Stories of Hope and Healing - What Difference Do It Make?

When I started reading this book it was at the end of a long hard day after work, one of those days where I am blessed to have a job, but when I also wonder if what I'm doing is worth some of the not so blessed drama I go through. I work at a non-profit agency where its my job to assist people on public assistance find gainful employment, so in my position I hear all kinds of tales of woe and there are times (more than not) lately when I find myself becoming desensitized to the plights of my fellow man, because I feel like I've heard it all before. So when I being reading this book I wasn't exactly in the right frame of mind to appreciate what a treasure it turned out to be, even though I have not read the first book by Ron and Denver, I found out that I didn't necessarily have to have read "Same Kind of Different As Me" because Ron and Denver give you enough back story and glimpses of what initially brought them together, that being Ron's deceased wife who befriended Denver. "What Different Do It Make" basically takes off where the original book left off showing how one act of kindness can beget others and it gives some examples of how the Ron's wife and Denver's story affected them and the lasting impressions and legacy Debbie left on readers. All and all it was a great book and for me it just reaffirmed for me the "why" in "Why do I put myself through this everyday" My favorite two stories are about the little girl raising money for the homeless and the other was the woman who stopped on the side of the road to help a homeless man who was having a heart attack when others just road by without a care. This book for me was an affirmation that no matter how much negativity and darkness you hear about in the world, it only takes a bit of light to shine on something to bring out the best in others.

Before my review, I want to say that this is normally not the kind of book I would choose to read; I'm something of a lapsed Lutheran, if there is such a thing. However, I'm at a point in my life where I could use some stories of hope and healing and decided to give this book a try.

This isn't a book filled with individual short stories of inspiration, per se. There are somewhat less than a dozen of them, some referring back to the authors' first book, Same Kind of Different As Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together. Some of the stories are dramatic, some simple and sweet, and a couple that are maybe a little too much. It was less those stories than it was the interwoven alternating narratives of Ron Hall and Denver Moore that really provided the inspiration here for me.

I was touched by Hall's struggle with his father and his very human worries about not really dedicating himself to God; most of all, I was swept away by his recollections of his wife, which made this book worth reading to me. I don't think I connected as closely with Denver's story, not because of his race and history but perhaps because his faith always seemed unshaken. Nevertheless, his story is thought-provoking and in certain parts, equally inspirational as Ron's, if in a more matter-of-fact way.

I'm sure readers of the first book will find much here to love and enjoy in Ron and Denver's continuing narrative of their journey since publishing Same Kind of Different As Me. There are many references back to the first book, enough that a new reader won't feel left out of the story.

I recommend this for the obvious audience of faith-based biographies, but also to those of any degree of faith who might be at a place in their lives where a little boost of inspiration would be welcome.

What kind of difference do it make? Indeed, what difference do it make? When you read this book you will reevaluate the way you look at people, the way you think and hopefully the way you judge others. Ron Hall and Denver Moore both have the ability to write and tell stories in such a way that you will question a lot of your perceptions.

Denver having been homeless brings a perspective that we don't often get. "Lotta times, people look at homeless folks the way they used to look at me: they'd kinda eyeball me up and down, and I could see them wheels turnin in their heads, wonderin, how'd that fella get that way?" See, that aint the question to be askin....Our business is to find out is there anything we can do to bring a change to their life."

Ron is open about how he viewed the homeless when he first started going to the mission and how his views had changed. He said he began to ask two questions to the people who attended their events: "How many homeless are in this city?" and "How many churches are in this city?" The answer may not be a surprise, but it should be a wake up call, most of the time there are more churches than homeless.

"homelessness will never be solved by government. That's because government can put a roof over a man's head and food in his mouth and even give him a job. But government can neither love a man nor lovingly hold him accountable." I believe that as a church we have surrendered our responsibilities to the government because it's easier and we have bought into the idea they can do it better.

Ron also wrote about his dad and how he found it easier to refuse to judge "bad sorts", the strangers than it was those closest to us, our own flesh and blood. He said "to love a man enough to help him, you have to forfeit the warm, self-righteous glow that comes from judging."

Not having read Same Kind of Different as Me first, I feel like I missed something. I'm now anxious to buy it and catch up on the story.

When I saw received this book in the mail, it sounded exactly like my kind of book, so I started it right away. It only took me an afternoon to read it, and I read the whole thing with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat.

This is a follow up book to Same Kind of Different as Me, which I haven't read, but will be reading as soon as I can get my hands on it. This is one of those books that touched me in a way that few books do. It made me take a good, long look at myself, like God was saying, "Brenda, I'm talking to you." I don't have to travel halfway around the world to find people to serve, they can be found anywhere.

The story switches from the point of view of Ron, an international arts dealer whose wife dragged him to help at a homeless shelter before she died of cancer; and Denver, a formerly homeless man whom Ron met at that homeless shelter. There are also stories of people whose lives were touched by reading Same Kind of Different as Me.

I think I enjoyed the parts from Denver's point of view, but it was all very good. I would say there was one slow part, right in the middle for a chapter or two, but it wasn't enough to take away my enjoyment of the book. There's something to be said for books that can cause people to make major life changes, and I think this is one of those books. From the stories told, clearly the previous book did so. How many times can we read the Bible, particularly Matthew 25, and have it not sink in? Why does it take books like this to make people (including me) get it? I don't have the answer to that question.

This is a book that I will be passing around to family and friends, because I think it's not only an engaging read, but it's an important read. I would rate it 5/5 and would recommend it to anyone--I don't care who you are. If you've read and enjoyed this book, and are looking for more of the same, I would recommend Red Letters by Tom Davis, and Crazy Love by Francis Chan.

Vertical Reach =4
This book changed my life. Not as much as the first may have changed others but it called me to the carpet and reminded me of my purpose none the less. The testimony of God's ability to personify Romans 8 through the life of a simple and beautiful giving woman, repentant husband and redeemed ex- slave make me wanna trust him even more in my current life situation.

Ministry Message =5
Homelessness is not just someone's problem its everyone's problem. In the current state of affairs many of us fear and are experiencing it becoming our own problem. Denver inspired me to look past my circumstance,focus on how much God loves me warts and all it may bless and plant the seed of salvation in someone's life. Ron taught me that agape and eros love between man and wife grounded, anchored and saturated in the love of Christ is a beautiful, tough and brilliant thing able to withstand any and everything. Deborah taught me to look beyond myself and see others through the blood colored glasses God uses to look lovingly upon me.

Living with a friend from church, when I lay my daughter down next to me and stare at my husband as we wade through the economic restructuring the failure of the housing market and unpreparedness caused in our lives now I smile. Should I complain? Should I whine? Should I cry? Can't I just pack up and run? Will it matter that I stayed and fought to be the best wife and mother despite the heartache and heartbreak I've endured? If I stay or leave what difference do it make? Ron, Deborah and Denver taught me it makes a whole lotta difference. If you read the book it'll be an eye opening blessing for you too.

Craft = 4
The authors wrote this book as it was spoken, not an easy task to be done effectively. Each voice and input was melded together with no seam. An excellent use of research, testimony and expertise.

Aesthetics=3
A good solid cover. It matches the theme and look of it's predecessor Same Kind of Different as Me.

Ron Hall and Denver Moore have written a follow-up to their New York Times best-seller, Same Kind Of Different As Me.

The back cover copy reads in part:

"What Difference Do It Make? continues the hard-to-believe story of hope and reconciliation...Ron Hall and Denver Moore, unlikely friends and even unliklier coauthors-a wealthy fine-art dealer and an illiterate homeless African American-share the hard-to-stop story of how a remarkable woman's love brought them together."

This book, written along with Lynn Vincent, offers more of the story. Many people's lives have been impacted and changed as a result of reading the first book, and a number of anedotes are shared in the second book. The challenge for each of us is that WE can make a difference in our world.

"What Difference Do It Make? beautifully showcases God's ability to work through even the most awkward and painful circumstances to bring forth amazing and redemptive changes. Deeply moving but never sappy or sentimental, it answers its own question with a simple and emphatic answer. What difference can one person (or two) make in the world? A lot!"

I was deeply moved by this book. We are part of a church-planting team, working in an area densely populated with refugees and new immigrants, and our inner city is filled with homeless people. After reading this book, I have a new perspective and a renewed compassion to show them the love of Jesus in practical ways. I have discovered through the words of Denver Moore the difference between helping and being a blessing. This is a book that I am recommending for our ministry staff to read and take to heart. I look forward to hearing more from Ron and Denver as they continue to make a difference in the name of Jesus.

Published by Thomas Nelson, this book is available through [...]

What a beautiful little book. My spirit has been refreshed and renewed by these little vignettes the authors have shared about their lives, their loves, their ministries and the ways that God can work a thousand miracles with just one well tended seed of faith (provided by the author's wife). There are stories that tell how that one life led many, many others to transformation in their own lives.

I volunteer in an inner-city homeless shelter. I wish EVERYONE would read this book. It might help you to see the people lurking in the "them" we all see on our streets. If I'm feeling lonely for Jesus, longing for true church, the shelter or the streets are the place I want to be. Christ is startlingly evident in the people I've met on the streets...even in the most wrecked and wasted lives you may encounter.

If you never give a dime to a homeless person, but simply gift them with a clear, loving look in the eye and acknowledgment that they are STILL HUMAN BEINGS of infinite value and worth, you will have blessed them more than you'll ever know. If you stop to say hello or offer an encouraging word or listen to their story, you'll make their entire week! The streets and shelters steal your humanity if there aren't loving people to buffer the experience. Trust me when I tell you that even YOU would likely become a wretched mess very quickly if you ever had the misfortune to wind up in this situation (and with this economy many people we wouldn't expect to find in a shelter are winding up there).

This book is interesting and I enjoyed it, but it just didn't affect me the way I was expecting it to. The first book, "Same Kind of Different as Me" by Ron Hall and Denver Moore is mentioned several times and maybe that's what I'm missing - the introduction to this - the second book.

I found Hall's inability to have compassion for his ailing father until the very end of his father's life, a little off putting, and he mentions his this lack on his part in this book. His mother's lack of feelings for her husband was sad, but not being there I really can't say if Hall's father deserved the treatment he received or not. Maybe he did - he certainly wasn't the ideal father or husband. I just began to feel a little sorry for him.

Hall writes quite a bit about the death of his wife. Add the three together - the death of his wife, the problems with his father and his mother's attitude toward his father and I guess it could get anyone down. It is a little depressing for the reader, though.

I enjoyed Moore's contribution to the book most. He speaks directly and openly without feeling sorry for himself because of his circumstances. He has the ability to share God's love and compassion beyond what most of us could achieve.

The stories are interspersed between the pages. This is a little disconcerting; I just get involved in a story, then the writer or person the story is about, changes.

It could just be that I'm being picky, or maybe my hopes were too high because of the build up for the book, but for some reason this book just didn't touch me like I wanted it to.

In this magnificent follow-up to the NYT bestseller "Same Kind of Different as Me", fine-art dealer Ron Hall and formerly homeless Denver Moore, tell more of their compelling personal life stories. Inspired by Ron Hall's late wife, Deborah, they work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of the country's homeless population. In alternating chapters, each man tells his own account using his own words and individual voice. Mr. Moore shares poignant truths and nuggets of wisdom, while Mr. Hall recounts his deeply touching story of forgiving and reconciling with his father. Advocating for the homeless, they describe speaking at engagements all across the country. They even had lunch at the White House with President and Laura Bush! But the heart of the book has to be the heartfelt testimonials from readers of the first book, who were inspired into action. They clearly demonstrate how one person helping others really does make a big difference. Each one of us, in our own way, can forever change lives.

"What Difference do it Make?" is inspiring, engaging and very thoughtfully written. Repeatedly, I was touched by the authors' deep feelings of compassion for others. This wonderful book teaches many important lessons about life, faith, and unconditional love. The full-color paintings by Mr. Moore were a delightful extra. I truly loved this heartwarming book, and I strongly recommend it, and its predecessor, "Same Kind of Different as Me".

Nutritionists always say to eat as close to the real thing as possible. Whereas they would tell you to eat straight-up potatoes, this book is like a can of Pringles. Don't get me wrong, I love Pringles (especially the Sour Cream & Onion flavor). But, if you're looking for the original, this is too far removed from the real thing.

Let me explain.

One of the things that burns me up inside is when publishers put out all kinds of additional titles in an attempt to capitalize on a prior hit. The Prayer of Jabez success gives way to study guides, CD's and even a Prayer of Jabez calendar. Every Man's Battle is followed by Every Young Man's Battle, Every Woman's Battle, Every Young Woman's Battle and Every Single Woman's Battle (look for Every Man who used to be a Woman's battle next). You can get the Love Languages book for singles, couples, children, and the store knows what else. Popular books like Experiencing God are followed by knock-offs such as Experiencing Vishnu (kidding), Experiencing Indigestion (kidding) and Experiencing Elvis (kidding but wish I were serious).

The thing is, the sequels are hardly ever as good as the original and the quality of the product suffers. And, deep inside, I feel like the publishing houses are trying to rip me off.

These authors previously released a book titled, Same Kind of Different As Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together. I have not read the book, but I'm pretty sure that I would like it very much. It was a major success, touched many lives and sold all kinds of copies. However, much of this book is one big advertisement for Same Kind of Different as Me. This is largely a book about a book. It even devotes three pages in the back detailing additional Same Kind of Different as Me products available for purchase (including a DVD-based study guide and audio book featuring original harmonica interludes).

Now, maybe you are someone who loved the original book so much, you want to hear more - including how the story has changed lives and how it is being put into practice. If so, this book is for you. Apart from all the advertisements, there is some very heart-warming material in here. Some of the themes are racial reconciliation, engaging the homeless, reconciling with an estranged father and practicing unconditional love. Sections where others describe the impact that Same Kind of Different as Me has had on their lives is like reading chapters out of the Chicken Soup for the teenage/pre-teen/dog lovers/kid's/prisoners/grieving/college/women/special needs/cats/Christmas/girlfriend/romantic/mother's/old person's/I could go on/I'm not making this up/etc soul.

All joking aside, I am still giving this book a good rating because the stories are sincere, powerful, inspirational and exceptionally challenging. Despite it feeling like leftovers much of the time, there is still enough in here to make it a gem of a book. I can tell that Same Kind of Different as Me is an excellent book. Read that one first. If you are still hungry for more, read What Difference Do It Make next.

Just don't get filled up on potato chips.

This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson.

What Difference Do It Make? by Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent follows the best-seller Same Kind of Difference as Me. It is a story that challenges deep seated beliefs about people and even places. The friendship between Ron Hall and Denver Moore is unexpected. Ron was a successful fine art dealer and Denver was homeless in Fort Worth, Texas. How could such a friendship be forged? In part, it was through the life and love of Ron's wife, Deborah. The other part was through the plans of God.

I found the parallel lives of Ron and Denver interesting. If things had occurred just a bit differently Ron would have been on the street with Denver. It amazes me that one or two decisions can make that much difference. However, the book is not about Ron's good decisions in providing for his life as much as it is to getting out of one's own skin and reaching out to someone else. Ron is very clear in voicing his doubts and reservations about helping the homeless. He admits what many of us refuse to admit, that most of us feel that it is okay to do something - just don't mess with my personal life.

In reaching out and developing his friendship with Denver, Ron is able to look at his father in a different light. He learns acceptance and how to express love. This is bound to be another best-seller.
Elaine Littau, author of Nan's Journey and Elk's Resolve

Unlikely authors (and friends), Ron Hall and Denver Moore, team up with professional writer Lynn Vincent to create their second unlikely book of inspiration. Ron is a wealthy art dealer who was dragged by his late wife Deborah into hands-on ministry with the down and out. Denver is a long time down and outer who guided Ron in his first baby steps into the frightening world of the homeless. This is their second book, a sequel to "Same Kind of Different as Me."

