Bart MillardResenhas

I can't even begin to tell you how amazing this book is. Into the first chapter I was sobbing thinking how awful this must have been for such a young child to have to deal with. I was upset thinking to myself how could a mother just leave her children? I have 5 children myself and I cannot imagine how difficult this must have been for Bart to feel rejected and unloved. God was there with him every step of the way and eventually gave him the love and acceptance he needed to make him the man he is today. Having Faith in the Lord will get you where He wants you to be.
I would recommend this book to anyone.

You know how a song can be so popular, played so often, that you almost start to not care about it, even though you thought it was a great song when you first heard it. I won't pretend I enjoy "I Can Only Imagine" as much now as I did when it was first released in 2001. But reading this book definitely puts the song in a whole new light. Though it sounds like Bart Millard has told the story about his abusive-turned-repentant dad many times over those years, I don't recall ever hearing it, and I haven't seen the movie. And wow, it is quite the heartbreaking story. From the physical and mental abuse to the (worse in some ways) checking out of his dad later, Bart Millard has every reason to be traumatized. And to know that it has continued to affect him in more recent years, even while playing music to large crowds, of which, at various times, I've been a part, only adds to the sadness.

I am incredibly grateful for so much of the music that Bart Millard has written and that the band has recorded, and I think it's important for "fans" to keep in mind that these are real people with real problems. They often seem like they have it all together, like they have all the answers, to the degree where even when they're standing on the stage telling us that they've had some rough times, we imagine those rough times to be over, because otherwise, how could they be standing there in front of us leading us in worship? We assume that whatever problems they have can't be as bad as our own, and maybe by the time they get to writing a book like this, they've got it all sorted out. But most likely, Bart Millard will continue to struggle with PTSD and the feelings of inadequacy that his dad instilled in him, while thanking God that he had some good times with him before it was too late.

I listened to the audiobook, because I wanted to hear the words in the author's own voice. I'm incredibly glad I listened to the book, and though I'll probably never quite think of MercyMe songs the same way again, I don't think that's a bad thing.

box: dvd, leader guide, journal

For someone who’s not an evangelical, I guess I read a lot of evangelical memoirs, you know. I guess I’m like Rachel. You can’t break up with family. Well, and my dad had me watch this movie with his friends. Incidentally—although technically this is not the place to review the movie, lol—the book Considerably reduced my once-favorable opinion of the movie. Most movie adaptations have to simplify, but they really edited out the mother in that movie except for one far from flattering scene. The result was something closer to slander than simplification. It also raises the question of gender in the evangelical church, again.

But anyway. If I had to choose between an evangelical codependent memoir—like this one—and an evangelical religious abuser’s memoir—there’s been at least one I remember that I deleted—then I would certainly go for the codependent any day. I guess we codependents are just more likable—almost too much so; it’s easy to gloss over a codependent who does the right thing (usually—there can be dramatic exceptions) for the wrong reasons, usually motivated by fear, and just gloss it over and gush over it and promote, you know. Of course, that’s often what reviewers do with any book like they. It’s either smash it up or gush over it—it’s not usually give and take, you know.

On the other hand, I think this sort of reflection CAN be taken too far; for example, it would be easy to see Bart as a patsy for his “Christian” Texas father, etc etc.—Texas guys certainly like to pretend to be Christian even if they’re not even overly involved even formally with the church, let alone moral or spiritual in any way. And, just basically: the pre-conversion father had more to do with Victorian realism—imagination just distracts you from grey skies and dollar bills—than anything like the mythopoetic or religious imagination, you know.

And, at the end of the day—and I guess for this reason something can be said even for the movie—I don’t recommend that people abuse their older adult parents, you know. Sometimes I get a little uptight about that, I know; but it’s the truth. The kids are probably going through something, and it’s hard; I know.

But don’t hate your parents, you know. It’s no achievement.

…. It is true that Christian music, even though it usually doesn’t sell as well as plain pop, is meant to be commercial and can be kinda slick. Nashville music, when it’s religious, is very codependent; it’s hard to describe…. Always the codependent allowing people this cocoon of how Bible people imagine themselves to be, and essentially never how they usually are, which somehow dovetails well enough with judging people, you know…. I don’t know. If I listened to vocal music on my own time, I might listen to U2 or MercyMe, I don’t know…. It’s just so hard to get to the truth with songs though, and especially bands like MercyMe, you know—Southern codependents…. I’m not saying there’s nothing good about them morally, though. Maybe it would be equally easy to be uncomfortable with people’s fantasies—and religion CAN be a fantasy, even though it doesn’t have to be, and isn’t, /as such/—when really there is a sort of beauty in the fantasy.

…. I hope this doesn’t make me a prick or whatever, but I think it’s kinda funny that the last chapter could basically be titled, Things My Record Label (And My Inner Critic) Won’t Let Me Make Songs About …. 😹

But what are you gonna do. I guess he’s right—we can only imagine. We don’t know what real Christians are like, because the data’s not in yet. So, we can only imagine. 😸

What are you gonna do.

This book was cute, but lacked some of the substance I was hoping for when trying to explain the concept of heaven and eternity to my kids. I really enjoyed the artwork though, and I will always be fond of the song. I always appreciate the opportunity to try out clean, lovely children's books with my kids. I would recommend this for church libraries and to friends.

If it were possible I would give this book more than five stars.
Well written and right from the soul. The book goes much deeper into Bart’s life than the movie. Since it was written after the movie was made he was able to include that experience and the emotions that came with it.

#NetGalley #IcanOnlyImaginepictureBook

This title is a re-conceptualization of the song (and now movie) I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe. It's authored by Bart Millard with Laura Neutzling. I am only passingly aware of the song by this title and I have not seen the movie - neither of which is necessary to capture the essence of this children's picture book.

