There is much in this book to like. The writing style is very fluid and catchy. It is a very easy read but also one that has the ability to stir up your heart. The first part of the book, at least in my opinion, shines the brightest. The second and third section are necessary to help us see what The Rebelution looks like but I was sold on the first part. The Myth of Adolescence and A Better Way are two really great chapters. These teens know their culture and are impacting it in a profound way.

As a youth pastor I made an effort to get this book in the hands of every one of our teenagers. We went through this book in our Sunday School meetings and most of the students liked it, and some were excited about joining The Rebelution. This book, or at least all of the principles behind it, needs to catch on in our churches and within our youth culture.

What I Disliked:

This book will not solve all of the problems within teen culture nor is it meant to. However, there does seem to be something that is missing with this book. It pains me to say it because I expected the exact opposite, but the thing that seemed to missing was a Christ-centered, gospel-centered, appeal to rebel against low expectations. By no means is the gospel left out. The Harris brothers are always quick to point to God and many of their stories include the living out of the gospel. But there is a sense in which the gospel seems to take a back seat to social change. Would they consider someone a Rebelutionary that started a grass roots political campaign but never came to know and share in the glory of Christ? It is clear that their intent is to "do hard things for the glory of God" but does that really happen when unbelievers are merely creating social change?

Should You Buy It?

If you are an old codger that disdains and is bothered by the plight of youth culture then you need to read this book to see why teens are the way they are and what you can do about it. If you are a blissfully ignorant teenager then you need to read this book. If you work with teenagers and are beating your head against the wall this might be a good book for you. Simply put, if you have ever seen a teenager then this might be a good read for you. In my opinion this book is a seed of something really great. Be a part of it, buy the book.

What a terrific book! Although it's written for teens, I found the information quite inspirational for even old people like me!

I plan to give it to my teenage grandson; he'll love it! Every teenager on your gift list should have a copy of this easy to read book.

I loved this book! These two incredible teen authors break the mold of the "typical teenager" and share their wonderful advice to other teens on how to prove the "lazy teenager" stereotype wrong.

A MUST READ FOR ALL TEENS (AND SOME ADULTS TOO!)

I picked up this book at my cousins house while I was visiting PA. It belonged to her young son (17 yrs). I could not put it down. When he ask if he could read "his" book I felt guilty and ordered my own. I plan on sharing it with every teen I know.
This is a great book for all teen leaders to read and share. It is very inspiring, even for retired folks like me.

this book is a must read for every christian teen around the world. if you have a teen or are a teen who wants to actually use your teen years for something worthwhile, not just a goof off vacation from life, this is the book to read! the have other great resources on their website: the rebelution!

Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations Although this book is an excellent read for teens and young adults it is also very useful for parents and for those who work with young adults. The examples they give are real and clear and they make young people realize they must raise the bar in their lives and do things which may be hard and certainly go beyond what is expected or required. This is a book to read and to give as gifts to the important young people in your lives.

I tend to have high standards and high expectations - both for myself and for those around me. And, I have been told that my standards are too high, and my expectations are unreasonable. Maybe they are. Or, maybe society's expectations are too low...

When I first heard about Alex and Brett Harris' book Do Hard Things, I was intrigued. But, I put off reading it because, no longer a teenager myself, and quite a few years from parenting one, I assumed that it did not apply to me. But, on a friend's recommendation, I moved it to the top of my "to-be-read" list.

Throughout the book, I was surprised at the insight and wisdom that these two authors had. And, I had to keep reminding myself that they were "just teenagers." Just teenagers? Even as I thought it, I realized that I had just proved their point. I did not expect two teenage boys to be capable of writing a book - let alone a good one! (It should not be surprising though. The Lord has truly blessed their family with an exeptional gift in this area! They are the sons of Greg and Sono Harris, and the younger brothers of pastor and author Josh Harris.) While I do not know them personally, in their writing they certainly exemplify 1 Timothy 4:12, "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."

Do Hard Things calls teenagers to rethink how they are using this stage of their life - their time, talents, strengths - and challenges them to "this better way - a way to reach higher, dream bigger, grow stronger, love and honor God, live with more joy - and quit wasting their lives." (pg. 8 ) While this book is aimed at teens, its message of doing hard things, and rebelling against low expectations is certainly applicable for adults as well. "The truth is that all of us are susceptible to low expectations. Once we have satisfied the minimum requirements, we tend to stop pushing ourselves." (pg. 39)

The authors offer five types of hard things, "God-given opportunities powered by God-given principles that work for everybody" (pg. 57), and examples of teens around the world who have taken up this challenge:
1. Things that are outside your comfort zone - anything that takes you outside the rut of your normal day-to-day, week-to-week activities (pg. 57)
2. Things that go beyond what is expected or required - you aren't content to "do not harm" - you purpose to do good. (pg. 58)
3. Things that are too big to accomplish alone - the ability to share a passion with others and recruit them to work alongside you. (pg. 58)
4. Things that don't earn an immediate payoff - "...you won't see much progress from one day to the next and because, especially at the time, it can seem like you'd be happier if you didn't to them....We do them because they're right, not because they have an immediate payoff." (pg. 59)
5. Things that challenge the cultural norm - "We have to care more about pleasing God than we do about pleasing those around us." (pg. 59)

While it is good, and necessary, to do big hard things for God, the responsibilities and requirements of certain stages of life will limit what we can do. In chapter 8 the authors address the issue of Small Hard Things by asking the question:
"How do we reconcile the fact that there's a big world out there to impact for God with the fact that we're stuck at home matching socks in yet another load of laundry?" (pg. 132)

As I said before, amazing insight for two teenage guys! As a stay-at-home wife, and mommy of a young child, this chapter, and that question in particular, resonated with me, probably more than any other. There are many things that I would love to be able do in the realms of ministry and education...things that can seem much more exciting, or would possibly allow me to have a greater impact on the church than scrubbing toilets and coloring pictures.

