The Art of Getting It Wrong: Finding Good in the Misadventures of Life

by Stephen Miller

Failures don't need to be final, and disappointment doesn't need to be defining. Come along on a wild, hilarious, faith-building ride, and let The Art of Getting It Wrong guide you toward hope for the future and the freedom to love your life exactly where you are.

Long before his YouTube channel, The Miller Fam, became a viral sensation, Stephen Miller got a ton of things wrong. He knows what it's like to endure countless failed endeavors, make too many rash decisions, and feel deep discouragement when life doesn't go as planned--sometimes all before breakfast. But those experiences taught him a powerful it's going to be okay.

With the characteristic authenticity, love, and humor Stephen shows in his YouTube videos, The Art of Getting It Wrong offers timeless truths and never-before-told stories of misadventures and out-of-control disappointments that will encourage you

See the good at work in your life, even when you make mistakes Look for the laugh in every situation Embrace the truth--whether it's a warm hug or a kick in the teeth Believe in yourself and grow in your sense of self-worth Discover the power of grace, both for others and for yourself Join Stephen as he shares what it means to turn failures, mishaps, and disappointments into a life of fun and fulfillment--even when it's not what you expected.

Praise for The Art of Getting It Wrong :

"With his trademark passion, humor, and optimism, Stephen Miller brings an important and timely message for us in The Art of Getting It Wrong. We all need a friend who can remind us that it's going to be okay, even when life's disappointments, failures, or deep hurts threaten to pull us down."

--Lysa TerKeurst, #1 New York Times bestselling author and president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

"If you find yourself trying to get back up after falling down, you'll find this book brimming with encouragement and buoyant with hope."

--Dr. Darren Whitehead, lead pastor, Church of the City, Nashville, Tennessee

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Christian, Christian Living

Audible Audio

Published June 7, 2022

About the author

Stephen Miller is a pastor, an artist, and a passionate advocate for the local church who travels all over the world to preach and lead worship for various conferences, concerts, camps, and more. He is a voice for orphan care as well as a Compassion International artist. Miller has recorded five studio albums and is the author of Worship Leaders, We Are Not Rock Stars. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife, Amanda, and their five kids.

Reviews

[Melissa Mooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot. He has this no nonsense way of putting stuff. And it didn’t become “ Preachy” until the last pages. And in the end he wrote the truth that I needed to hear. It’s a great book if you are going through a rough season.

[Zulma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purchased this book solely on the fact that I follow Stephen and family on you tube and he's funny. This book and it's stories will have you laughing and feeling apart of his family. Knowing noone is perfect.

[Miriam Knot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this! He is telling about his (sometimes very stupid) mistakes and the lessons he learned from it. It is done in a fun way, I had to laugh sometimes! I think there are some good things to learn from this book and I enjoyed it even though I’m not religious. I really recommend listening to the audiobook, because it’s narrated by himself and it has some nice extra’s (short podcasts with his wife between chapters).

[Sara Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read. Hearing all about someone else’s mishaps somehow makes mine seems not so big. I loved the way that the author makes movie references and found myself hearing it being said like in the movie as I read it. The stories are so relatable that you feel like you are just talking to a friend. I really enjoyed the Christian viewpoint without it being preachy. The fact that I had the opportunity to finish the book before it is even out on shelves was an added bonus. Thank you for the words of wisdom as I now look forward to getting it wrong as I too so often do.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book. This was a fun read about life. I really enjoyed it. Very relatable.

[James Biser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a good discussion of life and how to move forward as a person and families make mistakes. It is about stepping forward and moving on in spite of and often because of failures.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nov 5 2024 UPDATE: I am keeping my 4 star rating after finishing the book. I pretty much enjoyed all of it. I make mistakes on the daily, and started to combat them with a phrase from the book. My mistakes dont define me, but they refine me. That has been helpful for me to apologize sooner and to move towards Jesus faster.

The missing star is because of the chapter that talks more about the TV show “breaking bad”. I felt this veered a little away from that central message of grace. I’m seeing a common theme in Christian books that talk about how we are only a few steps away from becoming evil. From becoming like Walter White. But I think we have a greater assurance in Christ than that. I dont think we can be snatched from His hands. I truly think, the more time we spend with the Lord, the less likely we are- and the less we will even want -to make those wrong choices.

God wont let us, and He will correct us. And maybe that was just a specific trigger for me, coming from my past that the Lord saved me from, but I felt it necessary to share. Otherwise, this book has a great outlook on Jesus redeeming our mistakes and us not being stuck there. We are free indeed!!!!!