The book is a series of loosely connected vignettes about the two men, about Deborah, about the difficulties of really reaching out to those who have nothing, about hands-on spirituality, and about the amazing success of their first book and how it has touched people. Included are generous selections from the first book to bring the reader up to speed. The authors come across as plain-spoken and very flawed men, men who have done bad things and let a lot of people down, yet who have struggled through and ministered to many. The result is a bit sentimental, sometimes weepy, often enlightening. The authors are only a tiny bit preachy.

"What Difference" has influenced many people to reach out to the homeless and it gives some practical advice on how to do so effectively. The book is somewhat scattered, with unconnected episodes written alternately by Ron and Denver. If you're looking for a practical, earthy kind of inspirational, this may be just the book for you. Reviewed by Louis N. Gruber.

In this heart warming sequel to "Same Kind of Different as Me." Ron Hall and Denver Moore tell us what happened after the book was published. The stories of ordinary people suddenly realizing that they can do something to create change were remarkable. God does work miracles if you give him a little opening.

The story of Jose the stone mason was one of the most moving and important in the book. Ron looked at the man and saw a drunk. In an area populated by homeless people, addicts, and the mentally ill, that was what he was programmed to see. The lesson from the story is simple: in order to help people, we have to look beyond the surface and see the real person. However, as with all lessons there is a caution. Safety is an important issue. Few sane people would walk into a cage with a tiger without taking any safety precautions. It's important to help the homeless, but in doing so, it's equally important to remember that these are damaged people. Taming wild animals takes time. Likewise it takes time, patience and understanding to make a difference to a homeless person. I'm glad Ron and Denver made this point. I hope people reading the book who want to give of themselves to help the homeless realize that it's not a "catch and release" program. Consistency and commitment are critical.

What a marvelous book. I hope it continues to encourage people to give more than a few dollars and a quick handshake when they try to make a difference.

In essence, What Difference Do It Make is a retelling of the first text, with expansions and additions of "stories of hope and healing." I don't want to give too much away, but this guides us through the lives and pain of Ron and Denver, seeing part of their original text, with much more information added in, after the fact, that helps complete the story. Overall, this book is, more than anything else, about hope.

This book was quite a challenge to accept in many ways. Before I started reading this book, I had a discussion with some men I am discipling. We were talking about our concerns helping the homeless because they may use what we give them for sin addictions. After reading this book, I cannot say the same. Y'shua said that we are to give of anyone who begs, and for those who would ask a coat, give them also our tunic. I have learned that we need to give to the least of these, as if entertaining angels. Secondly, it isn't helping them. It is blessing them. To help them would get them out of there entirely, but requires us to get quite dirty on our own end as well.That, and the fact that if the church stepped up and did what they have been called to do, there would be no homeless situation.

Biblically-based, rooted in scripture, and of sound foundations, I support this book for those either looking for a hopeful tale or need a serious wake-up call about how we are to help the homeless.

The book "What difference do it make?" is the "sequel" to the first book by Ron Hall, Denver Moore and Lynn Vincent that was titled "same kind of different As me." You can read the review I posted on that book as well if you are interested in a comparison. Both of these books are based on true stories and the experiences that they relate are pretty remarkable.

This latest book continues the tale of Ron and Denver as they continue the spiritual work initially started by Ron and his wife Debbie to help the homeless and the less fortunate. In "same kind of different As me." Ron and Debbie offer to help at a homeless shelter one day per week serving meals. While doing this they meet Denver Moore, an illiterate homeless African American, and Debbie challenges Ron to become his friend. As the story progresses and the three of them become good friends, Debbie is diagnosed with cancer and eventually passes away. Her dream before she dies is to improve the fortunes of the homeless, and this legacy is carried on by Ron and Denver after her death.

"What difference do it make?" provides some additional background to explain and enhance the first book. It also includes several stories from people across the country who either read the original book or heard about their story through the media. It relates some very touching and poignant stories that had been sent to Ron and Denver from people whose lives were affected by their story, and in many cases tells how they were motivated to help others in turn. The spiritual message that comes across is that it does not matter how much or how little we do - when we do ANYTHING good at all it does make a difference for others.

I enjoyed reading this book, and I definitely recommend that you read their first book prior to reading this one. Although it can be read on it's own, there are some references made to the first book and some things are explained further which will be more meaningful if you have some background knowledge ahead of time. One of the most uplifting themes carried through both books is that ANYONE can make a difference in someone else's life - no matter how insignificant that difference may seem at the time.

When Ron and Debbie set out to help the homeless, they probably thought that their one day a week helping would be just that - one day a week. They could not have imagined the number of people that they would eventually help through Debbie's dream of providing an even bigger legacy. In fact, even Debbie did not expect that after her death, the number of people touched by her story would continue to grow and multiply. In the case of Denver, he has been "transformed" from a homeless person with very little chance or opportunity for improvement, to an accomplished artist and now a very wealthy man. He currently shares a home with Ron and they both travel extensively speaking and spreading the hope of spiritual improvement to others literally around the world.

The book does have a strong Christian and religious aspect. This may turn some people away who assume that Ron and Denver are two crazed religious evangelists asking for money in return for salvation. As you read both books (and I trust that you will) you will find that Ron may have appeared initially to be that type of person, through his association with Denver his outlook changes. It may be more accurate to say that his true character is revealed because of Denver, not because he changed. Denver can only be described by Denver himself in his own simple, straightforward words. He readily admits that he is far from a saint, and as you read about his past you will definitely come to realize that.

There are issues that Ron and Denver have to come to terms with (Ron's relationship with his father, Denver dealing with his new life) and these are included among the "Stories of Hope and Healing". Denver's contributions were recorded and written down (mostly by Ron) and the language and grammar are definitely Denver's. The title was actually suggested by Denver when Ron asked him what he thought the book should be called and Denver replies "What difference do it make?"

This book is definitely worth reading - the stories submitted by everyday people from across the country will inspire you and make you realize that we can make a difference in the lives of others. You may feel that your contribution will be insignificant, however Ron and Debbie have proven that merely by agreeing to help with a homeless shelter one day a week, they have helped thousands of people and raised millions of dollars simply by being willing to help. I would hope that each of us can do our small part in some way simply by asking where we are needed.

Laughter and love,

Rick Fess

This book was written as a sequel to Same Kind of Different as Me, but fills in the previous story-line and even has quotes from the other book in written in italics. I was not familiar with the first book, but never felt as though I was missing any information. This book describes the influence of the first book and the work the authors have accomplished since its release. The main author is Ron, who, along with his wife, started volunteering to help the homeless many years ago. At first, he was scared to take any risk and tried to do as little as possible, while still appeasing his wife. He ended up meeting a homeless man named Denver and over time they developed a deep friendship. When his wife died of cancer, Denver suggested he write a book. While unsuccessful at first, through word-of-mouth it sparked a revival in helping those in need.

The book was very easy to read because the chapters were relatively short and filled with a lot of humor. It focused on a very broad topic, so everyone can relate to and benefit from the philosophy presented. Denver, who authored half of the book, spent 18 years living on the street. His perspective allows the reader to better understand how homeless people really think and feel. The book emphasized "getting your hands dirty"; not just giving money, but interacting with people in need. Denver recalled a time when it would have meant more for someone to ask for his name rather than give him money.

In the latter part, Don presented a practical plan for a church wanting to help. I thought this part was important because it was realistic and advised people to be careful. While the authors give plenty of examples of how most homeless people are harmless, this part recalled times where people have put themselves in danger. They quoted Jesus' advice to his disciples, "be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves."

For people who read the first book, the concluding chapter should be especially inspiring. He gave updates on many people not mentioned in this book, and explained how his wife's death has lead to opportunities to fulfill her wishes. Along with the regular chapters, there are about 10 inserts from people who have been directly affected by the previous book. These inserts are very encouraging and offer examples of how people can get involved. There were a few things I disliked about the book (sometimes it was hard to follow the grammar used in Denver's chapters and sometimes the italic sections were not written by the same person who wrote the chapter they were placed in), but overall I thought they did a good job of being serious about helping people, yet entertaining in presenting their message.

Before I start my review of What Difference Do it Make? I have to ask a question.

Have you read Same Kind of Different as Me?

If the answer is no, go find a copy and read it.

It is a book that tells the true story of an art dealer, a homeless man and the amazing woman who brings them together. It tells life stories. Real people trying to figure things out. Making mistakes along the way, but ultimately making a difference in a big way. I think you will discover it is worth your time to pick it up and read.

You don't have to read Same Kind of Different as Me first, but I would. Once you have I think you will want to pick up What Difference Do it Make? In this book you will find a continuation of the story of Ron Hall and Denver Moore. You will read a story of reconciliation (between Ron and his father). You will read nuggets of wisdom from Denver and you will hear stories of how every day people are making a difference.

We all want our lives to count for something. We all want to make a difference. But sometimes we get too caught up in "our" lives. We stop looking for opportunities. Or those kind of opportunities (the "difference making ones") seem too far out of reach.

Both books offer a reminder that "normal" people can make a difference, but it takes action.

They also offer an interesting look, as well as great insight, into the plight of the homeless.

And if none of these reasons to read pique your interest, how about this, the books tell a good story (especially Same Kind of Different as Me).

Wonderful read. Found my copy at a yard sale. Could not put it down. Have purchased two more on line as gifts. A true story of a warm and loving friendship formed by the most unlikely combination of people. I learned a lot from reading this book.

This book is a followup from the authors of "Same kind of different as me." If you haven't read that book first - READ IT! It tells a true story of an unlikely friendship between a rich art dealer, Ron, and a homeless man, Denver. One of the most moving, mind changing, and selfless books I've read. Perfect to give as a gift this Christmas Season.

Now on to the followup "What difference do it make." It continues the story of the friendship between Ron and Denver, answering many questions that we all have wondered after finishing the first book. Questions such as are they still friends, what are they doing now, how did the first book change their lives, and how is Ron doing after Deborah's death?

But even more than that, there are stories from people whose lives have been completely changed by Ron and Denver's first book and how they are now changing the lives of others. Those stories will cause you to rethink your own life and how you can make a difference in the lives of others.

One of my favorite quotes from the book is when Ron wrote, "Suddenly, I pictured God in heaven, all these seemingly unconnected lives unfolding under His omniscient eye, rubbing His hands together and telling the angels - Now watch this!" That sums it up!

I highly recommend "Same kind of different as me" and "What difference do it make" as a staple for everyone. They will completely change how you view the homeless, will inspire you to make a difference, and will put a huge smile on your face.

I have not read the previous book that the author's have written, and so this book will have to be reviewed as if it stands on its own.

While the writing can be confusing at times, the jumping back and forth between Denver and Hall works well here- showing you two different worlds, from two men who couldn't be more different as well. In between these recollections and stories are other tales and reflections from readers and real people who have decided to do something in their lives and communities to make a difference.

Heartwarming at times, depressing at others, and downright cutesy as well, this book is hard to fit into a category of its own. It can be part moral tale, part uplifting inspiration, and part disjointed pseudo-journal all rolled into one. I did find it an entertaining read, but did not find myself enraptured by it. It serves as a good illustration at the differences of class and opportunity, but also that people have the strengthe to make something of their lives, either through their own efforts or the blessed help of another. Thats the message that I took away from this book- nothing is as hopeless as it seems, and every little bit counts.

What Difference Do It Make - Stories of Hope and Healing is the follow up to the tremendously popular Same Kind of Different as Me. I enjoyed the first book overall and felt that the book had been well thought out and organized in a manner in which the reader really could enjoy the richness of the story. I particularly liked the use of alternating point of view.

What Difference Do It Make did not live up to overall enjoyment of the first volume by this duo. The alternating point of view format is still used which I liked, but the book seems a bit scattered and not as well organized. A lot of material is re-hashed from the previous book. Ron shares about his family background and specifically details about his relationship with his father. To me the highlight was getting to learn more about Denver, his experiences, and his art. I loved the fact that there are actual examples of his art work with the book - what a treat!

The other highlight from the book was the use of reader's personal stories. They kind of reminded me of "Chicken Soup for the Soul" stories. They were a touching addition, and I would have enjoyed reading more of them. Overall I thought the book was an enjoyable, uplifting read, but it didn't quite measure up to their first effort.

Warning: This book made me cry....buckets!!! From the beginning, I found myself with tears in my eyes.

I have heard of the book, Same Kind of Different as Me, but not yet had a chance to read it. What Difference Do It Make? is a follow-up of sorts to that book. It is not just a non-fiction work, but rather a true 'story' of how many lives can be changed by one woman's obedience to God.

Ron Hall and Denver Moore have spent the last several years developing a very strong friendship based on their shared love of God and a very special lady, Ron's wife, Deborah. Deborah reached out to the homeless at the Union Gospel Mission in Ft. Worth, Tx and simply brought husband Ron along. Deborah passed away from cancer but Ron and Denver have continued their friendship, written a book and now speak about homeless issues to various audiences.

This book, What Difference Do It Make?, highlights ways that other people reached out in their own neighborhoods and home towns after reading Same Kind of Different as Me. The subtitle, Stories of Hope and Healing,is definitely fitting. The true stories show how one person may not be able to change the world, but they can change one person that can start a chain of giving hope to the masses.

I could not pick just one story to highlight....too many of them tugged at my heart! However, I love Ron Hall's Thirty-Day Plan to End Homelessness! Do I think I can do it, or convince my friends or church to do it? I don't know. So, why do I like it?

I like the idea of being able to reach out to those 'less fortunate' than us without being judgemental. I will be honest, in my Dallas suburb, I don't see many homeless, but I do see those 'less fortunate'. I desire to have the freedom to just give...not expecting anything in return. If I give money and they blow it on alcohol, drugs or clothes, it doesn't matter. The point is that I give and then it is no longer mine...because I gave it up.

I am walking away from this book with a new perspective on giving. The people that shared their stories simply gave without judgement, without expectation, other than waiting and watching what God would do with the gift. When I consider that I have nothing that has not been given by God, how can I not give of my life, my faith?

The book is written primarily to Christians, those that already know Christ. However, the principles shared in the book are needed in every walk of life; To simply give of ourselves. I highly recommend the book to anyone that feels the tug of God on their heart to give more, give deeper.

What difference do it make? is a conversation that tells of the relationship between a well to do man with a rough family history and a homeless wise man and how a book has changed their life. It is a conversation about hope, restoration, and how one person's decision can change the course of history. It tells of how two men from completely different walks of life can have their lives irrevocably intertwined for a cause definitely worth fighting for. Interspersed within the story of Ron and Denver are stories of hope about people who have been affected by the first book Same Kind of Different as Me.

I wish I would have read Same Kind of Different as Me, because I feel like I am catching the game in the second half of the championship game after a blockbuster of a first half. Conversation is swirling around me about events that I don't have access to but wish that I did. Don't get me wrong, I loved the book and think that Denver Moore is probably one of the wisest men I have ever read while at the same time having a refreshingly simple outlook on what the Bible actually says. I love how he relays his understanding of the Bible and how we are supposed to live according to it without pulling any punches. He is not afraid to tell it like it is and I love it.

Grade: B+

[...]

Now when I heard about "What Difference Do It Make?" by Ron Hall and Denver Moore, I was curious. I remember their first book "Same Kind of Different As Me" and remember how well it did. I always am curious about bestsellers because if that many people like it, then it must be good. Now I have come across many books that are just not for me and I can't believe they made the bestseller list, by I don't regret reading them.

