Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations Reviews

• Not a "Christian"? Read THIS review

  
  By A19NRMTCE5GQIV on 2008-05-27
  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.
  
  

• Rocking A World of Low Expectations

  
  By AEYEAH3C78BBZ on 2008-04-22
  I've often reflected on something I experienced when I was studying in college. With a busy semester ahead of me, I decided to take "Death and Dying," an elective that had the reputation of being an exceptionally easy course (a "bird course" we called it back then). On the first day we arrived in the lecture hall, the professor handed out a reading list and what he assured us were the lecture notes for the entire course. With these in hand, we were told, there was little use in showing up for the rest of the year unless we were really and truly interested in the subject matter. It was not a difficult course, he said, and we could probably do fine if we just turned in the assignments and showed up to write the exam. Needless to say, most of us took this as an opportunity to have an evening to ourselves each week rather than actually sitting through long and boring lectures on a subject that was of little interest. Also needless to say, most of us earned very poor grades. I've contrasted this in my mind to courses where the professor challenged us on the first day that his would be an exceedingly difficult course and one that would require the best we had. With such a challenge, many students rose to the challenge. Knowing that expectations were high and knowing that we faced a long and difficult fight, we reacted by putting out more effort and ultimately by doing better.
  
  High expectations, it seems, often results in greater performance. Tragically, we live at a time where we expect very little of teenagers. The teen years, we seem to think, are a time where we can and must expect little. If our teenagers manage to avoid dangerous drugs, manage to avoid pregnancy and manage to avoid completely derailing their lives, we consider these years a success. We maintain low expectations and are not surprised when teenagers deliver very little.
  
  Do Hard Things is a book for teens--and a distinctly different kind of book for teens. "Check online or walk through your local bookstore. You'll find plenty of books written by fortysomethings who, like, totally understand what it's like being a teenager. You'll find a lot of cheap, throwaway books for teens, because young people today aren't supposed to care about books, or to see any reason to keep them around. And you'll find a wide selection of books where you never have to read anything twice--because the message is dumbed down. Like, just for you." But this book is a challenging book, and one written by teens and for teens. It is written by Brett and Alex Harris, whose greatest claim to fame (other than being the younger brothers of Joshua Harris) is being the minds behind The Rebelution--one of the internet's most popular sites for teens and now a series of conferences. This book continues the message they've been communicating in every other forum.
  
  That message is simple but far too often overlooked in society today: rebel against low expectations. They cast a vision of a better way of doing the teen years in which so many teens have been "conditioned to believe what is false, to stop when things feel hard, and to miss out on God's incredible purpose for [the] teen years." They look at five kinds of hard--five different kinds of hard things that can challenge the expectations of those around them: things that are outside of your comfort zone, things that are beyond what is expected or required, things that are too big to accomplish alone, things that don't earn an immediate pay off and things that challenge the cultural norm. They describe each of these through stories and examples drawn primarily from their lives and from the lives of other "rebelutionaries" who have shared their stories with the authors.
  
  Though this book is targeted squarely at teens, I can't deny that the message rubbed off even on this reader whose teen years are far behind. There is something inspiring in watching teens shake off the low expectations that plague their lives and there is something in it that makes me want to examine where I may also have fallen prey to low expectations. Writing as the proud older brother of these authors, Joshua Harris says truly that "Every former teen needs this book, too. I know I do. There's no age-limit on the Rebelution. It's never to late to do hard things."
  
  For too long our expectations of teens, and their expectations of themselves, have been far too low. In Do Hard Things Alex and Brett Harris rebel against low expectations and encourage their peers to meet the challenge of doing tough things for God's sake and for God's glory. I wish I could have read this book when I was a teen. I'm glad that my children will have the opportunity. I pray it will stir them and stir a whole generation of young people, to use their teen years to do the hard things God calls them to do. And I pray that the teen years are only the beginning, only the foundation, of lives lived to the glory of God.
  
  

• Catholics and DO HARD THINGS

  
  By A3660SKNULDCEE on 2008-06-13
  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
  
  

• Fantastic book -- great graduation gift!

