I almost don't want to give this book away. It is truly inspiring, an eye opener. I live in Dallas, TX - not far from Fort Worth. We see many of the conditions described in the book, but never close-up. This story has given me an entirely difference perspective, one I will not soon forget. Deborah Hall was a remarkable woman, truly one of a kind. You will fall in love with Ron, Denver and Deborah through this amazing story of trials, love and everlasting friendship.

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This book will touch your heart. I read the book, gave it a friend, she bought 5 and gave them to her friends, I let my sister read it she bought 5 and gave them to friends. I read all the time and this is the first book I have ever had such a response to when I loaned it to anyone...

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I wasn't sure what to expect with this book but it is a great true story of how if you just reach out a little and trust that you can forge a great friendship. It also teaches you that live is a lot more than just possessions or money.

I live close to Fort Worth where this book is set and I could place the locations

I enjoyed the book and smiled and cried throughout. Definitely a good read

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one of the best book I've read in forever and one of the few nonfiction books I've thoroughly enjoyed. A story of a old black man who grew up as a sharecropper in Louisiana and escapes to Texas where he lives a life of homelessness, crime and violence combined with a rich white couple drawn to volunteer at the shelter where he lives. Reading this book gave me a lot to think about. It ran the gauntlet, covering marriage, friendship, love, and family right alongside death, injustice, and poverty. The first half of the book is the story of the past, which I found fascinating. When you get to the middle of the book the focus takes a very sudden shift into the spiritual, and that's when you better have a box of Kleenex nearby. I was astounded at the depth of spirituality spread through the last half of the book. I didn't see it coming. The idea that this is a true story is amazing to me. I was humbled to think that there can be so much love wrapped up in one person and the incredible ways God will use that person to spread love. Just go read it. It's an awesome book.

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This book was chosen by a woman in the book club I belong to. I am so thankful she did. This is a wonderful story about the power of unselfish love to transform lives. You won't be seeing my copy posted here, this book is a keeper for me. It was a page-turner right from the start. Definitely a five-star book.

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Very inspiring story about how we can all help those who are less privileged and learn to accept and appreciate each other's differences.

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This story that you literally can not put down once you get past about quarter of the book. I had to fake sickness so that I could stay home and read the book non-stop! So awesome of a story, only God could make it true life. We have passed this book on to many members of our church to spur them on and do things for the least of these...the homeless. A must read...it'll change your life.

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WOW. what a pleasant, wonderful surprise. I had preconceived notions about this book, that it would be a feel good, happily ever after story.
I had no idea it was a true story. I had no idea it has a spiritual basis.
This was the BEST book I have read in a long, long time.

Denver's life, on a plantation was no less than slavery. but it was all he knew. Until one day, he hopped a train and ended up in Texas.
There, God cross his paths with a wealthy, unlikely couple whom He used to create a bonding friendship.

Other than the author's talk of Large sums of money made and donated, I loved every word. DO not look at the photos until you are done, there is a subtle spoiler there.

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I read this book in a day because I was not able to put it down. This is one of the best books I have read this year and loved it. It tells what can happen when people are kind to each other and try to help those who are less fortunate then they are. It will make you cry.

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The interpolated telling is one of the most unique presentations of a story I've ever read. It was fascinating to read about an event or activity from two completely different perspectives, from two men who are (in many ways) polar opposites on the American spectrum.

If this was a work of fiction, it wouldn't have nearly the impact - but because Denver and Ron are real men, I experienced a great deal of sympathy for each as he told his version of the story. Each of them allowed me look inside his head and heart as he recounted his thoughts and feelings about a particular occurrence.

Definitely a worthwhile read - especially for those who know nothing of the lifestyle of those living in the extremest poverty available in America today. My vicarious experience of that world through Denver's words was truly eye-opening for me.

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This is one of the most powerful true stories I have ever read. I was captivated from the beginning. It is told honestly from both the perspective of the poor, uneducated Denver and the very wealthy, successful Ron. I loved the writing and the wisdom surprised me. It is inspiring and beautiful. It exceeded my expectations completely! A must read!