What Difference Do It Make is a book that can be classified as inspirational and is a book that offers reflections from the two authors. Now the two authors are definetly-interesting partners, as one is a wealthy art dealer and the other is a homeless man. The book deals with how they became friends, deals with racial reconciliation, community outreach, compassion, healing, and faith.

This book does have Christian background and does mention God, but whether you are religious or not, this book still is a worthy read. It even offers humor as it offers chapters from each author. Inside the book is also stories from readers og their last book and how it helped them in their lives. Overall, I enjoyed this book and it was a super quick read at 201 pages with a medium font.

"What Difference Do It Make?" is a wonderful read. Blending stories of other folks that read the previous book called "Same Kind of Difference As Me" by Ron Hall and Denver Moore, it's great to see how God is moving and working through all of us. In between chapters of Ron and Denver, are stories that were "inspired" by Denver and his struggle with homelessness. Hearing Ron and Denver's stories helped change the lives of people and their actions that they took when doing through their daily lives. I haven't had the chance to read "Same Kind of Difference As Me" yet, but I love how they brought snippets of the book into the new book so you could piece the stories together. I would recommend reading "What Difference Do It Make?" to anyone who is struggling in their life with anything from finance, to a loss of a loved one, to a betrayal. In the words of Jason Gray- Everything Sad is Coming Untrue. Even if you are going through a rough time in your life, there is a light on the other side that will help guide you through your trial. These stories are truly ones of healing and hope and proof that God is looking down on us and will take care of us in our need if we call out to him.

I know that for me life is very challenging like most single moms out there but sometimes I do get discouraged over it. I sometimes feel very overwhelmed being a parent not thinking that I'm good enough or will ever be able to please my child or myself for that matter. Sometimes I do think "what difference do I make or what difference does it make if I don't complete this?" Well this book, "What Difference do it make?" by Ron Hall, Denver Moore and Lynn Vincent is an awesome book. It has uplifting, heartfelt, wonderful stories inside and they have a purpose for each story. The stories are so easy to read and some will make you cry but not for them being sad but for them to make a point about your life and where it is going. I honestly sometimes don't know where to start on days like this past Sunday where I was having a bad morning...well most of the morning and part of the afternoon. I read a few stories and they started to put me in a much better mood. Plus my best friend got me out of the house and that was relaxing too! But if you are looking for uplifiting stories that will help you through the day, week, months or even year then "What Difference Do it Make?" is for you! I love it and I plan on keeping it next to my bed in case I have another "Bad Day!"

What Difference Do It Make? By Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent is another homerun from Hall and Moore. This is a follow up to the uber selling and uber great book "Same Kind of Different As Me" and how that book affected the authors and some of the people who read it.

The subtitle of the book is "Stories of Hope and Healing" and it is true that is what this book is all about. It recaps some of the "Same Kind" book and then shows you how it challenged people to "pay it forward" so to speak. From a little seven year old girl named Lucy and her Ziploc Bag to Michael who is "Entertaining Angels" by taking a homeless man to church.

If you haven't read their first book, "Same Kind of Different As Me" I would highly suggest reading that one first before reading this one. You could, but you would be missing out of the understanding of why they have chosen to do the things they have done.

But if you have... Read this book... it is a great coda to the first book. It will move you as much as their first book.

I am member of Thomas Nelson's Book Review Blogger program.

[...]

I was sent a copy of "What Difference Do It Make?" by Ron Hall and Denver Moore and really enjoyed this book.

It is a follow up to their first novel "Same Kind of Different as Me" But you do not have to have read the first book to understand the second.

It is a very uplifting book that tells the reader how the first book has made a difference in people's lives and the extent that Deborah's inspiring life has touched others and encouraged them to branch out to those in need.

Ron Hall does go into a little bit of detail about his childhood growing up and how his relationship developed with his father after the first book was published. This was all great and wonderful to read, but really the only new happenings in the book. It was more of a reflection of what effect the first book had.

I am not saying it is not worth reading - because it totally is. Had me crying a couple times in the book (and I am not a big crier)

I would like to learn more about what else is going on in Ron Hall and Denver Moore's lives.

I didn't read the first book, but I will now after reading this. Each chapter is by one of the three authors and tells a personal story. I loved to hear about their childhood and the things that happened growing up and how they came to be where they are today. It's amazing how people can turn out so different, even if they grew up the same way. It just shows that we are responsible for our own actions and how we treat others. It's so easy to judge people by how they look or how they talk, but what purpose does it serve?

There were so many nice stories, like the little girl who opened a lemonade stand among other things, so she could raise money to give to the homeless shelter, or the time Ron was visiting the homeless on the streets with Denver and a man who appeared to be drunk wanted money. After giving him his last $20, Ron found out that he wasn't drunk but that he had had a stroke and was unable to work. Ouch, judging can hurt! Denver told him to find what was in their hearts and not to judge. This is a very nice book and really makes you think about how you act and how you can help others in need.

I honestly had no clue what this book was about when I requested it on the Vine program but I consider it a true GEM. A real gift to regular people, like me to open my eyes and provide insight and a different perspective to what others need and the various roads that possibly got them to where they are. I knew someone in my life previously who was both an alcoholic and drug addict who literally drained everyone around him. He eventually died as a result of his disease so I have to say after being drained myself from this person, I had a biased opinion of people on the streets who drink and do drugs and this book allowed me a different perspective and served as a great reminder to not pass judgement so quickly on another person. We can't ever assume what circumstances they are faced with and what it took to get them to where they are. I highly recommend this book and have recently purchased their first book.

What Difference do it Make is the follow up to Same Kind of Different as Me and attempts to demonstrate how God can work through terrible situations to bring positive results. The bulk of What Difference is focused on the expansion or continuation of Ron and Denver's story from the first book. Spread throughout are letters sharing of change effected by people inspired after reading Same Kind of Different.

I was quickly drawn into the story and found myself staying up late in order to finish the book. Several parts especially challenged my ideas about loving and serving others as a Christ follower. However, when telling the story of Denver and Ron, it felt the book lacked common flow, and then had the random stories interspersed. The stories were interesting, but I wished the book had focused on either the expansion of Denver and Ron's story, OR the inspirational stories of people who read the first book.

Although the introduction stated that reading Same Kind of Different was not necessary in order to read this book, I found myself wishing I knew more of the background from that book. I would definitely recommend this for friends or family. It will challenge some of your views and if you're like me, you'll probably tear up at least once or twice. However, take the time to find and read the Same Kind of Different first.

What Difference Do It Make? is the sequel to the authors' bestseller, Same Kind of Different As Me, the true story of an unlikely and life-changing friendship between a wealthy art dealer (Ron Hall) and an illiterate homeless man (Denver Moore). But you don't have to have read the first book to be touched by this one -- I hadn't, when I first received this sequel as a Thomas Nelson book review blogger.

The book's voice alternates from chapter to chapter between the first-person memories and musings of Ron Hall to those of his coauthor Denver Moore. (The third co-author, Lynn Vincent, is not one of the actors in the book.) Excerpts (plainly set apart from the rest of the text) from the first book are included, to help the reader track the story. Also included are stories of readers -- people from all over the country whose lives God changed through the first book in myriad ways, from a family who decided to adopt from Ethiopia, to children inspired to raise money for the homeless, and more. Mr. Hall and Mr. Moore are both gut-wrenchingly honest in the book. The book is touching and challenging, and I highly recommend it.

(Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, in exchange for reviewing it. I am not required to post a positive review, just to provide my own opinion.)

I have to be honest.

When I picked up the latest release from Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent, I was hesitant. Perhaps it was the subtitle: 'Stories of Hope and Healing'.

I thought I had 'Chicken Soup for the Social Justice Soul' on my hands.

Fortunately, first impressions -- in this case -- were entirely wrong.

What unfolds over the course of a quick 201-page read is a tightly written, compelling and transparent look at the genuine -- and inspiring -- momentum to address homelessness launched by the pair's first book, 'Same Kind of Different as Me'.

In little ways and in large, the authors detail their own stories and intersperse anecdotes from readers across the country, while continuing to challenge all of us to do more to address the often-ignored epidemic in our communities.

The authors, ever true to their convictions, don't pull any punches.

"It's important to draw a distinction between 'blessing' the homeless and 'helping' the homeless. I used to think I was helping by serving a meal or giving them some clothes, but I found out that for the most part I was just helping myself, making myself feel warm and fuzzy and philanthropic.

To be sure, it is a blessing to the homeless when they see people who care. But to really help, you've got to get down in the pit with people and stay with them until they find the strength to get on your shoulders and climb out." (Hall, p. 58)

That's what Ron and Dallas have done -- by giving money, time, and love to people who often don't reciprocate. Their challenge? That's okay. Do it anyway. It's the way God would want it.

To that end, the authors offer an interesting model in Chapter 25: a challenge to faith communities to enter into the life of a homeless individual strategically to bring sustainable life change in 30 days. The information is practical, yet cautious, like the wise advice of those who've been there, done that and learned along the way.

Many readers, however, will probably appreciate more the emphasis on individual responsibility highlighted and illustrated throughout this book. The stories are gritty, inspiring, well written and leave you with a sense of a greater movement -- a partnership -- of people committed to making a change in the here and now.

'What Difference Do It Make?' Apparently, plenty.

BONUSES: It was great to see full-color paintings by Denver Moore. Plus the book's last story -- involving a woman facing a similar fate as Ron's wife, Deborah, will leave most readers looking for ways to make the most of the time we have left this side of eternity.

When Ron Hall and Denver Moore set out to share Deborah's enormous faith and her love for the homeless in Same Kind of Different as Me, the preceding book, they couldn't imagine what impact that would have on the many readers. What Difference Do It Make? is filled with the stories of the many people who were touched and inspired by it. As word of mouth spread about their first book, Ron and Denver traveled around the country encouraging people to get involved because one person can indeed make a difference. Eventually, Ron and Denver had many stories of people who were led to do extraordinary things after reading about Deborah Hall.

What Difference Do It Make? is a collection of some of those amazing ways that ordinary people reached out to the homeless. It is also the story of Ron's journey through the unimaginable grief of a man who lost his beloved wife. Denver shares the story of how he ended up homeless and hopeless in a down to earth manner. Peppered throughout Ron and Denver's journey, is the fruit that Deborah's unconditional love bore as she lived her faith in action for the homeless. This book will dispel any doubt that God moves in America today. I highly recommend reading this book.

I am a Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger [...]

Recently I just finished "Same Kind of Different as Me", the prequel to this book, which probably factored into my review. I LOVED the first book, and can't say enough good about it. I have passed my copy on to be read by others. Therefore I was excited to get this 2nd book by the same authors. I thought it was a good follow-up, which will hopefully create interest in the first book, but, as much as I hate to say it, I didn't think there was quite enough substance there to create an entire book about. There are "real life" stories from people who applied the principles they were convicted of in the first book, and elaborations on things discussed in the first book, and follow-ups on the author's lives, their life mission, etc. Also some practical advice about helping the homeless. I would probably recommend it, but would much more highly recommend the first book. The second one is okay, but can't compete with their first.

I absolutely loved their first book and I enjoyed this one. For those of you who have not read the first book, for the same amount of time investment you could read it instead. This book lacks the emotional punch of the first one and often feels disjointed. The central story of the book focuses upon Ron's relationship with his father in his waning years. The rest of the book is a series of vignettes about the impact of the previous book alongsided Denver's musings on a variety of subjects. It felt more like a bonus extras disk that comes with many DVD's, rather than the main film itself. The book does display the wit and insightfulness that shone through in the first book, but overall fails to be as satisfying as the first, which is of course an enormously tough act to follow. If you loved the first book,then this one is an easy recommendation, just don't get your hopes up too high.

Books and our opinions of them is a complicated tapestry that may never be fully understood. A person may read a book that does not move them or touch their heart and immediately declare it trash. That same person may pick that same book up years later and wonder in amazement at the very pages he had previously relegated as fire starter.

So what makes a great book? It is not so much the book or the reader, but the timing of when and where the two come together. For when the season of life of the reader and the author come together and can be laid over one another without much distinction between the two it is then that the reader has found his masterpiece and the author has found his adoring audience. This is where I find myself in regards to, What Difference Do It Make?

My second review for Thomas Nelson found me with a book I purposely chose because I would normally not read it. In an attempt to expand my horizons, I have found a whole new world. What Difference Do It Make?, is quite possibly the single most life changing book I have read since, The Shack by Paul Young.

What Difference Do It Make? written by Ron Hall and Denver Moore, is the follow up to Same Kind Of Different As Me. (Which I have not read at the time of this review, but will be doing so as soon as possible.)

What Difference Do It Make? is honest, unpretentious, and at times raw. The authors lay their hearts out in away that flies in the face of the majority of Christian works these days. It is a welcomed dose of reality in the midst of a whirlwind of books that tend to be nothing more than literary self-medication.

Ron Hall wins my admiration with his willingness to share his true feelings about the death of his wife, the response of those around him, and his own thoughts towards his earthly father. He seems to me as a man who has learned to live in his Father's love, and I hope one day to be able to have that said about me.

Denver Moore is one of the most insightful men I have heard from in a long time, a tremendous feat for a man who until recently was illiterate and homeless. With humility and candor he lays bare the state of the church. Insight such as, "Why are people always invitin' us to their Bible studies and not their Bible do'ins" brings clarity without judgement to our current affairs.

Interspersed throughout the book are stories that come from the effect their first book Same Kind of Different as Me had on the lives of those who were blessed enough to read it. Many of the stories are just as touching as the words of the authors themselves, yet a few feel out of place and lack the punch of the rest of the book.

As I conclude this review I realize I have not given much information as to the topic of the book itself. To some it up in the words of the author Ron Hall, "It's a love story," and I recommend it whole heartedly to anyone and everyone.

REVIEWED FOR: [...].
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: [...].

I loved this book. It taught a lesson in helping others and how one person can make a difference in someone’s life. The person least likely to have a successful future is the one who was the one who was able to turn his life around. No one has ever given him the chance. Life changing book.

While I have never read Ron Hall and Denver Moore's prequel Same Kind of Different As Me, I was fortunate to receive a pre-release edition of What Difference Do It Make. Without ever reading the book before it, it made the book was still easy to get something out of. Each chapter included personal testimonies of what has happened in different peoples lives since they read "Same Kind of Different As Me," as well as detailing some of Ron and Denver's personal story.

There were story after story about how people were able to take lessons learned and begin to live more and more like Jesus. For both Ron (millionaire, homeless volunteer) and Denver (shelter resident) we are able to catch a glimpse of their childhood, while also seeing how their relationship is continuing to grow.

The title of the book is a perfect description of what the reader is in store for when they read this book. From what I got out of "reading" about the last book, I could tell it was all about initiating change in one's personal life to change the world. This book is a collection of stories of people who were willing to risk themselves in order to live like Jesus. They were the ones who were willing to live the Gospel. They were the ones willing to make a difference in this world.

Am I willing to make a difference? What different do I make?

I really wish that I'd read the first book, Same Kind of Different as Me, before I read this one. This book says it's standalone, but I really think I would have benefited from reading Same Kind first, just so I could have known the background of the three people What Difference focuses on -- Ron, Denver, and Deborah. Half of the chapters of the book are written by Ron, and half by Denver. Both had a lot of interesting things to say on the subject of homelessness and Christians. There are also stories of people around the country who were inspired by the first book. There was even a woman from West Sacramento mentioned -- her story hit very close to home. Needless to say, I really got a lot out of this book. It shifted my views of homeless people quite a bit, and it challenged me to think differently about the people I pass every day on the street. I don't have enough space to quote all of the different passages that affected me, but this one that really stood out (it was written by Denver, in his own voice):

"Since I been visitin a lotta churches, I hear people talkin 'bout how, after readin our story, they felt "led" to help the homeless, to come alongside the down-and-out. But when it comes to helpin people that ain't got much, God didn't leave no room for feelin led. Jesus said God gon' separate us based on what we did for folks that is hungry and thirsty, fells that is prisoners in jail and folks that ain't got no clothes and no place to live. What you gon' do when you get to heaven and you ain't done none a' that? Stand in front a' God and tell Him, "I didn't feel led"? You know what He gon' say? He gon' say, "You didn't need to feel led 'cause I had done wrote it down in the Instruction Book."