  
  By A36BQWQPYU6FRM on 2008-04-16
  This book is incredible. Many of us have seen teens, young adults, even thirty-somethings who are floundering through life. They can't seem to get any traction. Frankly, this approach to life drives my crazy, because I live on the other extreme. The Harris twins pinpoint the problem as a plague of low expectations when we're teenagers. As a result, we aren't trained to push ourselves and ask how God can use us -- especially during our teen years.
  
  The verse that motivates their ministry is I Timothy 4:12. I smiled when I saw that as it was my life verse until I was 30 and decided I might need a different verse since I wasn't exactly a youth anymore. I've often wondered what my parents did or didn't do that made me believe anything I wanted to do/be was possible if it lined up with God's Word and will.
  
  There was an expectation that everything was training. The teen years weren't a time to goof off. Instead, they were a time to prove myself and gain increasing independence as I proved myself faithful. Everything I've done, accomplished, am doing is a direct result of that philosophy.
  
  In a sense this is exactly what Do Hard Things is about. It challenges teens to intentionally do 5 kinds of hard things:
  
  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 an immediate payoff.
  5. Things that challenge the cultural norm.
  
  We'd all benefit from applying those principles to our lives. But how much better if we taught them to young people. I've talked about this book since starting it. Eric is lined up to read it. I'll be giving it as graduation gifts. And it will land in my children's hands by the time they are twelve, so we can fully discuss and apply these principles in their lives.
  
  

• REBELLION AGAINST LOW EXPECTATIONS IS A GREAT THING!!!

  
  By A2HDZIJESPHF62 on 2008-04-16
  I wish I could have read this book in high school. I think it verbalizes the cry of teen's hearts everywhere. I wanted to do more. I wanted to be more. I did what I thought I could - if only I could have realized I could do more...but it is never too late to do more and become more. And so, that is the challenge that I will take to heart from this book. Please check out this book and buy a copy for every 13-18 year old that you know...and one for yourself too!!!
  
  
• Great Book for Teens
  By A2J6O5V0KEV7BR on 2008-06-04
  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.
  
  
• Good but written with rose colored glasses
  By AWEF64O9CTXF2 on 2008-06-11
  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, home-schooled boys who come from a good home with loving parents. Author parents.
  
  Comparisons to George Washington and Clara Barton? And the current people they chose to show as 'doing hard things' only demonstrate that their world is quite small - mostly white, who have educated parents and who have money. 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. There were several highlights where they looked down on the kids who did fall to teen vices without much understanding or compassion. I found them quite arrogant and braggish throughout most of the book.
  
  They didn't address another huge issue that keeps teens from stepping out of their comfort zones - peer pressure from other teens who have low expectations of them. Again, this stems from them being sheltered and home schooled. How hard it is for the peer-labeled 'geek', 'drugger', and 'slacker' to step out when they may be banned to the loser table in the cafeteria. Teens are kids who in most cases are in the same school system with each other from Kindergarten up to high school. Once a mistake has been made or a label applied, it is virtually impossible to live down unless you are fortunate enough to change schools or become home schooled.
  
  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.
  
  
• A Must Read - Not Just For Teens!
  By A3MJ2RIYCVQ7MO on 2008-04-15
  Don't let the short length or easy-to-read conversational writing fool you, there's a lot of meat packed into these pages.
  
  This book begins with the story of how Alex and Brett were challenged by their father to do hard things and how they heeded that call and the results of their efforts. It then goes on to discuss what they mean by hard things (and offers suggestions of what the five primary types of hard things are) and how teens today - individually and as groups - can set out to change the world by doing hard things on small and large scales.
  
  The underlying premise of the book is simple: don't waste your teen years doing what it takes to just get by - push yourself and make a difference. It's a message that so many people (not just teens) need to hear and heed - with recent research showing that, on average, people are beginning to extend their adolescence into their 30s (the consequences of which we haven't even begun to understand.)
  
