In today’s culture, many of the parents I know seem comforted or even proud if their kids graduate high school, without becoming addicted to drugs, getting into trouble with the law, or experiencing pregnancy.  Success seems motivated more by what they don’t do, rather than achieving any significant contribution.

Twin brothers Alex and Brett Harris, age 19, noticed this trend when they were both 15 and started documenting and exposing the myths behind the wasted potential found in countless precious teen-age lives. After beginning their efforts with an internet outreach, both Alex and Brett decided to put their findings into writing and have created one of their generation’s most life-change and culture-changing books. They have written it in a style similar to John Piper’s Don’t Waste Your Life and their brother Joshua Harris’ Did I Kiss Dating Goodbye?

While the introduction and first chapter will certainly appeal to both parents and their teenagers alike, this book is written for teens by teens and is meant to speak their language. Both Christian and non-Christian teens are meant to benefit from what Alex and Brett bring to bear with compelling writing such as this opening paragraph:
“Most people don’t expect you to understand what we’re going to tell you in this book.  And even if you understand, they don’t expect you to care, they don’t expect you to do anything about it, and they don’t expect it to last. We do.”

The twin brothers provide motivation through some excellent story-telling and illustrations from their own journey, as well as providing real examples of “Hard Things” that any teen can accomplish. 
Not to be missed is the Appendix, an essential presentation of the gospel message that will edify Christian and non-Christian teens, no matter where they are in their journey.

The main criticism that I have with what the Harris twins’ have accomplished in Do Hard Things is their emphasis on political activism. It shows up in their personal examples, as this was one of the chief ways they were able to achieve big things. However, they do seem to overemphasize political action over such hard things as going on mission trips, feeding the hungry, and taking care of widows and orphans.

I would highly recommend this book for all teens, and for parents to share with their teens. It would also make an outstanding source for a youth groups’ book club discussion.