Awaken a Better You by B J Thompson Book Review

About the Book:

Is there a change you’ve been wanting to make, but you don’t know how? Have you tried it all and still can’t figure out how to move forward? BJ Thompson has been there.

Born to a teenage mother on the gang-permeated streets of Dallas, BJ understood that as a Black man, his starting place was disadvantaged, under-resourced, and unequipped. But then one day he decided to stop allowing life to “just happen” and to rise above the obstacles set before him. He transformed his life and became a global leader, coaching tens of thousands and influencing millions on their way toward building better lives.

Now, BJ wants to help you unlock greater mental, spiritual, relational, and emotional health with a simple four-step process:

1. desperation—identify a problem you desperately want to change
2. information—research the problem, unlearn built-in ideas, and vet data
3. application—build a practical plan and take active steps to make the change
4. transformation—celebrate change and embrace a mindset of continual growth

With BJ as your guide, you can start on the path to create the balanced, holistic life you’ve always wanted. Make the choice to become the person you’ve always wanted to be. The only person you’re waiting on is you.

You can start reading here.

My Review:

It starts with a decision, Thompson says. It starts with deciding you want to change and not letting anything hold you back. But the book is not so much about change as it is releasing what is inside. The emphasis is unlocking greater mental, spiritual, relational and emotional health through growth. “God has already empowered you with everything you need to become the best version of yourself.” (203/2663)

Thompson helps us see ourselves as God sees us. He helps us recognize the lies others tell us and those we tell ourselves. He helps us with strategy suggestions. “Transformation is always the result of intentional action guided by a well-ordered plan.” (980/2662) He provides questions for reflection and discussion within a circle of trusted friends. He also provides prompts to help the process and brainstorm where to go.

Some evangelical Christians may be surprised at Thompson relating the tumble his faith took after the 2016 U.S. presidential election. He shares his wilderness experience, wondering where he belonged outside the Christian “bubble.” He also shares how his faith was reconstructed after leaving the American evangelical subculture.

This is a good book for believers who want to be all God has created them to be. Readers will find good teaching and encouragement. It's also a good book for people who feel uncomfortable with the current evangelical culture in the U.S. They will find encouragement to reconstruct their faith in Jesus Christ.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

BJ Thompson is a life coach, speaker, and author. Along with Grammy Award–winning artist Lecrae, he helped launch one of the largest faith movements in recent history—the 116 Movement. As the executive director for Build a Better Us, a growth and personal development nonprofit, BJ has led thousands of professional athletes, entertainers, and global influencers toward transformation. You can find out more at https://www.bj-thompson.com/. 

Waterbrook, 208 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)