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The Jesus I Know: Honest Conversations and Diverse Opinions about Who He Is

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New York Times bestselling author Kathie Lee Gifford reveals heartwarming, entertaining conversations between people and personalities who both agree and disagree about who Jesus is, his role throughout history, and his presence in our lives today.

For decades Kathie Lee has had deep conversations about her faith with anyone who is interested in talking about it. What she discovered early on is most people are very willing to talk about Jesus: atheists, agnostics, Scientologists, Jews, broken-hearted Catholics, confused Baptists, Pentecostals, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Hindus alike.

While some of the people Kathie Lee has spoken with do not share her belief that Jesus is the Messiah—as prophesied for centuries by prophets in the Hebrew scriptures—they nonetheless have a universal fascination with Him. This singular man who lived more than two thousand years ago, and never traveled more than one hundred miles from where He was born, managed to change the entire world. Even the way we delineate history (BC/AD) comes from His short thirty-three years of life.

In The Jesus I Know, Kathie Lee shares cherished conversations that she's had with others who find Jesus to be an ancient historical figure who somehow continues to be an undeniably magnetic, relevant presence in the modern world. Those conversations include


actors like Kristin Chenoweth and Cynthia Garrett, with stories of Craig Ferguson and Kevin Costner,
newsmakers and news personalities like Kris Jenner, Megyn Kelly, Jason Kennedy, and Janice Dean,
performers like Chynna Phillips Baldwin, Brian Welch, Jimmie Allen, and Jimmy Wayne,
hitmakers like Louis York and David Pomeranz,
as well as those coming from other faith traditions.
Using Kathie Lee's favorite Scripture passages as scaffolding, these thought-provoking exchanges will bring His teachings to life before your very eyes.

224 pages, Paperback

Published November 29, 2022

221 people are currently reading
2330 people want to read

About the author

Kathie Lee Gifford

66 books261 followers
Kathryn Lee Gifford (born Epstein, previously Johnson; born August 16, 1953) is an American television host, singer, songwriter, author, comedian, and actress. She is the co-host, with Hoda Kotb, of The Kathie Lee and Hoda Show, the fourth hour of NBC Today. She is best known for her 15-year run (1985–2000) on the talk show Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee, which she co-hosted with Regis Philbin. She has received 11 Daytime Emmy nominations and won her first Daytime Emmy in 2010 as part of the Today team. Gifford's first television role had been as Tom Kennedy's singer/sidekick on the syndicated version of Name That Tune, from 1974 to 1978. She also occasionally appears on the first three hours of Today and is a contributing NBC News correspondent.

Kathie Lee married Paul Johnson, a Christian composer/arranger/producer/publisher in 1976. After their divorce in 1982, she married sportscaster and former NFL player Frank Gifford in 1986. He died in 2015. Kathie Lee has released a number of studio albums and written a number of books.

For earlier works, see Kathie Epstein.

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5 stars
245 (28%)
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247 (28%)
3 stars
267 (30%)
2 stars
78 (9%)
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26 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
Profile Image for Joan K.
192 reviews
December 15, 2021
Very disappointed, wish I hadn’t wasted $15.99 on this overpriced ebook. The author must think that Mormonism and Scientology are Christianity - THEY ARE NOT! In her interviews with believers of these 2 religions, she never corrects them about that fact. That was unbelievable to me. It was utterly ridiculous. Also, she makes it sound like a person must travel to Israel to “get” Christianity. I felt like I had to keep reading it, because 1) I was hoping that it would get better and that the gospel would be told, and 2) I didn’t want to feel that I’d wasted my money. Failed on both counts. I’d suggest skipping this book, and just stick to the Holy Bible. Sorry, Kathie Lee Gifford. Wish that I could get my money back.
7 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2022
I absolutely loved this book!! This concept of interviewing well known names and asking them about who Jesus is to them has been very close to my heart for years. When I worked in Christian television many years ago, this idea was exactly the program I wished to produce. I am so fulfilled that it was accomplished in book form, but also the content was heartwarming and relatable! This book shows us that whoever your neighbor is, what they look like or where they come from...you never know who they are behind the image they portray.
Profile Image for Barbara Powell.
1,135 reviews66 followers
December 4, 2021
I have been a fan of Kathie Lee for as long as I can remember, all the way back to when she was with Regis. I have always admired her tell it like it is ways and her unashamed faith. This book totally backs up both of those characteristics. In it, Kathy “interviews “ some famous and some that are not as famous people and what their relationship with Christ means to them and how they came to that place in their lives. They all have very different upbringings and lifestyles and yet there is a connection in the abundant life that they live after finding their faith and spirituality. In some cases, I wish the chapters were longer so I could get even more of their story.
The bottom line is that as different as we all are, we are all loved by God and are given the chance to choose to love him back and enjoy the joy that it brings.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
Profile Image for Laura Robinson (naptimereaders).
344 reviews296 followers
January 20, 2022
I picked up this book not knowing much of it. I thought it would be more of Kathies story than all of her friends.

I’m sad to note, like many other reviews. That I don’t think a lot of these people have a heart relationship with Jesus as much as they have head knowledge of Jesus. The Bible is clear that you can serve no other gods & that we must die to ourself and pick up our cross. We cannot pick up our cross and die to ourselves if we are still participating in things like buddhism, Scientology and the pleasures of this world. This lady in the last chapter even said “I don’t think Jesus wants us to worship him. But have faith “😳😬

I love Kathie & I see her heart in this book- but she missed the mark & I believe will lead many people astray by making them believe they can “know” Jesus and still worship or partake in the the world.

I will also note- a trip to the Holy land doesn’t change someone’s relationship with Jesus. Getting baptized in the Jordan River doesn’t save someone. And I think this book made it seem like that when people talked about their “experience” getting baptized.

1 star for everyone sharing their stories & your story is your story.
Profile Image for Renee Knoblauch.
343 reviews14 followers
December 13, 2021
Kathie Lee Gifford explores a diverse group of people with whom she has had conversations with throughout her life about Jesus and who they say they He is. Its tone is a conversational style going back and forth “interview” format. She explores how they came to know about Jesus and a bit of history that they share with Kathie from their life as a believer or how they came back to Him. The individuals talk about growing up and other events in their life. The conversations are a diverse group of people from Kristen Chenoweth, Jimmie Allen, Megyn Kelly, and others. It was an interesting insight into others and their journey.
The book is a slow read in my opinion. Not one I could open up and read for long periods. The chapters break it up but I had to break up the chapters in bits.

I enjoyed her book The Rock, Road, and the Rabbi. This book wasn’t my favorite. It’s one of those books that I can agree to disagree with. While several of the individuals have had interesting walks I felt some of it didn’t line up with the Jesus I know and the scriptures. Let me clarify it wasn’t everyone as some parts are good. As a whole, I just didn’t love this particular book.

Disclosure I received this complimentary product through FrontGate Blogger Network in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Profile Image for Margaret Standafer.
Author 11 books145 followers
January 23, 2022
The book is a recounting of conversations Kathie Lee Gifford has had with some of her friends on who Jesus is to them. She asks questions about their upbringing and whether they grew up in a home with any religion, she asks about their spiritual journeys, and she shares some insights from her personal journey. I knew very few of the people interviewed, but I don’t think that mattered. Some of the stories were more interesting than others; for example, I enjoyed reading the Rabbi’s understanding of Jesus. Many of the stories started to sound the same: I grew up going to church, I strayed from any sort of religion or faith as I got older and got rich/famous/etc., then I found my way back and I now have a relationship with Jesus. I have no doubt about Kathie Lee’s faith after reading the book, and I know her heart is in the right place sharing these stories to hep bolster others, but for me, it started to seem repetitive and found myself thinking I wanted to hear from people who aren’t her close friends, who might surprise her with their responses… those she might help discover Jesus. That, for me, would have been a more interesting read.
Profile Image for Connie Saunders.
1,836 reviews160 followers
December 15, 2021
'Jesus is always the same, but He doesn't show up the same way to everyone. We are unique individuals who come from different places with different-shaped and -colored faces and different sets of circumstances.'

I have long been a fan of Kathie Lee Gifford, but I wasn't always aware of her deep faith. Now, in this new book, she reveals the true depth of her beliefs, and she invites others to share their own feelings about Jesus. In conversations with twenty-three personalities, Gifford asks, "Who is Jesus to you?" and the answers are as varied as the people being interviewed. Some of them are names we all recognize, such as performers Kristin Chenoweth and Chynna Phillips Baldwin, or TV personalities Kris Jenner and Megyn Kelly, but there are others that I didn't know. All of the conversations are intriguing, but I was especially moved by Pattie Mallette and Jimmy Wayne. Pattie was just eighteen when she had her baby and even though she raised her son Justin Bieber in the church, she had to watch him struggle with drug addiction. Justin is now married and in recovery, but Pattie's story is extremely powerful! Jimmy Wayne was a homeless young man taken in by a couple who quietly exhibited their faith by offering physical shelter and emotional support. Now he writes songs and stories that focus on children in foster care.

