Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Call number
B HAL
Publication
Thomas Nelson
Description
Biography & Autobiography. Religion & Spirituality. African American Nonfiction. Nonfiction. HTML: A critically acclaimed #1 New York Times best-seller with more than one million copies in print! Now a major motion picture. Gritty with pain, betrayal, and brutality, this incredible true story also shines with an unexpected, life-changing love. Meet Denver, raised under plantation-style slavery in Louisiana until he escaped the "Man" in the 1960's by hopping a train. Untrusting, uneducated, and violent, he spends 18 years on the streets of Dallas and Fort Worth. Meet Ron Hall, a self-made millionaire in the world of high-priced deals�??an international arts dealer who moves between upscale New York galleries and celebrities. It seems unlikely that these two men would meet under normal circumstances, but when Deborah Hall, Ron's wife, meets Denver, she sees him through God's eyes of compassion. When Deborah is diagnosed with cancer, she charges Ron with the mission of helping Denver. From this request, an extraordinary friendship forms between Denver and Ron, changing them both forever. A tale told in two unique voices, Same Kind of Different as Me weaves two completely different life experiences into one common journey. There is pain and laughter, doubt and tears, and in the end a triumphal story that readers will never forget. Continue this story of friendship in What Difference Do It Make?: Stories of Hope and Healing, available now. Same Kind of Different as Me also is available in Spanish.… (more)
Subjects
User reviews
LibraryThing member kaelirenee
A professor is assigning this to her class and I need to know it well enough to help the students with it. So I read it. Very early on, I realized something very important-I am not the target audience for this book. I despise books written in any deep-accent (one of the reasons I dislike Twain, and
That being said, as a librarian, I would recommend this book to people who do like inspirational stories, especially from a Christian perspective and people interested in racial tensions in the South. I'm sure many people read this as a redemptive and inspirational book about the way faith and persistence can change lives, one at a time. For me, the only way the novel could have been more painful was if it gave me paper cuts on every page.
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his characters only spoke that way). I also think our students are poor enough writers. They don't need this as an influence. I also can't stand any book that paints Texans with the same broad brush. But most of all, even if it was a true story, I don't care for books in which a person's reason for doing something is a hallucination or dream. I also dislike it when one's bad life is solely attributed to race-the line of "sharecroppers" ended in my family two generations ago, so I've heard a number of these stories from very white grandparents.That being said, as a librarian, I would recommend this book to people who do like inspirational stories, especially from a Christian perspective and people interested in racial tensions in the South. I'm sure many people read this as a redemptive and inspirational book about the way faith and persistence can change lives, one at a time. For me, the only way the novel could have been more painful was if it gave me paper cuts on every page.
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LibraryThing member evansdiana
The true story of how an unlikely friendship between two extraordinary men, one a succesful art dealer, the other homeless and bitter were drawn together because of the life of an even more extraordinary woman. Wonderful example of a totally unselfish life. Will be one of my all-time favorites.
LibraryThing member Fairydragonstar
I think that this was one of the best most insprialtional books I have read in a very long time...I love the approach of how God works and even if you do not follow a particular religion you will find this book very uplifting
LibraryThing member pinknpeach
One of the best books I have ever read. I laughed and cried. It truly inspired me and made me think about my world and the difference I could and should be making as a child of God.
LibraryThing member nmhale
An interesting memoir in that it covers the lives of three individuals rather than one, and is told by two of those people. Ron Hall and Denver Moore are the narrators, two men from very different walks of life who are drawn together by Deborah Hall, Ron's wife. They alternate telling the story, so
Ron is an art dealer who managed to acquire vast sums of money through his business, while Denver is a homeless man, having run away from his slave-like existence as a sharecropper down south. Deborah drags her husband to a mission in down town Fort Worth, where they live, and the two men meet.
The memoir focuses a bit on the childhood and early adult years of Ron and Denver, to set their backgrounds, but devotes much more time to the period after they meet and beyond. The narrators also spend time telling Deborah's story, as she was the instrument in bringing both men together. Her compassion led her husband into a life about God's mercy, rather than money, and her love showed Denver light after being surrounded by darkness for so long. It is a surprising story, how two men are redeemed from very different places, and a sweet story, of friendship and love. It will also make you cry. Definitely worth a read, to see a Godly way of reaching out to the homeless, and a lesson in a life that can be lived in humility and love.