  In addition to recommending this as reading for any Christian teen you know, I would recommend this to anyone who works with teens. It would be great to see youth groups begin to embrace the notion that they can and should be doing hard things. Beyond that, I would encourage 20-somethings (and heck, 30-somethings) who are wondering if this is all there is to life to give it a read and try to catch a vision for what the future will hold if we all move past "good enough" and begin to do hard things.
  
  
• Not Just for Teens
  By A327GNR8573XIO on 2008-04-15
  How long has it been since you've read one of those life changing books? The kind that creates a shift in your thinking.
  
  This is your next one.
  
  Do Hard Things is supposed to be a book for teens by teens encouraging teens to rebel against low expectations. Apparently I didn't get the memo. And I needed the kick in my 32 year old pants.
  
  I dog eared so many pages in this book to share with you today that I may as well just go back and read the whole thing. All the folds are obnoxious.
  
  I was especially stung by the chapter addressing people who are used to hanging out in the "above average crowd." Good grades came easily to me. Good genetics help my build and stature (I know for a fact it isn't self control in the jelly bean war that keeps me slender). I am not a standout athlete, but I was generally medal worthy at the 3A high school level. And I got used to being recognized for achieving things I didn't try very hard to achieve. And then these guys have to go and burst my bubble with the idea that just because I may have been "smarter than the average bear" it was still far below my potential (My mentor in college said the same thing. Rats.). They said this:
  
  "God set His standards this high so that we won't make the mistake of aiming low. He made them unreachable so that we would never have an excuse to stop growing."
  
  I'd like to interrupt this post to tell you that the last 30 minutes of my life, while not looking from the outset like a "hard thing," has been one of the more difficult as far as life expectations, and while I'll not expound on it, suffice it to say, I'd like to quit typing and go read a chick book. I don't want to do hard things. I want to sit on my rear and eat ice cream. And I think somebody knows that. But I am going to tell you about this book, anyway.
  
  So, I intend to buy this book for each of my nieces and nephews and one for each of the youth pastors in my church. I'm making my husband read it, and probably both of my sisters. And if that isn't enough, I think YOU SHOULD READ IT TOO.
  
  If you aren't a teen, you still probably know a teen. And unless you are over the age of 60, probably need to read it for yourself anyway (before you pass it on to a teen).
  
  Don't be fooled, this isn't just a teen book. But if you know teens, they really should read it. Okay? O-K.
  
  
  
• Don't Miss this Book!
  By A3LJJZGN4SPYSW on 2008-04-15
  My Take: For 15 years I've been recommending, talking about, telling any who would listen about an article that directed the course of our parenting as our children entered their youth. The article was called Myth of the Teenager by Dr. Michael Platt and can googled.
  
  Alex and Brett have taken the same message and speak it to TEENS - the very people that NEED to hear the message. They are out to lead a rebelution (rebellion against low expectations of teens). I believe that if this message catches fire in this generation it will change our society. It's that strong and powerful of a message. This book is written in an easy to read style and is filled with concrete illustrations and helfpul advice to motivate teens to Do Hard Things. I'm about 2/3 of the way through this book, but I am confident in recommending it to to you and your teens. In fact, along with a few other books (I Kissed Dating Goodbye, Not Even a Hint, Don't Check Your Brain at the Door, The New Tolerance..), Do Hard Things has become "highly recommended" reading for our teens. We like this one enough to put it on our "list".
  
  The authors begin by leading us to rethink the teen years. They go on to mention 5 kinds of HARD things we should do: things that take us outside of our comfort zone, things that go beyond what's expected or required of us, things that are to big to do alone, things that don't pay off immediately, and hard things that go against the crowd.
  
  Though this message is written by teens and for teens, I found myself encouraged and excited as I read. In fact *I* have been prodded to Do Hard Things. I've been hammered. You and your teens may be as well if you read this book. ::snort::
  
  I feared this book would be boastful or arrogant; honestly it doesn't come across that way. The authors continually give the honor and glory for their fruit back to God - where it belongs. I also feared I wouldn't like the book. I don't like most books written on how to parent teens or written to teens. I LOVED this book. I felt like these young men were saying the same things we've been saying for lo these many years to our teens.
  