"Small things most often occur behind the closed doors of our homes, schools, or churches. They are rarely new or exiting, and they are often repetitive - even tedious. Small things happen on the level at which we normally live our lives. In fact, in the most basic sense they are our lives - the "stuff" that makes up everyday living." (pg. 135)

Right now, it is the small things, the stuff of everyday living that God has called me to. He has called me to model this concept of doing hard things for my daughter, even if, at times, they may seem somewhat tedious or insignificant. They are not. These are the things that God has given me to do. And, He has called me to do them for His glory (Col. 3:23, 1 Cor. 10:31).

Regardless of our age, stage of life, talents, fears, past successes or failures, that is what He has called all of us to do. This book would be a valuable resource for anyone who works with teens on a regular basis (parents, youth pastors/wives, teachers). But, I also think that it is a must-read for all Christians. Teenagers are not the only ones who fall prey to low standards and expectations. We all need to set the bar higher, and this book, written by two teenagers, will encourage you to do so.

This is a fabulous book not only for teens but adults as well. Do Hard Things is so well written, I'm amazed (not to mention impressed) that it was penned by two eloquent young adults. It's clear to me that the authors have a great amount of insight and wisdom from personal experience that they have brought to the table with this book. Everyone wants their teens to do great things. So why not get a copy of this book for your church's youth group and start a rebelution at your church?

I loved the part of the book where a teen felt saddened when they overheard someone say something like, "Well at least they aren't on drugs." Isn't that so true how many people don't expect much, and they are happy to settle with the fact that their teens are passable in life, or say it could be worse? Our kids these days seem to think that they can just grow up and somehow survive and also afford the fun stuff they can buy now (while they live at home.) So NOT true. I remind my boys every day about how expensive life is. But even more than that, the culture we live in truly doesn't expect enough from our young people. This book is an encouragement and a launching place for young people to begin changing their lives so they can make an impact on our world today. I wish all teens would read this book. I would take it a step further and even suggest it be required reading for high school students and college freshmen. These kids need to hear that they can change the world.

Book Type: Teen, Motivational, Christian Living

Rating: 10 out of 10

Recommended? Yes!

Overview:
When I was in high school, Joshua Harris called young people to redeem romance, and now his twin brothers are calling teens to reclaim responsibility. Pointing out that the advent of youth culture and the teenager are fairly new developments, Alex and Brett Harris deliver a knock-out punch to the status quo that modern culture imposes on teens (and no wonder--none other than Chuck Norris wrote the forward for the book!). Not only do they rebel against the expectations of our society, but they raise the bar to challenge teens to live up to what God expects of them--to be what He has created them for. Similar in theme to John Piper's Don't Waste Your Life, the Harris twins call young people to take on God-given responsibility with a godly attitude--for His glory. This book is about rebelling against low expectations--a subversive movement, not against any person or institution, but against the world's way of thinking and living. Full of stories, examples, Scripture references, and well-organized thoughts, this book is not deeply theological, but immensely practical.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly:

Lots of good, nothing bad, and nothing ugly.

Praises:

Though I am a bit removed from the teenage years (product of the mid `80s), I have benefited greatly from this book. Much of what the authors promote is godly character that shines forth in the way we do the tasks set before us. They deal with our excuses, our selfish and lazy nature, and offer something far better. Alex and Brett have done a world of good by giving direction to an otherwise directionless generation. Christian teens aren't really satisfied with just getting by and chasing after a good time--and no wonder! God has created them for so much more! Teens are challenged to view this time in their lives through the lens of Scripture--an invaluable gem of advice! And they're encouraged to dream big for God, but also to excel at seemingly smaller but highly important things, such as obeying their parents. The twins promote discipleship and fellowship across generational barriers--a strongly biblical component that is lacking in the lives of many teens. To top it off, there is an appendix at the end of the book that clearly shares the gospel, which I much appreciated--and which is much needed.

Concerns:

Not a lot to be concerned about here. I have no reservations in recommending this book.

Tips for getting the most out of this book:

As always, read with an open Bible and prayer. Have a pencil and paper in hand, too, to jot down ideas that come to mind, areas in which you want to grow, etc. Before setting firm goals to "do hard things", be sure to search God's word and talk to your parents or husband for guidance, support, and accountability. As Christian women, we strongly recommend getting acquainted with biblical roles for men and women, so that the goals we set, the "hard things" we aspire to do, will line up with God's stated will for our lives. Enjoy!

Originally posted on Pearls and Diamonds Blog (www.pearlsanddiamonds.wordpress.com)

Do Hard Things is a book geared towards teenagers written by a set of teenage twins, Alex and Brett Harris, who believe that our culture has low expectations for the youth of today. They are on a mission to motivate teens across the nation and even the world to step up an do hard things for Christ.