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Some people may be turned off by the strong Christian message throughout the whole book. However I found the character study of Denver and Ron very interesting. The book covers them both from childhood, to adulthood, as strangers, as they feared each other, as somewhat friends, to finally lifelong best friends.

It is a powerful book and the worst and best of mankind.

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I picked this up on a whim, hearing really good things about it and not too sure what to expect. Turns out, I really enjoyed it. I laughed, cried, and fell in love with this gem of a book. I highly recommend it!

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My pastor had referred to this book in her sermon quite some time ago. I finally had the opportunity to receive the book thru PBS. Wasn't exactly sure what to expect at first. But once I started to read this book, I was hooked! I loved it! Written in such honest, open manner. Many times I chuckled, reflected on my own prejudices, marveled at the faith of others, questioned my faith, shed quite a few tears. I would highly recommend this book to everyone. It is a book telling a real story about real people, their lives, choices and faith. Sometimes the most profound wisdom and faith are reflected from the least likely, in our minds, sources.

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What a wonderful book! It opened my eyes to worlds I would otherwise not have seen, and reminded me to be careful in my own thinking about people who are "different" from me. The 2 author's viewpoints are so interesting to read, and I appreciated the way their faith played a role in this story. I laughed out loud many times, and I also wept openly at different points in the book. Truly moving, well worth reading. Highly recommended.

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It's a powerful story of unconditional love, acceptance and true friendship, and how those things can change lives. I found it to be very inspirational, and I loved that it was told through the eyes of two people rather than just one. Because of that, I think it made more of an impact. This was an extremely touching book to me, it's rare for me to cry when I read a book, no matter how emotional it may be for me, but this one definitely had me misty eyed. Certain parts actually gave me goosebumps! This is one of those books that I intend to pass around to my friends and family. I even got an extra copy to keep for myself. When I run across a book like this that reaches out and touches me to the point that I want to strive harder to be a better person, I deem it necessary to share the inspiration with others!

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This book was wonderful. I highly recommend! I laughed and cried. It is filled with emotion and faith! Great read!

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"Same Kind of Different as Me" by Denver Moore and Ron Hall is the study of two very different men, from two very different worlds who are brought together - rather begrudingly - because a woman wouldn't let either of them go. As I read this book, I realized how truly ignorant I was to American History. I am sorry to say I did not realize sharecropping was a part of our country after the Civil War ended. This book was such a stark depiction of modern day slavery. But it is also the story of love, forgiveness, grace, determination and how, if you truly believe in someone and the power of the human spirit, anything is possible. I absolutely loved this story - so much in fact that it was my top pick of the 40+ books I read in 2010.

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Meh. Although there wasn't anything about this book in particular that I didn't like, I just wasn't that into it. I would pick it up, read a little, then put it back down for days and days on end. Then I would see the book and think, "Oh yeah, there's that great book I still need to finish." Never finished it. Life's too short for reading to be a chore.

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This is an amazing story. Well written and engrossing. A very compassionate look at the less fortunate of us. It also brings to light the racism that still permeates our society.
I would have liked the book even more if the author didn't constantly attempt - both overtly and covertly - to convert the reader to his very fundamentalist Christian religion. I don't mind someone expressing their faith in their writings. But this book went just a little too far.
The story is still amazing, if you don't mind the sermonizing.

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Wow! What a moving story of two men who have been brought together by one woman's dream and faith. When Deborah Hall takes her husband Ron to a homeless mission to do volunteer work, her goal is to really make a difference. She has had a vision and when she sees the face of Denver Moore, she knows he is the man God has sent her to help to realize the power he could have to change the lives of others. This is a true story that is hard to put down and helped to open my eyes to the thoughts and feelings of many homeless individuals. I found myself reading whole chapters to my husband who became interested in this true story himself. I would recommend this book to everyone.