  
  
• A 'Rebelution' in the Making
  By A3FQZH8PJB535A on 2008-04-16
  There are so many "self-help" books out there, many of which are directed towards teens, though not many of those actually speak to teens on their level. Do Hard Things, the new book by nineteen year old twin brothers Alex and Brett Harris, takes the idea of low expectations in teens and explains, in a teenager's language, how to rebel against that concept.
  
  The boys call it a "rebelution," combining a rebellion against low expectations by growing numbers of teenagers, in short, a new revolution for a different generation. Using scripture, real-life stories, and God's teachings, the boys lay out five powerful ways in which teens can rebel against the expectations set for them and prove themselves to be so much more. The reader gets a great look into real "rebelutions" going on all over the world and the teens that are leading them.
  
  The books evoked excitement and motivation within me and I'm not even a teenager! I wanted to get out of my chair and start doing something, anything really, after reading the words these boys wrote and I really believe that the teens that read this book will have the same sort of reaction. The message is powerful and intense, though completely necessary in today's society. Teens really need someone on their own level to tell them how to be successful and get out of the rut many find themselves in. Through God, Alex and Brett Harris are that voice.
  
  Leave a comment here by Sunday night, April 20, and I'll pick a winner to receive a copy of this awesome book. Read it yourself and then pass it on to a teen you care about. If you don't win, just click on the book cover above to purchase the book at Amazon.com. Happy reading!
  
  
• A Serious Challenge for Teens
  By A144CDJ2MZVNMT on 2008-07-31
  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.
  
  
  
• A Massive Wake-up Call Resonating with a Powerful Message!
  By A1Y7PVYQ9NOHLB on 2008-04-15
  Teen brothers Alex and Brett Harris, creators of TheRebelution.com, present a bold challenge for teens in our culture: Do hard things. This isn't just a book of ideas for teens, but rather a powerful call for teens to embrace their calling from God to change the world.
  
  Alex and Brett bring convincing logic to the table as they discuss our culture's low expectation of teens. Throughout the book teens are encouraged to re-think their potential and accept a new purpose for their life. We are reminded that the teen years aren't a time to goof off and find yourself; rather these are the years where young adults make life altering choices and impacting decisions that will have long lasting effects. Indeed, this is a massive wake up call resonating with a powerful message.
  
  My first thought upon finishing Do Hard Things was, "Where was this book when I was 15?". The life lessons and practical applications that these 19 year-old brothers share are nothing short of inspiring and life-changing. I had chills as I read story after story of real-life teens that are rebelling against low expectations through their faith and actions. They are changing the world for the better and they are doing it in amazing ways as they continually let God lead them.
  
  Do Hard Things is written for teens, but I am amazed at how much my life has been impacted by this book. No matter how old you are or what stage of life you are in, you will benefit from this powerful message. If you are tired of going through the motions in life and suffering through a mediocre spiritual slump, then do something hard for a change. Check out this book and let God speak to you through the pages. Prepare for your eyes to be opened! The rebelution is coming......
  
  
  
• Inspiring youth to be extraordinary
  By A85PTLCK10MXG on 2008-06-12
  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.
  
  
• L-L-Love this for my daughters--4 teens
  By AHKVHE85ON27G on 2008-08-04
  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.
  
  
• Great book for every teen
  By A3TPSEI5YZO777 on 2008-08-05
  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.
  
  
• DHT Challenge Hits Every Generation
  By A52982EP0UKU0 on 2008-04-15
  I've been living with and working with teens for over a decade now. Regularly, I comb the literary market looking for books that will challenge and inspire intelligent and motivated teens to live life on purpose, without conforming to the norms of the culture. It is a hard find! Most books talk down to teens or use slang that is just foolishness coming from an adult. Other books, loaded with sound Biblical advice miss the mark for the teen audience, as their examples apply to life experiences they've yet to come into.
  
