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Because I Said I Would.
A single promise can change a life forever.
We all make promises constantly. “Yes, I’ll be there.” “Sure, no problem!” But do we really mean what we are saying? What is the impact of a broken promise? And what happens to a life when a promise is honored?
Because I said I would is the international social movement at the forefront of shifting how the world views commitment and accountability. With over 9.81 million Promise Cards distributed, this cause has played a unique role in changing lives around the world. Heartwarming, humorous, inspirational, and tragic—these stories will challenge readers to look deep within themselves and consider the importance of the promises they make.
Through a collection of inspiring short stories and concise philosophical chapters, readers will gain the following:
• Practical life lessons from surprisingly raw stories of everyday people with incredible determination
• Useful advice on how to get better at keeping promises
• Inspiring perspectives that can be utilized in leadership and character development initiatives
One hundred percent of the author’s proceeds go to because I said I would, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is bettering humanity through chapters of volunteers, character education in schools, accountability programs, and awareness campaigns with global reach.
We all make promises constantly. “Yes, I’ll be there.” “Sure, no problem!” But do we really mean what we are saying? What is the impact of a broken promise? And what happens to a life when a promise is honored?
Because I said I would is the international social movement at the forefront of shifting how the world views commitment and accountability. With over 9.81 million Promise Cards distributed, this cause has played a unique role in changing lives around the world. Heartwarming, humorous, inspirational, and tragic—these stories will challenge readers to look deep within themselves and consider the importance of the promises they make.
Through a collection of inspiring short stories and concise philosophical chapters, readers will gain the following:
• Practical life lessons from surprisingly raw stories of everyday people with incredible determination
• Useful advice on how to get better at keeping promises
• Inspiring perspectives that can be utilized in leadership and character development initiatives
One hundred percent of the author’s proceeds go to because I said I would, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is bettering humanity through chapters of volunteers, character education in schools, accountability programs, and awareness campaigns with global reach.
- GenresNonfictionEbooks
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2019
26 people are currently reading
1063 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 5, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
First, I would like to say that my unpleasant reading experience affected my rating for this book. I was sent an electronic copy and read it on my Kindle, though I would have downloaded a PDF copy instead if I had known about the book's large volume of photographs.
Many of the photos showed up as blank spaces so I could not see them at all. The alignment and captions were also 'off' in parts where photos were inserted so I had to guess which images they were supposed to match. To top it off, some of the text appeared as extremely light ink that made reading almost impossible since I could barely see the words.
Content-wise, I did not particularly enjoy the author's writing, personal story or lessons he was trying to impart. Even though they were positive and made sense, they came across as being very long-winded. I was bored out of my mind and couldn't wait to finish the book.
I did, however, enjoy the personal tales of strength, courage and perseverance from all the people whom the author had met. It was inspiring to read about all the hard times they had been through and how they overcame their adversities.
It's such a shame that because of everything else, I endured multiple sittings and struggled to finish the book. Had it not been for the excruciating reading experience, perhaps I would have been able to appreciate this book the way it deserves.
First, I would like to say that my unpleasant reading experience affected my rating for this book. I was sent an electronic copy and read it on my Kindle, though I would have downloaded a PDF copy instead if I had known about the book's large volume of photographs.
Many of the photos showed up as blank spaces so I could not see them at all. The alignment and captions were also 'off' in parts where photos were inserted so I had to guess which images they were supposed to match. To top it off, some of the text appeared as extremely light ink that made reading almost impossible since I could barely see the words.
Content-wise, I did not particularly enjoy the author's writing, personal story or lessons he was trying to impart. Even though they were positive and made sense, they came across as being very long-winded. I was bored out of my mind and couldn't wait to finish the book.
I did, however, enjoy the personal tales of strength, courage and perseverance from all the people whom the author had met. It was inspiring to read about all the hard times they had been through and how they overcame their adversities.
It's such a shame that because of everything else, I endured multiple sittings and struggled to finish the book. Had it not been for the excruciating reading experience, perhaps I would have been able to appreciate this book the way it deserves.
January 6, 2019
I received this book via Goodreads Giveaways.
What a powerful message. I read this in less than a day, and loved the message and the way the booked was laid out. I liked seeing stories mixed in with photos. It really helped to understand the impact because I said I would has had.
What a powerful message. I read this in less than a day, and loved the message and the way the booked was laid out. I liked seeing stories mixed in with photos. It really helped to understand the impact because I said I would has had.
