what do you do? and he says as a young person he was somewhat lost bc he'd been taught full what christians believe but no one had shown him what they do.
here's your answer.
this book is for you, my beautiful friends, tired of seeing the ya protagonists doing all the normal stuff one expects of rebellious standard useless teens. this book is for you, the dreamers, the aspiring world changers, you aren't yet stuck in the mold of just-do-what-you-gotta-do-to-survive.
I want you all to read this.
why I love this book :
I. the message is one we sorely need hear bc if fiction is anything by which to judge the expectations for teens, then we fall into all the traps this book points out. this books tells us that teens are capable and full of potential and they're clever and smart and talented and not too young to change the world.
II. this book was written for ME. and for you if you're a teen. it was written by teens for teens and while it's all great to learn from adults talking about adult stuff to their adult audience there's something freaking special to hear this message from someone like you meant for YOU. it's like I DID IT and if I COULD SO CAN YOU. and see the examples are relatable and the lingo is relatable and the sheer positive enthusiasm is relatable (and contagious).
III. it's heavily inspiring. you'll come away wanting to CHANGE THE WORLD which is basically the point. (hint: don't read unless you're ready to DO HARD THINGS K?) it's jam packed with truth and challenges and good examples and sky high expectations and like, BRO THIS IS WHAT WE WERE MADE FOR LET'S LIVE FOR IT.
IV. it looks at it on all levels. when we talk about world changing we think about people raising millions of dollars to help folks in africa right? well look at that these guys talk about it too. BUT NOT ONLY THAT. they remember the excellence in small things which is so vital and for that I love them.
V. it's dream worthy and it's practical and they address your fears and the problems you'll face and they point you back at God again and again.
VI. this book resonates with my soul and it's like LET ME TELL YOU A SECRET MY FRIEND YOU ARE THE CHOSEN ONE THE ONE MEANT FOR GREATER THINGS. and like hey yes I agree. aren't we all?
pls read this. but also a fair warning: it's not an entertainment read like dude these guys expect you TO ACT once you're done.
all my christian friends I think you'll love this and all my nonchristian friends I think that, if you don't mind the bros coming from a christian pov, you just might love it too.
in any case the teen world needs this.
I was reading an article by millenials for millenials and the were like - we're actually quite proud of gen z and how the are concerned about social issues and other people and not into so much 'low' stuff as the generation before them (aka the millenials) and I was like, hey my dude maybe the Harris bros were one small reason for that 😂😂😂
July 3, 2022
Life Changing. Two words that describe what this book has done for me. It has given me a new outlook...a better perspective on life and what I am to do.
My parents have always raised me and my sibling never to back away from a challenge. Hard work is and always has been a part of daily life whether that's making the meals, cleaning the house, helping with the critters, or working in the garden my siblings and I have worked alongside our parents pulling our own weight...though sometimes with lots of complaints.
Do Hard Things has made me not only want to do more hard things but do them without complaining as well. I never realized how much of my life was spent complaining about the small things my parents asked of me. In the last two months since starting this book, my sisters and I have completely taken over meal prep to help mom. I make breakfast and lunch most days and the three of us get in the kitchen together and tackle dinner. We make lunches for our dad and brothers to take to work...and honestly, I enjoy doing it.
Hard things are not just things anymore...they are a way I am striving to live. Trying to do live life every day looking for the next hard thing to do. Not backing away from any challenge. I'm more focused, more committed, and reading my bible more consistently. I honestly wish I would have known about this book years ago. I'm 19...not exactly the target audience, but I think anyone can read this book and get something out of it. Especially in this day and time. If my brother-in-law wasn't so sensitive I'd give it to him to read...I still might...
This book has launched me on a journey to tear down my comfort zone, something I'm both excited and scared about...but I'm willing to do it...because I don't want to look back and say..."I should have done that..." "I wish I would have..."
Everyone, no matter what age, should read this book! But be careful, it's dangerous. It might just change your life!