Hello conviction, I'm Cori.

Wow. I just finished reading this book, and since their first book was so awesome, I expected great things. My expectations were met! Not only do readers get an update on the beloved pair; our hearts are also touched by the stories told of others who read Same Kind of Different as Me and took action, those who began giving to those in need, those who forgave painful pasts, those who paid it forward in some small - or big - way.
As was with the first book, Denver's tales are honest, true, and thought provoking. Ron's stories are often heart-wrenching and profound. Together, the two tell a story of making a difference in the lives of many. I highly recommend diving on into What Difference Do It Make? After all, this much I know is true:
What Difference Do It Make? Oftentimes, an eternal one.

I am a member of Thomas Nelson's Book Review Blogger program: [...]

This is a perfect gift book to give to your mother, grandmother, aunt, or pastor...a perfect gift for whomever it was who gave you the first book, Same Kind of Different As Me. While the first book provided a concise and moving story, this book just seems like a way to piggyback the first book's success. Don't get me wrong- the "Denverisms" and some of the follow-up details are interesting to read and answers some of the questions that the first book wasn't able to answer. But, the tone and style are pretty much the same. Being from the area, I am familiar with the Union Gospel Mission, and I appreciate what this book and the first book have done to aid and raise awareness of issues surrounding homelessness. So even though this book is really not my style, I am still moved by the stories. I think that most readers will be moved, too.

This is one of those products that's hard to review, because the ideology is superb and it represents an incredible achievement, but as a book itself there are a few quirks that are hard to overlook. WDDIM is a series of brief snippets written by various people associated with the homeless relief efforts of the previous "Same Kind of Different as Me." Each soliloquy is distinct--there is no connection between chapters, and no plotline tying it together. Approach it as a collage of journal entries, and you'll "get" the book better.

As literature, I have to agree with other reviews that it does seem a bit rushed; occasional typos and an unexplained accumulation of tales relating to people who are not primary characters and have no familiarity to the reader are two examples. But setting aside the notion of a "book review," one cannot deny that there is a real authenticity about the work. It is innocent, heartfelt, and has no hints of being about money, fame, or celebrity sensation. I've been worried about the effects of this fame on Denver, the iconic "old Black folk prophet" that so many books, films, and TV shows love to create, but it seems he is able to remain pure in heart through it all. Perhaps Denver is a bit TOO romanticized at times; he is never found saying anything that's not saturated with "folklore wisdom," like the Morgan Freeman or the Kicking Bird ("Dances with Wolves") characters who are just charming with their heart-warming simple profundity. But all of that aside, it's clear that the author, Ron, adores Denver with a true and humble affection and respect, and that the product of this bond is the astonishing progress made in helping--not merely "blessing"--the homeless in Fort Worth, Texas.

I think the book offers an interesting challenge. It will certainly become a darling shelf artifact of many, including those considered religious, wealthy, celebrity, or simply eager for a real tale of humanity. But that becomes the conundrum; even owning this book becomes a dangerous challenge to the reader: Okay, you adore the book. You gave it 5 stars on the store. You hope Oprah has Ron and Denver on her show. You've recommended it to your friends as a "wonderful" book. But what has it obligated you to DO to respond to the homeless? Denver writes in the book that merely studying good ideas isn't enough; he wants to know where people DO God's work. So it's not enough that we readers review the book; this book reviews US in return. I place this book alongside "This Flowing Toward Me" as one of those rare gems of writing that, flaws aside, asks the reader to act in response, not merely consider and recommend the good ideas they've sentimentally read within.

This book is the follow-up to the New York Times bestseller "Same Kind of Different as Me," by Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent. I confess, I have not read the previous book, but can say without question, I liked "What Difference Do It Make?" very much. It appears to fill in some of what was not in the previous book, and tells some of the stories of what has happened since the first book came out. There are personal testimonies, by people who felt the impact of the message of Same Kind of Different as Me, who've responded and allowed it to make a difference in their lives and in the lives of others. Some of the actions taken have been ministries started, forgiveness given, families reunited, and a little girl who opens a lemonade stand to raise money for the homeless.

The unlikely friendship of the white millionaire, fine-art dealer Ron Hall and the black, uneducated, formerly homeless Denver Moore continues in this inspirational, true and stranger than fiction story. There are tales of hurt and forgiveness many of us can identify with. Denver Moore, though uneducated and having only recently begun to learn to read, has wisdom in abundance, and truly is the living example of 1 Cor. 1:27-28, "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are." It is indeed a great book and I highly recommend it.

This book addresses a wide range of subjects, including loss, disappointment, motivations, humility--you name it. The two authors have had such a wide range of life experience that they obvious can speak to many a topic.

Having not read Same Kind of Different as Me, I wondered if this would be a pale sequel. It was not. This book stands alone. While it quotes enough of the first volume to transition anecdotes, it both fills in the background of the first book and adds to it by giving first-person narratives by people whose lives were changed through Same Kind of Different as Me.

This sequel is well written, effective, and interesting. The stark difference between the authors' writing styles only adds to the book's appeal. This volume piqued my interest so much, today I ordered Same Kind of Different as Me so I can know the rest of the story.

This book is a meaningful sequel to Same Kind of Different As Me. Once again, it is interestingly written with both authors writing alternate chapters and telling their story from two different perspectives. This keeps the writing very interesting. Also, this book is full of vignettes of people who were moved to action to become involved personally with giving themselves to the needy and homeless. To me, this "proves" that the original book was a success! After all, was that not the "goal" of the original book? It's one thing to be moved by a good story; it's another completely different thing to be "moved to action". Debbie Hall, Ron Hall's wife, would be so pleased to see and to know the end result of her stepping outside the comforts of wealth and prestige to get her hands dirty feeding the homeless of Fort Worth. I dare you to read this story!! You will be different at the end.

" ...the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply,
'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' -Matthew 25:37-40

What Difference Do It Make? is the true life story of its co-authors Ron Hall and Denver Moore. Denver is formerly homeless, and Ron is formerly apathetic to homelessness, but through the life of Ron's wife Deborah the two became unlikely friends. Through their own stories, they make a convincing argument that Americans, and Christians in particular, have fallen short in their duty to help the poor--especially the homeless. It is a sequel to their first book Same Kind of Different As Me in which Ron's wife Deborah, now deceased due to cancer, is inspired to help the homeless because she wants to make a difference in the world. When she convinces her husband to do so with her, he finds his life indelibly changed. In fact, everyone who came in contact with Deborah and her intense desire to change the world through loving on others, is transformed. Deborah, and her story as portrayed in Same Kind of Different As Me, is the reason that the second book was written. When the book made the New York Times Bestseller List, Ron and Denver toured the country talking about it and one person after another told them stories of how their lives were changed because they read this account. So here, in the sequel, Ron and Denver write a book that includes these stories interspersed throughout many of their own. These stories plead with the reader to follow the examples of those who went before them.

At first, I wasn't a big fan of the book. It seemed, for one, that it was simply an advertisement for their first book. Secondly, I felt that the stories were not coherent in working together to make one point. However, as the book progressed a sense of unity began to form among the stories and I was able to appreciate their single message, and I felt an intense desire to be more open to God's leading to help others without passing judgment. I came to agree with Denver and Ron that it's God's place to judge whether or not a homeless person will use the money I give him to buy booze, not mine. I came to wish that I spent more than a day or two a year at a soup kitchen. I felt conviction for the times I've shied away in disgust from bag ladies as I passed by them in the city, or crossed to the other side of the walk when I saw a beggar and I didn't feel like stopping to fish for change.

Ron and Denver have a powerful message--one that should be obvious to the general populace but is regularly ignored. We who are blessed with so much need to help those in need. We need to do more than just give them a hand out here and there. We need to invest in them. Nurture them back into society. Make them feel human again by spending time with them and letting them know that they are worth our time. We need to stop pretending they don't exist because we are thinking only of our own comfort. If everyone would do this, then the problem of homelessness in The United States would cease to be a problem. If everyone would take the time to help just one person we would, indeed, make a difference.

I did not read the first book Same Kind of Different as Me, this book was offered to me to read and review. So not knowing the story in the first book i did not know what to expect. I think the book handled filling in parts from the first book very well. I enjoyed reading Denvers parts more. His honesty on how Christians should give and not expect anything back, God don't pay overtime. Also in spending time with people, who's gon'a stick around and show us Jesus. I would give the exact quotes but i already gave the book to a friend to read. Another part in the story was Ron's personal experience on judging others by their outward appearance. I fall into the same trap in judging people by the way they look. I need to use more discernment and not just blow people off.

The stories from other people that have read the first book are shared as well. These are stories from young and old people. To me it goes to show that we all can positively impact those around us.

As i was reading this book i was more and more interested in reading the first. So as soon as i get my new Sony e-reader i will get it read. This book is great for quotes.

This book was a breath of fresh inspirational air! How often have I felt my heart strings tugged, or for better yet had confirmation that i was supposed to do something, and simply put it the wayside as life and its demands take precedence? The sad and yet sobering reminder - I found - was in this book.

I was overwhelmed by the idea that one person, nameless to many, changed the lives of yet so many! For I often think that I'm just one person - what difference does it really make? This book was not only the reminder, but fire of revival I needed to realize that there's a higher calling on each and everyone of our lives. What will people say about you when your gone? I want them to say half of the wonderful things that were said about Deborah Hall.

There is just something inspiring about hearing a personal story. I was not one of the hundreds of thousands who read the first book "Same Kind of Different As Me" by Ron Hall. In fact I wasn't even sure I'd find the second "What Difference Do It Make?" ISBN 9780849920196, all that interesting. After all I'd never heard of him, but with so much hoopla about the first I'd jump on the band wagon. So I gave a quick perusal to the introduction and was met with the standard intro until I got to the final paragraph and it read like this: "...I learned that sometimes the most difficult difference to make is the one that's closest to home." From Chapter 1 and all throughout the book Ron takes you on a journey of his childhood and throughout his life and shares stories as if I were sitting across from him. I feel the love when Ron talks about his wife and the disappointment when he talks about his father. I feel the desperation when Denver talks about his homelessness and his time in prison and the child-like faith he leans on. There is a vulnerability in the friendship that Ron and Denver share that makes them real. What an unlikely pair. Their story is of hope, healing, and the willingness to step out of their comfort zone and let God be in control. You'll not only be inspired it will open you eyes to very practical ways you can extend yourself to others in your own back yard. I think I'll have to go back and read the first one now.

This book is a sequel about two very different men. Ron is a white Christian widow, father, and grandfather. Denver is an African American homeless man from Louisiana who is homeless in Fort Worth, Texas. Their connection was Deborah, Ron's beloved wife, companion, and partner. She sadly passed away from cancer at a young age.

Before she died, she made a better difference in the world by reaching out to the less fortunate homeless men, women, and children with her spirituality and generousity. She wasn't a wealthy heiress who could write a check. She was a woman with a lot of heart and soul and doing God's work on earth.

Her loss is heartbreaking for Ron who must live without her. Anyway, he goes to Rome and has an epiphany. He returns to Fort Worth and works with the homeless in Fort Worth, Texas. He befriends Denver and they become close friends. Denver and Ron collaborate on the first book and this is the sequel. I haven't read the first one but I found this book to be easy reading, spiritual, and uplifting in a time of uncertainty and economic hardship. I am sure that this book will be a great gift to those seeking comfort in these difficult times.

Once again I'm writing a review for the Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger Program. I had the chance to read "What difference do it make?" This is the sequel to the very successful book "Same kind of difference as me" which was about the relationship between two friends - Ron and Denver. Denver was a homeless man and Ron was a successful art dealer. Ron's wife, Deborah, had a passion for the homeless and she befriended denver. Sadly Deborah died of cancer in 2001. I haven't had a chance to read the first book, but I definitely will now.

This book talks about all that happened to Ron and Denver since the successful first book and it includes the back story on both men. This book also has stories of how "Same kind of difference as me" inspired the people who have read it to reach out and serve others in ways that they never have before.

I was so touched by Ron and Denvers story and I just couldn't put this book down. I love how this book tells of how important it is to show love and compassion to other that are in need. This is a very heartwarming story and I definitely recommend it to others.

This book was provided free for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers

What I liked about this book was how Ron, Denver, and Lynn vincet wrote about how their first book (Same Kind o Dferent As Me) affect readers. They included the stories of other readers, what they learned, and how that book inspired people of all walks of life and ages to change the lives of other people. My favorite parts of the stories were reading about how childern were moved to raise money for the homeless. My husband recently started working a temp job for the Censes. He was talking about the homeless and the numbers of even childern in my community. I couldn't believe it. How lucky am I to live the life I do, and how sad that I don't do more for my community.
This book was a very easy read, inspiring, but in a way I shamefully admit to going to bed tonight with a full belly. It has sent me thinking to what I can do to help out the homeless in my community. Since reading this book I am more aware of others that might be in need. I need to make some changes in my life, and I need to give more to the homeless in my community. This book has encouraged me to stop being selfish, and think about how I can give more of my time, money, and service.

In What Difference Do It Make? Ron and Denver share more of their story and life after Ron's wife passed away from cancer. While those portions of the book will tug at your heart strings, the stories of how their previous book inspired people to make a difference in their communities quickly became my favorite part.

Interwoven throughout the details of Ron and Denver's friendship are stories about how their lives impacted others in the world. These stories took all forms. One family began adopting children from Africa, a high school art teacher helped homeless men work through their hurts through art, and a little girl learns to serve the homeless and raises money in her neighborhood to help the local shelter. My favorite though is a chain reaction story that impacted multiple people across the country. You'll have to read the book to learn about that one.

Reading What Difference Do It Make? not only warmed my heart with stories of lives changed, but challenged me to change the way I view the role of the church in homelessness and poverty. While I've never been one to think the governments should solve our problems, it becomes easy to lean on the government to `fix' problems like this. Hall reminds readers that the issues of homeless run much deeper than just having a roof over your head. He also raises an interesting challenge. In most cities Hall and Moore visit, there are fewer homeless individuals than churches.

Hall proposes that if each church took responsibility for loving one homeless person back into society and ultimately caring for themselves there would no longer be homelessness. The problem is so few believers are willing to put their money, life, and comfort where they say their faith is. What a difference Christians could make in our world if we believed our faith in action.

This is basically a continuation of their first story, Same Kind of Different as Me. While it was interesting to learn what happened to and was happening while the authors were touring their first book, how it became such a success, I wasn't as moved as with their first book. There seems to be a lot of rehashing of the story. I was particularly puzzled about Ron's disgust for his father and all the anger he harbored. How could he be so thoughtful and caring with total strangers and not love the one who had given him life? I will say that there is closure by the end of the book and it brought tears to my eyes. If you were a big fan of their first book then you will probably like this one, too.

I absolutely LOVED Same Kind of Different as Me, so I knew I wanted to read the "sequel." But honestly? I didn't expect much. I thought it was one of those, "Let's follow our best-seller with a slapped-together gift book and see if we can make millions MORE dollars." I was totally wrong.

I don't know that the book can stand alone. You could read it by itself, but it's so much richer after reading Same Kind of Different As Me. I loved all the extra details, all the additional insights into Ron and Denver's lives. I loved reading about the lives that were touched and the people who were inspired to make a difference--and actually got off their tails and made one!