January 2, 2019
Each story is packed with an emotional elements that kept me turning page after page. I found myself immersed with its presence. I'd get up to fold the laundry, empty the dishwasher, or clean the floors-average things I do over a holiday break- and the book would stare up at me each time with a quiet calling, "read me". The remarkable and fluid way in which Alex writes to sew each piece together creates a beautiful dance that, in finishing, showed a clear connection to each story and each person as it represents humankind. We are all connected in interwoven ways, the author of our lives transitioning us from one story to the next. In a world that can feel so disconnected and inhuman, this book reminded me of the strength, power, and magnificence each individual harnesses within themselves.
What is it you would like to change, overcome, or conquer? Make a promise. Make a choice. Make a change.
What is it you would like to change, overcome, or conquer? Make a promise. Make a choice. Make a change.
July 25, 2019
I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from Goodreads Giveaways.
I had never heard of the "because I said I would," phenomena, before reading this book. The story behind the movement is heart felt and inspiring. I admire people who can take their pain (in this case caused by the death of a parent) and use it as a driving force to support others and create positive change.
My favorite parts of this book, were the photos of promise cards people had filled out, and the personal stories. Some of the stories even moved me to to tears.
I could have done without all the multiple Code of Honor sections. One section at the end, would have sufficed.
All in all, a moving and inspiring read. Love hearing stories of people spreading kindness, and working to forge connections.
I had never heard of the "because I said I would," phenomena, before reading this book. The story behind the movement is heart felt and inspiring. I admire people who can take their pain (in this case caused by the death of a parent) and use it as a driving force to support others and create positive change.
My favorite parts of this book, were the photos of promise cards people had filled out, and the personal stories. Some of the stories even moved me to to tears.
I could have done without all the multiple Code of Honor sections. One section at the end, would have sufficed.
All in all, a moving and inspiring read. Love hearing stories of people spreading kindness, and working to forge connections.
April 23, 2019
I received the Kindle version of this book as a part of a Goodreads Giveaway. What an amazing concept and fantastic book. It is amazing how many people are not able to keep their word anymore, so much so that words are often meaningless to us. The whole concept of "Because I said so," holds us responsible for the words that we say and the stories sparked because of this concept are absolutely inspirational and uplifting. I loved reading this book from start to finish. The book itself is layed out beautifully. The author did an amazing job, bravo! This book should be a must read in schools everywhere. I highly recommend this book to anyone.
December 16, 2018
I really, really enjoyed this book! What a simple, yet moving message for Alex Sheen to share. I love how he broke it down into seven characteristics and intertwined stories to drive the message home and make it personal. He truly inspired me to be more intentional with goals in 2019 and to stick to them, for no other reason than "because I said I would". I'm very encouraged by the chapters that have started around the country, especially in high schools!
May 7, 2019
Inspirational !
I won a Kindle copy of Because I Said I would in a Goodreads giveaway. This heart-warming book was inspirational: the author started Because I Said I Would after his father's death, and it has exploded into a social phenomenon in which people see the importance and value of their promises to themselves, their community, and the world. One startling fact-- 75% of adult Americans don't volunteer even once in a year!
I won a Kindle copy of Because I Said I would in a Goodreads giveaway. This heart-warming book was inspirational: the author started Because I Said I Would after his father's death, and it has exploded into a social phenomenon in which people see the importance and value of their promises to themselves, their community, and the world. One startling fact-- 75% of adult Americans don't volunteer even once in a year!
December 26, 2018
This book brings together the promise stories into themes that would otherwise be just be another loose collection of stories published on the “because I said I would” website and social media. The book provides details that bring the original promise stories to life. The book is put together beautifully and is very presentable.
March 17, 2019
Great read and a great cause
I find it admirable that the author quit his job to help others in need. Because I Said I Would is a powerful movement and I am thankful to have heard about it through this book. I had never heard of it before, but it shows how important your promises to others and yourself truly are.
I find it admirable that the author quit his job to help others in need. Because I Said I Would is a powerful movement and I am thankful to have heard about it through this book. I had never heard of it before, but it shows how important your promises to others and yourself truly are.
March 4, 2019
This is important!
The Because I said I would movement isn’t one that I had heard about before, however it is one that I would definitely support! The book was very touching. The kindle version is difficult to read, though. Definitely go to the website and find out more!
The Because I said I would movement isn’t one that I had heard about before, however it is one that I would definitely support! The book was very touching. The kindle version is difficult to read, though. Definitely go to the website and find out more!