My parents have always raised me and my sibling never to back away from a challenge. Hard work is and always has been a part of daily life whether that's making the meals, cleaning the house, helping with the critters, or working in the garden my siblings and I have worked alongside our parents pulling our own weight...though sometimes with lots of complaints.
Do Hard Things has made me not only want to do more hard things but do them without complaining as well. I never realized how much of my life was spent complaining about the small things my parents asked of me. In the last two months since starting this book, my sisters and I have completely taken over meal prep to help mom. I make breakfast and lunch most days and the three of us get in the kitchen together and tackle dinner. We make lunches for our dad and brothers to take to work...and honestly, I enjoy doing it.
Hard things are not just things anymore...they are a way I am striving to live. Trying to do live life every day looking for the next hard thing to do. Not backing away from any challenge. I'm more focused, more committed, and reading my bible more consistently. I honestly wish I would have known about this book years ago. I'm 19...not exactly the target audience, but I think anyone can read this book and get something out of it. Especially in this day and time. If my brother-in-law wasn't so sensitive I'd give it to him to read...I still might...
This book has launched me on a journey to tear down my comfort zone, something I'm both excited and scared about...but I'm willing to do it...because I don't want to look back and say..."I should have done that..." "I wish I would have..."
Everyone, no matter what age, should read this book! But be careful, it's dangerous. It might just change your life!
April 21, 2008
Be prepared when approaching this book: it will encourage you to do exactly what it proposes in the title. It is filled with solid direction on approaching and pursuing accomplishing great things for God. Rather than just pointing at the author's lives of how they did "hard things", they pull out examples of teens all over the world accomplishing hard things both big and small. It leaves me wondering how might God stretch me, in what ways can I search out a challenge to leave His mark.
I would strongly recommend reading this book even if you aren't a teen (I'm not).
I would strongly recommend reading this book even if you aren't a teen (I'm not).
January 12, 2018
People have been telling me to read this book, and I've finally picked it up (off of my book shelf because I got it as a gift years ago and forgot about it, slap me, I know).
This book is so inspiring and encouraging, it should be a must-read for teens, tbh.
This book is so inspiring and encouraging, it should be a must-read for teens, tbh.
June 17, 2016
If I had known this was written by a pair of nineteen year olds, I probably wouldn't have bothered reading it. It's so rare for young writers to produce a good book - usually they end up being cheesy, immature, or inexperienced.
I'm not discrediting them for trying, but take a look at Eragon and Throne of Glass. Those books aren't exactly high quality material and the authors, who were fifteen and sixteen when they started writing them, have improved so much over the years.
I was in the mood for some Christian nonfiction and was hoping for an informative, intelligent, well written novel. Instead, I got a bunch of overused inspirational messages.
Alex and Brett Harris, two homeschooled, Christian brothers write a blog called "The Rebelution" - I'm sorry, but I can't help laughing every time I read that word - where they encourage teens to rise up to their full potential.
They point out society's low expectations of teenagers nowadays, how it's considered "good enough" just to make it through school with decent grades and not get involved in drugs.
The problem is, the Harris brothers wrote about things everyone has already heard a million times before. There's the message "if you're too scared to ever do anything, your life will waste away" pumped into just about every motivational book and movie, yet the Harris brothers acted like they were the ones to come up with it.
The writing was boring and written in a textbook style. There were some nice stories about teens helping the homeless and becoming missionaries, which were meant to be inspiring, but the real-life people were portrayed as emotionless, which dampened the message.
And I'm sorry, but I could hardly take the authors seriously when they couldn't write the word "sex." They discussed drugs and drinking, but when it came to the s-word… err… inappropriate behavior… err… bad stuff… err… sexual activities… They sounded like a couple of embarassed twelve year olds. At least it made me laugh.
An amateur take on Christian nonfiction.
I'm not discrediting them for trying, but take a look at Eragon and Throne of Glass. Those books aren't exactly high quality material and the authors, who were fifteen and sixteen when they started writing them, have improved so much over the years.
I was in the mood for some Christian nonfiction and was hoping for an informative, intelligent, well written novel. Instead, I got a bunch of overused inspirational messages.