As an author, there is no greater reward than knowing that your words inspired someone to make a positive life change. Love this story. Love what it's doing in the hearts (and wallets) of people around the globe.

"What Difference Do It Make?" is a book written by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. Ron and Denver got to know each other through Ron's wife, Debbie. Debbie wanted to help the homeless, and got Ron involved too, and over time they befriended many people, including Denver Moore. Denver has his own very interesting and unique life story, as does Ron - and they both share much of their life stories in this book.

This book is actually kind of a sequel to "Same Kind of Different as Me" which was a huge hit not too long ago. I've never read it, but it's on many of the same things as this book. This book is a continuation and broadening of the story of how their first book has had an impact on so many people and now there are more stories to share of homeless people being helped and loved.

I found this book to be a very interesting and enjoyable read. Ron and Denver take turns telling their own versions of things that have happened, which becomes refreshing after you get used to it. Even though Denver can't hardly read or write, he has some of the most deeply insightful theological statements in the book, and I think those were really beautiful nuggets that I was so happy to come across here. Things like:

"I hear people talkin `bout how, after readin our story, they felt `led' to help the homeless. When it comes to helping people that ain't got much, God didn't leave no room for feelin led. He gon' say, `You didn't need to feel led `cause I had done wrote it down in the Instruction Book."

Here's another one of my favorites from Denver:

"All these white folks be invitin us to their Bible studies. How come none of `em's invitin us to their Bible doins?"

There are many good pieces of information everyone needs to hear and understand in preparation for helping the needy and homeless. And it's written from their point of view through Denver, and through the point of view of someone who has helped a lot of them via Ron.

"The thing about it is, though, gifts is free. When you give a person a gift, you is also givin that person the freedom to do whatever they want with it. When you give a homeless man a dollar, you ain't sayin, `Here. Go buy yourself a chicken.' If you really wanted him to have some food, you'd take him in the McDonald's and buy him a Big Mac and a apple pie. No, when you give a homeless man a dollar, what you really sayin is, `I see you. You ain't invisible. You is a person.' You just be the blessin. Let God worry about the rest."

There are many other treasures of insight from Denver as well as Ron. This was a really impacting read for me. It not only lit a flame under me to help the homeless, but it did so in an educational and informative way. It wasn't just a book passionately urging me to do as much as possible no matter what. It was written from the inside, from people who've been there, and done it a lot. It is written with caution, wisdom, and a love for people and God. This book is about respecting people and doing the right thing, and it also has some humor, and some sadness mixed in too.

You can read this or their first book - I think either way you will get the same message and feel similarly afterwords. This is a great book, and I will definitely be passing it along to my friends. It's so worth the read. What difference do it make? After reading this book, I can tell you - it can make a huge difference, but even if it makes a difference to one person, it's worth it. Are you making a difference?

So I got this book to review & I have to say from the get go... I was FLOORED with how good it is! Apparently this book has a book that went along with it - this is a follow up, but its not necessary to have read the first. Although now, I WANT to read it so badly, I'm dying!

This book is about a relationship between two friends - Ron & Denver. Denver was a homeless man that lived a life like no other. And I say that because the insight he came away with is so touching & amazing. Ron's wife, Deborah, had a passion for homelessness & befriended Denver & it was lives changed for all of them. Deborah has since passed from cancer but left a legacy that has grown into touching so many's lives. Whether it be inspiring others to work with homelessness or just changing the way they see things in their own lives - or the way they see others - its truly the work of God's hand on a life that was dedicated to Him.

This story continues with the lives of Ron & Denver. Ron's story is so touching as it deals with his relationship with his father & how sometimes, the way you deal & look at your own family can be difficult, but it takes the same love & forgiveness you have to offer everyone.

Denver's words are just powerful - no other way to put it...
Also, included are stories from people who read the first book & how it changed their lives. If you think God cant use a story.... check this out & see how it already had changed lives & how this book will change lives. I know it will change the way I look at homelessness - or people in general

"What difference do it make?" is the continuation of the very popular book "Same kind of different as me". What difference is the story about how Same kind has impacted the lives of people all around the U.S., including the authors. It's a book, about a book, about the unlikely intersection and influence of compassionate lives.

I remember seeing copies of the first book and being very intrigued by the font and grammatical oddity of the title. That was the extent of my knowledge of Same kind. I was drawn to the second because it was tagged with the words "compassion" and "community outreach" (two things about which I'm very passionate).

It was a nice book to pick up, put down, and return to over and over again without feeling obligated to finish just so that i could say i finished another book. It was nice to just follow the real stories of a few men's lives and the way they cared for one another, in spite of coming from families and situations full of suffering.

I'm finding something more and more through Scripture, my own life, and this story. The way God sends truth and the way we interpret truth comes through the stories of our lives. I'm also discovering that compassion and truth are like husband and wife, or father and son, or some kind of relationship that should be intimate in all aspects, but usually isn't. Learning to be compassionate and truthful in combination takes a long time and is very painful. But the result is worth it: Loving relationships forged over a lifetime that will influence others.

What difference do it make? It makes a world of difference. When you look past the appearance of things and people to what could be, and when you turn take a look at your own life to see how God is endlessly pouring out His love to change you and the people around you, you'll see that things are probably already a lot different than you thought.

After reading SAME KIND OF DIFFERENCE AS ME, I expected this book to measure up. Alas, it just can't quite make it. Oh the friendship between Moore and Hall is as dynamic as ever. They author captures the authentic jargon, love, and all. But when an Angel dies, it's kind of hard to find a replacement. Would I recommend? ONLY if you have read SAME KIND first. Would I read it again? Yes, I'm sure I will. It's one of those books that you can't quite relegate to the recycle box or the goodwill. It's a Keeper.

I chose this book based on the fact that I had read most of the other books from the list. I am sorry I didn't choose it first. Ron and Denver made me laugh and cry so many times during this book. God has a funny way of bringing two people together to help others. The gift of one woman has given many a new hope for a future they didn't have. On pg 45 Denver pointed out how Jesus did choose the nicely dressed the best smelling or the most perfect people to follow him, he choose the prostitutes, the thief's and those that were going to betray him. Jesus wants us to do the same get past that homelessness is not a disease but an unfortunate way of life for some people. We are all one paycheck from the streets and how will we feel if the same people we step over ended up being the ones that could save us? He stated that when we give to the man/woman on the street to give without strings. Denver showed Ron at one point that the man he was giving money to was not a drunk he had never drank but suffered a stroke and was left homeless. This man was a hard working man sending any money he made back to his family, now he is left to fend for himself on the streets. One last quote "Sometimes you can only understand why things happen when you see them in the rearview mirror" how true is this. Once a trial is over we can look back at the difficult times and really see God's hand working in our life molding us to the next steps in our path to God. I read this book in one day I could not put it down!

"What Difference Do it Make" is a follow-up book to Same Kind "of Different as Me", which follows the lives of Ron & Deborah Hall as they intersect with a homeless man named Denver Moore. Hall and his wife were Christians called to ministry at a homeless shelter, where they meet Denver. Denver becomes a staple in their lives prior to Hall's wife's death. The stories alternate between Hall and Moore with Moore's chapters being expressed in his dialect, which I found somewhat disjointing. However, the book does highlight some of the plight faced by homeless people today: what to do with their meager belongings; how people might volunteer one day (such as Christmas or Easter), but the needs of the homeless happen 365 days a year; how people need other people to see them as human and help them to grow.

It has some heartwarming stories, but also caused me to have some introspection about my life, my acts of service (or lack thereof), and about forgiveness. There is definitely a strong spiritual undertone, but this reader did not find it "preachy".

First a confession: Before receiving this book, I had never even heard of "Same Kind of Different As Me" by Ron Hall, Denver Moore and Lynn Vincent. When I did receive this book in the mail, I was not so sure that I'd even make it through this book. Honestly, I set it aside and did not pick it up for a couple of weeks. A few days ago I finally picked it back up and thought I give it a quick glance. As I thumbed through the pages, I found myself getting interested, and before I realized it, I had dove in and read the book through in one sitting. I found reading this book almost as if I were sitting in my living room and having a conversation with the authors as they shared his life stories. As a reader, you cannot help but feel involved in the lives of these men. They just seem real as they open themselves up and make themselves vulnerable to the reader. The funny thing is, from life's perspective, Ron and Denver would not even be paired together, yet fate did indeed bring them together and their message of hope and healing is profound as they speak of stepping out of their self defined comfort zones and learn to let God be God, and take control of their lives. I highly recommend this book, and will admit that I'm getting ready to go back and read the first book now.

* I review books for Thomas Nelson Publishing

What Difference Do It Make? is the follow-up to the New York Times bestseller, Same Kind of Different as Me. It offers true stories of hope, healing, faith, friendship and compassion. These anecdotal stories intend to inspire the readers to make a difference in the world. The book also includes full-page color samples of Denver's paintings.

The book claims that it is not necessary to have read the first book before reading this one. While I enjoyed reading the stories in the book, I continued to feel a disconnection, like I was missing something. There are passages from Same Kind of Different as Me throughout the book. The authors' purpose was to "include enough of that story to catch you up." However, to me, it seemed to be used as filler in order to quickly market another book. I am not claiming that this was the motivation of the authors. I am simply stating my impression of the book.

With that being said, I still liked the book and found it to be enjoyable and inspiring to read. One of my favorite stories that Ron tells is about the marital struggle between he and his wife, Deborah. I love his authenticity and vulnerability in sharing something painful and very personal. Deborah wanting to know his heart resonated with me.

I highly recommend this book. However, I wish I had read the first book prior to reading this one.

[...]

Denver Moore: "One day I asked Mr. Ron, `Mr. Ron, all these white folks be invitin us to their Bible studies. How come none of `em's invitin us to their Bible doins?'" (The opening line of Chapter 21, What Difference Do it Make?)

You may have read Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore (with Lynn Vincent) about the improbable friendship of a wealthy international art dealer, his Christ following wife, and an illiterate homeless man who'd been raised in modern slavery as a sharecropper in Louisiana. When Ron and Deborah Hall met Denver Moore he was threatening bodily harm to a group of about 20 other homeless people and workers in the Union Gospel Mission of Fort Worth. But Mrs. Hall's Christian regard for Mr. Moore eventually convinced him that he was loved, even when he was unlovable. Mr. Hall's love for his wife led him to understand that Mr. Moore was not all that different from him.

Not long after, Deborah Hall lost a battle with very aggressive cancer. Having become friends, Mr. Moore and Mr. Hall felt they should tell the story of how Mrs. Hall had wrought such profound change in both their hearts, and that's how Same Kind of Different came to be. If you haven't already, you will probably want to read the first book after reading this one. The story of this profound change of heart is continued in this book, about how people who stoop a little to help another person up have changed lives as a result. The difference that it makes is what happens when people put their Bible studies into action, into Bible doins.

What Difference Do It Make?: Stories of Hope and Healing

Ron Hall and Denver Moore, the authors of "Same Kind of Different as Me", return (with Lynn Vincent) with the sequel to their New York Times bestseller. I have not read their original work but, after reading this one, plan to do so in the near future.

Even if you have not read their first work, you learn enough of the history of the authors in this book to enable you to understand their message. Denver was a homeless person, befriended by Ron's wife, Deborah. Deborah's passion for the homeless and for Denver had a significant impact on her husband and, when she died as a result of cancer, Ron picked up her message and, together with Denver, ran with it. This book is a continuation of Ron and Denver's story, covering much of what has occurred since the success of "Same Kind of Different as Me".

The chapters mostly alternate between Ron and Denver's stories. These stories are testimonies of God working through painful situations and awkward moments, and changing the lives of many individuals from varying backgrounds and life histories. The reader comes away understanding that, with God, one person can make a big difference in the lives of others.

While I enjoyed almost everything I read, I found myself more attracted to the simple wisdom of Denver. For example, listen to his wisdom from pages 45 & 46.

"And needy people don't need no perfect people neither. When Jesus sent His disciples out, He sent Peter right along, knowin Peter had a bad temper and a potty mouth and was gon' deny Him three times. He sent John and James even though they was full a' pride and fightin over the best seat at the table. He even sent Judas, knowin Judas was goin' betray Him. Even though Jesus knowed all a' their sin and weakness, He sent `em anyway.

"Listen, if the devil ain't messin with you, he's already got you. If you is waitin to clean up your own life before you get out and help somebody else, you may as well take off your shoes and crawl back in the bed `cause it ain't never gon' happen. Jesus don't need no help from no perfect saints. If He did, He wouldn't a' gone up yonder and left us down here in charge."

Or, here's another example from page 61:

"Now Denver completed his verdict and gave me (Ron) an ultimatum. Keeping me pinned with that eyeball, he said, "You know what you did? You judged a man without knowin his heart. And I'm gon' tell you something. If you gon' walk these streets with me, you gon' have to learn how to serve these people without judging `em. Let the judging be up to God."

Those have to be some of the most profound words I have ever read outside of Scripture on the subject of not judging others!

The book is laced with real stories from others who were touched by "Same Kind of Different as Me". Also, Ron and Denver relate stories from the lives of some of the people who intersected their life. In particular, the story of Mr. Ballantine in chapter 17 and the "Big Chicken Dinner" man from Seattle described in chapter 24.

This work is a very easy 201 pages to read but, more importantly, an enjoyable and profitable 201 pages to read. I would encourage everyone to pick up a copy and see for yourself.

In the meantime, I need to get my hands on a copy of "Same Kind of Different as Me"!

This book really touched my heart. I read this before I read the first book, but I don't really think that matters. What matters is that I learned how two unlikely friends can teach each other how to love, forgive and more forward. Denver is a blessing from God. After everything he has been through he still sees the good in all people. He also teaches Ron lesson after lesson on how to be a better person. It seems to me that Ron has come a long way in the last 10 or so years. He went from a stubborn, selfish man into a giving caring generous man. Oh, and the stories about the relationship with his father are priceless. I was so happy to see the whole thing go full circle and find forgiveness in the end. Awesome!

The saying goes. "You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read." (attributed to Charles Jones) Same Kind of Different as Me was one of those books in my life. This book is a follow-up where Ron and Denver share in more detail their story together as well as how their book has influenced others to examine their hearts and their view of homelessness. It contains amazing recounts of people who after reading their first book, evaluated the role they could play in serving others, mainly those that are not in their circle. This book doesn't make sense unless you have read the first one and I highly recommend that you read BOTH in the order they were written. In this second book, Denver encourages us to just give when we see the need. Don't worry about where it is going. Don't judge someone just because of their appearance. Do what you can with what you have and allow God to do the rest. There is such freedom in that way of living, don't you think? I am a book review blogger for Thomas Nelson Books.

[...]

The book alternates between chapters by Ron (a wealthy volunteer at a homeless shelter,) chapters by Denver (a former shelter resident, now one of Ron's closest friends,) and notes and stories about people who read the first book, and were so moved by it that they began to change their attitudes and actions toward homeless people.

The portions of the book dealing with Ron and Denver's upbringing and early life are intriguing in their own right. It's always interesting to see how people came to be who they are. Although you don't get a blow by blow life story on either man, you get to read bits and pieces about their lives that shaped them, for better and worse.

The stories about their experiences together in the shelter and on the street chronicle Ron's transformation from a privileged man afraid to get his hands dirty with the homeless, to someone who genuinely cares about people. Denver helps him understand that underneath our superficial differences, we are all God's people, and that we are directed by God to care for each other, not excepting the dirty and troubled, but especially them.

The book is a love story, as well. Ron talks about losing his beloved wife to cancer, and trying to find meaning in her death, and his life without her. His writing is a tribute to her, an attempt to spread her message of love and generosity.