April 8, 2019
I would like to thank Goodreads for my Kindle version.
This is a movement similar to Post Secrets but we aren't relaying our secrets...we are relaying things that we said we would do and should simply because we said we would. I like that...for over 5 years now (if not more) my husband and I have stated over again that we would like to see people continue through with things that they say they will do. If you say you are going to do "X", then do it.
So the book is full of stories of how people are carrying through with their proclamations. Photographs are included and some pages simply contain photographs of the cards filled out "...because I said I would." I enjoyed the stories. They are uplifting and inspirational.
However, I did not enjoy the Kindle version (on my iPad). To read it, I had to double tap the paragraphs where 1 - 2 paragraphs would become enlarged at a time. If you don't do this, the print is too tiny - you will go blind. And the mechanism to enlarge with your fingers is turned off. So, this was extremely annoying for me. Now, it might be different if you are reading it on an actual Kindle...
This is a movement similar to Post Secrets but we aren't relaying our secrets...we are relaying things that we said we would do and should simply because we said we would. I like that...for over 5 years now (if not more) my husband and I have stated over again that we would like to see people continue through with things that they say they will do. If you say you are going to do "X", then do it.
So the book is full of stories of how people are carrying through with their proclamations. Photographs are included and some pages simply contain photographs of the cards filled out "...because I said I would." I enjoyed the stories. They are uplifting and inspirational.
However, I did not enjoy the Kindle version (on my iPad). To read it, I had to double tap the paragraphs where 1 - 2 paragraphs would become enlarged at a time. If you don't do this, the print is too tiny - you will go blind. And the mechanism to enlarge with your fingers is turned off. So, this was extremely annoying for me. Now, it might be different if you are reading it on an actual Kindle...
April 5, 2019
*I've had a pleasure of reading this ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publisher*
For me, this book is something between 2 and 3 stars. It's hard to rate this book really, as it says a story of a quite incredible project. The author made a promise to keep a promise and he decided that other people could do it, too. This movement has grown and his little project turned out to be something big. I generally like this idea and some of the promises/stories are pretty amazing. People can be amazing if they choose to be.
On the other hand, with the honour code and all this positivity, it sounds a bit like some cult or at least coaching group. I'm not a fan of either. Sometimes their stories and points of the honour code feel like reading AA meeting. I can't say I don't agree with some of those things.
Since it was an ARC, pdf was ok and included all the photos, unfortunately, I didn't read it in time. The file I've had on Kindle lacked many pictures, but there was a text ;)
This book might be a good place to start or inspiration for doing something for others.
For me, this book is something between 2 and 3 stars. It's hard to rate this book really, as it says a story of a quite incredible project. The author made a promise to keep a promise and he decided that other people could do it, too. This movement has grown and his little project turned out to be something big. I generally like this idea and some of the promises/stories are pretty amazing. People can be amazing if they choose to be.
On the other hand, with the honour code and all this positivity, it sounds a bit like some cult or at least coaching group. I'm not a fan of either. Sometimes their stories and points of the honour code feel like reading AA meeting. I can't say I don't agree with some of those things.
Since it was an ARC, pdf was ok and included all the photos, unfortunately, I didn't read it in time. The file I've had on Kindle lacked many pictures, but there was a text ;)
This book might be a good place to start or inspiration for doing something for others.
April 10, 2025
I highly recommend this book for anyone who needs a boost (and honestly, who doesn't)? The author started an initiative that encourages people to write down a promise to themselves, give that card to someone, and then the card is returned when the promise is fulfilled. He said the idea came to him through his late father's steadfast insistence of always keeping his word. The inspiration has created numerous chapters — both for youth and for adults — where volunteers and staff count the cards and work together on how to build better communities. This book is a quick read, and full of stories from people who have shared their personal "because I said I would" missions. It's the shot in the arm for anyone depleted of hope and ideas. I can't say enough good things about it.
February 1, 2019
I received an ARC of “because I said I would". The book uses 7 code of honor as a guide to help you learn to fulfill promises which is then represented through stories told by everyday people. I like the positive idea of promise cards but the book felt sort of like reading an infomercial. The writer did a remarkable job using these compelling stories to gain our attention, ignite our interest, and to create a desire in us to want to take the next step and help the cause.
I try to take the time to check my schedule before I commit to anything. But on most occasions my fear of breaking a promise leads me to failing to commit all together by using words like “maybe” or “I’ll think about it”.