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This was the BEST book! So uplifting and good for all ages! I passed it to my mother (85) and my granddaughter (14) - my whole book club LOVED it -

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Insanely good. Definitely one of my top three books, ever. It beats The Giver in that it's a true story, the kind that just can't be made up. No matter who you are, you need to read it; even if you despise the writing style, it will still delight you in a true and deep way

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This is one of the best stories I have ever read. The relationship between Denver and Ron that blossomed in this book is beautiful. I love "Miss Debbie" for her very giving and loving spirit. God truly blessed these individuals. This book makes me want to be a better person. I cried out loud with this book. Loved it!

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This book is truly inspirational!

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This is one of those books that makes you happy you read it. The true story of two men from very different lives who become best friends, thanks to a dream that one's wife had and her encouragement to see that dream come true. It is a reminder that one person can make a huge difference in many lives.

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I didn't like this book at all. Not even enough to finish it. The most interesting part was the beginning when Denver talked about his life growing up. Maybe I missed how great this book is because I didn't finish it, because a lot of people seemed to really like it, but I couldn't force myself to finish reading it.

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I really enjoyed this book. The two stories were intertwined very well and the change in Denver and Ron's lives is inspiring.

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This book is spiritual, funny, heartbreaking, and exiciting. It's 244 pages is packed with emotion from the start. Ron and Denver allow you to connect with each person (it's a true-life story)included in the book, and feel their emotions through every trial and blessing. Packed with God-nuggets, this book is one to shared with the family. It serves as a fantastic reminder that no matter our circumstances, no matter how far we've fallen or how high on the mountaintop we may be, we are wonderfully (and fearfully) made to love, help, serve, and support each other by God. Faith, hope, friendship, and love abound between the covers of this book, reminding all who read it to pray and trust God through it all.

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This is a heartwarming memoir about, as the subtitle says, "A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together". It contains some eye-opening details about the reality of poverty and homelessness. It also shares an inspiring story of some folks who made a difference. A wholesome story that is ripe to be made into a "Christian" movie or a TV movie. I liked the dual point of view method of telling the story.

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The best book, everyone should read this book. It is very eye-opening! Loved it, loved it!!

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Loved every second of it. I cried tears of pain, tears of joy and tears of sorrow. Excellent, educational, mesmerizing - a favorite book for sure!

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Enlightening to see the different perspectives of people coming to the same place from different places in their lives.
A bit over the top with Ron Hall, seemed to still like to name drop, show wealth and brag bit at who he rubbed elbows with.

Denver was so insightful and grounded. What an amazing man.

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An amazing result of the collision of two worlds! Be sure to bring along your tissues.

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"Same Kind of Different As Me" is a collaboration, the tale of how two very different lives intersect. Told in the first person, authors Ron Hall and Denver Moore take the reader on a journey of their lives, both individual and corporate. Both were raised in the South, but with one being white and the other black, their experiences were vastly different. Moore grew up a sharecropper. It was all he knew until one day he hopped a train, did some traveling, and eventually settled in Fort Worth, Texas. Homeless and angry, he finds his way to the Union Gospel Mission. Hall grew up lower-middle class, but worked his way up in life to become an art dealer. His wife, Deborah, began to feel a call on her life to serve the homeless at the Union Gospel Mission. Hall went along half-heartedly, but eventually felt his heart begin to change the more they served. It was through their volunteer work at the mission that Hall and Moore met. Despite the major outward differences, they strike a friendship--one that has endured through the years.

This book presents so many issues for the reader to wrestle with. Poverty, homelessness (and the response to it), sickness and death. I found Moore's portion of the book fascinating to read because of his life experience. Not being able to relate, I found it extremely helpful to see things from a different perspective. Hall was a little more difficult to read through. Before he met Moore, he came across as a bit self-absorbed and materialistic. That changed, however, once he became serious about his faith and befriended Moore.

This is a wonderful book to help tear down stereotypes. So many themes of this book remain so relevant and are worthy of further discussion. There is a discussion section at the back of the book, which makes it perfect for individual reflections or for a small group discussion. This is an important book that would be a great starting point for thinking critically about issues like poverty, homelessness, and a proper response to both.

(Ive received this complimentary book through the BookLook program in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)

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This is one of my favorite true story books. I have read this book twice. I have shared my copy and have purchased three as gifts. If you think one person can not make a difference, you need to read this book. Awesome!