Alex and Brett Harris, two homeschooled, Christian brothers write a blog called "The Rebelution" - I'm sorry, but I can't help laughing every time I read that word - where they encourage teens to rise up to their full potential.
They point out society's low expectations of teenagers nowadays, how it's considered "good enough" just to make it through school with decent grades and not get involved in drugs.
The problem is, the Harris brothers wrote about things everyone has already heard a million times before. There's the message "if you're too scared to ever do anything, your life will waste away" pumped into just about every motivational book and movie, yet the Harris brothers acted like they were the ones to come up with it.
The writing was boring and written in a textbook style. There were some nice stories about teens helping the homeless and becoming missionaries, which were meant to be inspiring, but the real-life people were portrayed as emotionless, which dampened the message.
And I'm sorry, but I could hardly take the authors seriously when they couldn't write the word "sex." They discussed drugs and drinking, but when it came to the s-word… err… inappropriate behavior… err… bad stuff… err… sexual activities… They sounded like a couple of embarassed twelve year olds. At least it made me laugh.
An amateur take on Christian nonfiction.
June 4, 2009
I feel I may have been too critical while reading this book, because I expected more. I liked the idea of the book, and it had some really good and challenging parts. I especially liked the part on complacency. However, I felt as if I was listening more to a motivational speaker than anything else. I just wish it would have been MORE gospel-centered and talked more about how the Gospel gives us the power to change. I'm a lazy person, telling me to "do things" isn't going to change my lazy attitude, that goes against the very definition of what laziness is. I won't do those things you tell me because...I'm lazy. It has to first start with a heart change that only the Gospel can bring about. However, I do think (at least for me) complimenting this book with John Piper's "Don't Waste Your Life" and "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life" by Donald S. Whitney has been very beneficial. Again, I'm probably being too critical,but would I recommend this book to someone? My answer would be yes, however not alone.
February 1, 2018
An amazing, challenging, thoroughly inspiring book. <3
April 20, 2010
I listened to "Do Hard Things" and when I was finished I thought: check, I've done a hard thing. Not that it was terrible, but it was pretty preachy and slightly sanctimonious. The idea was good, but the tone was so "aren't we great and don't you wish you could be like us," that it made it difficult to listen to.
As I said, it has a good premise. Who doesn't think that teenagers need to work harder and have more expectations of themselves. I'll be the first to admit that most of the time, I don't really expect anything of my kids other than they just exist. But, these guys were just over-the-top and so full of themselves and their accomplishments. Some of the descriptions just went on and on. If I had been reading the book at least I could have skipped ahead and not gotten so impatient with all of their superior explanations.
One of my favorite parts (not) was when they talked about some teens who helped a super right wing candidate get elected. They actually thought that God had helped them because he had hand picked this guy to win! What abut when evil left leaning candidates win? Did God lose out to Satan? Maybe his helpers weren't pious enough.
Sorry for the rant. As I said, I like the idea of this book and would love to see teens (and even adults) be challenged to do "hard things" and be pushed out of their comfort zone, but these two holier than thou types aren't going to inspire any self respecting adolescents to do anything.
On a positive note: these boys were so condescending and obnoxious that it actually made me appreciate my own less than perfect kids.
As I said, it has a good premise. Who doesn't think that teenagers need to work harder and have more expectations of themselves. I'll be the first to admit that most of the time, I don't really expect anything of my kids other than they just exist. But, these guys were just over-the-top and so full of themselves and their accomplishments. Some of the descriptions just went on and on. If I had been reading the book at least I could have skipped ahead and not gotten so impatient with all of their superior explanations.
One of my favorite parts (not) was when they talked about some teens who helped a super right wing candidate get elected. They actually thought that God had helped them because he had hand picked this guy to win! What abut when evil left leaning candidates win? Did God lose out to Satan? Maybe his helpers weren't pious enough.
Sorry for the rant. As I said, I like the idea of this book and would love to see teens (and even adults) be challenged to do "hard things" and be pushed out of their comfort zone, but these two holier than thou types aren't going to inspire any self respecting adolescents to do anything.