On a second note, I found the digital copy of this book very difficult to read. Because the print was small and only enlarged small section at a time.
I try to take the time to check my schedule before I commit to anything. But on most occasions my fear of breaking a promise leads me to failing to commit all together by using words like “maybe” or “I’ll think about it”.
On a second note, I found the digital copy of this book very difficult to read. Because the print was small and only enlarged small section at a time.
October 7, 2019
Great book, full of short stories about the promises people have made and the impact keeping them has had on their lives, the lives of people they love, and the larger community. I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway and was looking forward to reading it. Took longer than I would have liked because the kindle format wouldn't actually work on my kindle, only in a web-browser or on a phone/tablet. I really enjoyed the eight sections of the book and I can see myself looking back at those sections and using those values in my own life. Looking forward to seeing what good continues to come from this project. Thinking about my own promises...
November 10, 2018
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I read this in a digital format and it was difficult to read.
Having said that, there was nothing exciting about this collection. It feels like a PostSecrer book, which we've seen for 15 years. The idea of promise cards is really great and positive, but for the purpose of a book, an opportunity was missed. It would have been interesting to see a follow up with the writers of each card. Without some added dimension, this one fell flat.
I read this in a digital format and it was difficult to read.
Having said that, there was nothing exciting about this collection. It feels like a PostSecrer book, which we've seen for 15 years. The idea of promise cards is really great and positive, but for the purpose of a book, an opportunity was missed. It would have been interesting to see a follow up with the writers of each card. Without some added dimension, this one fell flat.
May 25, 2020
This a book about keeping promises, and a vow made by the author at his father's funeral.
The book is oddly formatted for Kindle. At first, when it was difficult to increase the font (I failed the tutorial), but after I cleared that hurdle, the book was very readable.
The author concentrated on seven themes to facilitate the making and keeping of promises. The author also shared inspirational stories from people who were reached by his organization.
The book is oddly formatted for Kindle. At first, when it was difficult to increase the font (I failed the tutorial), but after I cleared that hurdle, the book was very readable.
The author concentrated on seven themes to facilitate the making and keeping of promises. The author also shared inspirational stories from people who were reached by his organization.
Read
April 4, 2021I'm not rating this one. This book is more about the ideas and less about the writing itself. Make a commitment to pay attention, be present in the world and follow through on listening to and helping others. Whatever that looks like in your own particular life journey. A compelling and inspiring message of hope, understanding, love and healing.
Read
May 27, 2022DNF. I really wanted to read the inspiring stories in this, but the format was impossible. Downloaded to various devices, but could not get it large enough to read comfortably. The little I managed was a very uplifting story of one man’s ideals and how his small personal actions grew into a movement.
February 23, 2019
I won this Kindle edition book in a GoodReads giveaway - thank you to everyone involved.
This book is written as a collection of stories. Each story contains lessons the we can all
use in our life today.
This book is written as a collection of stories. Each story contains lessons the we can all
use in our life today.
April 10, 2019
Uplifting stories on how powerful promises can be. The idea could begin a great change in our world. I liked the addition of pictures to help tell each story. Kindle version was hard to read but still enjoyed! I won this through a Goodreads giveaway.
April 10, 2019
I won a free kindle copy through goodreads, but when I try to deliver to my Kindle Paperwhite, i get the message: "You have selected content that is not compatible with your default device"
Since I can't read the content, I can't provide a review.
Since I can't read the content, I can't provide a review.
September 14, 2019
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I was surprised that I hadn't heard of this before. I admire the author's tenacity and commitment. He has truly changed the world for the better. Unfortunately, I was unable to finish reading the book because the print was too small.
April 9, 2019
Interesting read
April 9, 2019
I won a digital copy but could not read :( Book uploads too small and no way to enlarge.
June 9, 2019
Interesting mix of stories, some I liked, some I didn't
December 26, 2022
Very inspiring and enjoyed reading. Maybe we all need to read this book
November 26, 2025
Had the pleasure to meet Alex Sheen. Changed my life
July 10, 2019
I won a free kindle copy through goodreads, but when I try to deliver to my Kindle Paperwhite, i get the message: "You have selected content that is not compatible with your default device"
Since I can't read the content, I can't provide a review.
Since I can't read the content, I can't provide a review.
August 15, 2019
Won this book on a Goodreads Giveaway and I can't wait to start reading it. Looking forward to this read --will update upon completion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews