Hope Rising: How the Science of HOPE Can Change Your Life

by Casey Gwinn, Chan Hellman

Learn to overcome trauma, adversity, and struggle by unleashing the science of hope in your daily life with this inspiring and informative guide. Hope is much more than wishful thinking. Science tells us that it is the most predictive indicator of well-being in a person's life. Hope is measurable. It is malleable. And it changes lives. In Hope Rising, Casey Gwinn and Chan Hellman reveal the latest science of hope using nearly 2,000 published studies, including their own research. Based on their findings, they make an impassioned call for hope to be the focus not only of our personal lives, but of public policy for education, business, social services, and every part of society. Hope Rising provides a roadmap to measure hope in your life. It teaches you to assess what may have robbed you of hope, and then provides strategies to let your hope flourish once again. The authors challenge every listener to be honest about their own struggles and end the cycle of shame and blame related to trauma, illness, and abuse. These are important first steps toward increasing your Hope score--and thriving because of it.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Education, Research, Psychology, Spirituality, Leadership

288 pages, Paperback

Published November 27, 2018

Reviews

[Audrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like a deeply bitter and mean person for giving a book about hope 2 stars, but I know that I am actually an incredibly kind and brave person for not giving it 1.
LISTEN.
I appreciate the message and theory of this book. I really respect the authors for opening up about their own hardships and dedicating their lives to improving the outcomes of others through hope.
I do NOT think this is a good book. At all.
The subtitle of Hope Rising is "How the *Science of Hope* Can Change Your Life." The fundamental thesis of this book is that hope is a scientific variable—something that influences life outcomes, can be measured, and can be changed.
Unfortunately, the "science" book was almost entirely personal anecdotes, side-quests into beliefs (the power of natural medicine vs. chemo, the importance of a healthy diet, the over-prescribing of mental health drugs), and Christian messaging. I don't even necessarily disagree with all of this! But what is it doing in this book!
Some of the anecdotes that didn't seem personal were later revealed to be personal. I don't know if these were supposed to be, like, touching gotcha moments, but it was so bizarre to read what felt like a case study and then be like... "Wait, Casey's mom has the same life story as the woman from chapter 5?"
There was so little time spent on the actual science, which could've been so much more interesting and persuasive. You get so little insight into how the study was developed, what hope scores actually mean, and how results can be interpreted. This book is riddled with graphs with poorly labeled axises and literally nonsensical stats. (Like, "Over six months, her hope score rose from 54.8 to 55.7!" Is this good?? What is the average?? What do any of these numbers mean??)
You also can't convince me that a single person read this manuscript before it went to press. I don't mean to be a typo snob, but the mistakes were plentiful and egregious. Again, I feel weird tearing apart a book that seems to, at its core, want to do admirable things. I just think that if you're going to declare that everyone's boss and people in the helping industries should read this book, you should take the time to make it worth their time. And, like, not have the same paragraph reprinted twice in a row in multiple places.
Even when the content was fresh, it got sooo repetitive. Tragically this was like 10 pages of science and 280 pages of unscripted TED Talk.
Let's do a close examination of the book's most jaw-dropping chapter to highlight a few of my grievances.

Chapter 10: Sometimes It Is Too Late for Hope
First of all, absolutely insane chapter title to casually throw into the middle of a book, completely arguing against your own thesis. But it gets wilder. This chapter randomly follows the stories of three ultimately incredibly violent men, who experienced problems in childhood and went on to perpetuate the cycle of abuse.
This wouldn't have felt out of place for the book if the point had been, "Maybe early intervention would have helped them." And like... the message is perhaps subtly there. But why the choice to put them in a chapter about hopeless cases? It's not even an interesting observation—two of the men were killed during the commission of their crimes and the other is on death row. Too late for hope indeed!!
Now, for funsies, a few passages from this same chapter.
1. "...Violence against women in adulthood spurred it forward. It also produces virtually every mass shooter in the country.
For many years, Sea World in San Diego hosted the Shamu Show. Children often loved sitting in the front rows because when Shamu jumped the splash would hit everyone in the lower rows. Signs warned viewers of the show to stay back from the pool tank unless they wanted to get soaked by Shamu's actions. Many children of trauma grow up to repeat the generational cycle of violence and, in some cases, the "splash zone" of their rage produces mass murder."
You read that correctly!! We were talking about violence against women and mass murder and then we immediately ventured into an overly long anecdote about Shamu(???) for the sole purpose of setting up the term splash zone(???) which is easily recognizable outside of Sea World(?????)
Also I'm so sorry I really am I am so mean but the writing just kills me. "soaked by Shamu's actions" OOOOOF

2. "We need to focus far more energy on homicide prevention by going after the stranglers in this country. Stranglers are the cop killers of America."
WHAT is happening. I promise context does not make this random policy demand feel more in place in this book about increasing your hope??? Like,,, I don't disagree? But what are we doing?
Later in the book you find out that the authors' foundation also does work in strangulation prevention and, like, prosecution. Again, I don't think that helps explain this? It just contributes to the feeling that this book is a hodge podge manifesto as opposed to its advertised presentation of HOPE as a SCIENCE.
And finally....