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Wonderful book. Love the way we heard from Denver and Ron
separately. The truth is a breath of fresh air. There is no fluff.
The title is perfect.

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Loved this one!

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This is such a fantastic true story. Once I started reading it, I could not put it down.
It is such an inspirational book to read, It shows what a difference one person can make in so many lives. In these times, when it seems like there is so much hatred and evil all around, books like this help you remember that there are still good people around.
It gives you hope and helps you view people in a whole new light.
This book should be required reading for all middle school/high school students......and their parents.

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This is a book I think every one should
read. In this life we take so much for granted
and never look around us at the people who are living their lives so close to us that we never see. Once started its a never put down book until the last word is read.

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This was a very well written book from each of the characters had their own perspective. Made me cry. Highly Suggested!

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You should read this book. Seriously. If you have not read it, you should put it on your "to-read" list. Same Kind of Different as Me is the true story of a wealthy art dealer and a homeless man and the unlikely friendship they find.

The book alternates between Denver, a former plantation sharecropper who jumps a train to escape his bleak future and ends up living his life as a homeless man for years, and Ron, a wealthy art dealer whose wife convinces him to serve the community at a homeless shelter. That homeless shelter is where their paths cross and God moves in both of their lives.

This story really did make me view homeless people and serving others differently. If you really want to make a difference in someone's life it doesn't happen in a day.

It was inspiring to watch how God worked in both of these men's lives to change them and each other.

The book is very well written and will suck you in. It is open and honest and tells their imperfect and inspiring story beautifully. Not only is it a good story, but it may change your life- read it!

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This book was excellent! It made me laugh and cry and go hmmmm. It was not at all what I expected when I started to read it. Definatley worth the read!

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I really enjoyed this book initially, particularly Denver's chapters. But it eventually got a little too preachy for me and made me uncomfortable.

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An inspiring book.A feel- good book. Very interesting.

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First a confession, I am not a Christian... as a Buddhist I can tell you this is an impressive account of an unlikely friendship. The real story is just that... the friendship that bound these 2 impossibly different men and the impact that friendship has had on the wider community. Denver Moore is of our time and his oppression is ours. The wealthy who perpetrate the system that enslaves and debases much of humankind have their own destiny. It makes for an interesting read all in all.

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Awesome book that tells us that we as a people can always encourage and inspire one another.

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To be honest, after the first five chapters, I became disappointed in the book. Denver's story is heartfelt and culturally/socially significant - from both a historical perspective and within society today. Even from the start, Ron's story feels shallow and forever dependent on wealth, status, and material possessions for meaning. His God discussions feel typically evangelical, 'religious', not spiritual. In this way, his story too is culturally significant. By the end of the book, Denver is left to menial mention. I would be interested to read reviews from the black American community.

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Excellent story! I absolutely recommend reading this.

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Wow - what a wonderful story - and a lesson that everyone today can take and live with!

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I had no idea what to expect from this book. Eventually, my mind was blown away! An exquisite story of friendship, grace, and redemption it will leave your heart pressing onward to do more and live fearlessly. Bravo!

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Definately one of the best books I've ever read!! I recommend this book to everyone, and think it should be required reading in school; it has changed my outlook on life completely. The second book by these authors is also excellent, entitled "What Difference Do It Make?" Sorry avid readers, but these are two books that will not be reposted to the swap

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Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down. The writing is exceptional, easy to comprehend, and there are surprises and unexpected twists and turns.

This book brings to the forefront what it means to be Christian, and most of us who think we are are not walking the walk. We should all strive to be more like Jesus rather than just preaching what the Bible says. We need to DO it.

After reading this book, I feel challenged to reach out to others in a truly Christian way and make a difference in the lives of others. One person's actions really can impact the world.

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It took me about 6 chapters to get into this book but they are quite short so I guess you could say it took about 10 pages. I also got confused because the story is written by two people and usually with the beginning of each chapter the story would switch to one or the other. It would sometimes take me a page to figure out who was talking.
I loved this book. The book is true and opened my eyes to a lot. I laughed, I cried and over all would recommend this book.