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each chapter is in first person, but switches from Ron's perspective to Denver's. Ron is an art dealer who managed to acquire vast sums of money through his business, while Denver is a homeless man, having run away from his slave-like existence as a sharecropper down south. Deborah drags her husband to a mission in down town Fort Worth, where they live, and the two men meet.
The memoir focuses a bit on the childhood and early adult years of Ron and Denver, to set their backgrounds, but devotes much more time to the period after they meet and beyond. The narrators also spend time telling Deborah's story, as she was the instrument in bringing both men together. Her compassion led her husband into a life about God's mercy, rather than money, and her love showed Denver light after being surrounded by darkness for so long. It is a surprising story, how two men are redeemed from very different places, and a sweet story, of friendship and love. It will also make you cry. Definitely worth a read, to see a Godly way of reaching out to the homeless, and a lesson in a life that can be lived in humility and love.
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LibraryThing member marient
The true story of a homeless man and how God's love prevailed. It is a story of a woman's faith, love, and hope and how she, Deborah Hall changed the lives of her own family and others.
LibraryThing member webgal79
This is truly an amazing memoir of two men from the "opposite sides of the tracks." It is inspiring and will challenge your preconceptions about the homeless or "least of these." Everyone, no matter what your faith group or religious affiliation, should read this book.
LibraryThing member brsquilt
Amazing story. First part was hard to read, but I persisted and I'm glad I did. An unlikely friendship that I won't forget.
LibraryThing member lauranav
The chapters alternate between Ron Hall (the international art dealer) and Denver Moore (the homeless man), two men brought together by Ron Hall’s wife.
We learn how Ron Hall came from lower-middle class to successful international art dealer and how Denver left a sharecropping farm to come to
The interspersing of chapters from Ron and from Denver works really well and the structure of the story is very readable. The protracted illness and death of Debbie is rough but real and gives insight into the relationship developing between the two men. It started with what looked like a homeless man in need of a friend. But Denver became the friend to Ron as he dealt with anger and grief.
Their goal was to get people to look at the homeless with a new perspective and to see more people reach out and make a difference. I think it is successful.
We learn how Ron Hall came from lower-middle class to successful international art dealer and how Denver left a sharecropping farm to come to
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Fort Worth with no skills to get by in a city. Debbie draws her husban Ron into work at a Mission, feeding the homeless, and she encourages him to become friends with Denver. It is nice to watch the Hall’s faith grow as they do this as a couple.The interspersing of chapters from Ron and from Denver works really well and the structure of the story is very readable. The protracted illness and death of Debbie is rough but real and gives insight into the relationship developing between the two men. It started with what looked like a homeless man in need of a friend. But Denver became the friend to Ron as he dealt with anger and grief.
Their goal was to get people to look at the homeless with a new perspective and to see more people reach out and make a difference. I think it is successful.