The stories from the readers of the first book were my favorite part.They show how regular folks felt compelled to do something authentic for the less fortunate. Some of the stories are of big projects involving many people, others involved only a single person or family. They all began to see the homeless as real people, people who matter. I came away questioning if I'm doing enough.

And that's the point, I think.

Check it out, this is a good one.

[...]

In their follow up to Same Kind of Different As Me, Ron Hall and Denver Moore offer a look at what was going on in their lives while they were writing their breakout hit and what has happened to them afterward. It is also sprinkled with short stories of people the book has influenced, and the impact they have had on their community.

The book is written in the same style as Same Kind, with chapters alternating between Ron and Denver's point of view. Ron goes into more depth when describing his childhood, and also tells of his relationship with his father since the publication of his book.

The book is small and medium length, running only 201 pages. It almost feels like gift book, and really doesn't cover much new ground. The only thing that really keeps this book going is the touching sincerity of Ron Hall and Denver Moore. They truly love God, Deborah Hall, each other, and everyone they meet. Some of the words they speak in this book will truly move you. My only regret is that this book feels rushed to capitalize on the success of their previous book, but nevertheless, it does have some touching moments in it.

I'm not a big fan of sequels, but this one is well worth the read. What Difference Do it Make? is a follow up to Same Kind of Different as Me, the touching tale of Debbie and Ron Hall and Denver Moore. I read the book mainly because I loved Same Kind of Different as Me so much. I was hoping for more insight into homelessness and friendship. What I found in was inspiration to make a difference.

The book relates stories of people taking action to love others as a result of reading Same Kind of Different as Me. Stories include little children and adults alike taking action to address homelessness or poverty. What I found most compelling was Ron's challenge to the church with a tangible, actionable plan for addressing homelessness. If you enjoyed Ron and Denver's story and want some motivation to take action yourself, this book is a great place to find that motivation. We can make a difference no matter how small our resources seem to be.

Have you ever wondered whether your life--your one life--can really make any kind of real difference? In a world run by international political machines, ruled by the mega-wealthly, and overshadowed by the evil of terrorists and tyrants, does one measly life have a chance of making even a tiny dent for good?

As a follow-up to their New York Times best-seller, Same kind of different As me, Denver Moore and his unlikely friend, Ron Hall, answer the question with a resounding yes in What difference do it make? With touching incidents, "the rest of the story," and deeply moving moments from the lives of these two societal opposites, Ron and Denver share life-changing tales from people influenced by their first book. They offer hard-learned lessons of life and reveal how their own lives have been changed by their unique friendship and writing these books.

Interesting features of this second book are a collection of full-color samples of Denver's paintings, letters from readers, and insightful anecdotes not previously told.

If you think the sequel is never as good as the original, think again. Definitely worth the read and investment.

What difference do it make? By Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent
We see them on the streets, the corners, the parks. People who are living in boxes and others who are holding cardboard signs. How do we see them? This story is based upon the impact that one woman had upon a homeless man, her husband, and a nation. Deborah was a woman who was compelled by God into action when he gave her a burden for the homeless. This book allows you to see how her obedience to God touched her husband and the homeless and it still continues to this day even after she has gone to be with the Lord. Although I have not read the previous book it was not needed for the message to ring out loud and clear. I didn't feel like I was getting into the middle of the story either, which is something I was worried about. God wants to use us to reach people with his love but it takes more than a burden. It takes passionate action that is motivated by the love of God
This book was really a surprise to me. It's a weaving of stories that showed the major impact that this woman's life had which I thought would completely throw me off but the stories complimented one another. This book opens your eyes to see how judgmental we can be although many of us would never have thought that we were that way. We see it when we refuse to give of ourselves, our help, our money, our time, and more importantly our love for those around us regardless of the situation that they come from or what they have or may do to us. God's love can move us beyond those things to see a person with a name, a purpose, and wounds that we can ignore or take action.

hat Difference Do It Make? is the follow-up title to Same Kind of Different as Me, a book written by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. Ron and Denver are unlikely friends: a high-end art dealer and a man who grew up on a plantation but ran away and ended up homeless.

But Ron's wife, Deborah, had a big heart for the homeless, which led Ron kicking and screaming to a homeless mission in Texas where their tale begins. Same Kind of Different as Me tells their individual and collective stories, written for Deborah, who has passed away from cancer.

I wish I could tell you that I've read that book, but I haven't. But after reading What Difference Do It Make?, I hope to do so soon.

What Difference Do It Make? fills in more of their story, the story after the story--though it may rely on the original book too much, often pulling excerpts rather than writing fresh, new material--and also shares the many stories from people impacted by their first book: a husband confesses cheating and saves his marriage, a little girl sparks a big ministry for the homeless in her community, etc. Very powerful stuff.

The book is very much a hodge podge of emotional tidbits that are touching--Ron's grief in losing his wife, Denver's lessons to the reader on helping the homeless versus helping yourself feel better--but too disconnected to really create passion from the reader.

Something is missing. Maybe that first book had that "spark" to truly motivate the reader to action--and from the sound of reactions online and in the book, it did--but the follow-up just made me feel warm and fuzzy. I'm hoping to pick up a copy of Same Kind of Different as Me from my local library on my next trip, and I get the feeling it will be more powerful.

The story of Ron, Denver, and Deborah is a touching one of unlikely friendship that brings glory to God and honor to people who might otherwise be overlooked. I would recommend What Difference Do It Make? to anyone...but I'd tell them to read Same Kind of Different as Me first.

I just finished reading my complimentary copy (from Thomas Nelson) of "What Difference Do It Make?" by Ron Hall, Denver Moore and Lynn Vincent.

This book is the sequel to the book entitled "Same Kind of Different As Me" by the same authors, and tells about the difference one couple made in a homeless man's life and how it snowballed to affect so many others. Not only can you see what it has done in the lives of the authors, but the book contains a lot of stories from folks that read the first book and were inspired. These people wrote to the authors with their own stories of making a difference and some of those stories are shared in this book.

It is a beautifully written, intriguing book. I laughed and I cried and most importantly my heart was convicted. I am inspired to find all kinds of ways to serve and to help others in any way I can.

I will be recommending this book to all my friends and family, in fact I already put my copy on my husband's bedside table as a hint that he needs to read it next.

Not every book grabs an audience as "The Same Kind of Difference as Me" did. It is a beautiful love story between a woman and God, between a woman and a man and the unlikely love of friendship between two very different men.

The temptation, when a book takes the reading audience by storm, is to write a sequel. For Ron Hall, a salesman by talent and experience, that temptation was too great to resist.
His sequel "What Difference do it Make?" is on the store shelves but I could wish the book had remained unwritten.

I do not mean to minimize the accounts of people whose lives were impacted and changed by Debbie's story . They are inspiring to read. Nor do I minimize Denver's childlike faith and wisdom that breaks through on the pages.

What bothered me was the fact that a large part of the book is about Ron Hall working through his relationship with his father and that not in an insightful way. I was rather embarrassed for him. While he realizes that forgiveness needed to be extended to his father for being less than the father he would have wished for, never throughout the book did Ron convince me that his faith in God is deep or even real. And because of that, the book did not fall into pleasant places, and I put it down keenly disappointed.

I haven't read Some Kind of Different, but this is a very compelling book that makes you re-think some of your beliefs and perspectives. I kept thinking, I'm a nice guy - but they are taking it to a whole new level. This is an easy and fairly short read. I liked how they wrote in unique voices and didn't let spelling or grammar influence them too much!

I would recommend this book, it talks about God and religion but doesn't push anything at you. Ron can come across as a little full of himself - but I think he means well and it fits within the purpose of the book.

I had low expectations (I have a general disdain for "chicken soup" type feel good Christian books) and the book met those low expectations and maybe surpassed them a bit. The book takes the form of the kind of quasi-devotional book one would give as a gift to all their friends, and maybe one of the issues I had was how many times this was mentioned (i.e. someone bought 50 copies of the first book to send to all their friends/family). Because of the frequent mentions of the bestselling predecessor, I felt like this book failed to establish any unique identity of it's own. The parts of the book I did resonate with - the stories of deep hurt and pain and those of true reconciliation - were touching, but too few and far between. So, some good stuff in the book, but it seemed like the first book may have been the memorable work.

"What Difference Do It Make?: Stories of Hope and Healing," is the follow up book to the surprise bestseller "Same Kind of Different As Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together." "Difference" again follows the duo of Ron Hall and Denver Moore, this time with intermittent stories from those who were impacted by the pair's first book. While this new book feels like the publishing world's version of a sequel, enough of the original story is included so that the reader doesn't feel lost.

Both men were deeply impacted by the faith of Ron's late wife Deborah, who inspired Ron to get involved with the then homeless Denver. The waves rippling out from that seemingly small event have been felt all over the country, touching countless lives. Many of the stories of those impacted by the first book are dramatic, and weaving them in and out of Denver and Ron's own stories was a nice touch.

I do have one small disagreement with the authors: I just don't think it's wise to directly give money to homeless people. Better to financially support people and ministries who work with the homeless. I do agree though, sending money is no substitute for the human touch. Ultimately it's the human touch that brings beauty to Ron and Denver's story.

I read this book without first reading Same Kind of Difference As Me (by the same authors). However, I still gained a lot of insights into life from the view of a homeless black man, a woman who befriended him, and her husband who had reservations about getting too close to homeless people. What Difference Do It Make? is a follow up to Same Kind of Difference As Me and it contains stories from people impacted by it and also a brief history of how the book came to be written.

The chapters are written by both Ron Hall and Denver Moore in their own words and from their hearts. Some of it is raw. The theme of forgiveness plays throughout. You'll find letters and stories from people who were touched by the book and had a life changed as a result.

Another fascinating aspect of the story is how this book traveled through various circles of friends, impacting people in far away places. Book distribution can be somewhat random, and book publishers and distributors are always trying to figure it out. But great books move about on their own by word of mouth and recommendations. This book is no exception.

Want to read some great books? Try Thomas Nelson's Book Review Bloggers program.

I haven't read Some Kind of Different, but this is a very compelling book that makes you re-think some of your beliefs and perspectives. I kept thinking, I'm a nice guy - but they are taking it to a whole new level. This is an easy and fairly short read. I liked how they wrote in unique voices and didn't let spelling or grammar influence them too much!

I would recommend this book, it talks about God and religion but doesn't push anything at you. Ron can come across as a little full of himself - but I think he means well and it fits within the purpose of the book.

I had low expectations (I have a general disdain for "chicken soup" type feel good Christian books) and the book met those low expectations and maybe surpassed them a bit. The book takes the form of the kind of quasi-devotional book one would give as a gift to all their friends, and maybe one of the issues I had was how many times this was mentioned (i.e. someone bought 50 copies of the first book to send to all their friends/family). Because of the frequent mentions of the bestselling predecessor, I felt like this book failed to establish any unique identity of it's own. The parts of the book I did resonate with - the stories of deep hurt and pain and those of true reconciliation - were touching, but too few and far between. So, some good stuff in the book, but it seemed like the first book may have been the memorable work.

"What Difference Do It Make?: Stories of Hope and Healing," is the follow up book to the surprise bestseller "Same Kind of Different As Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together." "Difference" again follows the duo of Ron Hall and Denver Moore, this time with intermittent stories from those who were impacted by the pair's first book. While this new book feels like the publishing world's version of a sequel, enough of the original story is included so that the reader doesn't feel lost.

Both men were deeply impacted by the faith of Ron's late wife Deborah, who inspired Ron to get involved with the then homeless Denver. The waves rippling out from that seemingly small event have been felt all over the country, touching countless lives. Many of the stories of those impacted by the first book are dramatic, and weaving them in and out of Denver and Ron's own stories was a nice touch.

I do have one small disagreement with the authors: I just don't think it's wise to directly give money to homeless people. Better to financially support people and ministries who work with the homeless. I do agree though, sending money is no substitute for the human touch. Ultimately it's the human touch that brings beauty to Ron and Denver's story.

I read this book without first reading Same Kind of Difference As Me (by the same authors). However, I still gained a lot of insights into life from the view of a homeless black man, a woman who befriended him, and her husband who had reservations about getting too close to homeless people. What Difference Do It Make? is a follow up to Same Kind of Difference As Me and it contains stories from people impacted by it and also a brief history of how the book came to be written.

The chapters are written by both Ron Hall and Denver Moore in their own words and from their hearts. Some of it is raw. The theme of forgiveness plays throughout. You'll find letters and stories from people who were touched by the book and had a life changed as a result.

Another fascinating aspect of the story is how this book traveled through various circles of friends, impacting people in far away places. Book distribution can be somewhat random, and book publishers and distributors are always trying to figure it out. But great books move about on their own by word of mouth and recommendations. This book is no exception.

Want to read some great books? Try Thomas Nelson's Book Review Bloggers program.

I picked up What Difference Do It Make? Without having first read Same Kind of Different As Me. I was concerned that my lack of background knowledge of Ron and Denver's story would make my time between the covers pointless, but I was tremendously mistaken!

I was instantly captivated by the candid writing style and edgy sense of humor that presents itself right away in Chapter 1. Continuing throughout the book, this literary approach allows the authors to discuss intensely emotional issues and life circumstances in a way that engages, instead of overwhelming, the reader. This style also makes this book an extremely simple, not to mention addicting, read.

On a spiritual level, this book challenged the natural, sinful response of my heart as I consider homeless people. The reader has the opportunity to witness how God successfully weaves together tremendous pain, misfortune, irresponsibility, and failure, into a mesmerizing story of His love, grace, and redemption. You simply cannot read this book without being moved to live differently!

If you are looking for an inspiring and challenging story of how God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways, this book is certainly for you. Everyone should read this book, and then pass it on to someone else. Be warned, however, that the way that you think and live will be threatened!

What Difference Do It Make? is the follow-up to the New York Times Bestseller Same Kind of Different As Me, both written by Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent. What Difference Do It Make? contains true stories of hope and healing that were inspired by its predecessor. And what a difference it does make!

Since I've never read Same Kind of Different as Me, I was concerned about being lost or not understanding parts of this book. This wasn't the case, however. The writers do a nice job of filling in their new readers with enough of the backstory to fully grasp what's going on. What Difference Do It Make? really drove home the importance of accepting and loving all of our brothers and sisters. It was also a wonderful testimony to the huge impact that one person can make on the lives of others.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading What Difference Do It Make? and had a hard time putting it down. It's beautifully written, and I found it to be both engaging and inspiring. This book is well worth your time!

(I'm a member of Thomas Nelson's Book Review Blogger program.)

As somebody that has dealt with some of the same issues that was addressed in this book...

And somebody that too needed to go through some healing on some of the same issues & challenges, it was very good, refreshing & encouraging for me.

It helped me to see the need for friendships & deeper relationships... and for me to truly forgive the people that have hurt me too.

As somebody that has worked with the homeless... it gave me a peek into the emotions, psyche and what some of the people I ministered too was dealing with in their lives. I think that social workers, outreach pastors, others that work with those in need... need to read this book.

This will not disappoint you. Brighter than that, I thoroughly recommend it due to the important impact it makes. Certainly, all society could benefit in noticing the messages inside. The wisdom of the method given for breaking the cycle of homelessness and the victimization charicterizing it is poingnantly made through the wisdom of a very humble man also once homeless. This particular book reaches across all faiths in its message of love although some would label it Christian. Its point is more human and compassionate in simple understanding for those around us every day. There are no sermons, no lectures, only simple life. It would be hard to imagine that any one could read this book and not be moved.

After being so very blessed by the testimony of Debra Hall's life in Same Kind Of Different As Me, I was excited to read the sequel, What Difference Do It Make, but I found it a little disappointing. Not that I wasn't blessed by the stories of how Debra's testimony encouraged others to reach out with the love of Christ ... but because the book felt like a promotional scheme, trying to get extra mileage out of the beautiful story in the original book. This seems to be standard marketing procedure for `best sellers' in Christian publishing lately, producing a flurry of extra-mileage companion materials.