The Harris twins begin the book by arguing that the term teenager is a relatively new concept where a teenager is physically grown but is not expected to have the responsibilities of an adult. However they argue that this was not the case 100 and more years ago. In most societies during most times, boys became men at an early age generally at some point shortly after puberty when they begin to gain adult strength. If they could do the work of an adult, then they were considered an adult. However, once a law was made that mandated that children be educated through high school, the expectations for teens to contribute to society diminished and thus we have the consumeristic teen culture of today.

But if Alex and Brett Harris have their way, teens all across the globe will no longer see themselves as adolescents that have no responsibility or expectations to benefit their society. Teens will become "rebolutionaries" or those who rebel against a culture of low expectations and begin to revolutionize what the world believes teens can accomplish.

The Harris twins break the book up into three parts, the first dealing with misconceptions of what the teen years are supposed to be about, the second listing the types of hard things that teens should do and strive for, and third the vision and stories of what it looks like to live a life doing hard things.

Overall, I found this to be an easy read with a convicting and hard message. I'm only 26 years old, but I already feel the gravity of the sense of urgency of the call to so something meaningful and impactful with my life. Reading this book has made me feel that I've already wasted 10+ years of usefulness to my community for the sake of the gospel. I was encouraged by the many examples of teens sometimes 11 or 12 years younger than myself accomplishing things that many 40 and 50 year olds are too afraid to do. The twins inspire hope. Hope that I, despite my failings and apathy, can awake from my slumber and serve God and my community with a new and infectious zeal that would carry forth with accomplishments and fruit that I would never have thought possible.

My only critique of the book would be that it is very heavily dominated by examples of hard things and words that would encourage the possibility of doing hard things. While these are necessary and good, I would have like to have seen a bit more substance behind why we choose to do the hard things. We obviously shouldn't choose to do hard things just because they are difficult. But rather, there is something intrinsic about certain "hard things" that is rewarding, valuable, and worth doing. The Harris twins did a little bit of this, but could have added more depth by going into additional detail behind the nature of the intrinsic value of certain hard things.

That critique aside, I still believe that this is a very good book, not only for teens, but also for those post-teenagers that want more from there life than the current rut they feel their in. I know that I was definitely encouraged by the Harris twins and motivated to step out of my comfort zone in order to participate in the gospel more boldly.

Like several reviewers wrote, I picked up this book for my 13 year old and first read it myself. It not only inspired me to do some "hard things", it helped me realize how I can challenge my kids to stretch beyond what they think their limitations may be . My daughter is reading it now and loves it and I want my husband to read it next. I will recommend it to everyone I know who has a teen or preteen. We sell our children short in this society by expecting so little of them. How refreshing to get a glimpse of how things can change when we expect more of them and they expect more of themselves.

We listen to this audio in the car, and relisten to chapters. We've accessed the blog to get the Harris twins favorite books to read and order. Not only has the book motivated my teen daughters, 15, 16, 17, and 18; it has greatly motivated my 10 year old daughter.
I urge Christian teens and young adults to move into this movement. Do not fall to the low expectations of the world. Rise up and be the people of God. David was young when he slew Goliath. Mary was a teen when she gave birth to Christ. The book has examples, both Biblical and current. It talks about how to move through the low expectations placed by a selfish society.
Parents, please, have your kids read this. Help them become what God calls them to be.

We listen to this audio in the car, and relisten to chapters. We've accessed the blog to get the Harris twins favorite books to read and order. Not only has the book motivated my teen daughters, 15, 16, 17, and 18; it has greatly motivated my 10 year old daughter.
I urge Christian teens and young adults to move into this movement. Do not fall to the low expectations of the world. Rise up and be the people of God. David was young when he slew Goliath. Mary was a teen when she gave birth to Christ. The book has examples, both Biblical and current. It talks about how to move through the low expectations placed by a selfish society.
Parents, please, have your kids read this. Help them become what God calls them to be.