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LibraryThing member CarolynSchroeder
This book started off extremely well, telling of the lives of two very different men: 1) Ron Hall - an egocentric, wealthy, shallow art dealer; and 2) Denver Moore - a homeless man who grew up in severe poverty and for most of his life, was homeless. Denver's story is interesting and very, very
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sad, being pitched as a "modern-day slave" life (which I only partially agree with), he never had any schooling or real housing, and worked most of his life without real pay. It's a scary look at how so many people can and do fall through the cracks in today's "modern" world. The two men meet through Ron's wife, Deborah, who is a Christian missionary in downtown, downtrodden Fort Worth, TX. But beyond that, she is truly an incredible woman and the real light behind this story. She "forces" shallow Ron to befriend the angry, silent, maybe dangerous Denver and the two men become friends. About 1/4 of the way in, I had to roll my eyes at the constant, oppressive Christian blather, and it follows through, bonking the unknowing reader on the head mercilessly, until the end of the book. At times, it's hard to swallow and if you are not of the same religious bent, it actually becomes quite boring. But due to the high accolades, I did read it through to the end. Ultimately, I am glad I did. Religion aside, the real gem in here is how one person can make a difference to so many; and also, in one individual's life. If each of us helped just one person to this degree, what a world it would be. To watch as Deborah goes to some of the roughest parts of Fort Worth and simply befriends the homeless people is what kindness is all about. She never judged, just listened ... and helped. So it is inspiring as to the acts of the people involved. I see now this book is being hyped as a Christian/inspirational book (and the book discussion questions that follow are all religious), so I think that is likely this book's target audience. But it's worth picking up for the small lessons and to learn about the lives of Deborah Hall and Denver Moore. Show Less
LibraryThing member bsanner
Alternating chapters, Hall and Moore weave together a single narrative of prejudice, redemption, love, and death. Hall is a well-to-do art dealer; Moore, a sharecropper turned vagrant. Their paths meet at a homeless mission in Fort Worth, Texas, where Hall’s wife (Debbie) serves with a fearless
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and relentless love – a love which serve as the impetus for Hall and Moore’s deep and lasting friendship. This compelling story calls into question many commonly held assumptions about homelessness, race, friendship, and struggles with God. B+ Show Less
LibraryThing member debnance
I’ve had this book on my wishlist for a long time but it was my daughter-in-law who finally got me to read this book. She suggested we go to a face-to-face book group and this book was the book to be discussed. She read it first and raved about it. I finally got to it this week and I agreed with
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her. Wonderful story. Can’t wait to talk about it on Monday night. Show Less
LibraryThing member SallyApollon
Same Kind of my Different as Me: Ron Hall & Denver Moore
with Lynn Vincent
Sally Apollon
Overall Score: 7 out of 10
I really did enjoy this book. I thought the alternating chapters in the different “voices” was a most effective way of communicating character and building the storyline. I very
I was previously aware of the persistent discrimination and ongoing slavery-by-another-name in the South, but this story tells that angle very eloquently and exposes the grim history that the South hoards. The tale of the rocks battle to win use of the “foot-logs” to cross the stream on the way to school was just one in a long line of brutal insults to the growth and development of a child that would usually make for a defensive bitterness of Spirit.
Denver: I really liked him—being a true story I have to word this differently, but Lynn Vincent managed to bring out the important aspects of his life to elucidate why he was the way he was. His early life was so harsh—it’s hard for people to believe this kind of thing went on in the not-so-distant past. Hence, he was an amazingly faithful, resilient, intelligent person; in spite of all that he went through. I think the one thing which exposed his real heart was how he cared for Mr Ballantine—when nobody else did. I ask myself where did he develop his compassion? Only answer to me that makes sense is it’s God-given. I really liked the “catch-and-release” metaphor for friendship and can see why it was so important for Denver to have (and be) a forever friend after his many disappointments & abandonments. When he went to Colorado I really didn’t want him to fail, but I couldn’t see how he was going to pull it off, I held my breath until he was safe. I don’t think I have the same depth of faith. Of note, I thought the baptism in the river scene was terrific. You realize what a great raconteur this man would be & how fun it would be to sit down with a cup of coffee and hear some more of his stories.
Ron: It was very interesting to see the veil of racism get slowly pulled back the more he got to know Denver; and testament to his wife’s simple faith & persistent encouragement and love. It was also interesting to see him mature and grow into a man of faith and love. He was humble enough to be honest and let it happen.
Debbie: the one person who didn’t get to tell her own story, it was told through the eyes of the two men (and after her death), which was effective, but at times I would have wanted to know her inner thoughts. I don’t believe she was as angelic as perceived by them but such is hindsight, call me a skeptic! This is somewhat to be expected in the circumstances though. She was an impressively gentle, loving and faithful person. It’s a rare person that has such vision for people. I liked the way she handled Ron’s affair—determined and decisive; she really did re-write their history and I can only imagine Ron’s ultimate gratitude for this.
Debbie’s illness and death: this is really like another whole character—to me it had a life of it’s own. I thought it was quite well told, factual but sympathetic. I also liked the fact that she defied the odds. The best doctors I have worked with will refuse to give time for a person’s lifespan, (even if they can predict a probable course) because everyone is different and even though there’s a body of medical science that gives us facts and figures; the life and spirit of a person can never be numbered by days, weeks or months.