On a positive note: these boys were so condescending and obnoxious that it actually made me appreciate my own less than perfect kids.
September 21, 2020
Everyone needs to read this book!
June 30, 2008
this book was very encouraging and motivational. Alex and Brett are great writers, and the message they're sending is one that every teen should hear.
July 27, 2008
Okay, I've re-written my review AGAIN. You know how sometimes you get a wake-up call, just when you desperately need it? Well, to put it simply, the first time I read this book (via audiobook), I realized how bad things had gotten for me. I really wasn't trying anymore. And this wake-up call, in the form of a little red book, was not only timely but very, very needed. I firmly believe that this should be required reading for anyone who wants to be a radical for Jesus. Because the ideas expressed in this book...they're radical.
May 1, 2008
This is such a great book for teens, and everyone else, really.
It encourages youth yo step above average, to live against complacency, and strive to achieve great things for God. It's very convicting, very enthusiastic, and encouraging.
It encourages youth yo step above average, to live against complacency, and strive to achieve great things for God. It's very convicting, very enthusiastic, and encouraging.
September 24, 2021
Amazing!! Everyone needs to read this, no matter your age!
October 28, 2013
This challenging book by nineteen year old twins is, in their own words, "a teenage rebellion against low expectations." What a great mission statement! Part I gives you the context of their own journey to great things, including an excellent definition of what they mean by 'hard things', how the teen years have been valued through history, and the reality of teen potential.
The authors are Christian and their vision for teens is built upon the premise that God has a plan for your life and will help you to accomplish it. But this plan, they assure you, involves doing hard things.
They are not telling you to make life uncomfortable for the sake of it, doing pointless hard things just because they're hard. Instead, they counter the myth of adolescence as a time to 'goof off'. Teen years, they say, are not a vacation from responsibility, but a training ground of future leaders who dare to be responsible now.
They show the importance of wide reading to see what is going on in the world and what we can do about it.
And they define five different kinds of 'hard things', which:
1. are outside your comfort zone;
2. go beyond what is expected or required;
3. are too big to accomplish alone (the power of collaboration);
4. don't earn an immediate payoff;
5. challenge the cultural norm.
They don't shy away from the less popular aspects of living as a Christian, such as having unpopular opinions on pre-marital sex, homosexuality, abortion and R-rated movies.
There is one point early on which reflects a misunderstanding of the Catholic faith, when they relate a story of certain German monks who seek to always choose the hard way, sleeping on the cold floor, eating tasteless food once a day, etc. The authors consider that these monks believe that the harder they are on themselves, the more God will love them, and the authors strongly disagree. But what they don't understand is that love can be shown even in this way, and though God doesn't call most people to this kind of life, it is a valid and fruitful path for those he does.
Part II, the most practical section of the book, takes you through the '5 kinds of hard' and how to incorporate them into daily life. Then towards the end they offer stories of new beginnings and the teens who are living them.
Finally, they give a very brief explanation of the 'Good News of Jesus Christ' and what it means to accept Jesus as your saviour and repent and believe in him, and to try to live accordingly.
Overall this book offers many excellent ideas for teens and, if they are not averse to the Christian aspects, could set them on the path for great things. At the very least it could offer an alternative to the 'have fun and seek pleasure' culture they live in. A worthwhile read from the younger twin brothers of Christian relationships author Joshua Harris (I Kissed Dating Goodbye).
The authors are Christian and their vision for teens is built upon the premise that God has a plan for your life and will help you to accomplish it. But this plan, they assure you, involves doing hard things.
They are not telling you to make life uncomfortable for the sake of it, doing pointless hard things just because they're hard. Instead, they counter the myth of adolescence as a time to 'goof off'. Teen years, they say, are not a vacation from responsibility, but a training ground of future leaders who dare to be responsible now.
They show the importance of wide reading to see what is going on in the world and what we can do about it.
And they define five different kinds of 'hard things', which:
1. are outside your comfort zone;
2. go beyond what is expected or required;
3. are too big to accomplish alone (the power of collaboration);
4. don't earn an immediate payoff;
5. challenge the cultural norm.
