Book Synopsis:
MercyMe’s crossover hit, “I Can Only Imagine,” has touched millions of people around the world. But few know about the pain, redemption, and healing that inspired it. Now Bart Millard, award-winning recording artist and lead singer of MercyMe, shares how his dad’s transformation from abusive father to man of God sparked a divine moment in music history.
Go behind the scenes of Bart’s life—and the movie based on it—to discover how God repaired a broken family, prepared Bart for ministry through music, and wrote the words on his heart that would change his life forever. I Can Only Imagine is a front-row seat to witnessing God’s presence throughout Bart’s life. Whether falling in love with his childhood sweetheart or mourning his father’s death, founding MercyMe or flailing in the midst of its success, Bart continues to place his trust in God’s plans—plans that continue to surprise and surpass what Bart could have ever imagined.
My Review:
5/5 stars. This was the second time I’ve read this book, and it was just as good. It was funny, heartbreaking, and heartwarming all at the same time. This book is a beautiful example of God’s work in our lives and living with purpose for Him.
I first read this book about 4 years ago after watching the movie of the same name and loving it. I wanted to find out more about Bart's story that wasn't included in the movie. There was a lot. The movie, for lack of time, couldn't include a lot of stories and details that this book gave. I decided to re-read it, this time listening to the audiobook with my mom.
I don't cry from books, but I was tearing up a few times while listening to this book. The stories of his childhood and how abused he was, to the reconciliation of him and his dad, only for his dad to die, were very emotional.
This book was also pretty funny at times. Having Bart Millard read the audiobook, emphasizing the jokes the way he intended, helped make those moments funnier. There were lots of funny anecdotes about his reluctance to be in the school musical, his cramped days on the road, or his first interactions with Amy Grant, and more.
Bart's story was an incredible example of how God uses people for His purpose. Every moment Bart shared where things worked out perfectly or things that were seemingly coincidental was awesome to hear about.
One complaint I have about the book is that sometimes the timeline was unclear. One section of a chapter would be about his time in college, then the next section would jump back to something from his childhood or mention something that would happen in the future. Most of the time, the book was chronological, but the times when it jumped around were a little confusing.
This was a shorter review, but it's hard to say much about a memoir because it's a real story. I can't comment on the setting, plot, or characters because it's not made up.
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