Today, a teenager is considered a "good kid" if he gets good grades, gets into a good college, and stays out of trouble. In a culture where the perceived norm for high school students is drugs and detentions, making the honor roll is an accomplishment worthy of a bumper sticker. But the sad reality is that at many schools even the honors classes are so dumbed down that merely showing up and turning in all the work gets you an A. So if a student gets straight A's, plays a sport and joins a club he is considered top-notch. And if he regularly attends church, well...that is even better.
Alex and Brett Harris (yes, the younger brothers of Joshua Harris, and yes, that Joshua Harris) have noticed this trend. They have noticed that teenagers are consumed by low expectations, and by and large have bought the myth that reaching a bar knee-high is something to be proud of.
The Harris brothers point out that this expectation of worthlessness has produced years of wasted potential. In their book, Do Hard Things, they expose this culture of mediocrity as the teenager's enemy. They make it clear that the victims in this are teens who squander their first opportunities in life to excel--to do things that count for eternity.
Where did this culture come from? They blame the myth of adolescence (a term Al Mohler and Rick Holland have been using for years). They assault the idea that there should a be a time period between being a kid and being an adult, and that in that fictional time period it is acceptable to squander your years staying out of trouble, instead of seizing them to serve God. The first way the myth gets teens to waste their life is by convincing them that being above average is actually something to be proud of. Excellence is defined by getting good grades in easy classes, and if the grades are to hard, at least trying to get good grades should be sufficient. The second way, the Harris brothers say, is by getting teens to be known for what they don't do, rather than what they do. "Tim doesn't do drugs or get in trouble at school--what a good boy he is!"
This book is refreshing because it is unlike most other books written for teens; it challenges them with real challenges. It challenges the both the myth and the culture of mediocrity the myth creates. And it encourages teens to try things at which they might very well fail. In this vei it reminds me of John Piper's Don't Waste Your Life.
The Harris brothers are 19, and they write for a teenage audience. I heard someone say that this book would be suitable for adults to read, but I'm not sure how the Harris brothers would take that. After all, the point of the book is that teenagers need to grow up and act like adults. If culture has set the bar too low for adults too, well that almost misses the point of what the Harris brothers are trying to say. They are not calling teens to rise to the level of the average adult--they are calling teens to excellence.
The most helpful part of the book for me was the examples of hard things the authors give. There are five categories of hard things given, and while I won't give you the list here, I will tell you that they range from making your bed and working out consistently to ending childhood poverty in Africa. The most common example the book gives, and some might find this the book's most obvious weakness, is political activism. The Harris brothers themselves worked on a campaign for a state supreme court candidate, and the longest example in the book is about a girl who ran a county-wide election in Colorado.
The appendix of the book is an explanation of how the Gospel fits into this call to do hard things, and it is very evangelistic. I would have liked to see the Gospel at the front end, and I would have liked to see them show in each section how the call to follow Christ fits in with the overall message to teens. But this is a minor concern, and the book is replete with Scripture passages and allusions, so it is not as if they were trying to obscure the Christian message. I just wish it would have been more integrated to the theme.
I would recommend this book be given high school students, and the younger the better. It could be a good graduation gift, but at that point the thrust of the book would already be in a person's rear-view mirror. It is more suited for freshman. Those who read it will be challenged to escape the trappings of modern-American adolescent-mediocrity.
Finally, the Harris brothers have a website, www.therebelution.com, which is an excellent source of information and forums for Christian teens. It is worth exploring, and youth pastors especially will mind much that is helpful there.

Today, a teenager is considered a "good kid" if he gets good grades, gets into a good college, and stays out of trouble. In a culture where the perceived norm for high school students is drugs and detentions, making the honor roll is an accomplishment worthy of a bumper sticker. But the sad reality is that at many schools even the honors classes are so dumbed down that merely showing up and turning in all the work gets you an A. So if a student gets straight A's, plays a sport and joins a club he is considered top-notch. And if he regularly attends church, well...that is even better.
Alex and Brett Harris (yes, the younger brothers of Joshua Harris, and yes, that Joshua Harris) have noticed this trend. They have noticed that teenagers are consumed by low expectations, and by and large have bought the myth that reaching a bar knee-high is something to be proud of.
The Harris brothers point out that this expectation of worthlessness has produced years of wasted potential. In their book, Do Hard Things, they expose this culture of mediocrity as the teenager's enemy. They make it clear that the victims in this are teens who squander their first opportunities in life to excel--to do things that count for eternity.
Where did this culture come from? They blame the myth of adolescence (a term Al Mohler and Rick Holland have been using for years). They assault the idea that there should a be a time period between being a kid and being an adult, and that in that fictional time period it is acceptable to squander your years staying out of trouble, instead of seizing them to serve God. The first way the myth gets teens to waste their life is by convincing them that being above average is actually something to be proud of. Excellence is defined by getting good grades in easy classes, and if the grades are to hard, at least trying to get good grades should be sufficient. The second way, the Harris brothers say, is by getting teens to be known for what they don't do, rather than what they do. "Tim doesn't do drugs or get in trouble at school--what a good boy he is!"
This book is refreshing because it is unlike most other books written for teens; it challenges them with real challenges. It challenges the both the myth and the culture of mediocrity the myth creates. And it encourages teens to try things at which they might very well fail. In this vei it reminds me of John Piper's Don't Waste Your Life.
The Harris brothers are 19, and they write for a teenage audience. I heard someone say that this book would be suitable for adults to read, but I'm not sure how the Harris brothers would take that. After all, the point of the book is that teenagers need to grow up and act like adults. If culture has set the bar too low for adults too, well that almost misses the point of what the Harris brothers are trying to say. They are not calling teens to rise to the level of the average adult--they are calling teens to excellence.
The most helpful part of the book for me was the examples of hard things the authors give. There are five categories of hard things given, and while I won't give you the list here, I will tell you that they range from making your bed and working out consistently to ending childhood poverty in Africa. The most common example the book gives, and some might find this the book's most obvious weakness, is political activism. The Harris brothers themselves worked on a campaign for a state supreme court candidate, and the longest example in the book is about a girl who ran a county-wide election in Colorado.
The appendix of the book is an explanation of how the Gospel fits into this call to do hard things, and it is very evangelistic. I would have liked to see the Gospel at the front end, and I would have liked to see them show in each section how the call to follow Christ fits in with the overall message to teens. But this is a minor concern, and the book is replete with Scripture passages and allusions, so it is not as if they were trying to obscure the Christian message. I just wish it would have been more integrated to the theme.
I would recommend this book be given high school students, and the younger the better. It could be a good graduation gift, but at that point the thrust of the book would already be in a person's rear-view mirror. It is more suited for freshman. Those who read it will be challenged to escape the trappings of modern-American adolescent-mediocrity.
Finally, the Harris brothers have a website, www.therebelution.com, which is an excellent source of information and forums for Christian teens. It is worth exploring, and youth pastors especially will mind much that is helpful there.

