Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations

College Bound Reading List

Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations

“Do Hard Things” is a book that should be required reading for all teens. It was written by Alex and Brett Harris, twin 19-year-old homeschooled boys from Oregon. These young men started a website, and an entire movement, called The Rebelution. Their book discusses God’s view of teenagers and how He used them in history. Did you know that the word “teenager” wasn’t even coined until the early 1900’s? Before that you were either a child or an adult. In this book you can read about the change that took place in our society that led to the creation of a new group called “teenagers.” Today, teenagers are often thought of as a generation in limbo – not yet ready for adulthood, but no longer children either. The Harris brothers argue that society has set standards and expectations so low for this generation that teens have just given up on – rather than living up to – their potential. Tragically, we live at a time where we expect very little of teenagers. But that is not the way it’s supposed to be. The truth is that teens CAN do hard things. In reality, the teen years are the preparatory years. They should be doing things that challenge them and prepare them for adulthood. They should be stretching their boundaries and striving to better themselves. High expectations, it seems, results in greater performance. The book calls all teenagers to examine what they’re doing with their lives and to do hard things for the glory of God. It’s a powerful message. This book is very well written and inspiring, even for adults well past the teen years.

Did You Know…? The June 15, 2009 cover story of ESPN Magazine is titled “Do Hard Things,” focusing on Zac Sunderland who became the youngest person to sail solo around the world. Zac is a Christian homeschooled teen, and a true rebelutionary. Zac had read the book Do Hard Things, and he even wore a “Do Hard Things” t-shirt on his voyage. Zac says, “It is a great book for young people to read. It shows a pattern of lower and lower expectations from today’s youth and destroys the myth that that is how it needs to be. Young people can do hard things!”

The newest book by Alex and Brett Harris, Start Here: Doing Hard Things Right Where You Are, will be released on March 16, 2010.

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  1. This is a TOTALLY awesome book that changed my life. LOVED it. Five stars and two thumbs up!

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