It was nice to see clearly illustrated how the family went on the journey with her toward her death—it takes strength of character to do what she did—to release her husband, to give him permission to move on
The FAITH demonstrated in the book was a key theme. Debbie with her visions, Denver with his knowledge of God from his childhood and Ron with his reluctant, but slowly growing faith was well explored. The power of prayer was demonstrated and the way in which sometimes people just have to work certain things out before they die. Also, I was pleased to see how things progressed after Debbie’s death. It seemed like sort of a cliché; but you can’t say that when it’s true—every cloud has a silver lining; there was a reason for things being the way they were and a mustard seed has to die itself before it can give fruit to others. Especially how the friendship between Ron & Denver is only cemented after her death: “I was purty sure after she went home to be with the Lord you was gon’ cut me loose” to be followed by “When I promised not to catch-and-release I meant it”.
11/20/09
with Lynn Vincent
Sally Apollon
Overall Score: 7 out of 10
I really did enjoy this book. I thought the alternating chapters in the different “voices” was a most effective way of communicating character and building the storyline. I very
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much wanted to know what was going to happen next as the story is told in such a way as to build to this big disaster (Debbie’s decline) for it’s central characters. You do develop this sense of impending doom—which is fully realized as the extent of Debbie’s disease becomes apparent.I was previously aware of the persistent discrimination and ongoing slavery-by-another-name in the South, but this story tells that angle very eloquently and exposes the grim history that the South hoards. The tale of the rocks battle to win use of the “foot-logs” to cross the stream on the way to school was just one in a long line of brutal insults to the growth and development of a child that would usually make for a defensive bitterness of Spirit.
Denver: I really liked him—being a true story I have to word this differently, but Lynn Vincent managed to bring out the important aspects of his life to elucidate why he was the way he was. His early life was so harsh—it’s hard for people to believe this kind of thing went on in the not-so-distant past. Hence, he was an amazingly faithful, resilient, intelligent person; in spite of all that he went through. I think the one thing which exposed his real heart was how he cared for Mr Ballantine—when nobody else did. I ask myself where did he develop his compassion? Only answer to me that makes sense is it’s God-given. I really liked the “catch-and-release” metaphor for friendship and can see why it was so important for Denver to have (and be) a forever friend after his many disappointments & abandonments. When he went to Colorado I really didn’t want him to fail, but I couldn’t see how he was going to pull it off, I held my breath until he was safe. I don’t think I have the same depth of faith. Of note, I thought the baptism in the river scene was terrific. You realize what a great raconteur this man would be & how fun it would be to sit down with a cup of coffee and hear some more of his stories.
Ron: It was very interesting to see the veil of racism get slowly pulled back the more he got to know Denver; and testament to his wife’s simple faith & persistent encouragement and love. It was also interesting to see him mature and grow into a man of faith and love. He was humble enough to be honest and let it happen.
Debbie: the one person who didn’t get to tell her own story, it was told through the eyes of the two men (and after her death), which was effective, but at times I would have wanted to know her inner thoughts. I don’t believe she was as angelic as perceived by them but such is hindsight, call me a skeptic! This is somewhat to be expected in the circumstances though. She was an impressively gentle, loving and faithful person. It’s a rare person that has such vision for people. I liked the way she handled Ron’s affair—determined and decisive; she really did re-write their history and I can only imagine Ron’s ultimate gratitude for this.
Debbie’s illness and death: this is really like another whole character—to me it had a life of it’s own. I thought it was quite well told, factual but sympathetic. I also liked the fact that she defied the odds. The best doctors I have worked with will refuse to give time for a person’s lifespan, (even if they can predict a probable course) because everyone is different and even though there’s a body of medical science that gives us facts and figures; the life and spirit of a person can never be numbered by days, weeks or months.
It was nice to see clearly illustrated how the family went on the journey with her toward her death—it takes strength of character to do what she did—to release her husband, to give him permission to move on
The FAITH demonstrated in the book was a key theme. Debbie with her visions, Denver with his knowledge of God from his childhood and Ron with his reluctant, but slowly growing faith was well explored. The power of prayer was demonstrated and the way in which sometimes people just have to work certain things out before they die. Also, I was pleased to see how things progressed after Debbie’s death. It seemed like sort of a cliché; but you can’t say that when it’s true—every cloud has a silver lining; there was a reason for things being the way they were and a mustard seed has to die itself before it can give fruit to others. Especially how the friendship between Ron & Denver is only cemented after her death: “I was purty sure after she went home to be with the Lord you was gon’ cut me loose” to be followed by “When I promised not to catch-and-release I meant it”.