This book is a much needed look at the state of adolescence in our society. There is this odd idea out there that adolescents are basically useless, and should bide their time until they get a certain level of education and experience under their belts. This book prompts the teens in our society to flush that idea, and embrace a new one: Teens can take on responsibility, do hard things, and impact their own lives and others in meaningful ways.

The twins are, of course, Christian; therefore, this book is written from that perspective and so it contains references to Christian themes and scriptural teachings (as I plan to talk about more in depth on TheChristianScribbler.com) . However, this book is actually a great resource for people from all different religious backgrounds because the message is quite capable of carrying through. Also, I'd recommend this book to older children, teens, tweens, and anyone who is going to be working with kids; pastors, parents, teachers, counselors, etc...

This book is a much needed look at the state of adolescence in our society. There is this odd idea out there that adolescents are basically useless, and should bide their time until they get a certain level of education and experience under their belts. This book prompts the teens in our society to flush that idea, and embrace a new one: Teens can take on responsibility, do hard things, and impact their own lives and others in meaningful ways.

The twins are, of course, Christian; therefore, this book is written from that perspective and so it contains references to Christian themes and scriptural teachings. However, this book is actually a great resource for people from all different religious backgrounds because the message is quite capable of carrying through. Also, I'd recommend this book to older children, teens, tweens, and anyone who is going to be working with kids; pastors, parents, teachers, counselors, etc...

This is a great book that really challenges the way you think and the way you live. This is a book that causes you to get up and do something. In a world of low expectations, I'm OK you're OK, whatever, I don't know I don't care, and endless mindnumbing entertainment with the click of a mouse.... this is indeed a refreshing book. Read it as a family or with 2 other friends and DO HARD THINGS together.

We are using this book as our study guide with a group of 13-18 year olds. Written by teenagers, it addresses their thinking directly without pandering or talking over or down to them. The Study Guide, available for free on the website, had very good questions to lead small groups. The book and the study guide make very good base materials to lead small groups.

I bought this book for my 15 year old grandson, and of course I previewed it to make sure I knew the book would be a positive influence. I can only say I wish I'd had this book to give to my son 25 years ago. Shoot! I wish someone had told me I COULD choose to do hard things that would set the precedent for my entire life.
The book is written (with help, I suspect-but maybe not) by teens for teens, but is not dumbed-down. I pray adults who see the enuii in our kids will use this book to encourage and help to inspire them to Do Hard Things. You can download the FREE (Did I say FREE??) study guide on the Rebelution website, and the blog gives me hope for the future leaders of this nation and this world. Do the Hard Thing--buy this for your teen and then encourage him/her to read it. Then give our kids the tools they need to practice and see the principles are true! They CAN do those things they never dreamed they could...

I bought the book for my son, but read it myself and it was very good. I am totally against the self esteem movement. These guys have pinpointed one of the major problems with that movement (low expectations). Now I just need to push my son to finish reading it, but he's too busy doing hard things.

These boys have been given great insight. I must assume their parents put in the time and effort to parent well. America needs the generation this book could generate. Any age could be inspired to live outstanding lives with the chance to bring Glory to God. Read it and do a hard thing!

This is a book written by two teen boys who have excelled in so many ways and challenge their teen readers to do the same by taking work seriously and accepting that challenge as a blessing! I gave this to my graduating grandson. I wish every graduate could have a copy!

we really have to embrace the message of this book. we have all been robbed of much through the culturally promoted "kick back, do nothing but live and let live years" of teenagerism. I am very thankful for the book and its message.

How do we put our kids on the right path? We let them try hard things. We expect more. We want them to be bold in the right direction.
This book tells about some high achievers, but it's good for everyone.
So many children (and adults) schlepp through life trying nothing and achieving nothing, living a life of unsatisfying ease.
This book encourages us to launch out. Do something good. Dream.
Do something hard, difficult, challenging, complicated, frustrating. Work it out. Don't give up. Stay up late. Sacrifice. You wind up with a peace of mind, a satisfaction with yourself, confidence in your life.

The teenage years are arguably the most crucial and impressionable years of one's life. A person's future can often be decided by decisions made during this period. Many come undone while others go on to greatness. Teenagers need advice and guidance to set themselves up early for a happy and prosperous future.

Do Hard Things urges teenagers to push themselves, expand their boundaries, go after goals, resist limitations imposed upon them by others. We should all have this mindset, but teens need this advice even moreso.

Excellent book. Highly recommend.

Real Life Dramas - Volume One

Darren G. Burton

I was ironing in the laundry room when I saw 19 year olds Alex and Brett Harris, authors of the new book "Do Hard Things" on The Harvest Show, on WHME-TV. I immediately thought of how well they carried themselves. Their enthusiasm and love of God seemed genuine and impressive. I set my iron down to carefully listen to them explain the premise of their book, and was hooked. After all, I have nine children, including four teenagers, and what they were saying to teens their age rang true--Go above and beyond. Do more than expected. Challenge yourself. Love God. Do hard things. I ordered a copy of their book the next day.

Being a bona fide book lover (and God-lover too), I couldn't help but open the book and start reading it before the mailman had even left my driveway, even though at 40-something I am far older than the intended target audience. I was immediately surprised. In the opening pages the Harris brothers describe "an imaginary abbey of Dundelhoff" ... "on the outskirts of a small town in Germany" whose monastic inhabitants "eat colorless, tasteless sludge--once a day. (and) They only drink lukewarm water". The Harris brothers criticize the imaginary monks who "believe that the more miserable they are the holier they are and the happier God is." That seemed like a slam on real monks, and was also a misrepresentation of what the monks I've read about believe. Is it coincidence that these authors chose this example for an illustration of what kind of hard things not to do, or did they know that Martin Luther, who led the protestant break from the Church, was a defected German monk? Further, framed in this way, a monks' life was presented as a folly. I got what they were trying to say--God doesn't want us to be miserable when we do hard things for Him-- but the way they said it seemed like criticism of what real, holy monks do, and the Catholic Church indirectly.

