What Difference Do It Make?

I recently mentioned a book that I read and loved loved LOVED! It was called "Same Kind of Different As Me", by Ron Hall and Denver Moore w/ Lynn Vincent. I started a conversation about this book on Facebook and heard nothing but 100% agreement from numerous other people who have read the book. It is a beautiful true story, told from 2 perspectives, alternately between Ron and Denver, each one chapter at a time. The story was inspired by Ron's wife, Debbie. Ron and Debbie are filthy rich. Denver is a homeless man. Even though the story is true, thoughtful, provoking, hearty and inspiring.....it is so amazing and awesome that at times, you forget you are reading truth....because it is the stuff of incredible fiction. But it isn't. It is real.

Soon after I posted that I enjoyed the book so much, I received a complimentary copy of their follow up titled, "What Difference Do It Make?" I have had the book about a week. The only reason I can figure that I didn't dive right in is because I do not like sequels. I find them to always be a disappointment. Ok, not always...but you know, it just isn't my favorite thing to do. The first book, "Same Kind...." seemed to touch on everything! What more could there possibly be to share? I quietly assumed it was just an attempt to keep riding on the popular wave of success and NYTimes Best Sellers lists.

I was wrong.

It is an incredible read. I DO recommend you reading the first one first, but there is plenty in this book to read on its own, if you must. But I swear, you're missing out if you don't read them both. And even though both of these men are Christians and their love for God is talked about in the book, you can be of any faith or no faith at all and thoroughly enjoy this book. Because the bottom line is, this story is about acceptance, compassion, inspiration and love.

One of my favorite details in both books is that Mr. Moore's chapters are written phonically. Mr. Moore is an aging black man who grew up in Louisiana as a sharecropper. He didn't attend school. His english is his own and I am so thankful that the book was written true to his speech and language. I feel like I can hear him speak while I'm reading, and it makes for an exceptional sound effect (even if it is only in my mind).

And now I am going to step out on a limb here and praise the co-author Lynn Vincent. I am just betting it is her silent voice that lends to the some of the jaw dropping imagery.

Just go read it.

G'head.

And come back here and let me know what you thought!

FYI, tomorrow I will post the introduction. It might have made me cry a little. Or, a lot.