3. "Devon Patrick Kelley, Stephen Paddock and Bryon Shepard needed rising hope long before they became killers."
And tragically, Casey Gwinn and Chan Hellman needed editors long before they got published because TWO of those THREE names of public figures are spelled wrong.

Anyway I am truly sorry for being so mean but book reviewing is my passion and I was gifted this book at work when I became a copywriter so we were always destined to end up here.
Truly I respect the mission. Consider this my application to help edit the second edition. If you're curious about the authors' work, I would suggest exploring it via their online resources as opposed to in this book.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this, as I read all nonfiction books, thru the lens of schools, and how this could work with students. So, the spiritual angles were not as important to me as they will be to others, but that's ok. The underlying principles of how to build emotional strength...and yes, hope...through some intentional measures...measure our will power, our 'way power', which I think is the support system we have around us, the tools and opportunities to reach our goals.

The goal setting exercises, and the handouts in the book will be useful in working one-on-one with students who are struggling.

Another concern (picky, picky) is the same one I had with Alone in School--while my mind and heart love stories, the use of so many personal narratives detracted for me from the solid research and 'how to.' But I'm used to looking for and finding the steps to get started...I don't need to be convinced of the importance of the journey. I already know the journey is important. I absolutely understand the strangeness of ME saying that, since I work in stories all the time.

People who work with young folks, or old folks, would be smart to read and consider this information and research, and to take that which works for them and incorporate it into practice.

[Nanette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very repetitious. Overly reliant on storytelling. I only read all the way to the end because I remained hopeful that it would get better.

[Kristina Schnack Kotlus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fascinating! I loved the idea that our ability to hope can help us overcome what we have faced in our lives through no fault of our own.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This could have been an email.

However, I do love hating on Freud.

[Shane Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I see inspirational phrases, such as hope, in the title of a self-help book, I often cringe. But there is a decent amount of research to back up the claims and practices made here. As a secular reader who enjoys a more evidence-based book, Hope Rising contained some characteristics that weren't my flavor but are a good fit for a different audience. This book contains a lot of narrative and anecdotal experiences, most of which felt like filler to me but could be fulfilling for others. The authors are also very spiritual. So there are a lot of Christian values and connections to religion made throughout the book. Again, this is just a preferential characteristic that wasn't my favorite. Though, I don't feel either the anecdotes or faith-based narratives took away from the overall message.

[Krista Schumacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about the science of hope and how powerful hope can be. I never considered hope to be a verb, so that was interesting. This book is a mix of research, personal stories, and self-help. The self-help part would be useful for anyone looking to lead a more hopeful life. But if you already practice meditation, mindfulness, and daily gratitude, there’s not much new here.

The book is not overly heavy on research, so I think it’s more accessible to the general reader than other research-oriented books geared to the general public. But there’s enough research to whet the appetite of those interested in the scientific study of hope. I particularly liked the parts about ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) and hope.

As a child who witnessed domestic violence, I was glad to learn of Casey Gwinn’s work to create Family Justice Centers. And kudos to Chan Hellman for his work to establish the Hope Research Center at OU and to make Tulsa a city of hope.

[Jeannessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this theory were implemented regularly in our basic societal functions (schools, work, leadership/governmental groups, etc). Absolutely love the idea of hope being a scientific and quantifiable mindset...that it is something tangible that can be shaped and boosted. This data is impressive, data I plan to further replicate and study in my teaching and studies.

[Greg Bem · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating look into a structure for hope. A bit too religious for me at times and the flow is long and dense. But! The stories are fantastic and getting a sense of hope has been renewing.

[Holly Battersby · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit repetitive. A reminder of the importance of goal setting and taking care of yourself and others.
"Whether you are a person of Faith or not, what outlives you will be your investment in the lives of children, family, and friends who will live their lives differently because of you."