They don't shy away from the less popular aspects of living as a Christian, such as having unpopular opinions on pre-marital sex, homosexuality, abortion and R-rated movies.
There is one point early on which reflects a misunderstanding of the Catholic faith, when they relate a story of certain German monks who seek to always choose the hard way, sleeping on the cold floor, eating tasteless food once a day, etc. The authors consider that these monks believe that the harder they are on themselves, the more God will love them, and the authors strongly disagree. But what they don't understand is that love can be shown even in this way, and though God doesn't call most people to this kind of life, it is a valid and fruitful path for those he does.
Part II, the most practical section of the book, takes you through the '5 kinds of hard' and how to incorporate them into daily life. Then towards the end they offer stories of new beginnings and the teens who are living them.
Finally, they give a very brief explanation of the 'Good News of Jesus Christ' and what it means to accept Jesus as your saviour and repent and believe in him, and to try to live accordingly.
Overall this book offers many excellent ideas for teens and, if they are not averse to the Christian aspects, could set them on the path for great things. At the very least it could offer an alternative to the 'have fun and seek pleasure' culture they live in. A worthwhile read from the younger twin brothers of Christian relationships author Joshua Harris (I Kissed Dating Goodbye).
September 10, 2013
Do Hard Things is an extraordinary book. In fact, I believe it will prove to be one of the most life-changing, family-changing, church-changing and culture-changing books of this generation.
I know and respect the authors and their family. Alex and Brett Harris are the real deal, Christ-centered young men of character and vision, committed to serving Jesus with humility and excellence. In this God-anointed book, they communicate an exciting and paradigm-shifting vision for teenagers, emphasizing joyful self-discipline, collaboration and service.
This sounds more radical than it should because we’ve failed our young people by lowering our expectations and enabling them to lower theirs. But raising expectations and following Christ wholeheartedly is a refreshing and long-overdue message countless teenagers are longing for and will gladly embrace. As a volunteer high school coach, I spend lots of time with teenagers and I plan to give them Do Hard Things.
I read countless books but this is one of the most unique, defining and important ones I’ve ever seen. It is paradigm-shifting, revolutionary, liberating and hope-instilling. Not only the insights and principles, but the stories of young people cheerfully doing hard things will capture your imagination. While I’d love for every teenager to read Do Hard Things, I’m just as eager for every parent, church leader and educator to read it.
God spoke to me and encouraged and challenged me through Do Hard Things. If you do the hard thing of saying no to distractions and yes to this remarkable book, I guarantee you’ll be richly rewarded.
I know and respect the authors and their family. Alex and Brett Harris are the real deal, Christ-centered young men of character and vision, committed to serving Jesus with humility and excellence. In this God-anointed book, they communicate an exciting and paradigm-shifting vision for teenagers, emphasizing joyful self-discipline, collaboration and service.
This sounds more radical than it should because we’ve failed our young people by lowering our expectations and enabling them to lower theirs. But raising expectations and following Christ wholeheartedly is a refreshing and long-overdue message countless teenagers are longing for and will gladly embrace. As a volunteer high school coach, I spend lots of time with teenagers and I plan to give them Do Hard Things.
I read countless books but this is one of the most unique, defining and important ones I’ve ever seen. It is paradigm-shifting, revolutionary, liberating and hope-instilling. Not only the insights and principles, but the stories of young people cheerfully doing hard things will capture your imagination. While I’d love for every teenager to read Do Hard Things, I’m just as eager for every parent, church leader and educator to read it.
God spoke to me and encouraged and challenged me through Do Hard Things. If you do the hard thing of saying no to distractions and yes to this remarkable book, I guarantee you’ll be richly rewarded.
Want to read
May 9, 2025Random story time!
