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Glad You're Here: Two Unlikely Friends Breaking Bread and Fences
When Craig Cooper and Walker Hayes met, Walker was an alcoholic atheist reeling from the backlash of a failed music career. Through their unlikely friendship, Craig’s life demonstrated the love of Christ in a way that shattered Walker’s misconceptions of Christianity, ultimately leading him down the path to a dramatic conversion. The two are now close as brothers, choosing to be next-door neighbors and ripped out the fence between their homes as a testament to the power of the gospel to break down barriers and unite people together in Christ. Glad You’re Here helps us discover how building relationships, sacrificing for the good of others, and drawing near in times of need can lead to powerful transformation. Through story and biblical reflections, Glad You’re Here helps readers see how God works in the everyday lives of those who love him.
160 pages, Paperback
Published May 3, 2022
254 people are currently reading
2495 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 471 reviews
July 5, 2022
Glad You’re Here is a story of friendship and fellowship by Walker Hayes (country singer of The Applebees song) and his close friend/pastor Craig Allen Cooper. If you like memoirs and personal stories, this one is for you. I loved it. I cried several times. It was a very emotional read. Walker is very open, honest, and vulnerable about his life as an alcoholic and atheist and his journey to sobriety and Jesus. A powerful story about the reality and daily challenges of navigating life with addiction and healing from trauma. What I liked most was seeing the little ways God gives us signs and puts things in place to help us arrive at where we are meant to be. I believe there are parts of this book that will speak to every reader. It was an inspiring and healing reading experience for me.
January 25, 2023
4 stars
Glad You're Here is a beautiful and touching story of an unlikely friendship between Walker Hayes and Craig Allen Cooper. This book was emotional at times, but also so encouraging. I got it on an audible sale and I'm so happy I picked it up!
Glad You're Here is a beautiful and touching story of an unlikely friendship between Walker Hayes and Craig Allen Cooper. This book was emotional at times, but also so encouraging. I got it on an audible sale and I'm so happy I picked it up!
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Walker Hayes & Craig Allen Cooper
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Non-fiction
Length: 4h 20m
May 16, 2022
Incredibly honest look behind the curtain at a well-known singer’s encounters with Jesus via his friend Craig. I was surprised by how touching this book was.
March 3, 2024
A tremendous story of the transformational power of the Gospel. From page to page - or minute to minute if you listen to the audiobook - this book points to Christ, the power of His love, and His goodness to use His people to profoundly impact the lives of others.
Speaking of the audiobook, what a powerful way to experience this story! It’s read by both Walker and Craig taking turns narrating their own sections which added a depth and emotion to their words. And man, I could barely keep my tears from spilling over during some parts.
Read this book and be reminded of God’s ability to use our seemingly small faithfulness for His glory and the good of others.
“We love you low, bro.”
Speaking of the audiobook, what a powerful way to experience this story! It’s read by both Walker and Craig taking turns narrating their own sections which added a depth and emotion to their words. And man, I could barely keep my tears from spilling over during some parts.
Read this book and be reminded of God’s ability to use our seemingly small faithfulness for His glory and the good of others.
“We love you low, bro.”
January 4, 2022
In Glad You’re Here, Craig and Walker refuse to be trite. They tell their stories honestly, giving us full view of the joys and the heartaches accompanying their unlikely friendship. Their account will leave you heartened and challenged to pursue the authentic faith and unvarnished friendship they’ve discovered together.
October 19, 2024
What a fabulous and heart warming book.... those two guys certainly did have an unlikely friendship for sure as it was stated for there aren't always many that way! I admired their vulnerability in sharing such honest aspects of their personalities and failures as not everyone has the courage to admit shortcomings per say. Their connection is incredible and the faith journey that Walker ended up taking was miraculous...my heart rejoiced knowing he too, after atheism, became a Christian who wholeheartedly loves the Lord! The relationship between their two families is remarkable++ as well. Reading this book has blessed my soul indeed to know about the joy in Walker's family especially after giving his heart to Jesus and seeing the difference:)
In Craig's family; his daughter had been asking for a dog so often that he laid out six specific conditions before he would agree...but sure enough, the kids prayed++ and a dog was found to have meet all the criteria...such a delightful tale there too!