[Dorothy Minor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope Rising: How the Science of Hope Can Change Your Life by Casey Gwinn, J.D. and Chan Hellman, Ph.D. is “a clarion call to apply the science of hope in daily life and overcome the trauma, adversity, and struggles everyone must face.” Further, Gavin De Becker, author of The Gift of Fear, calls Hope Rising “a roadmap toward different and better, lives.”
Full disclosure, Chan Hellman was Associate Dean of Liberal Arts and Community Services at Tulsa Community College, Northeast Campus. When he was AD, I was a member of the English faculty there and in his division.
In reading Hope Rising, we quickly learn that a number of studies have been conducted about hope. In the last twenty years, those studies have moved from being a theory to a developed study. The studies have proven to be “amazingly consistent from study to study and they have given [Gwinn and Hellman] a message to deliver. Hope is not just an idea. Hope is not simply an emotion. It is far more than a feeling. It is not a wish or even an expectation. Hope is about goals, willpower, and pathways.”
Hope Rising is full of real stories about real people. The stories answer questions such as “what is hope?” They also explain how to measure hope in children and teens. Chapter 20 deals with “The Hope-Centered Workplace.” In it, readers learn about “collective hope,” “psychological capital,” and “burnout.” The chapter ends with “Five Recommendations to Have High Hope at Work.” Thus, Gwinn and Hellman provide specific help for employees.
Hope Rising ends with reminding readers that “we all need to surround ourselves with people that encourage and affirm us. Negative, critical people are like a cancer. But people who speak grace and forgiveness and become vulnerable with us so we can know that we are not alone --- those are the people we need to be around.” In today’s vitriolic climate, those are statements are extremely important to remember.
Casey Gwinn, an attorney, is President of Alliance for HOPE International. The American Lawyer magazine has named Gwinn one of the top 45 public lawyers in the US. He has been instrumental in his role as a prosecutor in changing “the face of domestic violence prosecution in the United States.”
Chan Hellman has been with the University of OK since 2002. Currently, he is a professor in the Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work and he is the Founding Director of the Hope Research Center. Hellman continues to do research on the “application of hope theory to predict adaptive behaviors, and hope as a psychological strength that buffers stress and adversity among those impacted by family violence.”
The Hope Research Center, OU-Tulsa, concentrates on continuing research into hope as a help for human service agencies. Perhaps these statements sum up the goals of the Hope Research Center best: “Hope is the belief that the future will be better and you have the power to make it so. Hope is based on three main ideas: (1) the ability to set desirable goals, (2) ability to identify viable pathways to these goals, and (3) the capacity to dedicate mental energy or willpower to pursue these goals.”

[Paige Redwine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hope is examined as the interaction of three concepts: goals, pathways (waypower), and agency (willpower). Furthermore, "Hope is the belief that your future can be brighter and better than your past and that you actually have a role to play in making it better." With these definitions setting the foundation for the book, I learned how hope can be measured and tracked. The authors have extensive experience personally and professionally with trauma and challenges. Also, they draw on many stories from others of all ages as examples. I just learned about ACE (Adverse Childhood Experience) scores this past year (fascinating) and that is expanded on in the book.

I found the book long and it became much more of a discipline to finish than a pleasure. Maybe that's just me. I usually have to apply quite a bit of self discipline to finish a nonfiction book.

[Melissa Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I realized that I had been trained as a psychologist to focus on what is wrong with people as opposed to what is right. I learned that we don't have to be defined by our adversity." - Dr. Chan Hellman

In Hope Rising: How the Science of Hope Can Change Your Life, Dr. Hellman and Casey Gwinn present the idea that Hope is a Science, Hope can be measured, and high Hope scores are the single most important factor in determining future success. This framework is transforming non-profit agencies across Oklahoma, as we determine that "Hope is the belief the future will be better than today, and you play a role in making that future possible" AND spread this message to those we serve.

Highly recommend.

[Megan Burt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where’s the TW and the PDF??

I expected this book to be about hope, which it was, but along with the hope was a detailed and uncomfortable retelling of several stories of abuse, including the authors’ own abuse story. Basically if you have anything wrong with you as an adult, you were abused in some way as a child. Um, okay, thanks, but how do I overcome that and have “hope rising”? It’s not by doing the worksheets in the book, at least if you bought it on audible. They didn’t bother including those, and as fun as it is to listen to someone read every line on a worksheet you can’t have… they should have just skipped those chapters for the audio book version.

I didn’t leave this book feeling hopeful and inspired. Quite the opposite really. Such a bummer.

[Hillary Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received a free copy from our Unite community partner for a book study. Although I didn't get to participate in the community book study, the book was very valuable reminder as an educational leader. That reminder being you never know what has happened to a person, but you can be the constant in someone's life and help them find the joy and confidence in themselves for a different, brighter, goal attaining future. This will be a book I recommend to several educational leaders. Thank you for this valuable research and vulnerable truth telling about rising like a Phoenix from the ashes of trauma.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hope Rising explores the relationship between adolescent trauma and the science of hope. The authors show the devastating statistics juvenile trauma creates in adulthood but continue on to illustrate how hope can redeem individual stories and self belief. I was both heartbroken and encouraged by this work.

I would highly suggest everyone either read this book or look into ACE trauma scores (adverse childhood experiences) and hope scales.

Overall: 3/5
- Originality: 3/5
- Intellectually engaging: 4/5
- Spiritually/Emotionally enriching: 4/5
- Plot rich/page turner: 2.5/5
- Depth/Well Researched: 3/5

[Dianna Davidson · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is a lot of great information about the science of hope in this book, but the organization of the topics and real life examples are not presented in a reader friendly format or in a scientific format. When I finally got to Chapter 14, I was running out of patience with the disorganized presentation and the lack of explanations about how to build hope in one's life, but I kept reading to see if the writers could end strong with a tried and tested recipe for mixing up more hope for this world. I was sadly disappointed with the suggestions to simply create goals that have pragmatic pathways to success and be around people who are hope strong.

[Rachel Bonar · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a self-help and inspirational book using scientific research and social work to explain hope. The main focus is mostly on people who've experienced trauma or abuse, but they also focus on how measuring hope can benefit people at school and in the workforce.

I like the author's explanation of the difference between optimism and hope. I also like the three pillars of Hope: goals, agency, and pathways. There were a lot of things I could incorporate into my life and also helped me understand how to offer or encourage hope in others.

[Clara Dossett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good time to read this while on lockdown with COVID and hard read where you cannot incorporate hope over things you cannot control. It does have wonderful information on using hope on the things you can control and how to help yourself when you cannot. I wished I could incorporate some of this with my SPED kids and those I know who are children of trauma but sadly I won't see them until August.

[Dex]

I quit reading this about halfway through because I wasn’t getting much more from it after the first couple chapters and some of their later claims were downright ridiculous. There’s no doubt that both authors are rightful champions of Hope as an idea and worthy pursuit, but they over-apply it to a lot of things that I don’t think they fully understand. I’m not saying I necessarily know better, but some of their applications of their theories is a bit of a stretch for me.

[Bri Lind · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I think it would be good for anyone to read and not just administrators or teachers. This book was one that my instructor wanted us to read and I am glad that he did. It is really moving in a lot of parts and definitely relatable to just about anyone with the stories and situations it gives.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful and transformative! Hope is the belief your future can be better than your past and you have the power to make it so. Goals, pathways, and agency (will power) how to apply the science of hope in your own life, and how to share, model, and cultivate hope in others. What would the world look like if everyone read this book?

[Pious Enwereonu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is an excellent book on hope. It demystified the idea that hope is not a strategy.
Hope is not a wishful thinking. It's more than a strategy. It's not mere expectation of positive outcome in the future. Hope subsumes an expectation of future positive outcome and knowledge that you have a role to play in achieving that envisaged goal.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I skipped some of the religious aspects and anecdotes, the underlying message and theory of hope (that it requires not only an idea, but the ability to set and achieve a pathway to the desired future) resonated with me enough to recommend this book to others who were experiencing diminished hope.

[Alexander Chapman]

Limited on science high on anecdotes

Few spelling errors and mistakes. For a book on the science of hope, its extremely limited on Hope science while being much more scientific on hope-adjacent topics like ACEs. Authors conflate predictive and associated which is very disappointing. The message is good, but is not delivered well from my perspective.

[Emlyn Polatty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Listen I couldn’t stand it. I hate self help books but I read this for a book club at work. The individual focus was so irritating to me. It just felt like the book said well if you are miserable you just aren’t trying hard enough!!! Also why were there no in text citations? Why was god mentioned so often? Not my fave

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

inspiring

I hope to use this in recovery classes in some form or another soon. I think it would be beneficial to those in recovery as many of those people have experienced trauma or low hope in their lives leading them to using drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism. Raising their hope I believe would benefit them greatly in their recovery!

[Rosanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

How does this book rate a 4.2 when classics sometimes rate a 3.5-3.6? I find this book poorly written with basic sentences devoid of complexity. I have to read this book for work and I hopefully will get enough fro skimming it to pass it off as read.

[MaryAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for school to help with one of our Middle States goals. It is awesome! Great ideas for creating a hopeful culture in school, building hope in students and staff, as well as great tidbits for myself. Highly recommend for teachers!

[Tieracy Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 raised to 4

I read this for a class as well as saw a presentation from Dr. Hellman. This is an interesting approach to assisting those enduring trauma. I think this is a developing theory with some holes in the theory but overall something that could be useful in my career.