  Alex and Brett have combined relevant content, appropriate examples, and language that is easy to read, without being overtly slang-driven. Even though this book is for teens by teens, I was equally as challenged to consider what Doing Hard Things (DHT) would look like in my own life. The message was just as relevant for me, as I took their 5 hard things and began to evaluate my life: "Am I just getting by...because of low expectations...instead of doing all that I could be doing in this particular situation?"
  
  Believe it or not, I found this book incredibly helpful as a parent, as it gave a perspective of how I could better communicate with my six and eight year olds about the challenges and dreams they have for their own lives. I am keenly aware now of the low expectations swirling around the culture and have a renewed determination to challenge my own kids to live as rebelutionariers instead of conforming to complacency.
  
  Alex and Brett coined more than a few phrases and concepts in Do Hard Things, and also offer wonderful perspectives from many young people who have taken the DHT challenge. Here are just some passages that caused me to stand up and take notice of the premise and potential of DHT:
  
  "I think I have thoroughly shocked my family by doing thins that they (and I) never imagined I'd be doing. It's amazing what we can do if we will trust God enough to step out of our comfort zones." (p. 22)
  
  "As one education expert put it, 'Our current ceiling for students is really much closer to where the floor ought to be.'...The most our society expects from teens is really much closer to the least we should expect." (p. 36)
  
  "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." (p. 39)
  
  "A rebelutionary takes the time to identify the areas where he or she could accomplish more by stepping across the line of what comes easily and coming out from behind past accomplishments, complacency, and low expectations." (p. 93)
  
  The Harris brothers have done the hard thing in writing this book and stepping out against the low expectations of our culture. In doing so, they've given us all a valuable resource manual for evaluating our low-bar standard, motivating us to raise it up, becoming all that God intended us to be and all for His glory.
  
  
• WOW
  By A217EZZ4FF3T67 on 2008-04-15
  Wow, this book is awesome. I finished it last night and I was completely blown away by the content and quality of this book. From the first page, I was hooked and did not want to put it down. I was already a reader of the Rebelution blog and a new member of the Forums when I began reading this book. The Harrises present their topic in a loving, challenging way. It is a very well written and well researched book. The message of Do Hard Things is very necessary and vital to revive our teen culuture of laziness. One bad thing, I don't think I'll ever see my copy of this book again because I will be giving it to so many people who need to read it! Thank you so much for such an insightful and inspiring book.
  Chelsea
  
  
• IF YOU'RE BREATHING, BUY THIS BOOK!
  By AUKTNDN719OD0 on 2008-04-15
  If you're the parent of teenager, kidult, or adultescent, BUY this book. Buy several copies. Hand them out to anyone breathing who knows a teen, kidult, and/or adultescent.
  
  I've taught high school for over twenty years. This is, without a doubt, one of the single most important books I could place in the hands of every teen who passes through the doors of my classroom. In fact, money and public school notwithstanding, I would. This book is that powerful.
  
  I encourage you, no-I URGE you-visit their blog. Scroll through their topics on the sidebar, issues like Modern Day chivalry, The Myth of Adolescence, Brothers & Sisters, Teens and Technology, The Modesty Survey. Click on the links. You won't be disappointed. In fact, you'll line up the family and the pets to do the wave.
  
  Enjoy.
  
  BUY THE BOOK.
  
  REVIEW FROM TORI L., A STUDENT IN MY ENGLISH II HONORS CLASS:
  
  I didn't ask for extra reading material; it was given to me when my teacher Mrs. Allan handed me the book. I was skeptical. I asked myself the question, "Why me and no one else?" I didn't want to completely ignore my teacher's wishes to read the book, so I skimmed the first few pages. Rebelutionary, a word that grasped my attention every time my eyes rolled over it. Rebelutionary is a word created by the authors of Do Hard Things. It's a revolution they started for teens to rebels against laziness. This book was written not just to share two teen brothers' experiences with a revolution they started, but also to motivate teens to join them. I won't reveal every aspect of the book because it's your treasure to find. I will tell you, however, it's a treasure worth missing one or two episodes of American Idol to find. I encourage everyone to read Do Hard Things. It will change your outlook on teenage years.
  
