• Home
  • Blog
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Katie M. Reid

Finding Grace in the Unraveling of Life

  • Home
    • About
  • Books
    • Made Like Martha
    • A Very Bavarian Christmas
    • Judges Bible Study
  • Blog
    • Disclosure
  • Podcast
  • Speaking
  • Store
    • Resources
  • Singing
  • Contact
    • Privacy Policy

in Uncategorized

Do Hard Things Book Review

Do Hard Things:  A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations 
by Alex and Brett Harris

 

Every once in awhile I come across a book that just makes sense; Do Hard Things is one such book.  I knew something was off in our “entertain me” culture, but could not put my finger on a realistic solution.  The Harris brothers have helped shed a bright light on a tangible solution for teenagers to rise above low expectations.  While the book’s voice and style is geared towards teenagers, it is also a must-read for parents, teachers, and youth workers alike.

The Harris brothers exhort their peers to rebel against status quo and tap into their God-given potential. “Your actions at home, at school, at church, and elsewhere in your community can bring honor and glory to God if you are willing to throw yourself into them 100 percent just because they’re things He has given you to do” (pg. 144).  Alex and Brett share practical advice with peers from their personal experiences with this idea.  It is noteworthy to mention that the authors discuss how the small things that we are responsible for can be huge things in God’s eyes, “Being faithful in the smallest things is the way to gain, maintain and demonstrate the strength needed to accomplish something great” (pg. 139).

Throughout this honest and conversational work, Alex and Brett share inspiring examples of teens who are joining the movement as “rebelutionaries” and taking on the challenge of doing hard things: from refusing to compromise integrity on movie choices, to making an impact in modern-day slavery, to attending a refugee-style camp, to helping provide clean water worldwide.

One of the examples that spoke loudly to me was Brittany Lewin’s story.  At age seventeen she quite amazingly became a campaign manager for a former U.S. congressmen who was running for reelection to the state board of education.  I was inspired that this politician gave her the opportunity of a lifetime and took the risk of placing great responsibility on her (may we all be challenged to believe more in our youth and do likewise).  I also love Brittany’s profound response to her experience, “As much as I love politics and campaigning, there is not a single political job I could find that would match the joy and satisfaction that comes from following God’s special call to be a dedicated wife and mother.  Campaigns are won and lost; elections happen every year.  I can only do so much myself.  What’s more inspiring to me is the thought of rebelutionaries across the world raising lots of counterculture, God-fearing, low-expectation-defying children who are constantly doing hard things for God’s glory” (pg. 198). 

This book would make an outstanding “coming of age” or graduation gift.  I know even my young children have benefited from me reading this book, as I strive, even know, to raise them to do hard things (no matter how large or small, seen or unseen).

Watch a video on the book here.
Read the 1st chapter of the book here.
Learn more about the Rebelution here (blog, conferences, more resources).

FTC Disclaimer:  I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: book review, challenge, exhortation, God, parenting

Previous Post: « Practical Application of Proverbs 13:12
Next Post: One step at a time »

Primary Sidebar

katie reid headshot

MEET KATIE

Hi, I'm Katie (a Modern Martha, wife, and mom to five). I'm so glad you're here! Let's enjoy some cut-to-the-chase conversation over hot or iced tea, as we find grace in the unraveling of life (together). Let's exchange try-hard striving for hope-filled freedom as we settle into our position as a doer and a daughter—created by a Loving Father.

Read More

Subscribe for regular updates & receive a free video series.

Made Like Martha

Made Like Martha
Buy Now

Echoes of My Heart

Echoes of My Heart CD
Buy Now

Favorites for You

25 affiliate resources for communicator creatives and busy women

This site uses affiliate links.
Click here to read the full disclosure.

Footer

Search This Site

Recent Posts

  • God, What Do I Do? Bible Study Introduction with Katie & Lee
  • Looking Back, Looking Ahead with Katie and Lee
  • Benefits of Chiropractic Care with Dr. Lianne Coombe, B.A., D.C
  • Seven Ways to Get Healthy with Kelly Cullen, ND

Stay Connected

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2025 Katie M. Reid · Design by The Design Diva · Development by MRM

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT