Undercover Kindness: Saying Yes to Love, No to Fear, and Embracing the Life-Changing Power of Ordinary Generosity

by Jimmy Darts

One spark of love can change everything. The social media sensation known for his viral “random acts of kindness” videos invites you to discover a bigger, more meaningful existence, one act of generosity at a time.

“This book will leave your heart a little lighter and your eyes a little wider to the needs of those around you.”—Bob Goff, New York Times bestselling author and Sweet Maria’s husband

Jimmy Darts is convinced that the most fun we can have is to spread joy and kindness with no inhibition. He travels to thrift shops, laundromats, street corners, and grocery stores, looking for good Samaritans willing to help a down-on-his-luck stranger—and rewarding them extravagantly when they say yes. “Most of these people have been paying it forward their whole life,” Darts writes, “but no one’s noticed. This is their moment. God notices. And I want to let them know.”

In Undercover Kindness, Darts takes us behind the scenes of his unconventional life—one rooted in friendship with God, and a bold faith that fuels every act of generosity. From blessing strangers to crowdsourcing a helping hand, having adventures, making friends, and learning that the world is a kinder place than we generally believe, Jimmy shows that living by faith isn't just powerful—it’s wildly fun.

Undercover Kindness is just as unconventional as Jimmy Darts himself. With a mix of unforgettable stories, thoughtful reflections, and revelations that go beyond the vignettes shown in his videos, this book will help readers reignite their faith, rekindle their hope in humanity, and discover that a life of generosity can be fun, silly, unexpected, and poignant all at once.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, Christian

256 pages, Hardcover

Published October 21, 2025

Reviews

[Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved watching Jimmy Darts's inspiring videos since the first time I stumbled upon him while scrolling social media many years ago. Funny, lighthearted, and often heartbreaking, he is not only making content for his accounts but truly changing so many lives in the process.

Undercover Kindness gives us an up close behind the scenes look at how he started this whole journey and where it's taken him along the way. From high school pranks, to successful YouTube videos, to failed attempts at becoming a successful Amazon reseller, to finding his purpose in life- his faith has always been the driving force behind it all.

Anyone who has watched any of Jimmy's content knows he often prays with those he connects with, but reading this book really showcased his level of faith and the healing journey he has had. It's no surprise his unshakeable faith has led him to where he is today. Undercover Kindness is so inspiring and I loved everything about it. Thank you to Convergent Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

5 stars

[Richard Propes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will admit that I started off my journey with "Undercover Kindness" by Jimmy Darts a bit resistant to its enthusiastic charms. I feared I was giving myself to some self-promoting do-gooder (fully recognizing that some have called me the exact same thing due to my own community work).

Ultimately, Darts's charm won me over.

Darts is a social media sensation known for viral "random acts of kindness." He visits thrift shops, laundromats, street corners, and a myriad of other places in search of unsung good Samaritans willing to help a total stranger. When he finds them, he discovers their stories and often rewards them immensely with kindness in return.

I will confess that on some technicalities, I nearly gave "Undercover Kindness" a 4-star rating. It's the earnest heart of the book that won me over, Darts's faithful spirit infectious and his ability to focus less on himself and more on the ordinary generosity of total strangers that has encouraged me to bump this rating up.

Truthfully, I wanted to know me about how Darts pulls off these simple yet epic episodes. It's clear that he follows a spiritual nudge, a sense of who he wants to approach with a simple ask - for example, entering a thrift store a tough-looking Honduran and asking for a buck to help purchase something desperately "needed." When the man enthusiastic gives, Darts learns his story and eventually crowdsources major surgeries to help the man's son.

But, how did Darts develop that crowdsourcing? While he seems somewhat befuddled himself that so many people show up and give when he presents an offer, there's a great mystery to how Darts has developed this following and how it so consistently shows up time and again.

As someone who has traveled over 6,000 miles by wheelchair offering simple tours of tenderness and kindness, I both get the "mystery" of it all and want to hear more about the actual organizational aspects. In other words, I wanted more.

However, I still loved this book.

A lot.

"Undercover Kindness" is infused with Darts's immense faith and almost childlike sense of wonder about hope, love, kindness, and simply showing up. At times, Darts has shown up for these acts of kindness even when he himself was making very little. He's not some billionaire giving from his excess. He's someone who sacrifices in order to fulfill what seems like a deep calling for his life.

The result is a book about truly saying yes to love, rejecting fear, and embracing the ability we all have to say yes to ordinary, everyday generosity.

I've long believed the vast majority of people are kind and generous. As an adult with significant disabilities, I've long experienced this over and over and over again. I believe it's why I'm alive and thriving in my 50s with spina bifida.

Despite my initial resistance, "Undercover Kindness" won me over with its infectious spirit, generous spirit, and gentle, warm storytelling filled with thoughtful insights and infinite possibilities.

I doubt you'll read anything like it this year.

[Melody Dalgleish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! When I got the email offering to let me read an advanced copy of a new book, I was intrigued, but not excited. I have read a lot of ‘happiness’ books and didn’t expect to read anything new. But I do enjoy a feel-good story, and I was ready for a light-hearted fun read. (I had just finished two fairly intense books on mental health struggles.). So I started reading, and I read 75% of the book in ONE DAY! I found it so encouraging and inspiring that I just wanted to keep reading. The chapters are short and easy to read and each one contains a story that either made me laugh out loud or shed a tear…or ten. Either way, I finished each chapter wanting more.
It took a few days before I could get back to the book, but as expected, I finished it in that second sitting. I am placing my order for a physical copy of this book as soon as I hit ‘send’ on this review. I have already told several people that they need to read it, and have spoken with my Life Group planning team about reading it together when it is available. It is just so good. I highly, highly recommend this book. In fact, I think I’m going to read it again while I still have access to this advanced copy!

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not bring myself to finish this. This quote from Wicked comes to mind: “Was I really seeking good? Or just seeking attention?”

I wish I could remember who recommended this to me, so I could ask them how much the author paid them to promote his book.

This was just a YouTube bro exploiting other people’s kindness and Christianity to promote his own content. I didn’t even make it halfway. It was intolerable. Would not recommend.

[Cam Lippert · Rating 5 out of 5]

OKAY so this book opened my eyes:
- God is FUN.
- Like fr.
- Life with Christ isn’t dull.
- He is a God of LAUGHTER, and of honest joy!!!
- He wants to be our friend!!
- Im in love with this view of God: not a straitlaced religious figure, but the true source of wonder + laughter + love.
- He wants to experience His creation WITH me!!
- Ministering to others can look like sharing a laugh & being a friend.
- My laughter can break walls + build bridges!!!
- We must return to our childlike faith!!!!!!
- I want generosity to be my natural way of life.

There is so much joy in this book. I love Jimmy Darts.

[Ava Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is the first nonfiction book I’ve ever finished that’s not for school.

So good and inspiring and chaotic and funny!

[Calleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the book I needed to start 2026. I saw that Jimmy was posting about his book on social media and I was nervous to read it but it was so good. The message was clear, the stories were amusing and the love Jimmy has for the world is evident. Very special book.

[Georgia Horne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Undercover Kindness by Jimmy Darts, and I have to say, it completely warmed my heart. The book is full of real stories showing how small acts of kindness can have such a big impact on people’s lives. I loved how genuine and uplifting the stories were—they really made me think about the power of saying yes to love and choosing generosity over fear.

What I especially appreciated is how relatable it all felt. These aren’t grand, impossible gestures; they’re simple, everyday acts that anyone can do. Reading it left me feeling inspired to be more intentional in spreading kindness in my own life.

The book also carries Darts personal perspective and faith, which adds a nice depth to the message, though I think anyone can connect with the idea of making a difference through simple generosity. Overall, Undercover Kindness is an encouraging, feel-good read that reminded me just how transformative small acts of love and kindness can be.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was giving an advance readers copy and maybe it's not a fair review as I'mnot finishing it. I made it a little over 1/3 and it's just seems like a lot of self-promotion and using bible verses out of context. I don't think I'm the target audience for this book. I have no idea who Jimmy is or what his YouTube platform is all about but just going strictly on the book I'm not a fan. I do like the be generous message he's trying to put out but again it just seemed more look at what I did oh but also God helped.

[Patricia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don’t read this book unless you want to be preached too the entire time. I thought I was getting a lighthearted book about good acts to serve people and instead I heard about how Jesus “saved” his socks and how Darts himself healed people in India and the US, though there isn’t any footage of that. 😳 Apparently it’s amazing that there are good people making good decisions and helping others *without* asking Jesus for help every step of the way. My act of service is saving people from reading or listening to this book.

[Sarena Breckbill · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good!
ive been following jimmy for years on social media so it was really awesome reading his testimony and hearing more of his story.
one of my fav quotes from the book “Purpose is not a straight shot. You’re going to make mistakes. When you miss the mark, it’s an opportunity to learn, grow and seek God again.”
overall it was a really really inspiring book that id highly recommend!!

[Melanie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It was so thoughtfully done and such an easy, heartfelt read. I loved hearing Jimmy’s story and learning how he came to where he is today. He keeps the focus on Christ throughout, while also making you laugh and even tear up at times. It’s inspiring, real, and full of purpose, a reminder of the good that still exists in the world. Five stars from me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Lexi Kupor · Rating 2 out of 5]

mom wanted me to read :)

[Lucy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Before reading Undercover Kindness, I didn’t know much about Jimmy Darts or his viral videos. The heart of this book; encouraging compassion, generosity, and stepping out of your comfort zone to help others is something I fully agree with. I’m all for raising money for worthy causes and supporting people in need, and I can see how his videos might inspire others to do the same.  There is no doubt that he is a kind and inspirational man.