A tremendous book that I can certainly recommend for anyone as it is such an encouragement and a pleasure :)
In Craig's family; his daughter had been asking for a dog so often that he laid out six specific conditions before he would agree...but sure enough, the kids prayed++ and a dog was found to have meet all the criteria...such a delightful tale there too!
A tremendous book that I can certainly recommend for anyone as it is such an encouragement and a pleasure :)
March 15, 2023
Goodness this book was wonderful. I've always found Walker's music fun and have found that I love any kind of memoir-type books, so I was excited to dive into this one. I didn't know much about Walker outside of his music so this was a super interesting read about his coming to faith story.
The relationship the Hayes and Cooper families have is a beautiful thing and truly the picture of Christ as they meet each other in the messiness of life. This book flips back and forth between Walker and Craig's words as they share honest, personal stories and many stories of their friendship. There were moments where I laughed and also moments where my heart broke and I cried right alongside these two, specifically when they describe the birth of Walker and Laney's stillborn daughter, Oakleigh.
At the end of the day (or the book, ha!) this is about Walker's journey to faith in Jesus, which is the most important thing. It also happens to be a highlight of friendship and a peek into country music stardom. Highly recommend!
The relationship the Hayes and Cooper families have is a beautiful thing and truly the picture of Christ as they meet each other in the messiness of life. This book flips back and forth between Walker and Craig's words as they share honest, personal stories and many stories of their friendship. There were moments where I laughed and also moments where my heart broke and I cried right alongside these two, specifically when they describe the birth of Walker and Laney's stillborn daughter, Oakleigh.
At the end of the day (or the book, ha!) this is about Walker's journey to faith in Jesus, which is the most important thing. It also happens to be a highlight of friendship and a peek into country music stardom. Highly recommend!
September 10, 2023
This one gets way more than 5 stars for me. I mean just the best story. Both men are so easy to read and connect with. The story is raw, vulnerable and so special. I love their friendship so much. My husband and I read at night before bed- we laughed, we cried and we celebrated at the beauty of knowing Jesus! So thankful for this book! You should read it!
May 18, 2022
Such a great account of a family being loved to Jesus! I never tire of hearing how God works and moves to bring people to Himself and how He uses faithful Christians in this work. It’s very encouraging and also convicting and challenging as well as a great example to follow. God does the wooing when we as Christians live faithful lives and love people.
April 18, 2022
I read this book in one sitting. I literally could not put it down. It’s phenomenal. Buy it. Read it. It’s so encouraging!
January 14, 2024
what an honest beautiful story that depicts the sacrificial love and relentless mercies of our God!! could nOt stop crying, like i actually had tears running down my face the whole time i was listening to the audiobook (which is read by walker hayes and craig allen cooper which i thought was so neat!) my mom has been trying to get me to read this book bc thought it was sOO good and ofc she was right, it just took me an entire year to actually listen. honestly this book was just powerful and served as a reminder to me of how God walks with us in all of the moments of our lives, the big and small ones, the joyful and heartbreaking ones and all the ones in between. i never read like memoir type stories but this is a MUST read if you are a looking for a gentle reminder of how God works on us and through us even when we can not or do not see it, all for the glory of His kingdom. listening to this story of 2 unlikely friends, who do life and love Jesus together, while driving back to college for my last semester of undergrad i think was Gods way of reminding me of His love and grace and that all i need to do is trust in and find rest in his perfect plan and peace.
emotional! powerful! encouraging! 5 ⭐️s all around!!
standout quotes:
is there really ever anything ordinary when it’s in the hands of an Almighty God
Jesus made broken people feel comfortable in his presence. The truth is we are all broken but Jesus makes us feel at ease.
i am grateful for this ugly part of my testimony
i am on a search for the beauty to see in this broken world
emotional! powerful! encouraging! 5 ⭐️s all around!!