All of these conversations are real, and I especially like that Gifford includes Scriptures that are relevant to each person's circumstances. The Jesus I Know is filled with touching stories that show the depth of God's love for all of us. It is a book that will inspire you, but it will also challenge you to ponder your answer to the question, "Who is Jesus to you?"

I received a copy of this book from FrontGate Media. These are my own thoughts.
Profile Image for Donna.
4,553 reviews169 followers
September 14, 2023
I can't say that I'm a Kathie Lee fan. I read her The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi: My Journey into the Heart of Scriptural Faith and the Land Where It All Began book and liked it. It made me want to download a few more of her books from my local library. When this one became available I snapped it up.

I liked the different stories of how her friends had their CTJ moments and what led them there. But with that said, I didn't like this book as much as I liked the other book of hers that I read. Some of her qualifying statements that she would insert into the middle of someone elses story were a little odd. They felt out of place and they didn't add much. It felt awkward. However, I could appreciate her need to assemble this collection of faith journeys from different religions. So many people are on the road to knowing, loving, and becoming. Is their journey complete? No. But it is nice to see others making an effort to know Him regardless of what church they attend.
Profile Image for Melayna Arbona.
47 reviews
August 30, 2023
I’m sorry but this book was absolute trash. I find Kathie Lee to be extremely arrogant and ignorant through the entire thing. I just can’t get behind the fact that “the Holy Spirit led someone to have a 3 year sexual affair” so her husband will realize they need to go to therapy and then claim to be a Godly person.

Kathie Lee clearly has an issue with Catholicism. The whole time I felt like she was wanting to get Catholics to talk ill about the religion and she didn’t accomplish that.

This was the hardest book I’ve ever read. I had to read in 7 page increments because I would get so angry and annoyed at how superficial and hypercritical it is that I simply couldn’t read more than 7 pages at a time. I had to start reading another book alongside this one so I could even finish it.

I should have DNF’d it but I read it because a coworker recommended it. I’m glad she loaned it to me because had I spent money on this, I’d be highly disappointed.
Profile Image for Megan.
407 reviews
March 23, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, that delves deep into several of KLG’s friends and their relationships with Jesus ✝️


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars !!
Profile Image for Cassidy K.
30 reviews
January 3, 2023
Perfect book to start the year off. Obviously there are some minor things I didn’t enjoy but the book was very enjoyable. I love hearing testimonials. A few of these gave me chills and my heart was yanked on for one that made me cry.

There is no Hebrew word for coincidence because there is no such thing as luck or accidents. God has a purpose for everything.

What we lose or don’t receive in childhood we spend the rest of our lives trying to get it, almost always in the wrong way and destructive choices. I believe this so strongly and until you heal your inner hurt you will continue to hurt yourself and those around you.

I really liked hearing the testimonials of people who grew up Catholic; how they struggled to really understand what a relationship with God was versus the religion they were taught to practice. When I began my relationship with Christ, I did not know how to pray. Growing up I could recite all the different prayers and they never felt personal, but I was told that’s how you pray. It’s interesting to hear how the same things that were omitted by the Catholic Church for these people growing up was also my experience. I had a first holy communion, went to CCD classes, was confirmed… but then left for college and decided God wasn’t real. After an entire life of being Catholic, I had no idea who God was and had no relationship with him. The years between losing faith and restoring my faith were the most tumultuous years of my life and I’m thankful I was able to see how life will show you that you cannot do life without Him. I like the one testimony where the gentleman explains that growing up we don’t have our own relationship with God, we have an extension of our parents and it’s not ours until we decide to make it ours. And you don’t go searching for it until you have a reason to do so, and that’s where your testimony begins. It’s interesting to hear the other’s opinions, beliefs, feelings on communion and baptism — as Catholics have many rules around this and how everybody feels now that they have a relationship. I could not relate more to those who stated how God was God. Catholicism doesn’t educate having a relationship with Him. It was very impersonal and had no intimacy. I now see God as my father, my abba, my friend whereas growing up Catholic it seemed like God was intangible. God in my life now is tangible. I feel him. I can reach out and know he’s there.

What does Jesus look like for you?

Profile Image for Debbie Slaughter.
Author 9 books8 followers
July 18, 2023
First off, I have grown to really admire Kathie Lee Gifford and her love of Jesus. She is a devout believer and follower of Christ and a scholar when it comes to the study of original text of the Bible. She's no dummy!

