“What Difference Do It Make” is the followup to the New York Times Bestseller “Same Kind of Different As Me”.  The sequel expands on the story of the first, delving deeper into the backgrounds of Ron and Denver, how the first book came to be written, and the lasting effects of the message from the first book.

Ron’s stories dig into the tenuous relationship with his father and dealing with the loss of his wife, Deborah, to cancer.  Denver’s stories cover more of the darkness of his past, including a stint in prison, but also show how his relationship with Ron and Deborah and the success of the first book have affected his life.  Sandwiched between these chapters are smaller pieces focusing on those who read “Same Kind of Different as Me” and have adopted its message to use their lives to help combat the problem of homelessness.

The message of “What Difference Do It Make” is one of restoration through relationships – how showing love, respect and friendship to others, can bring about hope and healing.  The individual stories encourage compassion for the homeless, lonely and hurting, calling on those who can and who have to help those in less fortunate circumstances.

Reading this book leaves you with a strong sense of the ability of individuals to make an impact in the lives of others, especially for the homeless. One of my favorite statements of this message comes from Denver:

“If all the Christians – I mean all of ‘em – got outta the pews on Sundays and into the streets, we’d shut the city down.
We’d shut down hunger.
We’d shut down  loneliness.
We’d shut down the notion that there is any such of a thing as a person that don’t deserve a kind word and a second chance.”

There are not any deep theological statements to be found in this story, but it is full of simple examples of people living out the sacrificial love that followers of Christ should exhibit. The book is well written and the arrangement makes for an easy read. The authors do a great job of engaging the reader and keeping you turning the pages. The stories are emotionally touching, and sometimes humorous. This is definitely a book that I would pick up and read again.

If you have not read “Same Kind of Different As Me, you can read “What Difference Do It Make” without feeling lost, as this book brings in pieces of the original story where necessary.

My overall rating – Four out of Five.

Tags: brb, nonfiction, reviews