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Everyone should read it - I am not reposting because i want to keep to read over and over - as well as share with close friends

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This is a book that everyone should read. We should all be like Miss Debbie in furthering God's Kingdom.

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This is a very well done memoir. It does bring out the need to open one's eyes and open one's heart and Listen.

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A powerful story!

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I was a little iffy about this book at first, because I'm not as religious as I would like to be right now, but this book was absolutely incredible. It made you smile, made you laugh, but most of all it made you cry.

The story is about a black man named Denver Moore, a white husband and wife named Ron & Debbie Hall. You're at first introduced to Denver's story, about how he grew up on a plantation listening to the Man's orders & picking cotton. then the story goes back & forth between the lives of him & Ron & you are slowly introduced to their lives.

Ron grew up poor basically and he didn't have much going for him until suddenly he began selling art & he thought he had his life going good. His wife was all about God & he was more about money. As time went on, he ended up having a relationship on the side with someone he met through his art business & he told his wife, which made her want them both to work on their marriage in order for him to get closer to God. As they did that, Denver was working on getting away from the plantation & attempting to get out into the real world and make a name for himself. He hopped on a train & headed someplace, which he ended up in Fort Worth. He was homeless, literally. He had nothing really except the clothes on his back. But he made it through, he was strong & he did it.

Debbie had a vision that she needed to go help out at the mission. She belived that God had sent her a message to help out there, and she also had a vision that she needed and was supposed to help Denver. It took her & Ron awhile to convince him to come there & be welcome into their lives, but it finally worked. You learn to love Debbie throughout this book because she is a true worker of the Lord and she is the reason Denver & Ron & her become so close, not only a close friendship, but a closer relationship between the three of them and their God.

This story is amazing, hands down. You are kept on edge as you are taken through their lives and their emotions, seeing two completely different people be united through God. It was an extremely powerful story that I will never, ever forget & will always cherish for the rest of my life. You must read this book, whether you are a firm believer in God are not, you have to read this.

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This is one of the most inspiring books I have ever read! I Highly recommend it. A beautiful story of forgiveness and Christ love shown through his people. I will read this book more than once I am sure.

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I don't take time to review a book often but I loved this book. It is so very raw and human and hopeful.

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This book was extremely inspirational, it wasn't what I had expected - but a pleasant surprise. My mom volunteers at a soup kitchen and I passed it on to her. She always says that she gets back much more than she gives when she works there and this book was all about that. Sorry I wont be reposting, mom is reading it now and is going to pass it on to her fellow volunteers!

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Fantastic Read. If believe in God and quiet miracles in modern day times, read this book.

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It was a very good book.

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Very good read! But by the grace of God, so we all go.

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Great story

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loved it

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This book is a real gem! I'm glad that I've gotten to read this book - You will
laugh and cry. This story will definitely stay with you.

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Touching memoir and a real eye opener.

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An AWESOME story. This book will make you re think what it means to follow G*d...and make you look at others with a new viewpoint. Just Google Denver Moore's incredible artwork or you will think this is just a made up sceenplay or something.

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The title of this book is the content. For me it was a very touching story and an excellent read.

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I loved this book and would recommend it anyone. It's not the kind of book I usually read but it was hard to put down. I think I wasn't too excited about the first few chapters before they meet but after that it was so great. I laughed & cried and it was nice to see pictures at the end.

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This book is awesome in so many ways. Enlighting, heartwarming, sad and happy. I recommend completely!

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I rarely write book reviews, but I had to make an exception for this book.

This book is about hearing God's word, leaving your heart open to the possibilities, having the courage to take a chance, and learning to love those who are truly different from yourself. It challenges those of us who think of ourselves as Christian to take a good look at how we are expressing God's love to others.

The first part of the book made me laugh, the middle made me cry, and the end made me rejoice.

If you have been afraid to read a non-fiction book, don't worry about this book. It reads like a novel.

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Excellent! Best book I've read in a long time!

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