standout quotes:
is there really ever anything ordinary when it’s in the hands of an Almighty God
Jesus made broken people feel comfortable in his presence. The truth is we are all broken but Jesus makes us feel at ease.
i am grateful for this ugly part of my testimony
i am on a search for the beauty to see in this broken world
January 25, 2023
3.5 stars
"Glad You're Here" by Walker Hayes & Craig Allen Cooper is about the power of friendship and the importance of breaking down barriers. The story revolves around two unlikely friends, one is a Christian, and the other is a nonbeliever who comes together over the love of their families and friendships. Through their interactions, they grow closer as friends and Walker becomes a believer.
Non-fiction
"Glad You're Here" by Walker Hayes & Craig Allen Cooper is about the power of friendship and the importance of breaking down barriers. The story revolves around two unlikely friends, one is a Christian, and the other is a nonbeliever who comes together over the love of their families and friendships. Through their interactions, they grow closer as friends and Walker becomes a believer.
Non-fiction
Audiobook source: Audible
Narrator: Walker Hayes & Craig Allen Cooper
Length: 4H 20M
August 18, 2022
5 stars for Jesus. Listened to this book which made it all the more dear as Walker and Craig are the narrators. The narration by the authors lends itself to feeling like you’re sitting in their living room hearing the story first hand. What a story of God’s redeeming grace, transformation and blessing amidst the ups and downs of life. May the story shared within the pages of this book accomplish what the authors hope- that souls would be won for Christ.
November 13, 2023
Love his song, Fancy Like :) This alternates chapters between Walker and his friend/pastor, Craig. Liked the audiobook. Very encouraging testimony of God's goodness and grace!
November 3, 2023
Sobbed my way through this book. So grateful for how Jesus rescues sinners!
September 3, 2025
A powerful discussion and memoir about being a Christian!!
Walker Hayes is my favorite country artist, and one of my favorite singers. I first listened to his music in 2018 when his song Beautiful from his album boom first came out. I loved that album! But I always skipped the last song. Until I went on a blind date with two other couples who I barely knew. We drove in this truck with three people in the front and three people in the back, so my date and I awkwardly third wheeled the other two couples since we were the only people who weren’t actually dating. I don’t remember this guy’s name or what we did, but I remember him taking the aux from the back and playing Craig by Walker Hayes, and I realized the song was so great. The rest of the people in the truck seemed bored, but I realized I loved the song and needed to stop skipping it at the end of boom.
This book is the summary of Craig and Walker’s friendship (listen to the song for their story!). But it’s also a message about what being a Christian truly means. Walker also talks about how he overcomes alcoholism. He discusses how he was always an atheist, but then he learned to believe in God. He writes about the stillborn death of their daughter Oakleigh (teared up a little bit during that chapter).
I’m sure most of you know Walker Hayes from his song Fancy Like, which imo is not one of his better songs, but I’m glad it got him popular because he deserves it!
This book isn’t perfect, but I’m giving it five stars because I loved hearing Walker’s story and how he worked so hard for his dream. I really respect his attitude for life and his diligence to becoming a better person. He is honest and humble about his faults, which I’m sure is hard to do. And I love how he writes his style of music, it’s not like other country songs, but I love it. I also really respect his message about Christianity - it’s hard to find people who don’t mock it nowadays.
Other random thoughts - I liked reading Craig’s chapters too. You can tell he’s a worship leader because his random stories contributed well to the message of the book. And I always thought he was like a rich guy who was able to give Walker a van (in the song Craig), but it was crazy to hear that he was living paycheck to paycheck but felt impressed to give the van to the Hayes family.
Also when we were deciding to name Baylor I looked at Walker’s family names because I liked most of them (the ones I like are Beckett, Oakleigh, Walker, and Baylor). We almost did Walker, but decided on Baylor instead! (I already liked all those names before looking at his family names, but it was just fun to see the ones I had in common.) It’s awesome that they have a big family (seven kids including Oakleigh), and that they embrace that!