  
  
  
• Thoughts from a twenty-something on a challenging book
  By A2B0S4L15E4GNC on 2008-04-18
  "This is what we call the Rebelution: throwing off the shackles of lies and low expectations and returning our generation to a true and very exciting understanding of the teen years--not as a vacation from responsibility but as a launching pad for the rest of our lives."
  
  ~Alex and Brett Harris~
  
  I pre-ordered several copies of this book, knowing it would be above average. It finally came, and indeed, it's not your everyday book written by teens. (Um, there aren't many of those, are there? Let's say it's not your everyday book, period.)
  
  In the book, the Harris twins offer an expanded, in-depth look at the rebelutionary concept of doing hard things. They talk about the myth of adolescence and the potential the teen years hold. They detail five kinds of Hard Things. And they show practical ways they can be accomplished. Much of the content is familiar to me since it's similar to articles on their blog, but it's great to have a book-length look at Doing Hard Things.
  
  It's challenging. Maybe especially to those of us already past our teen years who know we could be doing more, striving for bigger and better things, and we don't even have the excuse of being teenagers anymore. Of course, part of the whole point of the book is that being a teen is no excuse, and that they should and can rebel against low expectations. But the Do Hard Things mindset is something all Christians should have. It's just incredibly sensible, useful, fulfilling, and possible to do so at an early age.
  
  The stories are probably the most challenging parts of the book, since they are real-life (historical and modern) examples of teens doing real-life hard things from overcoming sickliness, buying and learning to use recording equipment, running political campaigns, beating procrastination (ouch!), designing top-quality survey programs, captaining ships, and more. Alex and Brett also do a consistent, thoughtful job of backing their points with Scripture, making their message all the more powerful.
  
  I'm not quite finished with the book. It's a good length. The cover design is really cool. It has an intro by Chuck Norris, if that interests anyone. (Half a year ago, I had no clue who this cool guy was who got all the jokes made about him..."You don't know who Chuck Norris is?!?!?" was usually followed by uninformative silence. Now I know he's a real person, not some mythical character, and I chiefly think he's cool because he's a Christian and admires the Harris twin's character and message.)
  
  These guys have a message that is changing lives because of its grounding in truth. I think God is using it to change mine, and only time and effort will tell where He'll take me next.
  
  
• A MUST read for all teenagers, parents and youth leaders!
  By A1I0PL1UV3KAEW on 2008-04-20
  I am a 44-year-old believer in Jesus Christ, holding a bachelor's degree in Bible, minoring in youth ministry and Biblical languages and having worked with youth ministry for a number of years, and I have NEVER read such an inspiring book which has given me such a hope for our future generation! I firmly believe that if every Christian teenager read AND applied the principles described within, our country's future might have more hope for a brighter future! In addition to their Website, www.TheRebelution.com, Alex and Brett Harris demonstrate the lifestyle which so many of today's teens need to exhibit: doing hard things as they live for Christ. Not only that, but they encourage and challenge us older adult Christians to also "do hard things".
  
  
• Must Read
  By A19UG7IBDRB7K4 on 2008-04-25
  This is a great book that should be read by every teenager today! It really shows how to break out of the low standards our world has set.
  
  
• A Book That Will Change Your Life - Whatever Your Age!
  By A1STF19QVV2C4E on 2008-05-01
  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
  [...]
  
  Rattled: Surviving Your Baby's First Year Without Losing Your Cool
  
  The Great American Supper Swap - Solving the Busy Woman's Family Dinnertime Dilemma
  
  
• Breaking away from low expectations
  By A22X8YIKDR4A2Q on 2008-04-15
  Alex and Brett Harris's "Do Hard Things" is a must-read for everybody, but especially teenagers. "Do Hard Things" is a challenge for teens to live above and beyond the low expectations of today's culture. Historically, teens and young adults have been able to accomplish amazing things. One example the Harris twins give is that George Washington was a succesful surveyor at age 17. And this was not easy work, it was strenuous.
  