As one would expect from Protestant authors, Martin Luther is presented as a hero in "Do Hard Things". Harris and Harris write, "Neither Wilburforce (a British philanthropist and politician who led a movement to abolish slave trade) nor Luther could have stood against the evils and injustices of their time if they hadn't first learned to stand against the evil in their own hearts." Implied, of course, is that slavery and the Catholic Church were similar *evils*. Catholic parents should take note of these subtleties and point them out to teen readers of this book.

Another criticism of "Do Hard Things" is the Harris brothers' advice to toss out caution when witnessing Christ to others. In the book we are introduced to Grace Mally, a nineteen year old girl who "promised God she would witness to whomever she found at a park near her house. As the story is told, she found "four burly construction workers" painting. Grace said, "I knew I couldn't allow fear to take over," and she approached the workers (who were "surprisingly friendly") to witness to them. This deviates from faith and treads upon being foolish. One young girl alone with four strong, burly strangers in a park is not smart, and it is naïve to think otherwise. Sometimes God gives us healthy fear--hesitation, to keep us safe. I hope young girls reading "Do Hard Things" don't take the Harris brothers' implied suggestion to approach strangers alone and without fear. Again, I get the authors' point--be brave and not afraid to witness Christ to others, but doing so in this instance seems foolhardy.

On the other hand, "Do Hard Things" contains excellent challenges for teens. The Harris brothers encourage their peers to go outside their comfort zones, go beyond what's required, tackle things that are too big to accomplish alone and that don't necessarily pay off immediately. Finally, they encourage teens not to be afraid to go against the crowd. These are good challenges.

The book has other fine attributes. I have to applaud the Harris brothers on their zeal and ambition. The book is well-written, and clear in ideas and examples. Particularly touching are some teens' testimonies, including that of Brittany Lewin, 18, who successfully ran the campaign of Bob Shaffer in the fourth congressional district of Colorado (incidentally a Roman Catholic who was awarded the Benemerenti Medal by Pope John Paul II.) According to the book Brittany states, "I believe the doors God has opened for me and the lessons he has taught me through politics are only preparing me to be the wife and mother He wants me to be. Going from campaign manager to home manager sounds great to me. Being a wife and mother is a higher calling than politics." It is amazing and uplifting to read that this young woman successfully managed a political campaign. It is even more impressive that her priorities are in order and she values the important task of raising children for God. "Do Hard Things" highlights well what various outstanding teens are doing to make a difference in the world.

Overall, "Do Hard Things" has all the right heart. The authors' intent is good. While the framework of the book is distinctly protestant, Catholics can safely share this inspirational work with properly catechized teens. The message "Don't accept low expectations--strive higher" is a good one. I'd like to see Catholic youth explore this idea in the context and beauty of the authentic apostolic Faith. I'm sure we can find a few saints as examples of people who also weren't afraid to do hard things.


Theresa Thomas
Catholic writer and home schooling mom since '94

No excuses....young or old can benefit from doing hard things! Easy to read book, but then wisdom doesn't have to be complicated, does it? Too bad Nike already has the "Just Do It" slogan...would fit nicely here, but "Do Hard Things" fits better! Just read it!

I got this book thinking it might be an inspiration to my 13 year old son. It was a small enough book that I decided to read it before handing it off to him, and by the time I got it read, I myself was so inspired and encouraged that I couldn't decide which of my 4 big kids I wanted to hand it off to first.

Some people think teens these days want to do everything the easiest way. But I do believe the premise of the book -- that young adults will actually relish a challenge if they are properly inspired and can see that their effort could make a real difference. One of my favorite quotes is, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." This book gives young adults the encouragement to be world-changers.

This was a good book, and we are going to do a book study at church, but I felt it was written by two somewhat sheltered teens - 2 home-schooled, white boys who come from a good home with loving parents. Author parents.

Comparisons to George Washington and Clara Barton? How about they showcase a boy from inner city Baltimore who lived next to a crack house that ended up in college? Or the boy I read about on AOL who plays baseball with one leg? Or a teenage cancer survivor? The people they chose to show as 'doing hard things' only demonstrate that their world is quite small, that the only experience with teens that had to do hard things are stories they read in books. I don't think they really understand what the world is like for most other teens. They have not overcome the temptation to do drugs, join a gang, drink or get pregnant. Now THOSE are the kids who have done a hard thing, those are the kids that deserve to be praised for rebeling.

The book has some good points but as someone who took over raising my brothers and sisters when I was 17, washing clothes, buying groceries and going to school, I just felt these kids were light weights. It's easy to rebel when you have an adult support system behind you.

But I would still recommend it. It is sad when RSVPing an invitation, picking up your room and taking out the garbage are "hard things" our teens need to be inspired to tackle so with that, I agree with them.

Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations
This book is truly revolutionary. I think it is not just for teens but is a message that society as a whole can use. We all have been raised to believe that we deserve things instead of learning the joy of working hard for something.
The current generation has it even harder because they have to self-administer hard things. Who wants to do that, even as an adult? Young people need to rise to the challenge and this book is a great tool to help them realize their true potential.
A great graduation gift!