I've already read a few of her books and was really looking forward to this one and it did not disappoint.

In this book, Kathie Lee interviews a very diverse group of friends, who she knows personally, about their opinion of who Jesus is and what their personal encounters with God have been.

I'm not going to bother with the synopsis here (you can read that online), but instead will just give my own opinion about what I learned from this book.

A few things stood out to me, the first being Kathie Lee's grace toward people who might not believe just exactly as she does.

I think (especially these days), we have a hard time getting along with people who believe differently than we do. Just take a look at social media and you will see! But with each person, she graciously keeps pointing them back to Jesus, in a kind, non-opinionated way, as they share their personal stories.

Another thing that stood out is the truth from the Bible that says all of creation knows in their hearts that there is a God (Romans Chapter One). No matter the culture, religious affiliation, belief system - all of creation knows there is a God; a creator of the universe. With every interview, as diverse as they were, everyone of them acknowledged God in some form or fashion.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading each story, because I believe in individual relationship with God. My walk won't look like yours and yours shouldn't look like mine, because God is the God of individuals. We are not robots. We are humans, created to have a relationship with our creator.

That being said, salvation is salvation - only through belief in Jesus Christ - and that foundation of truth does not change.

What can change is how each person encounters their faith, their prayer life, their daily walk with Him. And I would not want it any other way.

If you are interested in testimonies and reading about how others come to know or encounter God, you will like this book. I think it's good to hear stories from others who don't walk in my circle or sit in the pew next to me.

This is a big world and God is all about changing people's lives with personal encounters.
Profile Image for Wren.
423 reviews4 followers
December 14, 2021
The Jesus I Know: Honest Conversations and Diverse Opinions about Who He Is is a captivating read about Kathie Lee Gifford's moments with over 24 of her friends, of her conversations when she asked them the question: "Who is Jesus to you?" Their fascinating and very diverse answers cover a lot of ground. Many would profess faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior. Others would describe Jesus as someone they know or know about, but wouldn't actually claim faith in Him.

Kathie Lee's interviewees range from singers (Kristin Chenoweth, Jimmy Wayne, Brian Welch), to personalities (Kris Jenner, Pattie Mallette), to news journalists (Megyn Kelly, Janice Dean), and more. Rabbi Jason Sobel shares his experiences with Jesus, as do Hubie Synn, Joanne Moody, Emilie Wierda, and more. The interviews are intimate, open and honest, and incredibly encouraging to read.

I loved reading The Jesus I Know: Honest Conversations and Diverse Opinions about Who He Is. In fact, I almost read it all in one sitting! Kathie Lee Gifford is a compassionate and kind interviewer and clearly, her friends love her and are delighted to share their lives with her and with the eventual readers of her book. This is a wonderful read. It would be a fantastic gift for someone you love--or for you, yourself!

I received a copy of this book from FrontGate Media. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sherry Bendorf.
219 reviews33 followers
January 4, 2023
3.5 ⭐ I have to say that the subtitle of this book quite adequately describes my feelings of this book. It was very diverse. There were a few interviews that I resonated with and others that I felt didn't really know who Jesus is. I understand that they are on their own faith journies, but some of the journies seem a bit off the path that Jesus leads us on according to what the Bible says.

I kept hoping that Kathie would explain more fully that Jesus is God and what His mission for coming to the world was, and what that looks like for us, not just that He is love. There is so much more to Him.

I did appreciate the fact that she talked a lot about having a relationship with Him more than just knowing about Him. I especially liked the concluding interview with her friend Emilie Wierda. I felt like her responses were the closest to the Gospel story. She gave an invitation at the end, I appreciated how she wrapped it all up.

It was a good read and gave me food for thought as to who Jesus is to me and how I am experiencing Him in my life right now.
Profile Image for SOMDReigel.
1,125 reviews
December 9, 2021
Kathie Lee Gifford has complied a varied group of people who have an interesting life story to tell. As she prompts them, they share their story about Jesus. They tell how he came into their lives, their faith, their beliefs, and some, their redemptions. The common thread of Jesus loves us comes from all. They all leave a message of hope. Each chapter introduces us to a different person/couple, all with different upbringings and backgrounds. Kathie Lee guides the conversation of their walk with Jesus. This reads just as you would hear Kathie Lee on TV. Interesting read, but a once and done read for me. I’ll pass on to a friend.
Profile Image for Sherri.
1,622 reviews
December 17, 2025
Gifford writes in an interview / conversational tone with her friends. Several of them went on a Holy Land trip with her. She gives a brief intro to the person and asks them essentially their story and how they come to meet Jesus.

