Billy Graham: The Man I Knew

by Greg Laurie

Billy Graham Was the World’s Best-Known Evangelist—Loved and Admired by Millions. But Very Few Knew Him Personally.             Pastor and bestselling author Greg Laurie was one of those fortunate few, blessed with an insider’s view of Billy Graham’s world for more than two decades.             With the same painstaking research and eye for detail that distinguishes his previous biographies, Steve Salvation of an American Icon and Johnny The Redemption of an American Icon, Laurie now turns to the life of his beloved mentor, offering the intimate perspective of a disciple and friend.             As a strapping North Carolina farm boy, Graham surrendered his life to Jesus at a camp meeting led by a blustery itinerant preacher, but he never lost the mischievous twinkle in his eye or his fun-loving air.             Laurie sheds light on Graham’s lesser-known struggles—such as a broken heart before he met the love of his life and a crisis of faith from which he emerged stronger than ever. From the evangelist’s private challenges and public successes to his disappointments and joys, Billy The Man I Knew provides a vivid portrait of one of history’s most remarkable Christian lives.

Genres: Biography, Christian, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Spirituality

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

Greg Laurie is an American author and pastor who serves as the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California, Harvest Corona in Corona, California Harvest Woodcrest in Riverside, California, Harvest at Kumulani in Kapalua, Hawaii, and Harvest Orange County in Irvine, California.

Reviews

[W. Whalin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Up Close and Personal Biography

Pastor Greg Laurie has been on the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Board for years. Also, across decades, Pastor Laurie spent time with Billy Graham in multiple settings. He takes this experience and builds it into BILLY GRAHAM: THE MAN I KNEW. The result is a well-written and insightful biography about Billy Graham from his early years through his final years.

One of the key characteristics of Billy Graham which Laurie captured in the introduction and carries throughout the entire book: “But ne never acted like a star. In fact, when you were with Billy, you got the star treatment from him. He always turned the conversation to you and genuinely listened to what you said. Why in the world would he care about me? But he did. He wanted to know about me.” (Page xv). I found the same experience when I met Mr. Graham many years ago.

BILLY GRAHAM: THE MAN I KNEW is worthwhile reading and highly recommended.

W. Terry Whalin is an editor and the author of more than 60 books including Billy Graham, A Biography of America's Greatest Evangelist .

[Gabriel Cooley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspirational book.

[Jeanne Leaman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new biography on Billy Graham written by Pastor Greg Laurie, whom I highly respect. I did not know a lot about Billy Graham before reading this, but he was Greg Laurie’s mentor and friend for over 30 years. A well written book that walks you through decades in history. Graham was a very humble man, lived an amazing life, and reached multiple generations for Christ.

[Chad Stuart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Billy Graham is one of my spiritual heroes, thus I enjoyed this book simply for that reason. However, I would recommend the other three books on Graham’s life I have read previously, which includes his own autobiography, Just As I Am before recommending this rendering of his life.

[Randy Hass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is wonderful book detailing the life of Billy Graham from the perspective of a modern day evangelist, Greg Laurie. I really can’t say much more than anyone would do well to read this to help understand what I would call a modern day Prophet of God.

If you enjoy it as much as I did, I would encourage you to visit the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, just minutes from the airport. I guarantee you will come away with even a deeper respect of Dr. Graham and a deeper love for the Creator of the Universe. The book will reinforce Billy’s deepest desire that all this is about God, not about him.

More than anything else, I think you will come to understand that Billy’s success as an evangelist was that he made his message very simple and understandable by anyone who might read or hear it. Even my mother who had a stroke and died in her eighties would often send me a clipping of Billy’s that had appeared in her newspaper.

Don’t pass up an opportunity to read this book. It’s a great story.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best biographies I've ever read, or in this case, listened to. Greg Laurie tells a beautiful story of the life of Rev. Billy Graham, and the narrator had an amazing Billy Graham accent! I love how news of the day was brought into the entire story, because news of the day meant a lot to Rev. Graham. Though I have a lot of books on my list to read, I really want to take time to read this one again!