First let's start with the artwork. The images are crisp, bright, colorful featuring joyful scenes centered on some of life's most cherished moments. The artwork is by Sumiti Collina which effectively captures the everyday moments of joy which (hopefully) are present in children's lives.

The story is told from the perspective of a child who is contemplating the question, "What will heaven be like?" These imaginings cover the range of human experience from eating, playing, sharing friendship, dreaming, worshiping, and simply being in God's presence. These all help to cast a hopeful and joyful look to the future of believers in Jesus.

The one caveat is the absence of the hope of resurrection. With the resurrection of Jesus as the first fruits, the Christian church confessed and held to "the resurrection of the dead." In an odd sort of juxtaposition the book imagines a myriad of physical experiences which are anticipated in an apparently spiritual heaven. This seems to reflect the present common hope of heaven which can be absent from physical resurrection. The physical restoration of the fallen and groaning creation is a central biblical theme that could stand more contemplation and proclamation in our present times. This physical restoration and resurrection is perhaps even more difficult and astonishing to imagine, but God does not surrender his creation to corruption.

Even so, this book accomplishes the task of calling believers to imagine their joyous future.

4 stars

As I write this review I am listening to "I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me. This is a wonderful song and this book is a great way to bring this message to children. It has a young boy wondering what Heaven is like from a child's perspective. From playing, to eating ice cream and of course spending time with animals, this makes Heaven a less scary place for children, especially if they have recently lost a loved one. Of course the message that we can have a relationship with our father God and his son Jesus here on earth and they are with us always is also communicated.

The book started with the first part of the song and then was written in a rhyming text with an easy cadence. The colorful illustrations match what the child is thinking and talking about, such as eating ice cream, playing outside, or singing together over a campfire. This would make a great book for a family library or a Sunday School class or church library. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.

Bart Millard, the lead vocal of MercyMe, opens up in an intimate revealing of life in an abusive home. He’s honest about his thoughts and feelings from then, how he would have been relieved if his father had passed away. How music and creative play were his escapes. Some might ask, “Did Got allow for Bart to be abused so he’d end up starting MercyMe?” I believe God can uses unfortunate circumstances for good.

“He never drank or did drugs. He didn’t need any help to fuel the rage.”
This surprised me. I’d always figured his rage and abuse was due to being an alcoholic. I guess even bitterness and regret can be just as much of a fuel as substances.

“Thank the Lord for the prayers and provision of grandmas!”
This is a phrase I’ve heard from my own mother. She’s noted more than once that it was the influence and fervent prayers of her grandmother that saved her and drew her to a life in Christ. That doesn’t mean she didn’t have moments of straying far from Him, but ultimately, circumstances led her back and she’s been serving him ever since. So when I saw that sentence from Bart that said, “Thank the Lord for the prayers and provision of grandmas” I immediately thought not only of my mom’s testimony but also how she’s helped guide and prayer for my kids as well. In fact, she’s even praying for their kids in the future.

“While I’m here on Earth, I am both a work in progress and already made whole because of the cross.”
Over half of the book focuses on Bart’s life growing up with an abusive father and the eventual change that took place which provided much-needed emotional healing. The last part of the book is about the start of MercyMe, the inspiration of the song, I Can Only Imagine, and Bart’s relationship with Shannon, all of which he could now see how God used certain circumstances in his life to lead him to where he was meant to be. Bart includes an appendix of 75 verses given to him by his youth pastor, Rusty Kennedy, one who was important in his walk with Christ. And now, he offers those same verses he carries close to his heart to the reader. This was an excellent read and intimate look into Bart’s life, his struggles with growing up in an abusive home, the eventual healing that took place when his dad turned to Christ, and ultimately his trust in God through his life. Not just for MercyMe fans, this book is an important read for those that have struggled with bitterness and regret, anyone who’s experienced verbal or physical abuse. It’s a really encouraging and uplifting book with a little humor sprinkled here and here. I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest opinion. And personally, I really enjoyed reading it!

I love the song, the movie, and now the book. The book goes a little deeper and in more detail about what led Bart to write his famous song, "I Can Only Imagine". What a great story about Bart hating his abusive dad and then coming to respect and love him after his dad became a Christian and changed his lifestyle and behavior. Love it!

What a wonderful perspective for children to grasp and process a visual understanding of what heaven will be like!! The beautiful words will comfort and bring hope to all. The wonderful illustrations show God's love to everyone! Families will enjoy reading together about a real and lasting friendship with Jesus! We love this book!

Several years back, I was driving down the road. I was listening to a Christian radio station, loving the songs that were there. Then I hear the words, "I can only imagine...." and proceed to listen to the song. By the second verse, I had to pull over and listen closely. By the end of the second verse, I was bawling my eyes out, had my hands raised and was "praying" the song to the Lord. It was emotional and moving, and I knew that there had to be a story behind. This was the start of my love of MercyMe's work.

Flash foward several years, now there's a movie called "I Can Only Imagine". I watch the trailer. I cry, yet again. from the feelings I get. Now, I have the chance to review the memoir about the story behind the song and movie. And, oh my. What. A. Story. It's raw. It's moving. It will leave you smiling, it will leave you crying, it may even leave you angry. But, it will bring you closer to God. It will make you fall to your knees once again, and really imagine what that moment would be like when you stand before your Creator.

This is not a book I normally would pick up, as I'm not fond of memoirs, but this book, with it's pictures to coincide with Bart Millard's life, is beautifully, poignantly written and really brings forth the pain, the hurt, the anger and the redemption and forgiveness he went through. This is definitely one I recommend, with 5 stars and lots of praises! I can't wait to see the movie next!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*