That said, I found myself grappling with a few unresolved questions throughout the book. For example, while it’s called Undercover Kindness, the acts of giving are then broadcast to millions of followers. Is it still 'undercover' when it’s shared across platforms, monetized, and tied to personal branding? Do we need to advertise our good deeds for them to count?  Jimmy does talk about many times in his book when he has done random acts of kindness without monetary gain.

I also found myself wondering about the process behind the scenes. What happens if someone doesn’t want their interaction to be posted? Do they still receive the money or help? The book doesn’t explain much about consent, privacy, or the many interactions that probably don’t go to plan. I would’ve appreciated more transparency about interactions with vulnerable people and how often things don’t work, and how those moments are handled with respect.  A great deal of time must go into setting up these interactions, and I really wanted a more behind the scenes look.

The tone of the book is very religious, which may resonate deeply with some readers but might be too much for others. While the faith element clearly motivates Jimmy Darts, I would’ve liked more reflection on the ethical complexities of public kindness in a social media age. For example, does this encourage everyday kindness, or just kindness for likes?

Overall, the message is positive and uplifting, and there’s no doubt that people have received life-changing help through his work. But I’m still left wondering; when kindness becomes content, what gets lost in translation? In a world where Jimmy Darts is already all over social media, I find myself thinking, is a book really necessary?

These are my own opinions, and I understand some will disagree.  I received a free advanced review copy, and this is my honest review.

[Caleb Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not even sure how to review this book. It's incredible. Go read it.

[Wolfkin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think it's important to know that Jimmy Darts is a scam artist who does "good deeds" online which ostensibly aren't for profit except that the millions of views he gets leads to huge profit. If I post a video giving a homeless person a hamburger and that gives me $1000. I don't need the homeless person to pay me $8 for the burger. Multiply that but thousands you understand who Jimmy Darts is and why he's so wealthy.

[GG · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book in a GoodReads giveaway.
First off, I must say that I am not of the generation to follow “influencers”, so I’d never heard of Jimmy Darts.
After reading this book I am impressed with what Jimmy has done, and hopes to do with his life.
Although his tactics for sharing kindness are so different than my generation, he shares such inspirational stories of the often overlooked kindness of strangers.
The best part of Jimmy’s story is his dependence on God, and giving God the glory, instead of taking credit himself.
I can’t wait to pass this book along for others in my family to read.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Penguin Random House for this book in exchange for my honest review. I liked the ideas the author presented: finding a need and meeting it being the biggest one. In addition, I enjoyed the personal stories used as examples of ways to serve God and the Bible verses were applicable. The book was a quick read, too. However, the author’s convictions to not kiss someone until marriage is a personal choice and should not be impressed on anyone, nor should he attempt to guilt trip those with different opinions on this matter.

[Sarah Spence · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always loved his videos, so I really enjoyed the peek behind the scenes and really see his heart in it all. It was challenging and encouraging in the way you see others and how to love them where they’re at. My only critique was the flow was off for me, feeling pretty choppy and jumping around in the story. While we may not agree 100% on all the spiritual aspects of this book, it was still a feel good read 🥹

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO. GOOD. I cried and audibly laughed. God is fun. He genuinely delights in his kids. We cannot out-give God, but why not try? Reading the stories of how Jimmy listens to the Holy Spirit and simply obeys, not knowing what will come next, convicted and encouraged me. I read this in two sittings and couldn’t put it down. Such a good book. So much truth and so much joy. Would recommend to anyone and everyone!

[Heather K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very self promoting. I have strong feelings against Internet personalities, so I’m sure that affected my response. Good for him for giving away money. There’s definitely got to be a better way to go about it -like creating systems and structures that help relieve suffering perpetually or long-term.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to it in an afternoon - because it was great. It's a great story behind his YouTube videos, which is how I recognize his work.

[Jennifer Utech · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me cheering and getting excited for all I know is possible when we do small things with great love.

[Shelly Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was already following the author, Jimmy Darts, on Instagram and was well aware of his generosity and inspired by his ability to bring people together in the mission of kindness. I enjoyed getting to know him underneath all that.
I'd recommend the book to anyone; it will renew your faith in humanity and hopefully inspire every reader to look upon each other with compassion and strive to make this world a kinder place. After all, we're all in this together.

[Kristyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love jimmy darts and everything he does. This book has inspired me to spread kindness everywhere! I loved hearing the stories behind the videos.

[Joel Kimpela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Undercover Kindness is a behind‑the‑scenes look into the heart that fuels Jimmy Darts’ generosity—and it all points back to the greatest giver of all time: Jesus. Jimmy’s faith is the engine behind every act of kindness.

This book often highlights how Jimmy sees people the way God sees them. He reminds us that God has a sense of humor, and being a Christian is anything but dull.

This book is for those who have ever been curious about who Jimmy Darts is and the generosity behind every video.

[Jacqueline115 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im a follower of the author’s IG account & appreciated the backstory of how his kindness started. I known quite a few people who they say are “Christians” but their horrible behavior shows they aren’t. This fellow Jimmy is obviously a true Christian.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about doing not just talking about serving God. Good job, Jimmy, good job!

[Ginny Yurich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looooved it!