Same Kind of Different as Me [Book Review]

I tend to read mostly non-fiction, leadership, or personal development books in my personal reading. So when Brea (my wife) and about half a dozen other people suggested that I read Same Kind of Different as Me, I hesitated. While the book is non-fiction, it’s more of a biography than anything else. I wasn’t sure if I’d really enjoy the book that much.

Let me tell you this: If you have not yet read this book, do yourself a favor and add it to you reading list. I got through it in about three sessions (albeit LONG ones). It captured my attention, my mind, and my emotions. The authors draw you into their lives and tug at your heart. It’s a story of transformation, compassion, and forgiveness. The main characters’ lives are extremely different, but they are drawn together through what can best be considered God’s will.

The main thing I took away from this book is that I need to step out of my comfortable bubble and start loving people who are different than me with the tangible love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Also, when I do this, I need to do it not because I’m better than anyone else (I’m not) or because others need it (they do), but because people matter. All people. People who may seem different than me, but really are the same.

Have you read this book? What were your thoughts?

Quick Review of “How to Win Friends and Influence People”

How to Win Friends & Influence People How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

My review


rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was expecting this book to be geared more toward salesman and those interested in self-help books, but what it turned out to be for me was a reminder on what leadership really is: influence. The overall premise of the book is that you should treat others not only as you’d like to be treated, but as if they’re actually more important than you are. There were a number of useful ideas, such as:

– Become genuinely interested in other people.

– Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.

– Make the other person feel important-and do it sincerely.

– Let the other person do a great deal of the talking.

– Let the other person feel that the idea is his or hers.

– Begin with praise and honest appreciation.

– Talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the otherperson.

– Praise the slightest improvement and praise every improvement. Be “hearty in your approbation and lavish inyour praise.”

I’d highly suggest this book to almost everyone.

View all my reviews.