11/20/09
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LibraryThing member BoundTogetherForGood
What a powerful, powerful story. I loved reading this book. It made me cry like a baby during the last 1/4 of the book, and I hate that...but I still love the book. Ron and Denver would have never been friends, if not for Debbie. Debbie was used by God to bring them together and to bring Denver out
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of homelessness. Denver was used by God to help Ron and to be strong for him. I wish I were more like Debbie. Show Less
LibraryThing member patsemple
A true story about how a wealthy Caucasian couple, Ron and Deborah Hall, came to befriend a down-on-his-luck Af-Am man, Denver Moore, in modern-day Texas. Deborah has a persistent faith that compels her husband Ron to repent of sins in his personal life and to join her as she reaches out to the
There were things that bothered me about this book, but not enough to put it down. I usually don't like stories that feature unrealistic characters, and by that I mean people who are extremely smart or extremely rich or extremely good looking or extremely anything, because such characters and their stories are so hard for me to relate to. I’m not interested in reading stories about people with such advantages, as I rarely find that they have much of anything to teach me about life -- and that is something I look for when I select a book to read. As a main character, Ron came dangerously close to that, but what redeemed him for me were his failings, some of them pretty major. SPOILER ALERT!: While the death of his wife was very sad, I think he was still too raw when he wrote about it -- it was still too consuming, he had yet to put it into perspective.
I would recommend this as a good book to read, especially if you (like me) often find yourself wondering if you can do more to help others than you currently are. Here are two people who took one small step in that direction, were faithful and consistent in doing so, and suddenly were presented with the opportunity to make a real difference in someone else's life. Lucky them!
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poor in her community. They volunteer once a week at a local soup kitchen, where they meet Denver. The chapters alternate between first-person narratives of Ron and Denver, and their stories kept my interest. Part of the reason for this is that the book was well written and not sappy, and it had some very humorous dialog and passages. No doubt this was due to the deft touch of Lynn Vincent, who apparently served as a ghost writer or editor and helped them shape their stories.There were things that bothered me about this book, but not enough to put it down. I usually don't like stories that feature unrealistic characters, and by that I mean people who are extremely smart or extremely rich or extremely good looking or extremely anything, because such characters and their stories are so hard for me to relate to. I’m not interested in reading stories about people with such advantages, as I rarely find that they have much of anything to teach me about life -- and that is something I look for when I select a book to read. As a main character, Ron came dangerously close to that, but what redeemed him for me were his failings, some of them pretty major. SPOILER ALERT!: While the death of his wife was very sad, I think he was still too raw when he wrote about it -- it was still too consuming, he had yet to put it into perspective.
I would recommend this as a good book to read, especially if you (like me) often find yourself wondering if you can do more to help others than you currently are. Here are two people who took one small step in that direction, were faithful and consistent in doing so, and suddenly were presented with the opportunity to make a real difference in someone else's life. Lucky them!
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LibraryThing member AngelLivingston
I'll admit when I received the book I was interested in it only because it is set in Louisiana and Northeast Texas. (I'm from Louisiana and just returned from a visit there.) I did not expect to enjoy it as thoroughly as I did and I definately did not expect to be as moved by it as I was. Reading
This is a book of prejudice and injustice, hope and faith and perseverance through adversity. I have been recommending this book to anyone who will listen. No matter your walk of life you will take something away from this book.
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about Denver and Ron overcoming their prejudices I was forced to face my own. I was also encouraged by their ability to perservere through life's many challenges.This is a book of prejudice and injustice, hope and faith and perseverance through adversity. I have been recommending this book to anyone who will listen. No matter your walk of life you will take something away from this book.
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LibraryThing member Milda-TX
Read only a few chapters. Seemed it was going to be a little too self-righteous, so I took it back to the library. Maybe some other day...