  The word "teenager" or "adolescent" has actually only been around since 1941, when it made its debute in a Reader's Digest issue. Before then, only two categories existed; child and adult. Once you ceased being a child, you became an adult, with adult duties. "Teens," until about 70 years ago, were actually considered adults, and were expected to behave like adults.
  
  Nowadays, people expect teenagers to be lazy, selfish, and self and peer-centered. What teens need to realize is that what you are in your teen years is what you will be as an adult. The teen years are not a vacation from the rest of life, they are the training for it.
  
  From one teen to all teens (and anybody who knows one); READ THIS BOOK!
  
  
• Teenagers Need This Book!
  By A3P3IF8V543HDO on 2008-04-16
  As a former youth leader, I have long been concerned with the lack of drive and passion that some teenagers seem to have for God. Not all, but some teenagers take a lacksadaisical approach to every facet of their lives, which leaves them lacking when they hit their adult years. This book is for those kids who fall for the lies of Satan during these very important teenage years. They can turn their teenage years into the beginning of a life filled with Godly purpose and do not have to live as the world lives. This book was written by teenagers for teenagers and would make a great book for youth leaders to give their youth or for parents to read and pass on to their own teenager.
  
  
  
• Amazing!
  By AJQX4YS16UFJH on 2008-04-17
  My 3 copies of Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris arrived in the mail on Tuesday. It's amazing. This is a book that everyone should read, not just those in their teens! However, for us teens, it's very encouraging to know that there are others out there, challenging us to do productive things for God's glory.
  
  It was a hard thing for me to not read the book right away! Let me explain... =) Around 4:30 p.m. my Dad walked into my room with the box of books. Excitedly I opened it and was thrilled to see they'd arrived! However, as I was busily sewing my graduation dress, and really needed to finish it, I set the books down and kept on sewing. By the time I finally finished, it was time to make supper. While enjoying dessert, I finally had the chance to crack open the cover. Before I knew it, the first 4 chapters had slipped away. This is definitely a book that's hard to put down!
  
  I contemplated finishing the book right then and there. It's a wonderful read, well-written, and worth the time spent. After all, I had been looking forward to reading this book ever since Alex and Brett announced they'd be writing it! But, there were some things I really should do that I hadn't gotten done that day... Then the irony of it all hit me. What was the name of the book I was reading? Do Hard Things? So, I put it down and tackled the pile of dirty dishes, practiced my flute, and quickly cleaned two rooms. At last, I sat down in the newly-straightened library and proceeded to finish the book at 9:55 p.m.
  
  This is the book we've been waiting for. This is the book our generation needs to read. It's encouraging, funny, and at the same time very challenging. Even for someone who's read their blog almost from the beginning, Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations brings new insights and challenges. The blog is great, but reading everything in one book instead of in different posts really ties everything together. The stories of real-life teens, many of whom I've heard of or seen around The Rebelution were really inspiring. The acknowledgments and the dedication of the book to their parents were very touching!
  
  I plan to read the book again, and again, and again if I need to! There's a lot of things to digest, a lot of challenges to think and pray through. It's the encouragement you need to keep going, to know you're not alone, to prevent you from getting complacent. God is glorified through it all, and Alex and Brett write with humility and a passionate cry for their generation.
  
  Make sure you buy the book! Make sure your read it with an open heart! Then, pass it on! Together we can get the word out!
  
  
• A Life Changer !
  By A244X8AJ03RGH0 on 2008-04-20
  I have been very blessed to read this book. It has encouraged me to change the way I think and to go against the flow of worldliness. I need to do my very best in life, not just above average. I think if this generation were really to take what this book teaches to heart, it would change this nation and our world. This book is worth buying copies for all your friends and family, as well as one for your local library.
  
  
• A book every teen should read
  By A23TSNOI5PA97O on 2008-05-08
  "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.
  
  
• excellent wake up call to adults and teens
  By A2GKDBEUN0W40O on 2008-07-01
  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.
  
  
• A Review for Rebelutionaries
  By A29QR2QGMYNCFF on 2008-08-22
  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)
  
  

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