My cautions are that one of them has a Buddha statue in her garage, a family who are Scientologists, a Hindu lady that tries to explain how they correlate. These are not Christian faiths.

Various narrators makes the voices flow with Gifford's voice.
Profile Image for Candy.
1,547 reviews22 followers
March 24, 2022
People in the public eye tell about their faith journey. I don't keep up with pop culture as well as some. If you already "know" these people, it might be more meaningful to you.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
674 reviews
June 12, 2022

Religion and politics are never discussed in polite company. Yet this book contains conversations among Kathie Lee Gifford and some of her diverse group of friends about religion and individual relationships with God. Ironically, her friends are familiar because they have some type of celebrity status. Everyone has their own unique spirituality and faith. This book portrays the actual conversations of how much (and sometimes how little) God is present in their lives. Gifford’s friend group including Kris Jenner, Brian Welch, Jimmie Allen, Rabbi Sobel, Raakhee Mirchandani and so many more. It was interesting to read of the progression of faith for these individuals and to reflect on my own.
Profile Image for David Dunlap.
1,114 reviews45 followers
December 6, 2021
Normally, I love reading stories about how others come to Jesus and how their particular pilgrimages with Him advance, but, after awhile, I found this book was grating on my nerves. I can only attribute this to Kathie Lee's interviewing style, part chirpy, part smarmy, all annoying. (Sorry!) YMMV, of course!
1,430 reviews2 followers
April 18, 2024
Some of this was good but some was not. Don’t really know what Kathie believes. Only those who are in Christ are saved. Jesus is THE WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. No one comes to the Father but by me, Jesus said.

Kathie should know this but I question if she does. The 10 commandments do not help to get us to Heaven, do not save. Never has! And two billion people are Christians is not true. Catholicism is a big problem in this world. Their beliefs about Jesus add up to nothing bc of their other beliefs.

Can’t have a relationship with Jesus when Mary is put before Him, when Mary is worshipped, prayed to, Hail Mary’s said, believing she is standing beside Jesus bc Jesus is so busy that He needs her help. And the list literally goes on and on.

This was shocking in some of the testimonies. Some were accurate. That is the reason for the rating of 3 stars. I love people and want them saved, no matter who they are. And I love them enough to tell them the truth. Being sincere is not going to get one saved. Many are sincere and devout in their wrong beliefs. I pray every day for all people. But only those that have the truth and act on it will be accepted.

I give thanks to God every day for my salvation. To be saved is to know The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. It is to be forgiven of all sins bc of accepting Jesus and His finished work on the cross, His burial and resurrection. Good works follow salvation, they don’t help to save us. To believe in other ways is damning. The trinity works together to save a person.

Jesus is the God Man, the only Savior and Lord. And I highly doubt that Jesus appeared to one that gave a testimony. Satan appears as an angel of light and can appear to be whatever he desires to deceive. This appearance spoke. Jesus doesn’t appear to us literally. No one knows what He looks like. My heat goes out to those that are blinded spiritually, with the blind leading the blind.

Thank God for the testimonies that were true testaments. I hope the others come to the knowledge of the truth and believe on and trust in Jesus for salvation. And I hope Kathie gets her beliefs straight and comes to the true Jesus if she has not done so.

When on Earth Jesus sId that when he returns to Heaven en, it to pray to Him but to pray to the Father in His Name and the Father will do it. We know it has to be His Will though. Jesus said to pray to Him, He could not say the Father would answer. Look it up. I do not give scripture references in hopes that people will study for themselves. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by The Word of God. The more we study God’s Word, the more our faith grows.

Thanks be to the Father for His most treasured gift to us, Jesus Christ!! Love to all!! ✝️💟♈️🙏🏻📖❤️ Maybe God had a plan that I was not aware of as the reason for this book. If that is the case, then 3 stars would not be enough. CathyR
Profile Image for Casey | Essentially Novel.
362 reviews4 followers
Read
December 22, 2021
In Kathie Lee’s latest book she shares stories from friends about their encounters with God. Each chapter is in interview format with either one individual or a married couple. It certainly was interesting to read the stories people shared, even more interesting who those people are, but I felt the interviews were kind of abrupt and didn’t quite have a casual flow, which made it a little hard to follow at times. Each story/interview is unique, and rightfully so, as no one person, no one life is the same, which is Kathie’s point. Some I enjoyed, but I did want more depth to the interviews, and maybe that would’ve revealed more about the individuals and their stories, and perhaps even their responses and beliefs behind their experiences.