LibraryThing member sgcallaway1994
Take one older black homeless man, toss in a middle-aged affluent art dealer and add one religious, very selfless woman, mix well and you got a recipe for this story. "The Same Kind of Different As Me" is an autobiography of sorts. It tells the heroric saga of a middle-aged Christian woman,
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selflessly helping the homeless find God and her battle with cancer. The story is narrated from her husband and a black homeless man's point of view. Taking the reader on a jouney the book explores many deep subjects such as death, forgiveness, faith, pain and suffering and prejudice. The book does have plenty of religious undertones and at times may be just a bit over the top for those non-christian readers. However, if you do chose to read it cover to cover it will leave you with a quite a few life lessons and a lot to really think about, "cause ever person that looks like a enemy on the outside ain't necessarily one on the inside". Show Less
LibraryThing member kristihucks
Great book! A must read for everyone.
LibraryThing member nfmgirl2
Denver was raised a black youth in abject poverty in the heart of Louisiana's sharecropping community, growing himself into a sharecropper as a young man, as he knew nothing else, before one day escaping into homelessness and what he surprisingly views as a better life than what he's previously
Ron is a successful art dealer living the American dream with a beautiful wife who has a heart of gold. While Ron and his wife Debbie are volunteering at a homeless shelter, Debbie determines that Ron needs to befriend the irascible and anti-social Denver. It takes some time, but eventually a friendship is born, shortly before heartbreak befalls them all.
Debbie is portrayed in the book nothing short of a saint. She is selfless, God-fearing (and God-loving), patient, compassionate and kind. Based on a dream she had (and which she views as a vision from God), she pushes Ron to befriend Denver. Once Ron begins to build a relationship with Denver, he finally broaches the idea of he and Denver becoming "friends", to which follows a lovely moment when Denver shares his concerns over how white people practice "catch and release" when they go fishing, and he doesn't wish to be "caught and released" like one of those fish. Ron commits to keep Denver if he can catch him, and over the years their friendship grows into brotherhood.
As their friendship builds, Ron is repeatedly struck by the small town wisdom of this illiterate sharecropper/homeless man.
This book is 235 pages and 67 short chapters, which is how I prefer it. I only get to read is bursts, and I always appreciate having a good stopping point every few to a dozen pages. It also includes a Readers Guide, an Interview with the Authors, and a few pages of pictures.
My final word: This book was moving and inspiring. It goes beyond the trappings of life to the heart of the matter, and is proof that two people can move beyond societal lines to forge a lasting friendship that can weather any storm. And behind it all is a humble woman small of frame and great of spirit.
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known, because at least he is free and no longer a "modern day slave".Ron is a successful art dealer living the American dream with a beautiful wife who has a heart of gold. While Ron and his wife Debbie are volunteering at a homeless shelter, Debbie determines that Ron needs to befriend the irascible and anti-social Denver. It takes some time, but eventually a friendship is born, shortly before heartbreak befalls them all.
Debbie is portrayed in the book nothing short of a saint. She is selfless, God-fearing (and God-loving), patient, compassionate and kind. Based on a dream she had (and which she views as a vision from God), she pushes Ron to befriend Denver. Once Ron begins to build a relationship with Denver, he finally broaches the idea of he and Denver becoming "friends", to which follows a lovely moment when Denver shares his concerns over how white people practice "catch and release" when they go fishing, and he doesn't wish to be "caught and released" like one of those fish. Ron commits to keep Denver if he can catch him, and over the years their friendship grows into brotherhood.
As their friendship builds, Ron is repeatedly struck by the small town wisdom of this illiterate sharecropper/homeless man.
This book is 235 pages and 67 short chapters, which is how I prefer it. I only get to read is bursts, and I always appreciate having a good stopping point every few to a dozen pages. It also includes a Readers Guide, an Interview with the Authors, and a few pages of pictures.
My final word: This book was moving and inspiring. It goes beyond the trappings of life to the heart of the matter, and is proof that two people can move beyond societal lines to forge a lasting friendship that can weather any storm. And behind it all is a humble woman small of frame and great of spirit.