Sooo this happened last year back in August at youth camp lol
So I currently own this book (important context)
Anywayssssss
I’m a person who will always find a way to talk about books in any conversation lol
So at breakfast at this youth camp I was sitting with this guy (he was one of the leaders or something idk) and started talking about books because of course I did
ANYWAYSSSSSS
Bro literally said he had this book and said he felt like he needed to bring it to youth camp to give to someone, and that God would highlight that person for him
Well that person was me!! And I still have it!!! 😆
Sooo this happened last year back in August at youth camp lol
So I currently own this book (important context)
Anywayssssss
I’m a person who will always find a way to talk about books in any conversation lol
So at breakfast at this youth camp I was sitting with this guy (he was one of the leaders or something idk) and started talking about books because of course I did
ANYWAYSSSSSS
Bro literally said he had this book and said he felt like he needed to bring it to youth camp to give to someone, and that God would highlight that person for him
Well that person was me!! And I still have it!!! 😆
May 16, 2022
Chances are, if you're reading this, you already know the basics about Do Hard Things. And all I can add to all the many reviews out there is that it inspired me (would I go so far as to say it changed my life? maybe) and is worth a read for almost every teen.
Also, a suggestion: instead of creating a list of New Years' Resolutions, try a Do Hard Things list of challenges to overcome. :) Definitely helped me!
Also, a suggestion: instead of creating a list of New Years' Resolutions, try a Do Hard Things list of challenges to overcome. :) Definitely helped me!
April 20, 2022
I'm so sad that I finished this book. It was SO, SO AMAZING! I now understand why every Christian young person I know always recommends this book. It's such an encouragement and inspiration to "redeem the time" and do work for the kingdom of God, even as a young person. Despite the low expectations the world has of teenagers, Brett and Alex showcase that nothing is impossible, especially when the Lord is involved. I would totally read this again and 100% recommend it to any teenager!
October 21, 2022
Reeeeeeeally motivational. I would reccomend. (: 👍🏻
March 6, 2021
The authors say it best: "This is a dangerous book, as are all books that inspire you to live differently. It would be better for you to have never read it than to read it and do nothing about it."
If you don't want a book that sits on your shoulder and whispers "do hard things" every time you are faced with a difficult challenge or situation, then I suggest you don't read this book. It will do it. I promise you.
In one of my classes, we read an old prayer each week. It has unfamiliar words that can be odd and hard to say. Few people ever volunteer to read it. Last week, this book kept nagging me to just do it and read the prayer. I was nervous but when the teacher asked for a volunteer, I immediately raised my hand. It went well and I am glad I did it, but had it not been for this book, I never would have read that prayer to the class.
That is only the beginning of what this book challenges us to do with our teen years. There are countless stories of other teens who were scared or didn't know what to do, but they decided to persevere and they accomplished great things and grew as people.
I'll keep a note above my desk with the words "Do Hard Things," so I remember what this book has taught me and let it change my life. If you want to do the same, reading this book is a simple but important step to becoming a Rebelutionary and doing amazing things with your life.
If you don't want a book that sits on your shoulder and whispers "do hard things" every time you are faced with a difficult challenge or situation, then I suggest you don't read this book. It will do it. I promise you.
In one of my classes, we read an old prayer each week. It has unfamiliar words that can be odd and hard to say. Few people ever volunteer to read it. Last week, this book kept nagging me to just do it and read the prayer. I was nervous but when the teacher asked for a volunteer, I immediately raised my hand. It went well and I am glad I did it, but had it not been for this book, I never would have read that prayer to the class.
That is only the beginning of what this book challenges us to do with our teen years. There are countless stories of other teens who were scared or didn't know what to do, but they decided to persevere and they accomplished great things and grew as people.
I'll keep a note above my desk with the words "Do Hard Things," so I remember what this book has taught me and let it change my life. If you want to do the same, reading this book is a simple but important step to becoming a Rebelutionary and doing amazing things with your life.
September 11, 2016
This book surpassed my expectations! I picked it up at a thrift store, wasn't expecting much, but it was great! I loved it! Great encouragement for teens. One thing I didn't like, was that they put to much emphasis on doing the "big hard things", which not everyone is called to do, and has the ability to. But otherwise, very good!
February 5, 2021
Third/fourth reread: December 2020
If you are a Christian teen.... READ THIS BOOK. I got this book 4-5 years ago and it still inspires me every time I read it.