The stories of lives that have been touched by Debra's example were wonderful, but they really seemed to be secondary in this book, as it's focus was more on Ron and his rocky relationship with his father. Maybe the stories are better suited for an interactive blog-type of media, where the emails and letters could be regularly updated, and those who are looking for a sense of direction about how to reach out to their community could find examples and encouragement.

Pearls of Wisdom

All of that being said, there were some pearls of wisdom in this book. One such pearl was found in Denver's dialogue about helping the poor and needy.

* "But when you reachin out to folks, 'specially if you just reachin out when other folks expects it, you got to ask yourself - is you doin it for God, or is you doin it for you? The things you do for nothin is the things you keep forever ... If you doin it for somethin, you already done got paid. God don't pay no overtime."

Well said, Denver! Further over in the book, Denver offers a profound insight to those of us who are suspicious about what is done with `our' blessings once we have handed them over to a needy person.

* "I was sho `nough happy to hear that story 'cause it shows that even if you bless some needy person just a little bit, God might use other folks down the line to weave your little gift into a bigger blessin. And if you bless folks, you gon' get the blessin back, no matter what they does with the money. So you give the gift with no strings attached, and let God take care a' business on the other end."

I plan to keep Denver's 'sermons' in mind as I try to live by the law of love ... "He gave justice and help to the poor and needy, and everything went well for him. Isn't that what it means to know Me?" says the LORD" (Jer 22:16 NLT).

In "What Difference Do It Make" by Ron Hall, Denver Moore, & Lynn Vincent, readers of "Same Kind of Different as Me" will find themselves picking up where these authors left them.

Personally, my reading of this book was often put on hold while I read another title on my reading list, so the full completion (skimmed quite a bit in the middle and some at the end) took quite a while because I never felt enough of a separation from the 1st book in terms of format. I believe their aim is to add some background to certain aspects of the story & to fill-in a few areas that the authors felt would add value to the story(ies) they had shared, and in doing that they succeeded.

My favorite part of this book was the illustrations of Mr. Moore's artwork. This is probably because I've always felt that seeing how people express different periods of their life artistically, be it by drawing, writing, painting, adds to the person and their story the way nothing else can.

Although I won't be reading this book or its prequel any time soon, I'm glad I have this book to add to this story of two unlikely friends that I'm sure to revisit one day. And if "Same Kind Of Different as Me" was a book you really enjoyed so much you have read or plan to read it again, or if it left you wanting to know the characters more deeply, I'd recommend adding "What Difference Do It Make" to your collection as well.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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

Contrary to popular opinion, one life does make a difference. The choices you make will make a difference in your world. That is the core message of "What difference do it make?", the new book by Ron Hall and Denver Moore.

Ron is a white elite Art Dealer and Denver is a black man who was homeless until Ron's wife Deborah decided to make a difference. Their first book "Same Kid of Different as Me" is about the choice that Deborah made to make a difference in the sphere of homelessness in her city. Deborah later died of cancer. This, their second book, is about the difference that Deborah's life made and is continuing to make in the lives of people all across the United States.

The chapters of the book each trace a thread of change that came about as a result of Deborah's life, and - perhaps more importantly - the book that chronicled her choices. While the book is about the effect of one life on the homelessness surrounding her, the more important lesson to be learned is that you CAN make a difference in your world. Each chapter follows the story of someone who was touched by "Same Kind of Different as Me" and how they were changed. It further goes on to tell how that individual chose to make a difference in their world as a result of reading the book.

While there are a few elements of the book that cause me to question individual choices of the people being chronicled, I found the book to be very motivational. Most people I know are moved by the plight of the homeless, but are paralyzed by ignorance. They are plagued by questions about what to do and what not to do in order to bless people and help them.

Denver give a new definition to "blessing" and helping". He says that you "bless" someone by giving them a gift that tells them they still matter in the world. He says that you help someone by stepping down into the pit with them and staying long enough to give them a boost so they can climb out. He would approve of either action as a Godly response to homelessness.

One of the things that struck me as among the most remarkable comments in the book was about "blessing". Denver says that you cannot bless someone and judge them at the same time. He says that you must give your gift to God as you hand it to a homeless person. You can't focus on blessing them if you insist on judging how they might use your gift.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading "What difference do it make?" and would recommend it to just about everyone. I wouldn't say that it will answer all your questions about homelessness and how you should respond. However, it will give you some simple pointers on some things to NOT do, and some ideas on how to begin. Get a copy and read it. I don't think you'll regret it! You definitely won't look at homelessness the same way afterward.

This is a follow-up book of the book entitled "Same Kind of Different Me "by the authors, Ron Hall and Denver Moore .They explain enough of the former book so that you can fully understand the story.
In this book the authors, Hall and Moore recount how their lives have changed and have been affected by the writing of the first book.
A major part of the book also is various stories of other people whose lives have been changed and affected by reading the book about Hall and Moore. Hall and Moore are unlikely friends having met at homeless shelter (Moore was homeless at the time) where Hall and his wife volunteered.
This book tells how you can in a hands-on down to earth way make a difference in the lives of homeless people. It is practical with precautionary statements about being safe in your pursuit of helping others. I think "What Difference Do It Make?" can make a big difference in how you think about and treat the homeless in the future. I recommend that you read this book.
~Myrna Lee

I recently read the book, What Difference Do It Make?: Stories of Hope and Healing by Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent. I received a copy of this book from BookSneeze to review. I would like to start out by saying that even if you had not read the first book (which I did not), this book does a good job at not letting you get lost. It frequently flashes back to the first book and fills you in very well, without seeming to repeat the whole story. Second, I really enjoyed the way this book incorporated letters and stories into the book, although I think they could've been a little better placed. Third, I do think this book has a very good message, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. This book talks about the effects that the first book had, which were relayed to the authors, as well as their reflections on those occurances and instances happening during writing the book.

But the one thing I find myself asking is, why do we need a book to inspire us to do these things? Why do people have to wait around for something to be the kick in the butt they need to start doing good works for others? Why can't we just do? Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed this book, and it nearly made me cry at points. But my whole life, I have strived to be good to others, no matter the cost. I didn't need a book to make me want to get up and do something.

Normally my book reviews only appear in Smart Ministry or The Equipping Ministry Blog. But for those of you who don't yet receive that free ministry insights newsletter, I thought I'd include one here.

I don't like chick flicks. I tell you that up front so you won't think I'm just one of those really sensitive guys that enjoys a good cry over touching stories. But parts of this book will--or should--move you deeply.

What Difference Do It Make (2009: Thomas Nelson) is written by the authors of Same Kind of Different as Me. That book told of the loving, courageous, tireless work by Deborah Hall (wife of one of the co-authors) to get through the storms in her own marriage and life, and help the homeless It proclaimed a simple message: One person can make a difference. In the authors' words, "That kind of love is attainable for anyone willing to put in the time on their knees, then overcome their fear and go out and get their hands a little dirty." That book touched countless lives in as many ways, and the stories the authors heard of how it inspired others and affected their own lives form the best content of What Difference Do It Make.

Those desiring to move to a more missional mindset should pay particular attention to the sections written by Denver, a formerly homeless man whose life was touched by Deborah. His firsthand account of the life of a homeless person will forever change how you think of--and minister to--them. For example:

"Listen at this: Jesus sent the disciples out. John and Mark and Nathaniel and them went into the villages. When I was homeless, one thing I just couldn't understand is why all these folks kept tryin to invitin me in someplace that I didn't wanna be. They'd come out and hand me some kinda piece a' paper, talkin 'bout, "Jesus loves you! Come fellowship with us!" Now, their hearts was in the right place, and they just tryin to show me the love a' God. But seemed like they didn't understand that it just ain't that easy.

"For one thing, them folks that invited me was all smilin and clean, and I was all ragged and dirty. `Sides that, most a' em was white, and I was black as a coffee bean. Wadn't no way I was gon' show up at their church lookin like I looked.

"For another thing, where was I gon' leave my bags with all my worldly goods, my blanket and my soap and my half-pint and what have you? It wadn't much, but wadn't no way I was gon' leave it in the `hood with all them fellas ready to split it up amongst themselves. And I was pretty sure they didn't have no luggage check at the church.

"Then they'd say, "God bless you!" and leave me with that piece a' paper so I wouldn't forget where I was s'posed to show up. `Course, they didn't know I couldn't read.

"See, we don't need to be trying to drag the homeless, or any kinda needy people, to "programs," to "services." What people needs is people."

[That's a longer excerpt than I would ordinarily include, but I'm sure the good folks at Thomas Nelson will appreciate that it's for the right reason.]

The book feels a little disjointed as you bounce between viewpoints, both the authors' and those whose lives were touched by the first book. Some of it is just more detail on Ron Hall's struggles with his dad, and dealing with his wife's death. Some of those parts will help the reader develop deeper empathy, while others just feel like emotional exhibitionism that have nothing to do with the purpose or flow of the book.

Parts of the book are truly excellent; other parts feel like an unfortunate sequel written by a person who only had one story to tell. I was reminded of the bonus features on a DVD; like the book is designed to complement (and sometimes be an infomercial for) The Same Kind of Different rather than a new work of it's own.

I confess that I haven't read the first book. I wish I had--especially if it contains more content from Denver, whose down-to-earth wisdom is profound and personally challenging. Those who did will probably be eager to read What Difference Do It Make? to learn more from this uneducated yet insightful man.

I really appreciate the insights the book gives into the thinking of those we think about / resist / should be serving. And I appreciate its message that our efforts can have multiplied and unintended effects--even if it did have to sound like a commercial for the other book in the process.

I love homeless people. I think that's a pretty well known fact about me. The reason I picked this book was because it that's partially what it is about. A lot of the book is about Moore's struggle with homelessness. While I've never personally been homeless, I was still able to sympathize a lot. I know homeless people. I know a lot of what they go through. I also know a lot of Christians, my former pastor included, who refuse to help them because they "put themselves in that situation!" I wish I could give a copy of this book to people who think that way. It's a really short book, it's not all that deep. It's pretty easy, quick reading. It's not my usual style of books (I'm an unashamed avid Rob Bell reader. David Dark has become one of my favorites recently, too.), but it wasn't bad for what it was.

Like others on here are saying-I wanted to like this book. I really felt like I should. What isn't to like about feel good stories about God, love, reconciliation, changed lives, and giving? It just didn't grab me. It's taken me forever to make it through what should've been a short read. There didn't seem to be any sort of connection to the stories and there was nothing to compel me to keep reading. This might be a book that I'd read a story from here or there when I was looking for something short or uplifting.

A few sentences cannot begin to describe the people that you encounter or places that you visit as you journey through the lives of Ron Hall and Denver Moore. Simply put, this is a story about a friendship between a somewhat cynical well-to-do man and the homeless person that he reluctantly becomes acquainted with at a Fort Worth, TX shelter. You will travel through their lives and see how two people with entirely different backgrounds are not really all that different and how you can find hope in even the most hopeless of situations.

I found it to an honor to have the opportunity to journey with these men through their lives as I turned the pages. I laughed and cried and could relate to several incidences in this well written chronicle of hope. I would recommend this book to even the most calloused of heart as an example of how God works in even the worst of circumstances. I am planning to read the first book, Some Kind of Different as Me, to experience some of the things that I may have missed.

An unlikely friendship and the stories about people that have been influenced by this friendship make an inspiring read in What Difference Do it Make by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. This is a follow up book written as a result of their first best selling title Same Kind of Different as Me. The chapters of the book give background about both authors and relate stories of people who have been influenced by their first book.
It is an easy short read with only two hundred pages, but it will inspire you to try and become less judgmental of a person's appearance.
I didn't read the first book, but it would have been helpful to know a little more of the story. I found Denver's straight forward to the point approach refreshing and consider him a person I would like to meet. Even though this whole story is based on a friendship formed by author Ron Hall and his wife Deborah while helping the homeless, there are many lessons to be taken away from this book. It reminds us that one person can make a difference and that we are all responsible for each other no matter what our life circumstances are. The first section of the book is the most powerful and it slows just a bit in the middle, but it is worth reading just to remind us in Denver's words, "Jesus don't need no help from no perfect saints. If He did, He wouldn't a' gone up yonder and left us down here in charge."
I reviewed this book as a part of Thomas Nelson Publishers Book Review bloggers program @ [...]

This is a follow up book to one which I did not read called "Same Kind of Different As Me". Now that I have read this book, I am interested in reading the original one too. With all that is going on in this world, it is easy to wonder how much one person can really do to change something. You wonder if anything that we do in this life really makes a difference. This book gives 2 reasons to answer that question with a very loud YES!

What Difference Do It Make is written by Ron Hall, Denver Moore and Lynn Vincent. In a unique way, it takes their individual stories and walks you through their lives. It shows you how decisions we make, paths we follow and passions we pursue can ultimately make the difference in our lives as well as the lives of many others. One of the things that stood out to me most was in the very beginning of the book. One of the authors recently lost his wife to cancer and was recounting the story of what a friend said to him after her death.

She referred to the scripture where Jesus says "Truly, truly I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit". She went on to tell him that she thought his wife's death would be like that...fruitful. He said, at the time, he didn't really want to hear that but has come to understand and see what God was able to do through his wifes life and ultimately, her death.

Having wrestled with the loss of friends at an early age, this portion of the book really hit home with me. "What Difference Do It Make" is an inspirational book that will remind each one that reads it that we can make a difference. We are here for a short time, but our the impact we can make in that time is beyond our understanding. If you are searching for meaning or direction to how you may make a difference, then this book is for you.

I give "What Difference Do It Make" a 4 out of 5.

This sequel to the New York Times bestseller, "Same Kind of Different as Me", tells of the huge impact this book has had on the lives of many of its readers. There is story after story of how God used "Same Kind of Different as Me" to take people outside of their comfort zones and change their lives and their attitude toward homelessness. It also tells of the continuing relationship of Ron Hall, a wealthy fine-art dealer and Denver Moore who through the impact of Ron's late wife, Deborah, is now formerly illiterate and formerly homeless and speaks with Ron all around the country.

I had not read Same Kind of Different as Me before I picked up "What Difference Do it Make?", but I was able to jump right in and follow their unique story without any difficulty. I absolutely love the realness of these two men. Nothing was really glossed over or candy-coated. They honestly shared their story with grace and a good bit of wit.

Denver's down-to-earth wisdom shines through a quote like this:

"... there's a difference between helpin and blessin -- that blessin means you give a person a little gift to show `em you think they matters on this earth, and helpin is when you stoop down with a person and stay there till they can climb on your shoulders to get up."

And Ron's story of the ultimate restoration of his relationship with his father is worth the price of the book.

This really is a good read that will challenge you in a practical way about how you view homelessness, and how we as the community of faith can do something about it.

Once again I have found myself reading a couple of books that have inspired me to blog and let you know the wonder of God's working through foolish men.

same kind of different as me and the follow-up book What difference do it make? are a wonderful, inspiring set of books.

same kind of different as me is a story of a very unlikely friendship between two men of enormous diverse lives and backgrounds. Denver Moore, a sharecropper on the run to a new life and Ron Hall, a wealthy art dealer quite content with the status quo, would probably never have crossed paths had not God intervened through the life of a godly woman. Their interactions, although tentative at the onset, show the reader how God can and does work through common, everyday activities.

The power of God through these three individuals is evident by the changes in one community in Fort Worth, Texas. A heartbreaking turn of events solidifies the friendship between these two men.

The second book in the series, What difference do it make? continues the story revealing example after example of the results of this friendship.

Oh, that this reader would actually become the hands and feet of Jesus just as Mr. Moore and Mr. Hall and that one woman that loved them and God. That I could step out of my comfort zone and reach a people that God may place in my life and path. That I would look for the opportunities to touch lives.

I picked up "What Difference Do It Make?" partly out of curiosity, partly to bolster my "positive input" quota for the week. In terms of the latter, the book succeeded. A person would be a total curmudgeon to NOT feel inspired by the anecdotes in "What Difference Do It Make?" Readers will find heartwarming stories about children, the chronically ill, the amazingly generous, the resilient ... you get the idea. But the co-author, former homeless man Denver Moore, has an authentic voice that reflects the hard knocks he weathered before teaming up with Ron Hall and his (deceased) wife. The occasional bite in Moore's voice balances the heartwarmingness (which does get a bit syrupy at times; it's a little bit like reading a year's worth of Guidepost magazines all at once).
Now the criticisms. As far as answering questions, the book left me with more than it answered. My main question: what is the point of this book? Main story? The pretext of its organization is a bit thin. I knew it was a follow-up to an immensely popular best-seller -- and it sure felt like a follow-up, with its over-designed pages and short, short chapters.
The best aspects of the title are the sections in which both authors recall hard-knock times. Those reminiscences left me wanting more, along with a stronger theme to tie the package together.
Nonetheless, I'd recommend the book. The world is not short of problems, and it wouldn't hurt for most of us to take in some heartwarming, inspirational tales.

The follow-up to Same Kind of Different As Me, What Difference Do It Make? continues the authors' journey and gives us glimpses of how their book affected hundreds of other lives. This book takes the lesson Ron Hall learned and flat-out challenges us with it: "To really help, you've got to get down into the pit with people and stay with them until they find the strength to get on your shoulders and climb out (p 58)".

The book is easy to read. The chapters are very short, and the stories are powerful. I appreciated hearing about how others were convicted and changed by the first book - an encouragement to readers that anyone can do something. I ate up all the lecturing that Denver gives his readers. Not pulling any punches, we could all learn something from his honesty. We are repeatedly told that a handout is fine, but easy. The real life change for both the giver and the receiver occurs when friendships with the homeless are pursued and made a priority. Though repeated often, it is great insight.

What Difference Do It Make? gives me encouragement and cuts straight through my excuses. Perhaps it will do the same for you.

I enjoyed this book it was a quick read with many stories in helping the homeless (not a handout per say) its foundation is basic.. help mankind where you can,.. be a humble servant with a giving heart and beyond it all love God. The stories are moving and sweet and the book would also make a great gift as well. It is hard to pin down just one so grab a cup of your favorite beverage sit in your favorite spot and let the stories grab your heart where they will..

I did not read the first book, but will certainly go back now and read it. There is such a rich offering and invitation to be of service.
With the simple honesty of being and the gift of telling.... two unlikely heroes emerge as they offer glimpses into their lives and the life of one of the men's late wife. It is truly one of the most heartening books I have read in a while. Think I'll take time to read it again soon! (after I read the first one).

Ron Hall and Denver Moore join together for a sequel to their New York Times bestseller "Same Kind of Different as Me." A wonderful continuation of a truly life-changing story, this book shares more stories of the unlikely friendship between a millionaire art dealer (Hall) and illiterate homeless man (Moore). Throughout the book are stories about people who read the first book and were inspired in different ways. What difference do it make? also provides the reader with motivational thoughts on how to make a difference in the world around you.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to others! I think it is important to read Same Kind of Different as Me first, so that you understand the history and background. This is like a "bonus features" section, providing more detail on many stories that had already been shared. I absolutely loved the small stories from readers - sharing how the book had impacted them and inspired them to make a difference. It was definitely very convicting, making me aware of my own prejudices and uninformed views of homelessness.
This is my first book review for Thomas Nelson, and I am looking forward to my next book!

I am a member of Thomas Nelson's book review blogger program. [...]

This book is a collection of interesting and inspirational stories. Most are presented with a spiritual/religious perspective. I found this book to be a fairly easy read, which is what one wants with this format. The stories are well written, engrossing (spelling?) while being simple and positive enough for a casual read. I think this would be perfect as a "waiting" book, something to carry with you when you in a waiting room, in line, on break or have a few minutes to pass.

A reader with no personal religious or spiritual point of view will likely not find this as satisfing or inspirational as a faith based individual.

Those who read this review will need to separate two things:

A. Their feelings for the authors and their personal story. ~and~ B. The way this book is written and presented.

If readers can do this, a much better understanding of this review will result.

I have nothing against the people who put this book together or what religious message they are trying to present. The book, as far as it's intended content, is a would-be collection of feel-good homilies that speak about forgiveness and redemption, God's plan for them, the power of prayer and more. Nice stuff, all in all. However, I am torn between wanting to be polite (because it's a story of forgiveness and redemption, etc.) and wanting to basically take the authors to task. Why? Because "What Difference" is a tangled, self-congratulatory follow-up that seems like a cheap "gimme" to squeeze more money out of their first book's concept.

The writing is brief and poorly worded when Ron speaks and even more horrid when Denver does. Though we're supposed to realize Denver is a black man, do we also have to experience his street-cred ebonics, complete with the worst in "sho' 'nuff" stylings? I'm not sure who is insulted more, Denver, black people in general or anyone who reads this book. I think this approach was totally unnecessary.

Format-wise, this book suffers. The "vignettes" of other people are interspersed throughout on "parchment" pages (a gray rectangle resembling an old manuscript) and it's a stretch to make them line up with the rest of the book, especially when the font size is almost too small to read. I started to skim them halfway through the book, they just didn't seem to matter as much as the rest. And the presentation is too "cute" to be taken seriously.

On a personal note, one has to question the ethics of someone who is trying to spread a message of hope, yet gives his alcoholic father booze in order to win his affections. One can only wonder what AA would have to say about it.

This was not a book I enjoyed. It seemed like some kind of fiction wrought as reality and instead of giving me hope, it left me somewhat tired and bored.

I didn't read Same Kind of Different as Me but now that I have read What Difference do it Make it's a must. It was a blessing to receive a copy of this book. It made me laugh, cry and awe in amazement at the wisdom of Denver Moore. The things he would say would just stab you at the core of your being. It has challenged to me to bring my A game to the table. I felt such compassion for "Mr. Ron" and the depth of his love for his wife. This book is an excellent read and if it were not for the fact that I have I life I would have read it in one sitting.

Well, this is my first review for Thomas Nelson as part of their Booksneeze program. If you like to read, and you blog, go check it out.

When I first received What Difference Do It Make, I was pretty excited. I had previously read Ron and Denver's first book, Same Kind Of Different As Me, and I really enjoyed it. It was a pretty touching story of an art dealer and a homeless man being brought together by the art dealer's wife. So, when I received Ron and Denver's new book, I was looking forward to more of this really great story. And while they did touch on their lives since Same Kind Of Different, most of the book is either a rehash of something in the first book, or a response from a reader of the first book. I'm not saying it was bad, really, but totally not what I had expected, so I was a little disappointed.

This may sound bad, but I'm gonna be honest. My suggestion is, if you haven't read Same Kind Of Different As Me, go and read it when you get the chance. But once you're done, don't bother reading What Difference Do It Make. It's not a bad book, it is just so similar to the first, and not as good of a story.

This is a must read book if you want to work with homeless people. It opened my eyes to their plight, from their perspective. In my small group, we just discussed the question of giving money to the homeless person on the corner and whether this was a good idea. What if the person used the money to buy alcohol, cigarettes or drugs? But as Denver points out, that decision is the homeless person's decision. We are asked by Jesus to care and give comfort and love. I loved this. As I said, it really opened my eyes. Definitely a good book. I highly recommend it.

This book makes one think about those who do not have all the luxuries we are blessed with. i never read the fist book so I don't know what to say about it. I have heard that it was better because it talked about the actual change that lead to this book. I was moved by the love created between the two men. All because of a woman that decided to make a difference! This is a great book and I would recommend it for someone interested in making a difference in someone else's life, someone less fortunate. I believe that God has a play in all of our lives. I feel that this touched a glimpse of that but did not give the fullness of Jesus and that is why I feel that it only deserves 4 stars. Still it did move me as I read through the pages. I found myself thinking about what I could do to make a difference in the world I live in. I have been researching other books and found a great book that gives that information and applies God as the main focus. I counsel homeless men and former drug addicts and give them each a copy of "Choose your Addiction" to each man I work with. It brings out the change that God can do and I found it to be well worth the time. I will copy a link so that you may inspect it yourselves. Choose Your Addiction

Unfortunately, my wife gave away our copy of "Same kind of Different as me" before I had a chance to read it. However, this 'continuation' of the story gives any reader enough of an idea of what the first book entailed. This is essentially a response to and appreciation of the effect of Ron and Denver's story and the difference it continues to make in the lives of others - changing perceptions and more importantly attitudes and behaviors. So my advice is - Read the first book and then read this one - and then go out and change your world!

Written from their own perspectives this book is about two very different people from very different backgrounds and shows just how similar we all are. This was such a fast read as if was difficult to put down. The compassion in the unlikely friendship between these two people is incredible. The story of how God brought these two together through the insistence of a persistent woman is remarkable. If you read only one book this year, read Same Kind of Different As Me.

When I picked up "What Difference Do I Make" and started reading, I was moved. The book is filled with heartwarming stories that cause the reader to rethink some standard assumptions.

The book is filled with stories of hope, redemption, healing and life lessons.

I don't want to spoil the stories here, there were several times I found myself being able to name issues and tensions that had previously remaned hidden.

If you're a sucker for the happy ending or a sentimental story, this is a book for you.

But this is also the books downfall, while being filled with inspiration and hope, I found it difficult to continue to press on through the entirety of the book. It's like watching a movie on Lifetime, you know it's gonna be a sappy ending. You know the girl is gonna get the guy. You know the black kid and the white kid - though they struggle through racial tensions - are going to end up being there for each other.

My recommendation: If you absolutely loved the first book (Same Kind of Different as Me), you'll love What Difference Do It Make. If you've read neither, don't start with this one. If you've got too many books on your reading list, don't add this one.

This book is a follow-up to the very successful "Same Kind of Different as Me". Contained in the book are stories of people that were touched by the original book and some of the actions they took to reach out to those that come from different backgrounds or socioeconomic backgrounds.

Unfortunately the book wasn't great. It seems like it was written very quickly and the parts of the story that were added really didn't cover much new ground. There wasn't a good story-like flow and it seemed very disjointed. The personal stories from readers of the original book were great and in my opinion were the best parts of the book. Had the authors collected more of these stories, they could have published them in a "Chicken Soup" style book and had a better product.

The book is not bad, but its not great. I would recommend borrowing it from a friend, but only if you read the original book and are curious to pick up more biographical information on Ron and Denver. The attempt to add to the original wasn't necessary and for me it seemed as if Ron was trying to make the story instead of allow the story to develop around him.

I tried to like this because of the back story and that turned out to be one of the problems with this book. Unless you've read the previous book, you'll be lost or at best, disinterested. The author provides what appears to be quotes to bring you up to date but to me, it only serves to confuse the reader. If you read any of my book reviews, a reoccurring thorn in my side is a story that jumps from one person to another and then back again. When I read, I want to feel like I am there and this format makes me feel I am in an insane asylum. First it's Denver speaking, then the author, then back to the wife who died but we don't really know, off now to Ron, his drunken father and the author's childhood. I'll admit, I made it 3/4 through and then just skimmed to the end, I couldn't take it anymore.
I actually felt Denver's storytelling could have been an entire book but it wasn't. The reader is spun around like a top between stories and retelling of experiences with nothing concrete to bind them all together. I really did want to like "what difference do it make" but whatever the author was trying to convey was lost in the delivery.

Inspirational stories from a "Christian" point of view. One of the 3 co-authors, Lynn Vincent, is a senior writer for World magazine. A second co-author, Ron Hall, is an MBA graduate of Texas Christian University. The third co-author serves as a volunteer for the Fort Worth Union Gospel Mission. Limited perspective.

Now, I'm usually not a fan of these types of books, but this one is great! I got the hardcover copy and it was soft to the touch(which i like in my books). It also is very inspirational. For someone you know that is going threw a hard time, this is a really good book to get them. It is a little expensive but I think for some people it may be worth it. A great buy!

This book is a testimony to the true power of the human spirit. I recommend this book to anyone that needs a little inspiration or who wonders if they really make a difference. Short read, I think it would have been better if I had read the first book in this two part series, Same Kind of Different as Me. Nonetheless, a great read! :)

Youll enjoy this book if; a. you read its predecessor (same kind of different as me) b. are from the south c. collect precious moments figurines.

Not having read the first book I was left 10min. late to the movie, picking up enough to understand, while assuming Im missing something but wondering if it would even matter. The story flow is awkward and disjointed. Rhetoric not quite believable. It reads like writing.

The fill stories by people touched by the first book provide a silver lining and quite possibly may have made for a better book on their own.

The homeless activist in me cheered at times as insight was shared from beyond the cardboard sign but still it didnt quite pull off a very good read.

I started reading the book last night and wasn't able to put it down. When I first started it I couldn't imagine what else could be written after "Same Kind of Different as me" but they did it! What a blessing to experience the restored relationship Ron had with his dad. I will always miss my Debbie but Ron is right...she wouldn't want to come back! Thank you, Ron, for keeping her dream alive. Our eyes have been opened to seeing the world a different way.

This was a great and enjoyable read at the very least. The stories are very heartfelt and communicates the underlying motives and emotions well. The Denver's perspectives are powerful and moving and certainly makes you reflect!

I found this second book written by Ron Hall and Denver Moore well worth reading. It is not necessary (although I recommend it as well) to have read their first book, Same Kind of Different As Me, as they recap the main points of the first book and at the same time continue their story. Prepare to be moved by their own stories and stirred to help the homeless in this country.

I have been reading the book What difference do it make - stories of hope and healing by authors Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent. In short, this is NOT my type of book. This book does not appeal to my reading style. It would be a great read for someone who enjoyed warm and fuzzy stories, fiction or non-fiction.

The positives of this book are its content, brevity, presentation and communication. The negatives for me are simply, its not my kind of book. The seires of short stories contained in one place will be effective for many. This would be a nice gift for a person who was very nurturing in personality, this is not a good gift for someone who is more matter of fact.

I chose this book, because the cover looked good. But as you know never judge a book by its cover HA! How very true in this case. None the less I have learned from it and I will continue on as a passionate reader and book blogger.

just when i was getting over my disdain for the earlier book of sanctimonious homilies and self congratulatory prose, another comes along. "what difference do it make"? really, that's the title? is the book written by or for amos and andy? just because some people do not speak proper english does not make it appropriate, charming or down to earth to emulate them. ew. for so many reasons.

I have been reading the book What difference do it make - stories of hope and healing by authors Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent. In short, this is NOT my type of book. This book does not appeal to my reading style. It would be a great read for someone who enjoyed warm and fuzzy stories, fiction or non-fiction.

The positives of this book are its content, brevity, presentation and communication. The negatives for me are simply, its not my kind of book. The seires of short stories contained in one place will be effective for many. This would be a nice gift for a person who was very nurturing in personality, this is not a good gift for someone who is more matter of fact.

I chose this book, because the cover looked good. But as you know never judge a book by its cover HA! How very true in this case. None the less I have learned from it and I will continue on as a passionate reader and book blogger.

just when i was getting over my disdain for the earlier book of sanctimonious homilies and self congratulatory prose, another comes along. "what difference do it make"? really, that's the title? is the book written by or for amos and andy? just because some people do not speak proper english does not make it appropriate, charming or down to earth to emulate them. ew. for so many reasons.