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LibraryThing member ShastaD
This is a true story about a homeless drifter, Denver Moore, who was a sharecropper, and a wealthy man, Ron Hall, who became an art dealer. They met through a woman named Debbie and wrote this book together. This book is well edited. The book alternates talking about each of the two main
The history is interesting enough, but it seems like there is only one suspense here, and that is, when do they meet and what they have in common? Maybe it is just my antsy mood this summer, but frankly, after fifteen chapters, I got tired of waiting, and decided that what they might have in common wasn't all that compelling. There are pictures in the back of the book, which told me the answer, and it is what I expected. This is a New York times bestseller, and supposed to be a really inspirational story, and maybe it is for some people. but I think it is one of those things that get so hyped up - a NYT bestseller and Barbara Bush even liked the book - that it can't live up to the hype, at least not for me.
I got this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange of my review.
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characters, and goes through the history of their lives. There is a third main character - "the unlikely woman who bound them together", and although she was discussed in passing in the first fifteen c ...more This is a true story about a homeless drifter, Denver Moore, who was a sharecropper, and a wealthy man, Ron Hall, who became an art dealer. They met through a woman named Debbie and wrote this book together. This book is well edited. The book alternates talking about each of the two main characters, and goes through the history of their lives. There is a third main character - "the unlikely woman who bound them together", and although she was discussed in passing in the first fifteen chapters, she didn't seem all that unlikely.The history is interesting enough, but it seems like there is only one suspense here, and that is, when do they meet and what they have in common? Maybe it is just my antsy mood this summer, but frankly, after fifteen chapters, I got tired of waiting, and decided that what they might have in common wasn't all that compelling. There are pictures in the back of the book, which told me the answer, and it is what I expected. This is a New York times bestseller, and supposed to be a really inspirational story, and maybe it is for some people. but I think it is one of those things that get so hyped up - a NYT bestseller and Barbara Bush even liked the book - that it can't live up to the hype, at least not for me.
I got this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange of my review.
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LibraryThing member swivelgal
Uplifting and inspiring. I think this would make a better movie.
LibraryThing member LadyD_Books
I love to read books about relationships that inspire me and somehow after finishing the story I feel changed for the good, you know, from within. Almost instantly I could tell I was going to like the three main characters in the book because the details of their characters was so believable and
When it comes to the meaning of friendship, I think Denver's line in the story is most accurate and complete. "But if you is lookin' for a real friend, then I'll be one forever." So what does an art dealer, a Christian wife with the heart of the servant and an uneducated, homeless black man have in common? The one thing, the main thing is that they made a difference in each others lives. It was not by chance that they found strength in their purpose together. I have learned to be more compassionate towards everyone I meet now and as I get to know them, remember the element of surprise can be your friend.
I have no doubt that you will be inspired with a renewed perspective in faith and relationships with this remarkable, true and unforgettable story. ***** stars. Highly recommend this quality book!
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embraceable.When it comes to the meaning of friendship, I think Denver's line in the story is most accurate and complete. "But if you is lookin' for a real friend, then I'll be one forever." So what does an art dealer, a Christian wife with the heart of the servant and an uneducated, homeless black man have in common? The one thing, the main thing is that they made a difference in each others lives. It was not by chance that they found strength in their purpose together. I have learned to be more compassionate towards everyone I meet now and as I get to know them, remember the element of surprise can be your friend.
I have no doubt that you will be inspired with a renewed perspective in faith and relationships with this remarkable, true and unforgettable story. ***** stars. Highly recommend this quality book!
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LibraryThing member turtlesleap
Well written account of the interactions between a wealthy Texas family and a homeless man. Many readers will, I'm sure, find this an inspiring story and will value it because of the emphasis on Christianity. Others will scorn it because, in spite of the obvious sincerity of the author, the account
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comes across as patronizing and, to some extent, self-serving. It reveals far more of life among the affluent than it does of life on the streets. Recommended for those who enjoy Christian "testimony." Show Less
LibraryThing member jovilla
Ron is a successful rich white man, an art dealer in Fort Worth, Texas, and Denver is a Black homeless man, enslaved in the tenant farmer system of the South a generation ago. These two lives came together in a wondrous way to become a deep friendship based on strong faith and the love and guidance
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of Deborah, Ron's wife. Show Less
Original publication date
2006
ISBN
9780849919107