...must read this book. Buy multiple copies and give it to everyone you know with children - whether they have toddlers, grade-school, middle school, or high school children. Don't just give it to your kids, read it first! My chest and heart felt like it could explode with hope as I read this book! I have heard it stated that it takes only 10% of a population to establish a culture, while the remaining 90% follow and conform. If we feel hopeless about the present and the future of our kids, we could "rebelutionize" the future by 10% of the children today grasping the contents of this book! I can't say enough about the tremendous respect I feel for these boys whom I have never met who dared to challenge the status quo of the teenage culture that we, as adults, have created/allowed over the last 70 years for our kids. Besides hope, I feel the burden of shame and responsibility for contributing to the level of low expectation for my own child. READ THIS BOOK and then live it!

Do Hard Things is an eyeopener for teens to aspire to bigger and better things in their lives.

I bought this book expecting great things. Alex and Brett delivered! It is easy to read and yet it gives you much to think about. Every teen should read this. And we adults should read it...for I feel many of us are the victims of some mistaken ideas about teens and their capablilites!
Read it adults...and then buy one for all the teens in your life...or for those "kidults" you know!

I've worked with teens for forty years, and I've noticed that we expect less from them now than we used to. It's reflected in the way we treat them, the way we talk to them, even the way we teach them. We dumb things down for them and insist that learning must be fun. Alex and Brett refuse to accept that view of their generation. They founded TheRebultion.com, and today the are among the most widely read teen writers on the web.
In Do Hard Things, they urge teens to accept challenges, and resist limitations established by others as to what they can accomplish. The emphasis here is on becoming everything God intended you to be, and it's a great book for teens. Recommended.

Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris is a passionate cry against the low expectations of our society today, especially to teenagers. There have been many other books with similar messages but few are specifically written to teens. This a much needed message!

Another thing I especially like about this book is that it is unashamedly Christian. However, the Harris brothers don't waste space trying to argue you into their beliefs, they simply show the beauty and awesomeness of being dedicated to such a great God.

Heartily recommend Do Hard Things to anyone!

Excellent. Thought provoking and challenging to young people. Also provides a good frame of referencec and perspective for parents of teenagers in terms of raising them with stretch and challenge in mind... for both their earthly acheivements as well as their spiritual growth, development, and maturity.

This book is an awesome book. I highly recommend it to teens and their parents.
Really an eye opener and could change how one lives their life.

This book challenged me to move outside my comfort zone. My 13 and 15 year old are also impacted by the book. We talk about deeper topics and we are beginning to dream big. How those dreams become reality is yet to be determined. I highly recommend this book for parents and teens to read together and then to go out and do hard things!

I know this book was written for teens by teens, but its message is a challenge and a motivator for people of all ages. As a parent, I would swell with pride with teens like this, as an educator, it would be my goal for all my students, and as a citizen, I would want these two to run for president! It is written with total honesty, in language all can understand and does not skirt the issues faced by all of us at one time or another. I applaud the approach to living a purposeful, productive, exciting life presented by these authors in this book.

This book goes a long way towards undoing the current damage our society has inflicted on attitudes among young people. The effort must come from all levels, and parents and teachers should also read this to learn how to remove attitudes and language that perpetuate low expectations, and to put in place skills that facilitate excelling.

I am NOT a fundamentalist Christian- I am a liberal, ultra-progressive Roman Catholic and a democrat. I am writing this because, although I have different political and spiritual views from the authors of this book (and nearly all of the reviewers) I thought this book had a lot of ideas worthy of thought.

I didn't always agree with certain ideas (though a modest dresser myself, I wasn't happy with parts of their modesty survey). Nor do I agree with some of the authors' religious statements and conclusions. But after deciding to "agree to disagree" with those parts, I can honestly say that the overall thesis and message of the book I completely agreed with. Moreover, this book was very well written and inspiring, even for me, an adult well past the teen years.

I'm not going to waste space on Amazon talking about the good points of the book- plenty of reviewers have, and you can read what they wrote. All I'm saying is, you can disagree with certain political and religious views of the authors and still get a lot out of this book.

A book that all teens should read, and their parents. Especially before the summer. So many kids are either bored or waste summer months. Hopefully, it would help them realize the abilities they already possess. And a more meaningful life they could have.
I am a grandmother. Bought this book for my children- for their children.

This is an excellent book by teenagers to give to teenagers. Adults can also benefit from the challenge to move out of their comfort zone. Examples are given from the life of the authors and also from experiences of young friends met and challenged through the authors' weblog.

Welcome to College: A Christ-Follower's Guide for the Journey

I am excited about Do Hard Things because for too long Christian teens have been thought incapable of doing significant things for God. My experience with students is that they are passionate and gifted. They just need some encouragement and equipping. Brett and Alex Harris are to be thanked for writing this book. Of all people, Christians should attempt great things for God, and trust him for the results. And there is a lot to be excited about as the next generation steps out in faith to follow Christ.

