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I Can Only Imagine: A Memoir
“The Story That Inspired the Major Motion Picture.”
The captivating story behind the bestselling single in the history of Christian music—and the man who wrote it
MercyMe’s crossover hit, “I Can Only Imagine,” has touched millions of people around the world. But few know about the pain, redemption, and healing that inspired it. Now Bart Millard, award-winning recording artist and lead singer of MercyMe, shares how his dad’s transformation from abusive father to man of God sparked a divine moment in music history.
Go behind the scenes of Bart’s life—and the movie based on it—to discover how God repaired a broken family, prepared Bart for ministry through music, and wrote the words on his heart that would change his life forever. I Can Only Imagine is a front-row seat to witnessing God’s presence throughout Bart’s life. Whether falling in love with his childhood sweetheart or mourning his father’s death, founding MercyMe or flailing in the midst of its success, Bart continues to place his trust in God’s plans—plans that continue to surprise and surpass what Bart could have ever imagined.
The captivating story behind the bestselling single in the history of Christian music—and the man who wrote it
MercyMe’s crossover hit, “I Can Only Imagine,” has touched millions of people around the world. But few know about the pain, redemption, and healing that inspired it. Now Bart Millard, award-winning recording artist and lead singer of MercyMe, shares how his dad’s transformation from abusive father to man of God sparked a divine moment in music history.
Go behind the scenes of Bart’s life—and the movie based on it—to discover how God repaired a broken family, prepared Bart for ministry through music, and wrote the words on his heart that would change his life forever. I Can Only Imagine is a front-row seat to witnessing God’s presence throughout Bart’s life. Whether falling in love with his childhood sweetheart or mourning his father’s death, founding MercyMe or flailing in the midst of its success, Bart continues to place his trust in God’s plans—plans that continue to surprise and surpass what Bart could have ever imagined.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2018
559 people are currently reading
3123 people want to read
About the author
Bart Millard
25 books50 followersBart Marshall Millard is an American singer and songwriter who is best known as the leader of the band MercyMe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 529 reviews
October 27, 2018
I first heard the song "I Can Only Imagine" by MercyMe sometime around 2006, just after my first daughter was born. I started getting into Christian music pretty heavily at that time. MercyMe became one of my favorites along with Casting Crowns. I never did know the story behind the song or how it came about. Fast forward to 2018 and I saw the trailer for the I Can Only Imagine movie. I ended up watching the movie many times with my kids and began to wonder which events in the movie were true. I thought there must've been some things that were left out and knew I had to read the book to find out. After reading it, I discovered I was right.
This book takes you on an emotional journey through Bart's life, from the physical and verbal abuse he endured by his father during much of his childhood, to his adult success as lead singer of MercyMe. His father is an enormous complication for Bart and his family, until he eventually becomes transformed by God and everything changes. Bart's father wants to make amends after beating his wife (Bart's mom) and breaking up the marriage. He becomes a person that Bart wants to be, like a best friend, a person to look up to, but Bart still has some scars to deal with. In this book, Bart talks about his relationships, struggles through life, and how God helped him through it all.
Comparing and contrasting the book and movie: I was really amazed to discover new things about Bart's story, including one significant detail about his father that I can't believe they didn't incorporate into the movie. The timeline of events was switched up in different places. A few characters and locations were mixed up as well, however, this doesn't take away from either the book or movie. It had to be really hard to cram everything about Bart's life into a movie a few hours long. You simply have to read this book if you want the whole story! I definitely felt more emotion while watching the movie, but that could be because I watched the movie first--at least twenty times before reading the book. Not kidding!
For the most part, the book is told in chronological order. It's written very well and it's easy to follow. I loved that a song lyric begins each chapter which corresponded with it in some way. The author included a photo section in the middle which includes photos of his father, mother, brother, and his wife and children now. I also really appreciate that an appendix was added sharing tons of Bible verses that helped Bart, including band stats pages. This is definitely a book that can be reread and referenced over and over again.
I personally LOVED this book. My family and I were heavily impacted by it and the movie. I'm so happy I bought it. My rating is 5*****.
You can see this review @ https://readrantrockandroll.com/2018/...
This book takes you on an emotional journey through Bart's life, from the physical and verbal abuse he endured by his father during much of his childhood, to his adult success as lead singer of MercyMe. His father is an enormous complication for Bart and his family, until he eventually becomes transformed by God and everything changes. Bart's father wants to make amends after beating his wife (Bart's mom) and breaking up the marriage. He becomes a person that Bart wants to be, like a best friend, a person to look up to, but Bart still has some scars to deal with. In this book, Bart talks about his relationships, struggles through life, and how God helped him through it all.
Comparing and contrasting the book and movie: I was really amazed to discover new things about Bart's story, including one significant detail about his father that I can't believe they didn't incorporate into the movie. The timeline of events was switched up in different places. A few characters and locations were mixed up as well, however, this doesn't take away from either the book or movie. It had to be really hard to cram everything about Bart's life into a movie a few hours long. You simply have to read this book if you want the whole story! I definitely felt more emotion while watching the movie, but that could be because I watched the movie first--at least twenty times before reading the book. Not kidding!
For the most part, the book is told in chronological order. It's written very well and it's easy to follow. I loved that a song lyric begins each chapter which corresponded with it in some way. The author included a photo section in the middle which includes photos of his father, mother, brother, and his wife and children now. I also really appreciate that an appendix was added sharing tons of Bible verses that helped Bart, including band stats pages. This is definitely a book that can be reread and referenced over and over again.
I personally LOVED this book. My family and I were heavily impacted by it and the movie. I'm so happy I bought it. My rating is 5*****.
You can see this review @ https://readrantrockandroll.com/2018/...
May 8, 2022
“The storms of life make you either better or bitter.”
I’ve seen the movie ‘I Can Only Imagine’ so a lot of this information wasn’t new to me, but still an inspiring life story.
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Bart Millard
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Non-fiction
Length: 4h 21m
April 14, 2018
Several years back, I was driving down the road. I was listening to a Christian radio station, loving the songs that were there. Then I hear the words, "I can only imagine...." and proceed to listen to the song. By the second verse, I had to pull over and listen closely. By the end of the second verse, I was bawling my eyes out, had my hands raised and was "praying" the song to the Lord. It was emotional and moving, and I knew that there had to be a story behind. This was the start of my love of MercyMe's work.
Flash foward several years, now there's a movie called "I Can Only Imagine". I watch the trailer. I cry, yet again. from the feelings I get. Now, I have the chance to review the memoir,which I read in one day, about the story behind the song and movie. And, oh my. What. A. Story. It's raw. It's moving. It will leave you smiling, it will leave you crying, it may even leave you angry. But, it will bring you closer to God. It will make you fall to your knees once again, and really imagine what that moment would be like when you stand before your Creator.
This is not a book I normally would pick up, as I'm not fond of memoirs, but this book, with it's pictures to coincide with Bart Millard's life, is beautifully, poignantly written and really brings forth the pain, the hurt, the anger and the redemption and forgiveness he went through. This is definitely one I recommend, with 5 stars and lots of praises! I can't wait to see the movie next!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Flash foward several years, now there's a movie called "I Can Only Imagine". I watch the trailer. I cry, yet again. from the feelings I get. Now, I have the chance to review the memoir,which I read in one day, about the story behind the song and movie. And, oh my. What. A. Story. It's raw. It's moving. It will leave you smiling, it will leave you crying, it may even leave you angry. But, it will bring you closer to God. It will make you fall to your knees once again, and really imagine what that moment would be like when you stand before your Creator.
This is not a book I normally would pick up, as I'm not fond of memoirs, but this book, with it's pictures to coincide with Bart Millard's life, is beautifully, poignantly written and really brings forth the pain, the hurt, the anger and the redemption and forgiveness he went through. This is definitely one I recommend, with 5 stars and lots of praises! I can't wait to see the movie next!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
February 21, 2018
There’s just something about Bart Millard’s story that touches my heart. His life is the embodiment of God’s love and grace and blessing. He tells of a redemption story that is so emotional because the work of Jesus is emotional! Once he begins a good work in you, you will never be the same. I love that. Jesus loves us so much that he died to save us and gave us a way to be close with the Father.
Bart’s story is a must read.
His writing is conversational and gets right to the truth of his past.
Bart’s story is a must read.
His writing is conversational and gets right to the truth of his past.
June 22, 2018
I read this book while I was away at camp, and it was so good! Bart Millard’s story is so inspiring and I love it.
I would recommend it to ages 14+ for a lot of talk about abuse. Sensitive readers use caution!!
Overall, a great book by one of my favorite musicians.
I would recommend it to ages 14+ for a lot of talk about abuse. Sensitive readers use caution!!
Overall, a great book by one of my favorite musicians.
