The Butterfly Effect, by Andy Andrews

"Every single thing you do matters.  You have been created as one of a kind.  You have been created in order to make a difference.  You have within you the power to change the world."  ~Andy Andrews

The Butterfly Effect is based on a theory that was first presented back in 1863:  That a butterfly could flap its wings, which would move molecules of air... which would move other molecules of air... which would move other molecules of air.. which could eventually start a hurricane on the other side of the world.  Taken a step further, it follows that the decisions we make, both large and small, MATTER, and have a far-reaching "butterfly effect" not just on our lives, but on everyone - and everything - around us.

In this beautiful and thought-provoking little book, Andy Andrews perfectly illustrates this butterfly effect, first with the story of a man named Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, whose actions over 100 years ago greatly affect how we all live today.  Chamberlain was a Colonel in the Union army, and the decisions that he made during just one battle literally changed the course of our country.  Andrews then goes on to recount the contributions of another (connected to another, connected to another...): contributions that changed, and continue to change, the lives of billions of people.  He challenges the readers to remember that we too serve a purpose, and that our actions are far greater reaching than we can even imagine.  We are all connected, and just like the butterfly's wings, our most innocent decisions can affect the lives of countless others.

This is truly a lovely book, both aesthetically and in its message.  It is a book that encourages and a book that inspires.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Same Kind of Different As Me, by Ron Hall and Denver Moore

Same Kind of Different as Me is a first person account of the true story of a friendship that formed between Denver Moore, a poor sharecropper who grew up as a modern-day slave and eventually became a hardened and angry homeless man;  Ron Hall, a wealthy and privileged international art dealer;  and Ron's wife Deborah who, largely as the result of a divine vision, created the homeless shelter that eventually brought them together.  The story is told from two voices, alternating between both Denver and Ron's perspectives.

This was a compelling story and a quick read, but I felt a vague sense of disappointment when I'd finished it.  I think I ultimately didn't like it as much as I wanted to like it.

Denver's point of view had my interest right from the start.  Despite his history (or perhaps because of it), he immediately drew me in and tugged at my heart.  I couldn't help but root for him, and I truly enjoyed watching his transformation as he grew from the beginning of the story to the end.  Ron underwent his own transformation, to be sure, but I had a hard time emotionally connecting to his side of the story.  He held many prejudices throughout the book, and while he eventually let go of them as he forged a friendship with Denver, many of his epiphanies felt like they just came a little later than they should have.  He certainly made great strides, but I wanted him to get there faster.

Regardless, this was a good book, and an interesting story.  It was a bit heavy-handed with the religious tone, which might be off-putting if you're sensitive to feeling like you're being "preached" at.  The message was a solid one though, and it is worth a read, if for no other reason than to hear Denver's inspirational triumph over adversity.
 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”