I listened to the audiobook, which Craig and Walker both narrate. I had low expectations going into this book since it seemed so random, but it was written really well, and I learned more than I expected about Walker’s journey into fame.
12/50 - read across America Tennessee
Walker Hayes is my favorite country artist, and one of my favorite singers. I first listened to his music in 2018 when his song Beautiful from his album boom first came out. I loved that album! But I always skipped the last song. Until I went on a blind date with two other couples who I barely knew. We drove in this truck with three people in the front and three people in the back, so my date and I awkwardly third wheeled the other two couples since we were the only people who weren’t actually dating. I don’t remember this guy’s name or what we did, but I remember him taking the aux from the back and playing Craig by Walker Hayes, and I realized the song was so great. The rest of the people in the truck seemed bored, but I realized I loved the song and needed to stop skipping it at the end of boom.
This book is the summary of Craig and Walker’s friendship (listen to the song for their story!). But it’s also a message about what being a Christian truly means. Walker also talks about how he overcomes alcoholism. He discusses how he was always an atheist, but then he learned to believe in God. He writes about the stillborn death of their daughter Oakleigh (teared up a little bit during that chapter).
I’m sure most of you know Walker Hayes from his song Fancy Like, which imo is not one of his better songs, but I’m glad it got him popular because he deserves it!
This book isn’t perfect, but I’m giving it five stars because I loved hearing Walker’s story and how he worked so hard for his dream. I really respect his attitude for life and his diligence to becoming a better person. He is honest and humble about his faults, which I’m sure is hard to do. And I love how he writes his style of music, it’s not like other country songs, but I love it. I also really respect his message about Christianity - it’s hard to find people who don’t mock it nowadays.
Other random thoughts - I liked reading Craig’s chapters too. You can tell he’s a worship leader because his random stories contributed well to the message of the book. And I always thought he was like a rich guy who was able to give Walker a van (in the song Craig), but it was crazy to hear that he was living paycheck to paycheck but felt impressed to give the van to the Hayes family.
Also when we were deciding to name Baylor I looked at Walker’s family names because I liked most of them (the ones I like are Beckett, Oakleigh, Walker, and Baylor). We almost did Walker, but decided on Baylor instead! (I already liked all those names before looking at his family names, but it was just fun to see the ones I had in common.) It’s awesome that they have a big family (seven kids including Oakleigh), and that they embrace that!
I listened to the audiobook, which Craig and Walker both narrate. I had low expectations going into this book since it seemed so random, but it was written really well, and I learned more than I expected about Walker’s journey into fame.
12/50 - read across America Tennessee
January 17, 2023
Any book that makes me well up with tears multiple times, deserves 5 stars. This is such a beautiful story of friendship and redemption. If you are looking for a great story of how Christians should be reaching out and befriending those who don’t believe, this is the book you should read. If you want to see how a cynical atheist can change their mind about the goodness of Christ, then you need to read this book.
My heart has been deeply touch by Craig & Walker’s story. Now I find it necessary to explore Walker’s music. I’m a 80’s & 90’s music fan and don’t explore much new music these days, so I’ve never even heard any of his songs. If I go to listen to Craig!
My heart has been deeply touch by Craig & Walker’s story. Now I find it necessary to explore Walker’s music. I’m a 80’s & 90’s music fan and don’t explore much new music these days, so I’ve never even heard any of his songs. If I go to listen to Craig!
May 12, 2022
I’ve already bought three copies of “Glad You’re Here: Two Unlikely Friends Breaking Bread and Fences” by Walker Hayes and Craig Allen Cooper to gift to specific friends. I’ve referenced this story in conversations this week and will likely recommended it for years to come.
This story is about two seemingly different guys befriending each other because their kids were on the same baseball team and their wives became friends. They kept showing for each other, encouraged each other, and changed each other for the better. In fact, their friendship was the catalyst for Walker deciding to follow Christ.
Give me Applebee’s on a date night, a real-life story of how we are eternally better together, and an audiobook that makes me want to drive and I’m a happy girl. I’m fancy like that.