April 1, 2018
Bart Millard shares his incredible story, telling about how he penned one of the most touching modern songs – and penned it in ten minutes, in fact. But, of course, as singer Amy Grant tells him, “Bart, you didn't write that song in ten minutes. It took a lifetime.” – very true words. And this books fully tells that story of his...
“Music gave me hope when I felt hopeless. Love when I felt unloved. A reason to embrace life when I was dying inside.”
If you've already enjoyed watching the new film “I Can Only Imagine”, or are looking forward to watching it – maybe it's time to read the book. Written by MercyMe's lead singer and writer of the chart-topping song “I Can Only Imagine”. The book explores more of Bart's life in further detail, than the movie allows. And written quite well, if I may say so (and it's so quotable too! Some of my favorite quotes are included in this review). If you're a fan at all, I'd recommend enjoying both the book AND movie – but in the order of your choice.
Let's discuss the story a bit. Bart tells of his childhood in depth, of his father who turned abusive after an accident (Bart specifically says “It was like a Jekyll-and-Hyde story), and how as a young boy growing up in that household, Bart had to turn to his imagination for means of escape. Music became his passion in life.
“But through all that noise in my life, whenever I heard a perfect union of melody and lyric in a song, something traveled from my ears to my heart and made me feel alive.”
Now, if it hadn't been for his Mammaw Millard, there'd be no MercyMe, and there'd be no “I Can Only Imagine”. This woman is the heroine of several important chapters in Bart's life, and a mighty lady she is.
In the latter half of 2001, the song “I Can Only Imagine” hit the radio – everyone was listening to it (Christian and non-Christian alike) – and it topped the charts and broke records.
“No one can write better scripts than God.”
I loved the book – Bart shares so much of his life on these pages – some of it is laugh-out-loud funny, and some of it completely serious stuff. He tells all about how the band MercyMe formed, and about how sometimes... things just lined up so well, it could have only been done by the hand of God. He shares some deeply personal things about his family, and opens up tale after amusing tale to us, his fans. I gained strength and inspiration just from hearing about his successes, failures, and other experiences.
I definitely recommend this to anyone interested. It should be passed through the churches to give everyone the opportunity to read it for yourself.
“While I am here on earth, I am both a work in progress and already made whole because of the cross. I am a child of the risen King who will wrestle with the flesh. I'll win some and lose some, but it can never change how Christ sees me because the cross was enough!”
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book; I was not required to post a positive review.
“Music gave me hope when I felt hopeless. Love when I felt unloved. A reason to embrace life when I was dying inside.”
If you've already enjoyed watching the new film “I Can Only Imagine”, or are looking forward to watching it – maybe it's time to read the book. Written by MercyMe's lead singer and writer of the chart-topping song “I Can Only Imagine”. The book explores more of Bart's life in further detail, than the movie allows. And written quite well, if I may say so (and it's so quotable too! Some of my favorite quotes are included in this review). If you're a fan at all, I'd recommend enjoying both the book AND movie – but in the order of your choice.
Let's discuss the story a bit. Bart tells of his childhood in depth, of his father who turned abusive after an accident (Bart specifically says “It was like a Jekyll-and-Hyde story), and how as a young boy growing up in that household, Bart had to turn to his imagination for means of escape. Music became his passion in life.
“But through all that noise in my life, whenever I heard a perfect union of melody and lyric in a song, something traveled from my ears to my heart and made me feel alive.”
Now, if it hadn't been for his Mammaw Millard, there'd be no MercyMe, and there'd be no “I Can Only Imagine”. This woman is the heroine of several important chapters in Bart's life, and a mighty lady she is.
In the latter half of 2001, the song “I Can Only Imagine” hit the radio – everyone was listening to it (Christian and non-Christian alike) – and it topped the charts and broke records.
“No one can write better scripts than God.”
I loved the book – Bart shares so much of his life on these pages – some of it is laugh-out-loud funny, and some of it completely serious stuff. He tells all about how the band MercyMe formed, and about how sometimes... things just lined up so well, it could have only been done by the hand of God. He shares some deeply personal things about his family, and opens up tale after amusing tale to us, his fans. I gained strength and inspiration just from hearing about his successes, failures, and other experiences.
I definitely recommend this to anyone interested. It should be passed through the churches to give everyone the opportunity to read it for yourself.
“While I am here on earth, I am both a work in progress and already made whole because of the cross. I am a child of the risen King who will wrestle with the flesh. I'll win some and lose some, but it can never change how Christ sees me because the cross was enough!”
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book; I was not required to post a positive review.
April 21, 2020
I knew the song of the same name as the title of this book, of course. But I didn't know the story behind it. While the film (which came first) was worth seeing, reading this memoir was a real blessing. Bart Millard's journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring, and one that I hope many people will read. His story will serve as an encouragement, especially for artists who want to serve the Lord with the talent God gave them. It is also a challenge for how we should all live in grace and with forgiveness in our hearts.
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August 28, 2024Mr. Millard’s memoir points to God in the midst of abuse, fear, loneliness, pride, abandonment, anger, grief… basically every emotion and wherever you’re at in life. I highly recommend it and thank him for telling his story.
May 29, 2025
This was a difficult book to listen to, in that he goes into the child abuse he experienced at the hands of his biological father. His father was apparently a kind, sweet, loving man before Bart was born, but while working on a road construction site, a driver struck him and he flew through the air, landing hard and getting very hurt, including head trauma. It is possible that the head trauma damaged part of his brain and his personality changed. He became mean, angry and violent. The marriage fell apart and the kids were left with the father, who abused them mentally, emotionally and physically.
It was tough to listen to. The narrator is the memoirist. I have no idea how he was able to talk about what he experienced calmly enough to be understood without crying.
So HUGE warning, this could be triggering. Also, his father did eventually calm down as he aged, so they did develop a sort of father/son relationship towards the end before cancer took his father.
Not the way most of these abusive situations end, so that could also cause pain for the unprepared listener.
My favorite parts of the book was when he was discussing the movie made about his life and the famous actors who were in it and how he developed a relationship with Dennis Quaid who played his father. I also enjoyed him talking about how he came up with the sone "I Can Only Imagine", which makes me cry EVERY time I hear it. It's so beautiful and it was definitely inspired. I'm so glad that he and his band Mercy Me (cute story about how they were named included in this book) did this song instead of Amy Grant. I love her, but this song was 100% his and needed to be first introduced to the world by him.
I do find it funny how he ended up with his childhood sweetheart, but they took the LOOOOOONG scenic route to get to their happiness together. I think Bart was a tad stubborn and maybe even dense at times, lol. But he eventually figured it out.
This was a very moving and emotional book. It does deal very honestly with the abuse he experienced and the thought processes he had while in that situation. It's heartbreaking and can possibly hurt those who have had similar experiences. Just be aware.
4, thought provoking and honest, stars.
My thanks to libro.fm and Thomas Nelson for an ALC of this book to listen to and review.
It was tough to listen to. The narrator is the memoirist. I have no idea how he was able to talk about what he experienced calmly enough to be understood without crying.
So HUGE warning, this could be triggering. Also, his father did eventually calm down as he aged, so they did develop a sort of father/son relationship towards the end before cancer took his father.
Not the way most of these abusive situations end, so that could also cause pain for the unprepared listener.
My favorite parts of the book was when he was discussing the movie made about his life and the famous actors who were in it and how he developed a relationship with Dennis Quaid who played his father. I also enjoyed him talking about how he came up with the sone "I Can Only Imagine", which makes me cry EVERY time I hear it. It's so beautiful and it was definitely inspired. I'm so glad that he and his band Mercy Me (cute story about how they were named included in this book) did this song instead of Amy Grant. I love her, but this song was 100% his and needed to be first introduced to the world by him.
I do find it funny how he ended up with his childhood sweetheart, but they took the LOOOOOONG scenic route to get to their happiness together. I think Bart was a tad stubborn and maybe even dense at times, lol. But he eventually figured it out.
This was a very moving and emotional book. It does deal very honestly with the abuse he experienced and the thought processes he had while in that situation. It's heartbreaking and can possibly hurt those who have had similar experiences. Just be aware.
4, thought provoking and honest, stars.
My thanks to libro.fm and Thomas Nelson for an ALC of this book to listen to and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2022
I Can Only Imagine is a memoir of Bart Millard the lead singer of MercyMe. His story isn't an easy one. It's a story of being abandoned by his mom and beaten by his dad. The forgiveness and healing Bart and his family go through ultimately leads him to write the popular crossover song: I Can Only Imagine.
February 14, 2018
Wow what a story of God’s grace and love. I cried, I rejoiced, I felt God speaking. I loved the story of Bart’s life and how open he was. The abuse part just broke my heart. I have three children that we adopted from foster care that dealt with abuse. So this hits close to home. But God is awesome. He transformed Bart’s dad and He can transform you if you let him. God is still writing our story. As I read this I just kept thinking BUT GOD....