Oct 31 2024: I bought the book on pre-order, and only ever read one chapter or so of it, but I have the audio version now and I’m already on chapter 3, and I’ve been laughing out loud!!

the part where Stephen was talking about the band playing badly and relating it to Star Wars, had me cringing so hard, and then Amanda’s commentary as he recounts the moment- about how she thought he would come off as a huge butt had me laughing so much much. I immediately had to come and leave a review. Putting it at 4 stars for now because I want to see how it is fully- once I know, I will update my stars to reflect the full book!! Would reccomend if you want realness and you want to laugh. Stephen does not shy away from showing the truth, even if it makes him look like a huge butt 😂😂😂 I love that about followers of Christ, cause we boast in our weakness and it DOES show God’s strength. And Stephen isn’t a huge butt. He is a child of God

[Michelle Arredondo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title was the thing that really sold me. I wanted to read a book about Stephen Miller, the guy from Youtube's, The Miller Fam. I'd seen a few videos thanks to a family member that really watches them and is a big fan. I decided I had to have the book.

An interesting read. Maybe not as exciting as I had hoped. I mean anytime you read "misadventures" it seems like it's going to be a rollercoaster of a ride and it's not to say that it isn't but maybe I've dealt and lived through so much that these misadventures are not quite my experiences. I will say that the message still is relatable. "No one is perfect" and "you are not your failures".... that's the big messages with other great messages and tidbits along the way. It's great to get a 'dads' perspective because I never had really much of one of my own and yes, his words are enlightening and uplifting and he's a good guy so it's really hard to dislike a good guy.

Is it specifically my type of book? Probably not. I'm a bit too dark and disturbing a reader but it was a nice change of pace, and it will definitely suit someone that appreciates amazingly positive reads such as this. I know my family member was overjoyed to get the book passed down to them and they really like the book.


Big thanks to the good people of GoodReads and to Zondervan for my free copy of this book won via giveaway. I received. I read. I reviewed this book honestly and voluntarily.

[Remus · Rating 2 out of 5]

I consider the underlying message of the book is good, it's about pushing the whole "turn your failures into resources for your success" point. But...

To start, I didn't know this book had a religious tint and while I'm not religious I still tried going through and picking relevant info, but every single point just turns back to "because God/Bible". The author mentions that he doesn't try to push the Christian faith but he constantly mentions it as a reason why you shouldn't be torn apart by your failures. Well, that won't work for the part of the readers that are not Christian (be it other religions, Agnostics and Atheists). Even so, I was considering the advices sometimes useful and told with funny stories... But...

But as much as the author likes to remind he is failing, he reminds how awesome those around him are; and that wouldn't be a problem if it didn't come with a sort of "better than everyone else" note. Examples being like "my wife is the best wife ever, no other wife would do that" or "a LESSER MAN may not let that be our story" (talking about someone who forgave him for being criticized by the author).

P.S. there are not 1 billion and definitely not 3 billion people named Stephen Miller (as a reference to what the author claims in the second chapter).

[LAMONT D · Rating 3 out of 5]

I try to be a glass half-full kind of person, but I am also a cynic at heart. Also, if I know something about the author ahead of time that probably will skew my rating just a tad. In this case, I knew nothing about the author, I do not follow his online presence or platform and coming in blind I was somewhat disappointed with the book itself. It came highly regarded though by some people I do respect and trust (i.e. Lysa TerKeurst) so that is why my glass is half-full. The essence of the book is solid in that God loves you so give yourself a break. Despite all your feeble efforts God is good and will work with you and guide you if you let Him. I am sure he relates to a certain segment of our population which is good. I do not like though the overuse of Christian "swearwords" which in my opinion distracted from his storytelling and message. It is amazing that he can be that dumb sometimes but aren't we all. Not sure the message of it is going to be okay works in every situation unless you have an eternal perspective on life. I think the best part was his wife Amanda's "afterward" who admits their lives have certainly not been dull (an understatement it appears).

[Lisa Belue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Stephen Miller’s heart, authenticity, comic relief and truly relatable journey in his book, “The Art of Getting It Wrong: Finding Good In The Misadventures of Life”! “Our failures don’t define us but they can refine us” and “Have a little more grace for yourself…Have a little more grace for others…I promise you, it’s gonna be okay.” Such great encouragement! I highly recommend his book!