This story is about two seemingly different guys befriending each other because their kids were on the same baseball team and their wives became friends. They kept showing for each other, encouraged each other, and changed each other for the better. In fact, their friendship was the catalyst for Walker deciding to follow Christ.
Give me Applebee’s on a date night, a real-life story of how we are eternally better together, and an audiobook that makes me want to drive and I’m a happy girl. I’m fancy like that.
February 8, 2023
Book 20 of 2023
I cried many times reading this book because it is one big testimony to our Lord and Savior.
Hayes and Cooper both chose to write the hard words and use them for good. It is clear to see how God was working in the lives of these men, and used true community to do it. They are the "come as you are" friends -- show up with your worst and be fully loved. Inside that kind of friendship, Hayes met Jesus. HAYES MET JESUS. He turned his life from an alcoholic atheist and said "I believe." It sounds simple but as a daughter of the King I rejoice in such a proclamation. I was able to reflect on my own journey within these pages, and it felt like a worshipful experience to go through this.
Thank you @WalkerHayes. Thank you for sharing your ugly scars so that others can hear the good news of our Savior. Thank you for your vulnerability. Thank you for relieving the brokenness so that we can see how far you and your family have come. These words were beautiful and powerful and I fully believe that others will be transformed by your honesty. Have I enjoyed "Fancy Like" with my son, dancing to an Applebee's tune as homage to my time working there? Absolutely. Do I like this more? 100%. Your story is powerful, and I am so glad to have listened to it in your own words, your own voice. Absolutely stunning.
and thank you, Craig. Thank you for representing Christ in ALL the ways. Let the sunshine fall on your face knowing that you played a pivotal role in growing the Kingdom.
Rating -- five stars
Format -- audiobook
I cried many times reading this book because it is one big testimony to our Lord and Savior.
Hayes and Cooper both chose to write the hard words and use them for good. It is clear to see how God was working in the lives of these men, and used true community to do it. They are the "come as you are" friends -- show up with your worst and be fully loved. Inside that kind of friendship, Hayes met Jesus. HAYES MET JESUS. He turned his life from an alcoholic atheist and said "I believe." It sounds simple but as a daughter of the King I rejoice in such a proclamation. I was able to reflect on my own journey within these pages, and it felt like a worshipful experience to go through this.
Thank you @WalkerHayes. Thank you for sharing your ugly scars so that others can hear the good news of our Savior. Thank you for your vulnerability. Thank you for relieving the brokenness so that we can see how far you and your family have come. These words were beautiful and powerful and I fully believe that others will be transformed by your honesty. Have I enjoyed "Fancy Like" with my son, dancing to an Applebee's tune as homage to my time working there? Absolutely. Do I like this more? 100%. Your story is powerful, and I am so glad to have listened to it in your own words, your own voice. Absolutely stunning.
and thank you, Craig. Thank you for representing Christ in ALL the ways. Let the sunshine fall on your face knowing that you played a pivotal role in growing the Kingdom.
Rating -- five stars
Format -- audiobook
May 15, 2022
I loved reading this and learning more about Walker Hayes (and his friend, Craig). Like so many, I learned of Walker Hayes and his country music during the pandemic, when his song, Fancy Like, went viral thanks to the cutest TikTok dance he does with his oldest daughter. Following him on Instagram, you’re under the impression that he has this perfect life - extremely good-looking, famous, living the dream with his perfect wife and six kids. Reading this was extremely insightful and made me respect him so much more - he’s hustled for so long to get where he is, battling several difficulties along the way (alcoholism, stillbirth, years of “not making it”). So happy to see his successes. I gave this four, rather than five, stars because it does come across rather preachy at points. Otherwise, it’s a solid read - especially if you’re already a fan of Walker Hayes!