I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed. I will be reading it a second time. I received a copy courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed. I will be reading it a second time. I received a copy courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2018
I Can Only Imagine is not only this book, but the bestselling song that was written by Bart Millard and performed by the group MercyMe. This memoir is the story behind the song and Bart Millard's life. There is also a movie based on his life that will be in theaters March 16th of this year.
Thoroughly loved this story of one of my favorite songs.
04/01/2018: I saw the movie, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am now reading this book again, because now I want to focus on the details.
04/02/2018: I am definitely glad I re-read this book.
Thoroughly loved this story of one of my favorite songs.
04/01/2018: I saw the movie, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am now reading this book again, because now I want to focus on the details.
04/02/2018: I am definitely glad I re-read this book.
March 29, 2023
Great on audio and read by the author.
Really enjoyed this! An incredible story of forgiveness, overcoming childhood trauma, and watching how God can use even the worst things in life for our good. Loved hearing about the origin of I Can Only Imagine (a song that still makes me tear up every time I hear it). Honest, real, down-to-earth, and inspiring. Would recommend!
Really enjoyed this! An incredible story of forgiveness, overcoming childhood trauma, and watching how God can use even the worst things in life for our good. Loved hearing about the origin of I Can Only Imagine (a song that still makes me tear up every time I hear it). Honest, real, down-to-earth, and inspiring. Would recommend!
April 4, 2018
A breathtaking story behind the story of how the incredible song 'Imagine' came to life. I have loved this song for a long time, but never knew the inspiration behind the lyrics. Bart takes you on the journey and it's a storyline that could only be written by God how it all comes together. What a beautiful legacy to his father, even though it was a painful life to live. This story is such an awesome testimony of how God can work in your life, how God NEVER gives up on you even if you have given up on yourself, how God's hands are always working in our lives. The song has such a powerful meaning for me in my personal life (which I think is so true of almost anyone who listens to this song), that I started crying from the second I picked it up and couldn't stop. Have more than one tissue box with you when you read!!! You will cry, you will be inspired, you will see God's amazing and powerful spirit!
"I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk, by Your side"
"I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk, by Your side"
June 1, 2021
“ where did this song come from? You know I’ve never told anybody my story. My dad was a monster. I mean that’s the only word for it and I saw God transform him from the man I hated into the man I want to become. My best friend. I wrote this song in ten minutes.
No bart this song took a lifetime”
I can only imagine
Book club questions?
What did you think of Barts relationship with his father?
What did you think about Barts relationship with his brother?
What did you think of his dads relationship with bart compared to his brother?
How do you think Barts ljfe could have turned out if he didnt have God?
Do you feel god has a destiny for you like He had for Bart?
Does it ever feel like in your life that one thing ever the next goes wrong? And you keep asking where is God?
Do you think that if you have Jesus you shouldnt need therapy?
No bart this song took a lifetime”
I can only imagine
Book club questions?
What did you think of Barts relationship with his father?
What did you think about Barts relationship with his brother?
What did you think of his dads relationship with bart compared to his brother?
How do you think Barts ljfe could have turned out if he didnt have God?
Do you feel god has a destiny for you like He had for Bart?
Does it ever feel like in your life that one thing ever the next goes wrong? And you keep asking where is God?
Do you think that if you have Jesus you shouldnt need therapy?
May 6, 2023
What an incredible story & testimony of God’s life-changing power and love. Hearing Bart’s and his dad’s story of both forgiveness and reconciliation stirred my own heart to praise God for his healing and grace.
This book was well-organized & very engaging; loved listening to the audiobook in his own voice! Especially liked his clear sharing of the freedom & grace available in gospel of Jesus that he shared in the conclusion!
This book was well-organized & very engaging; loved listening to the audiobook in his own voice! Especially liked his clear sharing of the freedom & grace available in gospel of Jesus that he shared in the conclusion!
July 3, 2018
Wow! Wow! Wow!
Mr. Millard’s story is incredible! He was severely abused most of his childhood, felt rejected, and had loved ones pass away. Yet, he clung to God during his trials, and chose to love instead of hate.
This book was very inspiring and encouraging to my heart:)
Would definitively recommend!
Mr. Millard’s story is incredible! He was severely abused most of his childhood, felt rejected, and had loved ones pass away. Yet, he clung to God during his trials, and chose to love instead of hate.