If you are a Christian teen.... READ THIS BOOK. I got this book 4-5 years ago and it still inspires me every time I read it.
March 18, 2011
Do hard things. In some cases, you can judge a book by its cover.
Shaking us awake from a culturally (and somewhat self)-induced slumber, Alex and Brett Harris take us on a trip of sorts - a trip to discover that the teenage years are more than potato chips, couches, and plasma televisions.
They are the years of preparation.
However, surrounded as we are by a culture that expects teens to be irresponsible, disrespectful, and lazy, we've fallen prey to those misconceptions. We've lost a true understanding of what the teen years are all about, and we fit like perfect puzzle pieces into the picture of modern teen apathy.
Alex and Brett think that it's time for teens - specifically Christian teens - to get with it. Together, this gifted brother and brother-duo challenges us to transform the way we think about the teen years through Scripture, statistics, engaging real-life stories, examples from history, and scenarios from modern day teens who are choosing to do hard things...for the glory of God.
I've heard that they're calling those teens who join this growing movement "Rebelutionaries."
They're just average teens rebelling against low expectations - for the glory of God.
Shaking us awake from a culturally (and somewhat self)-induced slumber, Alex and Brett Harris take us on a trip of sorts - a trip to discover that the teenage years are more than potato chips, couches, and plasma televisions.
They are the years of preparation.
However, surrounded as we are by a culture that expects teens to be irresponsible, disrespectful, and lazy, we've fallen prey to those misconceptions. We've lost a true understanding of what the teen years are all about, and we fit like perfect puzzle pieces into the picture of modern teen apathy.
Alex and Brett think that it's time for teens - specifically Christian teens - to get with it. Together, this gifted brother and brother-duo challenges us to transform the way we think about the teen years through Scripture, statistics, engaging real-life stories, examples from history, and scenarios from modern day teens who are choosing to do hard things...for the glory of God.
I've heard that they're calling those teens who join this growing movement "Rebelutionaries."
They're just average teens rebelling against low expectations - for the glory of God.
April 9, 2022
This book is amazing. Because of it, I have already stepped out of my comfort zone and done things I wouldn't have a few months ago. I loved reading this book so much that I took my time finishing it, not wanting it to be over.
Alex and Brett Harris are so encouraging, and the inspiring stories of other teens moved me to tears. This book impacted me so much; I am so thankful for it—I'm so thankful that I can be a Rebelutionary.
You need to read this book. I'm serious. Study it, takes notes on it, then go do hard things.
Alex and Brett Harris are so encouraging, and the inspiring stories of other teens moved me to tears. This book impacted me so much; I am so thankful for it—I'm so thankful that I can be a Rebelutionary.
You need to read this book. I'm serious. Study it, takes notes on it, then go do hard things.
January 29, 2015
I loved this book! It will definitely be one that I want my son to read in a couple of years! The authors are a very inspiring couple of brothers who have opted to dedicate their lives to doing hard, good things to further God's kingdom.
I underlined a great deal in this book and I will look forward to discussing it with my son in a couple of years.
I underlined a great deal in this book and I will look forward to discussing it with my son in a couple of years.
June 14, 2019
Inspirational.
did-not-finish
July 30, 2019All right, all right, I know most teens love it but I can't say I loved it and I quickly lost interest since it felt repetitive... Please don't be upset.
December 5, 2024
This book was so inspiring! A must read for teens :D
July 12, 2022
Woah.
This book was so, so, SOOOOO good!! It opened my eyes to the world of doing hard things, and doing them for God.
I will say that I would recommend that for younger readers, 13+ would be best. :)
This book was so, so, SOOOOO good!! It opened my eyes to the world of doing hard things, and doing them for God.
I will say that I would recommend that for younger readers, 13+ would be best. :)
February 17, 2024
An excellent book that encourages teens to step outside of their comfort zones and go above and beyond the low expectations of our society. It talks about everything you can think of involving doing hard things, from doing small hard things to working together with others. A fantastic read highly recommended for any teen!
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