[Chris Moates · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found much of this book to be an interesting dive into the real Billy Graham from birth to death. On the good side, I found this to be a revealing look at the real issues that Billy Graham faced in life: struggles with his own faith, with people who desired him to be something that God was not calling him to do or be, and the struggles of being close to presidents and focusing on faith and not getting pushed into the political realm. On the less than good side, this is the first time I've read a Greg Laurie book. I find his writing style to be difficult to follow at times, especially when he interjects his own personal experiences, whether with Billy Graham or separate.

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring And A Kick In The Pants

Well written and entertaining, it will cause you to shed a few tears and laugh joyfully. A clear look into the life of a great evangelist, his struggles and successes. It will give you a greater appreciation for those who do the work of God against all odds. You will realize the obvious, all great leaders had to work hard and sacrifice to arrive at the top of their game. And once there, it takes hard work, determination and commitment, as well as, a great support team to stay there.

There is something here for all of us to learn and cherish. If you honestly read this book with an open mind and hart, God will definitely touch your life and encourage you to do more. For some it will be the kick in the pants to get off your laurels and do more with your life for Christ, and stop complaining about things of no eternal value.. Stay the course.

If after reading this book you are not first, motivated to form a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, and secondly, developed a real desire to share the good news of what Christ has done, then your blood must run cold and I would suggest you reread this book with an open mind and open heart.

I have had the privilege to attend one of Billy Graham’s Crusades, his last one in Southern California. At that same crusade I had the privilege to say hi to pastor Greg in person. After reading this book, I am truly grateful to have had the privilege to do both.

This is by far the best book I have read in my life!

[Nicoole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complete awe. Firstly of this book and the story it told, but secondly, and more importantly, of the man himself, Billy Graham. He was truly one in a million, aptly titled America's Preacher. I was so moved reading about his mission and his character. It seems almost impossible to reach this level of stardom and recognition and be completely absent of an ego, but Billy Graham achieved that. My biggest takeaway, and the thing I hope to carry with me for the remainder of my life, was the greatness of Billy Graham's humility. Of all his achievements and accolades, all the people he saw give their lives to Christ, he never took any of the credit. All the glory went to God. I think that's why God kept opening doors for him, wider and wider, because he entered every one as God's servant.

I am humbled reading about this man, and I, along with so many others, and so grateful for his life and the impact he made. The crowds he had listening to him seem unfathomable, even by today's standards and population. There are many people who will get to heaven and say they are there because of Billy Graham. He touched so many lives, from the famous to the faceless. Truly inspiring to read his story and learn more about him. I look forward to meeting him in heaven one day.

[Tyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about the country preacher from North Carolina that introduced Jesus Christ to millions and millions of people. There were many lovely chapters and reading about Mr. Graham's personal/spiritual interactions with so many American presidents was very interesting. It just doesn't stop though he met, prayed and discussed our Savior with so many people... Winston Churchill!
From Russia With Love...great chapter!
I loved all the examples of how God hears prayers-so uplifting.
There were lots of what I consider funny little North Carolina quips...A turtle on a fencepost...my husband & I laughed about that one for a 1/4 mile biking this morning.
GREAT Book! I must visit the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte.

[LAMONT D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read plenty about Billy Graham over the years and yet I learned quite a bit from Greg Laurie's book. I like that he followed Graham's life chronologically and did not pass over some of the tougher times in his life (President of a college) and the criticism that he took for some of his stances (such as his ministry to Russia and breaking down the walls of segregation at his crusades). I also liked how Greg threw in tidbits about his own personal life and his interactions with Billy Graham.

[Don Marcus Rosch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billy Graham: The Man I Knew is a grounded, honest look at a man who shaped an era without ever chasing celebrity or being currupted by the agenda. What struck me most is how forward looking Billy Graham was, deeply disciplined, willing to sacrifice comfort, relationships, and ego to stay focused on his calling.
Beyond being the most influential preacher of his time, he was also a builder: advising presidents, launching major publications like Christianity Today and Decision, and pioneering the use of media to spread the Gospel. The book makes clear that his impact wasn't just talent or charisma, but consistency, humility, and a heart aligned with what he preached.
It's not a perfect or overly romanticized portrait, and that's a strength. This book shows that greatness isn't about craft alone without the right inner life, effectiveness fades. A solid, inspiring read that leaves you thinking more about character than fame.