This book was very inspiring and encouraging to my heart:)
Would definitively recommend!
May 22, 2019
Love, love, loved this 💜
January 20, 2018
I Can Only Imagine is the first-hand narrative of a young daydreaming tyke growing up in Greenville, Texas who goes on to become a multi-platinum award winning songwriter and performer with the Contemporary Christian Music group MercyMe.
Bart’s story is not your typical boy grows up surrounded by family strong in the faith and therefore knows his purpose from a young age and proceeds to live it out. No, Bart’s story can be hard to read at times, due to the sometimes “unimaginable” abuse and loss he suffered as a child growing up.
What Bart saw and experienced would have easily broken so many for life, yet with the support of extended family, friends, church, and musician allies, Bart used the adversity he experienced in life not only to become an inspiration for many all over the world with his music, but ultimately God used his gift to transform those very same people who abused and left him as a child.
The reality is that Bart’s childhood story is more prevalent than we would like to believe, yet it is a glowing example of how God can turn around even the hardest heart, and how He can take the hard times we experience in life and use them to provide hope and healing.
I was provided a copy of the book to review and was not compensated in any way.
Bart’s story is not your typical boy grows up surrounded by family strong in the faith and therefore knows his purpose from a young age and proceeds to live it out. No, Bart’s story can be hard to read at times, due to the sometimes “unimaginable” abuse and loss he suffered as a child growing up.
What Bart saw and experienced would have easily broken so many for life, yet with the support of extended family, friends, church, and musician allies, Bart used the adversity he experienced in life not only to become an inspiration for many all over the world with his music, but ultimately God used his gift to transform those very same people who abused and left him as a child.
The reality is that Bart’s childhood story is more prevalent than we would like to believe, yet it is a glowing example of how God can turn around even the hardest heart, and how He can take the hard times we experience in life and use them to provide hope and healing.
I was provided a copy of the book to review and was not compensated in any way.
March 1, 2018
READ THIS BOOK!
February 21, 2018
So inspiring! Wonderful memoir and story behind the creation of the bestselling Christian song of all time. Can't wait for the movie.
April 10, 2018
I loved listening to this audio book. The movie was amazing but getting to hear "rest of the story" was even better! Plus it's always a bonus to me when the author reads it himself.
July 1, 2023
I will never tire of hearing stories of how God rescues His people. Add this to the top of the list! A phenomenal testimony to both his earthly and Heavenly Father. I laughed, I cried, I wept. I could listen to it forever. Definitely a must-read (although I listened to it… and that was pretty darn great too!) I cannot tell you the number of times I got chills listening to this amazing story of resilience, fight, and redemption. God’s Grace truly is amazing and something we so desperately need yet could never deserve. This book (like the song it details) makes me cry out to a God who sees us in it all (good, bad, and ugly) and thank Him for the cross, for the salvation I can never earn, and for the chance to stand in His holy presence someday - a someday that “I Can Only Imagine”. Praise God!!!
May 17, 2019
This book was completely meh. I would have loved it so much more if Bart had written before the movie ever happened and if he was going solely off his own experiences. Instead, the story is soulless, dull, talks about the film a lot, and he attributes quotes from the movie as if people in real life said it. And not just a snippet of dialogue here and there, but whole conversations! I didn't feel like I ever saw Bart Millard's soul and the movie is superior in pretty much every way.
March 7, 2018
An excellent book. Bart Millard is one of my very favorite Christian artists. The story he relates of his early life is heartbreaking. He shares his heart and his love for his Savior with candor. I recommend this uplifting book. I'm thankful he was willing to tell his story.
July 20, 2023
This was a really great book. The first memoir I’ve ever read! I have always enjoyed MercyMe’s music, and it was very cool to get a glimpse into the story behind their music and the steady presence and power of God’s hand being seen throughout their lives.
March 5, 2018
Wow. Where do I begin? I was working for a small town Christian bookstore when Almost There released. A very good friend grabbed me one day as I came in for my shift and pulled me back to our music section.
"You've got to hear this!", she exclaimed, telling me the song had been a part of the worship service at her church that week. I slipped on the head phones and within the first few lines I was awestruck.
Mercy Me, a group I knew nothing about, had captured every thought and imagining I'd ever had about Heaven. I bought a copy and when my husband got home that night I told him, "You've got to hear this!"
My husband is like Bart: music, all types, genres, and decades make up his world. His life, like Bart's, is lived to a soundtrack. It was a miracle I'd found a song my husband knew nothing about, but it was a song that moved him like it moved me. (He still gives me "credit" for his love of Mercy Me!)
I shared all of that so you can hopefully grasp just how special this book is to me. Bart's story and how that song came to be is woven into the tapestry of my own walk with God. I changed how I worshipped after hearing "I Can Only Imagine", and now that my parents are with Jesus, the song and now the story have taken on a deeper and richer meaning.
Watching God move through Bart's life was a painfully gorgeous illustration of Romans 8:28. Of course, we have the beauty of hindsight, while Bart was living in those moments of fear, isolation, and pain. I cried for him, and I kept telling him to hold on, because better days were to come.
Obviously, he knows that now! But that's how powerful his story is. You just want to encourage him and pray for him and his dad, his entire family, as you read. And it's written like you're talking to him at a coffee shop, or over dinner.
I'm so grateful Bart included the last chapter in the book. He'll probably never even read this, but just as "I Can Only Imagine" changed my journey with God, his latest song, "Even If" has arrived in perfect time for this leg of my journey. A new, harder road that keeps me telling Jesus, "Where else can I go, Lord? Only You have what I need, and have been faithful to me."
As a woman in ministry, that song resonates with me, just as the song that led to a love for Mercy Me and their soundtrack did all those years ago. The journey wasn’t easy for Bart Millard, but as he wrote in the book, "But the fruit on a tree's branches is not grown for the tree but for those who will eat from it."
Praise God for such good and nourishing fruit!
I received an advance copy from the publisher with no services or obligations promised in return.
"You've got to hear this!", she exclaimed, telling me the song had been a part of the worship service at her church that week. I slipped on the head phones and within the first few lines I was awestruck.
Mercy Me, a group I knew nothing about, had captured every thought and imagining I'd ever had about Heaven. I bought a copy and when my husband got home that night I told him, "You've got to hear this!"
My husband is like Bart: music, all types, genres, and decades make up his world. His life, like Bart's, is lived to a soundtrack. It was a miracle I'd found a song my husband knew nothing about, but it was a song that moved him like it moved me. (He still gives me "credit" for his love of Mercy Me!)
I shared all of that so you can hopefully grasp just how special this book is to me. Bart's story and how that song came to be is woven into the tapestry of my own walk with God. I changed how I worshipped after hearing "I Can Only Imagine", and now that my parents are with Jesus, the song and now the story have taken on a deeper and richer meaning.
Watching God move through Bart's life was a painfully gorgeous illustration of Romans 8:28. Of course, we have the beauty of hindsight, while Bart was living in those moments of fear, isolation, and pain. I cried for him, and I kept telling him to hold on, because better days were to come.
Obviously, he knows that now! But that's how powerful his story is. You just want to encourage him and pray for him and his dad, his entire family, as you read. And it's written like you're talking to him at a coffee shop, or over dinner.
I'm so grateful Bart included the last chapter in the book. He'll probably never even read this, but just as "I Can Only Imagine" changed my journey with God, his latest song, "Even If" has arrived in perfect time for this leg of my journey. A new, harder road that keeps me telling Jesus, "Where else can I go, Lord? Only You have what I need, and have been faithful to me."
As a woman in ministry, that song resonates with me, just as the song that led to a love for Mercy Me and their soundtrack did all those years ago. The journey wasn’t easy for Bart Millard, but as he wrote in the book, "But the fruit on a tree's branches is not grown for the tree but for those who will eat from it."
Praise God for such good and nourishing fruit!
I received an advance copy from the publisher with no services or obligations promised in return.
March 10, 2018
This inspiring and incredibly true story of how Bart Millard was led to write MercyMe's hit song "I Can Only Imagine" had me on an emotional roller coaster that ended in the best way possible.
Bart Millard shares the story of his life and the journey he traveled with his abusive father. After a car hit his father on a construction site, the once happy and nicest guy around became an angry and bitter "monster." The target of his anger? Bart himself. Bart never had the opportunity to know the nice guy his father once was, but instead was subjected to emotional and sometimes physical abuse. At the age of 8 Bart was left by his mother and forced to stay with his abusive father. After feeling abandoned, he did not know what to do. Because of this, Bart took solace in his church and built a family around it to escape from the depression of his home life. Not only did the church and his faith help him, but his love for music as well.
When Bart was only 15, his father was diagnosed with cancer. This was a pivotal point in their lives. His dad became more dedicated to the church, cultivating his relationship with Christ, and trying to right his wrongs with his son. Their relationship became one of love a friendship instead of hatred and anger.
After the death of his father, Bart channeled everything he went through to write MercyMe's number one hit song. Not only was it a hit in Christian music, but mainstream music around the world. The song meant so much to Bart and, come to find out, it would also hold a lot of meaning to their fans. This story was a wonderful journey to forgiveness and much more.
I absolutely loved this book. It hit home in so many ways. I know what it is like to suffer through emotional abuse and I have also come to the point of forgiveness and realized that it is a necessary thing in order live in happiness. Not only that, but I, too, use music as my escape and have for much of my life. I can't even explain how great it is to hear someone else's story, knowing that I can relate so heavily.
I could not put this book down and read it in one day. I definitely recommend reading this book for anyone. It is Christian based, but I personally feel that just adds to the incredible nature of the story.
Overall, I gave this book a 5 star rating!
Bart Millard shares the story of his life and the journey he traveled with his abusive father. After a car hit his father on a construction site, the once happy and nicest guy around became an angry and bitter "monster." The target of his anger? Bart himself. Bart never had the opportunity to know the nice guy his father once was, but instead was subjected to emotional and sometimes physical abuse. At the age of 8 Bart was left by his mother and forced to stay with his abusive father. After feeling abandoned, he did not know what to do. Because of this, Bart took solace in his church and built a family around it to escape from the depression of his home life. Not only did the church and his faith help him, but his love for music as well.
When Bart was only 15, his father was diagnosed with cancer. This was a pivotal point in their lives. His dad became more dedicated to the church, cultivating his relationship with Christ, and trying to right his wrongs with his son. Their relationship became one of love a friendship instead of hatred and anger.
After the death of his father, Bart channeled everything he went through to write MercyMe's number one hit song. Not only was it a hit in Christian music, but mainstream music around the world. The song meant so much to Bart and, come to find out, it would also hold a lot of meaning to their fans. This story was a wonderful journey to forgiveness and much more.
I absolutely loved this book. It hit home in so many ways. I know what it is like to suffer through emotional abuse and I have also come to the point of forgiveness and realized that it is a necessary thing in order live in happiness. Not only that, but I, too, use music as my escape and have for much of my life. I can't even explain how great it is to hear someone else's story, knowing that I can relate so heavily.
I could not put this book down and read it in one day. I definitely recommend reading this book for anyone. It is Christian based, but I personally feel that just adds to the incredible nature of the story.
Overall, I gave this book a 5 star rating!
April 26, 2019
I'd give this 4.5 stars really, as I like to reserve 5 for my absolute favorites. I saw the movie (really enjoyed it), and wanted to know how much of it was true (some of the details and timing of his life was compressed/changed in the movie) and was so excited to find out that he wrote a book with the actual facts(I was pleasantly surprised to see there were a lot of small details that were in the movie that were true to life)! This is a really quick, easy-to-read, conversational-style book, with some humorous anecdotes and a lot more detail that the movie couldn't capture. I think actually, if I had seen the movie AFTER the book, I may have been disappointed, because the book fleshes everything out in much more detail and talks a lot about the emotional impact of his childhood, and also a lot more about his dad's illness. You get a much better picture of how their relationship really did a 180 as he cared for his dad as he fought cancer the last few years. Sometimes it's better to see the movie first!
March 24, 2018
As I watched interviews with the author, and read a synopsis of his story prior to reading the book, I was not sure that this would be more than a behind-the-scenes look at the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) industry. Wow, I was certainly wrong.
The author rips off the scars of his youth and gives a heart-wrenching history of what he endured as the child at the hands of an abusive father, other experiences that shaped the man that he came to be, and his eventual path to follow Jesus Christ.
If you've heard the popular song "I Can Only Imagine" written by Millard and performed by his CCM group MercyMe, this book will provide an emotional back-story for the lyrics and the song's message.
The author's story is raw and uncomfortable at times. However, if you need an inspiring story of redemption and faith, buy this book and read it.
The author rips off the scars of his youth and gives a heart-wrenching history of what he endured as the child at the hands of an abusive father, other experiences that shaped the man that he came to be, and his eventual path to follow Jesus Christ.
If you've heard the popular song "I Can Only Imagine" written by Millard and performed by his CCM group MercyMe, this book will provide an emotional back-story for the lyrics and the song's message.
The author's story is raw and uncomfortable at times. However, if you need an inspiring story of redemption and faith, buy this book and read it.
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