Do Hard Things by Alex & Brett Harris is an amazing book by two amazing young men. These teenage twins are determined to shatter the image of teenagers as irresponsible and lazy. They've already interned at the Alabama Supreme Court and worked on political campaigns. They have a top-rated blog at The Rebelution. This book is a powerful read, not just for teens, but for their parents as well. All too many teens, and even those in their twenties, are underachieving with society's permission. Alex & Brett use examples from the Bible and history like King David, Timothy, George Washington, and Clara Barton to prove that young people can do amazing things by listening to God and trusting Him. They also include several stories from young people they know who have made a difference in their community and the world. Along with these anecdotes they include lots of Scripture and encouragement to find your own calling and do your hard thing. This inspiring book should be required reading for all Christian teens. I'm impressed by the Harris brothers aside from their book. Alex just joined Shelfari on Saturday, and I was one of the first people he asked to be his friend (probably because I had Do Hard Things on my reading list), and he included a warm message. These are young men who are going to do not only hard things, but great things as well.

The Harris Brothers have written a book that is truly connected to the seeking hearts of the Millinial Generation. It is written by teens, for teens. My 13 year old son reads a few chapters then chews on what he's read. He's sharing with us (his parents) what he's reading. He is inspired to step out of his comfort zone and go against the flow of culture and society to do what God has put on his heart to do which is generally not "popular". Oddly enough, many follow his leadership because it is trustworthy and right - which is what this generation is craving - righteousness.

As a parent I am so thankful the Harris brothers chose to live out their calling by delivering this imperative message to their generation. Parents, get this book for your teens.

"Do Hard Things" is written by Brett and Alex Harris. Both are only 19. And both speak the language that teens speak.

I JUST got done reading "Do Hard Things" and it was one of the most inspirational books I have read. Alex and Brett's story is one that makes your jaw drop. But, then they tell the story of other teens who have done "Hard Things". The stories are incredible. It makes you realize that not only can teens make a difference but we CAN affect the world.

The Harris' brothers approach the teen years with the mind set that most teens have. Most teens say, "Hey who cares? I'm a teen I'm supposed to be reckless!" Teens think that since we turn 13 that we can now throw our lives out the door until were 20. Alex and Brett correctly show that not only is that wrong but un-biblical. Teens were leaders in the Bible's days(but we weren't called teens). We are supposed to be the influence for the older and younger. These years make or break our lives!

Alex and Brett prove to so many teens that have the "I can't do it" attitude that, YOU CAN! If God calls you to do something than do it and don't worry about the obstacles that will face you. Have faith and you shall overcome it!

Alex and Brett correctly approach the Take A Stand attitude. They tell the story of one teen who insted of joing the group and seeing Beerfest, goes with his friend to see Invincible. That is the examples kids need. That is something that evryday teens can do. To say "No" isn't shameful but prideful in God's eyes! Go against the crowd!

"Do Hard Things" is a book I will not only pass around but tell people about. Every teen, parent and/or church member should pick up this book. Join the Rebelution! It's never too late to do Hard Things.

I am a mom of 4, so what am I doing reading a book by teen boys?

Well, I have an "almost" teen age daughter. Hannah will turn 13 this year, and let me tell you, that life is wild for tweens and teens. They are crossing lines, dressing older, dating younger, and facing the challenges we may have faced in our late teens in their junior high years.

I was very intrigued when I heard of thios book by two twin brothers who are 19 years old. What could they have to say?

Well, a lot! And it is exactly what I want Hannah to hear. And I can guarantee that she will listen more to these two teen boys quicker than me.

Do Hard Things is a must read for every mom or grandma with a tween or a teen. I am almost done reading it, and will pass it on to Hannah to read next, Then she and I can go out to dinner some night and talk about what she learned.

This is a book that gets to the heart of the matter - living for Christ no matter what your age. As a forty year old mom, I learned a lot myself, about what teens go through, and about some of my own struggles as well.

As a 40 year old mom, I want to know more about what is in my teenager's heart, how I can help her through these tough years, and point her to Christ.

And, as a 40 year old mom, I want to Do Hard Things, Too!

Trish Berg
Mother of 4, Book Reviewer, Author
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The Great American Supper Swap - Solving the Busy Woman's Family Dinnertime Dilemma

I don't mean to have a dig, but this book is so much more superior to any emerging church book written, and it is written by teenagers.

Alex and Brett Harris discuss the issue of low expectations which are not just laid upon teens but is accepted by teens and teen culture of play and fun. For the Harris' enough is enough. They want to blow away the notion that teens are unable to understand anything complex or important - that they can't do things which is vital, or make a difference. The Harris', who have clerked for a supreme court have show that not only is it good to have higher expectations, but that it is biblical.

They write on page 50 "We are convinced that the teen years are the primary time God has given to us for strict training....Prov 20:29, "The glory of young men is their strength."

The book is very challenging - they ask questions such as "Are we doing things now that will equip us for the greater things God may have for us to do? These are the fundamental questions for this season of our lives."
And the bulk of the book focus upon the five different kinds of hard things which they encourage teens to do:

1. Things that are outside your comfort zone
2. Things that go beyond what is expected or required
3. Things that are too big to accomplish alone
4. Things that don't earn immediate pay off
5. Things that challenge the cultural norm

Let me end with a quote from them:

"We've noticed that the fence that keeps us from breaking out of our comfort zones is nearly always built of fear - fear of weakness, discomfort, failure, humiliation. We've noticed something else too: you can't live by fear and live by faith at the same time. As Paul wrote in 2 TIm 1:7 "God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline." And when we read the Bible heros who accomplished big, hard things for God, we discover the main job requirement: "Without faith it is impossible to please God." (Hebrews 11:6)."

This is a book which we will give to every member of our youth ministry!