[Michael Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always admired and respected billy graham. I even saw a crusade at Camden yards in which he preached. I read his autobiography around 15-20 years old, so this was the first time I read a book about him as a adult. I was amazed at how he humbled himself before god to accomplish his will for graham life for his purposes and glory.
I also loved the history of the times in which he preached.
Great book that I would recommend!

[Mary Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put book down, this book gives us an insight into the integrity of the man, Billy Graham. I have read a lot of books by and about Billy Graham but never one like this. Laurie has a way with his biographies that help you to feel as if you are there, seeing and hearing what the person is seeing and feeling. It not only points out the strength of Billy but admits that he also had a few weaknesses, but it only makes you love him more.

[Pam Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was one of hundreds who accepted Jesus as my savior at the 1969 Anaheim Crusade and was privileged to attend one of his last crusades at the Rose Bowl in 2004. I thoroughly enjoyed Greg Laurie's portrait of a man with endless stamina who served as adviser to Presidents and world leaders, who could fill stadiums to overflowing yet remained humble, viewing himself as a country preacher, making himself available to God to be used wherever He chose to send Billy and his team.

[Joyce Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written biography of America’s greatest evangelist!

This was a great reading experience as it not only gave wonderful insight into Billy Graham as an evangelist but also as a personal friend. I enjoyed the historical facts about our country and the Presidents who served during Reverend Graham’s era!

[Nora Olmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS WONDERFULLY WRITTEN, MR. BILLY GRAHAM WAS AN EXTREMELY DIFFERENT KIND OF SPIRITUAL MAN. I REALLY ENJOYED READING THIS BOOK, ALL OF THESE AUTHORS HAVE WONDERFUL WAY OF WRITTEN STYLE. THIS IS NOT A BORING BOOK AT ALL. MR. BILLY GRAHAM, WAS A VERY RESPECTED MAN AND HIS IDEAS MATTERED BECAUSE THEY CAME FROM THE "BIBLE."

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be very uplifting as Billy Graham’s life unfolds. What an incredible humble man of God and example to the world of Christ’s love that Billy put into action. He rubbed elbows with many well known people all over the world, including presidents, actors, state officials, etc. I highly recommend reading it. I feel enriched by Billy’s godly and down to earth example.

[Jaedon D Kovacs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book on Billy Graham’s life and it was so interesting to hear so many names I already know. We also got a few glimpses into Greg Laurie’s own life and those around him and Graham

It was very informative but also I was never bored because Billy was truly a man of God whose life was never boring since God had so much planned for him

I’m glad I got to read (listen👀) to it!

[James Iniba · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d give it a 4.5 stars if I could. There were a few times that parts felt drawn out a little too long with interjections from the author.
Overall great book! A few things about Billy Graham that I didn’t know about. I love how Laurie talks about Billy’s character just as much or more than his accomplishments.

[Sharon Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best biographies I've read in quite a while. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Billy Graham's life and from a man who knew him rather well. I received my copy of this book from Pastor Laurie's ministry, Harvest Ministry for a small donation.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this 105 stars if I could. What an incredible story of an incredible man God used as a vessel to bring people to Christ. Every word was just truly inspiring and a reminder of how to live like Jesus

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book! This made me respect and love Billy Graham even more than I did before I read the book! Lord, please raise up another evangelist with a heart like Billy’s! Thank you for the difference he made.

[ML Couch · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

Very interesting and enjoyable read. I’ve known of Billy Graham since I can remember. I especially enjoyed the sections on his younger life and the sections about his interaction with the presidents.

[Tiletha · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you ever want to read a biography...This is the one to start with.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and encouraging.

[Maribel Sanchez]

loved it!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. So much great information!

[Toni Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting history of "America's Preacher" and how humble he and his wife Ruth were

[Matt Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Billy was the ultimate warrior for Jesus. What an interesting and amazing life he had. I enjoyed the book being told through the perspective of his friend Greg Laurie.