February 10, 2023
Book 32 of 2023
The Lord always knows when I need to hear a certain message, and this book was one avenue in which He delivered this week. I loved this beautiful message of friendship, redemption, and Jesus’ beautiful gift to everyone. Walker Hayes shares his testimony here & tells of the power of friendship in winning his heart to Jesus. I love how Craig Cooper loved Walker in all stages of his life. He let his words and actions show the love of Jesus without ever forcing it on Walker. We all need friends like Craig in our lives, and I’m so thankful to have had several at different stages in my life.
This is a beautiful and heartfelt read. Could not encourage you enough to pick this up.
Format: audiobook (Libby) - beautifully narrated by both Walker & Craig
The Lord always knows when I need to hear a certain message, and this book was one avenue in which He delivered this week. I loved this beautiful message of friendship, redemption, and Jesus’ beautiful gift to everyone. Walker Hayes shares his testimony here & tells of the power of friendship in winning his heart to Jesus. I love how Craig Cooper loved Walker in all stages of his life. He let his words and actions show the love of Jesus without ever forcing it on Walker. We all need friends like Craig in our lives, and I’m so thankful to have had several at different stages in my life.
This is a beautiful and heartfelt read. Could not encourage you enough to pick this up.
Format: audiobook (Libby) - beautifully narrated by both Walker & Craig
July 2, 2022
I didn’t expect to read this book, but after hearing the friends discuss their friendship on a podcast my wife surprised me with it. The narrative voice from both is strong and endearing. It makes a person long for the power of Christ and friendship in their lives and encourages the reader to seek both.
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July 23, 2025Life is a wild ride, but God's in every step of the way
June 19, 2022
Super quick read and so inspiring! Love it all - read it!!!
December 31, 2024
The writing in this book isn't anything spectacular, but the message is.
September 2, 2024
A beautiful testimony to the Lord’s sovereignty and work to change hearts. You won’t be able to put it down.
May 6, 2022
I loved this book. I had been a fan of Walker's music for a while now and had heard the song Craig and loved it. Once I found out that Craig was a real person and found out about the relationship that Walker & Craig had I wanted to know more. I was so excited for this book to come out. I really enjoyed getting to see a clearer picture about the 2 of them and their friendship. I cried during the chapter about Oakleigh and could feel the pain that Walker and Laney went through. Everyone needs a Craig and their lives and hopefully one day I can be that person for someone.
May 6, 2022
By way of full disclosure, Craig Cooper is a very dear friend and a pastor to whom I feel deeply indebted for years of wise, faithful counsel. This book was an absolute pleasure to read, not merely for those reasons, but because it’s a fantastic monument to the gospel of grace. Walker (whom I’ve never met) and Craig each share their perspectives in a kind of memoir of their early friendship; the two voices are very distinct and contribute their own personalities to the book. To read this is to feel like you’re sitting in a coffee shop listening to them share. (Knowing Craig, I’d not be surprised at all if this were largely how he and Walker worked together on this.) This is a book for the believer and unbeliever alike: the former will be encouraged deeply by the profound friendship of these two men and warmed to hear them trace the footprints of God’s mysterious providential ordering of their relationship, even through bitterness and heartbreak; the latter will be met over and over again with tangible examples of how the transforming grace of God meets us where we are, but takes us somewhere far better. Highly and joyfully recommended!
May 14, 2022
I was a Walker Hayes fan before, and now that escalated to a “whole ‘nother level”. A tender story of friendship. Of just being there - in the trials and the triumphs. That Craig’s friendship modeled Jesus so completely that Walker eventually wanted that, too. What a testimony! What a story!
I listened on audible and hear Craig and Walker read their own stories. I highly recommend this book!
I listened on audible and hear Craig and Walker read their own stories. I highly recommend this book!
January 23, 2023
That was such a good read! Wow! I’m so glad I found this book!
I loved hearing Walkers story & it being told alongside his pastor as well. I most def cried throughout the book & laughed too. I love Walkers music & I am so happy to read that he is a Believer in Jesus!
I loved hearing Walkers story & it being told alongside his pastor as well. I most def cried throughout the book & laughed too. I love Walkers music & I am so happy to read that he is a Believer in Jesus!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 471 reviews