“Same Kind Of Different As Me” by Ron Hall and Denver Moore is my second book to review for the Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger program. This book came to me highly recommended from friends and co-workers as an inspirational true story that shouldn’t be missed. After reading the book I have to agree.
The story begins with getting to know the main characters as they were in their childhood days, and how their ideas, interests, thoughts and values were formed by the events that occurred in their young lives. Denver was born into a life of servitude and prejudice, where he knew love but tragically kept losing those who he loved most. He owed more than he owned, so he was in debt to the landowner and could not leave. That is all he knew for many many years until his escape to a life unknown. Ron was raised with plenty of love and opportunity but not always with plenty of money. His path of privilege was the result of tenacity and believing in who he wanted to be. He also had the fortunate luck to marry the right girl.
The main characters are only drawn together as a result of the compassion and faith of Deborah Hall, the wife of Ron Hall. It is her desire to become involved in the lives of those who are less fortunate and may need a helping hand. Her challenge is to spread the Word of the Lord while loving others unconditionally, as Christ loved her. She does not seek recognition for the work she is doing, but rather she wants all that she does to help others to be for the glory of God.
Ron and Denver could not have been further away from one another in every way before they met. Denver was angry, suspicious and potentionally violent with all the world around him. Ron was self absorbed with the luxuries, the social circles, and all the other benefits of a successful career. It took the strength and stubborness of Deborah to bring them together, for the benefit of all, for what she believed to be God’s calling.
I am enthusiastically recommending this book to anyone and everyone. The themes are universal and can be understood from a variety of points of view. The story is not complicated, but the characters are well developed and complex. The writing style keeps the reader interested by alternating who the subject is and keeping the chapters short. Reading time for this book was about four hours, and that was taking it easy. It is just another book I’ve read lately that I couldn’t seem to put down, and I suspect it will be the same for you. Definitely worth checking out.
~WT
Tags: cancer, Denver Moore, faith, forgiveness, homelessness, predjudice, Ron Hall