PS: I can also relate to constantly giving “movie quote” responses and I feel personally attacked for having “fear of calling the pizza guy”! Haha! JK! 😜

[Nat · Rating 2 out of 5]

No idea why I even read this. Vaugley knew of the author from YouTube but I don't think I've seen his videos. Guess I was drawn in by the title/cover.

Its terribly written and not interesting. Also, as the father of seven kids and hardly touches on his kids/being a father. The stories for the most part aren't exciting or noteworthy. The book is jumbled. I've read a lot of memoirs over the years and this is not one I'd recommend.

If you a fan of Stephan Miller I guess this book might be an ok read but otherwise I'd skip it.

I don't dislike Stephan Miller (infact before I picked up this book I had no opinion of him) but I do dislike this book. Nothing against him personally. Honestly I give the guy props for doing everything he does (father, youtuber, ministry, etc.).

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a rather disjointed collection of mildly entertaining stories of how Miller has “failed”/messed up in his life to get to where he is, while repeating his lesson, “failure doesn’t define you; but it can refine you” ad nauseam.

I purchased this book after hearing his speak for about 20 minutes at a Christian conference and thought he was funny and insightful. But I should’ve realized there wasn’t enough content there to fill a memoir…

I’m sure the YouTube channel is a hit, but these stories were more for sharing with your pals at the bar or out to dinner.

[Bobbie Kositzky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this book this summer. Unfortunately I didn’t read it right away I had just put my fur baby down the day it came in the mail. Had I picked it up and read may have helped with my grieving more. I’m so glad he wrote this book very relatable and down to earth! I felt more connected to family I never met. Thanks for the memories shared. Once I started I finished in a few sit downs.

[Danya]

Horribly written book. None of the ideas go together. The author which I met in real life is very rude and nasty. There family is not a nice family please don’t read this book or support this family.

[howsoonisnow · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rambly and disjointed - spoke to his ADHD. The first chapter promises to reveal a litany of embarrassing choices and decisions by Miller, which do not define him, but rather refine him. Cute phrase at first, but soon becomes hackneyed when it's repeated for the umpteenth time. There were a few embarrassing gaffs as promised, one really good one (to do with Adam & Eve), but not many, really. Some moments too, of him being rude, which isn't so much of a gaff, as it's just him being arrogant. He spoke briefly about his hardships with childhood bullying; something I would've loved to hear more about in greater detail, than his glancing descriptions. Oddly enough, he spoke next to nothing about his experiences adopting/ raising 7 kids. This is a strange omission in his memoir, considering he's famous on Youtube for just this, and well, because if you have 7 kids (one with a disability, and 4 adopted from 2 different countries), I'm assuming that's a significant portion of your life, which certainly warrants more than the 2-3 lines he wrote about it! I will say though, I enjoyed his references to the TV show 'Breaking Bad'. Love that show.

[Christy Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Been following the Miller fam on YouTube for a while. Beautiful family! Nice to read their back story and Steven’s outlook on moving forward with God’s help no matter what comes our way. Easy, light, uplifting read.

[Samantha Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art of Getting It Wrong: Finding Good in the Misadventures of Life by Stephen Miller is a refreshing and thought-provoking read that takes an honest, humorous approach to life’s inevitable mistakes and missteps. Stephen’s personal stories, paired with his insightful reflections, offer a unique perspective on the idea that failure is not something to be ashamed of but rather an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Throughout the book, Stephen explores how misadventures, both big and small, can lead us to unexpected places of success, happiness, and self-acceptance. His ability to find humor in even the most challenging situations makes the book not only insightful but also enjoyable to read.

One of the things I loved most about this book was Stephen’s candidness. He doesn’t shy away from sharing his own personal failures, which makes the message of the book even more relatable. Rather than offering a step-by-step guide to success, Stephen encourages readers to embrace life’s imperfections and understand that getting things wrong can sometimes be the best way to get it right. His anecdotes are filled with wisdom that is both practical and encouraging, and they remind us that it’s often the unexpected detours in life that lead us to our most rewarding experiences.

Ultimately, The Art of Getting It Wrong is a celebration of resilience and the unpredictable nature of life. Stephen’s writing is filled with warmth, humor, and a genuine desire to help others find meaning in the mistakes they make. Whether you’re struggling with a setback or simply looking for a new perspective on how to navigate life’s ups and downs, this book provides both a lighthearted and profound look at how misadventures can often be the best teachers. It’s a book I’d recommend to anyone seeking a reminder that it’s okay to get things wrong and that sometimes, that’s exactly how you get it right.