I am a Christian and have been a long time, but maybe it’s just the format and flow, but I wasn’t blown away by this. Our stories as people, let alone as believers, is what connects us to others, and allows us to share God’s Truth, His Good News, in ways that others can relate to. It is fascinating how personal God encounters us, and I’m not trying to judge, but a few stories were a little questionable theologically. I do believe we must be discerning that we don’t make things out to be what they’re not; there’s a fine line there, but like I said, I think if there was more depth to the interviews, maybe knowing the stories better could have cleared some of that up.

For some of you this may be a curious but semi-shallow character study, but for others, you may be like me and simply prefer more in-depth and natural conversations with others.
Profile Image for Paula Sue.
Author 4 books13 followers
January 11, 2022
Kathie Lee Gifford, a lifelong follower of Jesus, has deep conversations about her faith with anyone keen to listen.

In her book The Jesus, I know she is doing just that. She asks about and listens to friends' reflections on the Jesus they know.

Kathie has candid discussions with friends as they tell of the heart of the matter about the Jesus they know.

Kathie Lee's warm, inviting disposition and genuine kindness are apparent as she talks with friends. They are at ease talking with her. These conversations are vulnerable and transparent.

She has open and honest conversations with friends like Rabbi Jason Sobel, Kris Jenner, Kristen Chenoweth, Kevin Costner, Chyna Phillips Baldwin, and many more.

I recommend this book as it will touch and warm the heart. Kathie Lee and friends share favorite Scriptures that bring thought-provoking exchanges reflecting upon the Jesus they know.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. #Net Galley #TheJesusIKnow

Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: November 30, 2021
Pages: 244
Genre: Religion & Spirituality
ISBN: 9780785254786
Profile Image for Colette.
233 reviews14 followers
February 21, 2022
I read this book fairly quickly. I liked the format (short interviews, so it was easy to pick up and put down). I loved the many different perspectives and lifestyles of each person interviewed. I could read peoples' testimonies of the Savior all day. It just fills me up. Having said that, the last 1/3 of the book got to be a bit much for me. I don't think a trip to Israel is necessary to have a testimony of Jesus Christ or feel of His redeeming love. I think the message of the book would have been more impactful if a trip wasn't mentioned so often, as though it were a bit of a advertisement, "Here's how you will feel a great feeling". I would love to go to Israel someday and I'm sure the experience would be memorable but I can also take a walk through my woods or attend a worship service and find immense peace and comfort.

There were also some experiences shared that might be best kept sacred as a personal witness. It is hard for me to read of some of the interviewees' physical manifestations without some skepticism and I don't think that was the intent of the author.

Overall, good -- I hope there is a Volume 2 with more people interviewed :-).
Profile Image for Peggy.
40 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2023
I loved this book! I didn't know what to expect, but I love talking to others about their faith and learning from them, so it doesn't surprise me that I absolutely devoured this book in one day.

There were many stories that resonated with me about my own journey with Jesus and a few that I didn't relate to at all. The one that surprised me the most was Chynna Phillips Baldwin. The strength and faith she has had to endure through her son's illness is unimaginable to me. I pray that her son is healthy and well!

I also loved the story of Hubie! I believe in the gifts of the Spirit and have wondered why we don't see prophets. Thank you for showing me they are out there!

While one might think Kathie shouldn't have put the stories in of those who believe, yet are clearly not believers, I think they show that these people are reachable and we need to meet them where they're at and keep at it. One day - even on their death bed- they too may be saved, as she showed in this book.
Profile Image for Jaimie.
510 reviews15 followers
October 14, 2022
Listen. I must have been curious about this book but I'm not really sure why. Maybe the concept at the time sounded interesting but for me it failed.

I don't care much for celebrities and their view points on anything but I've been trying to read more Christian books so I must have requested it from Netgalley for that reason. I should have read more closely about the celebrities that would have their part in this, otherwise, I probably wouldn't have touched it.

I'm also a massive skeptic when people say they dream about Jesus or Jesus told them to do this. I'm not saying it's impossible, just hard to believe. Especially when He's telling someone they should become and actress. Lol.

That's how the book starts off so right off the bat it started a little rough for me. Then it all went downhill with some of these celebrities.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for an ARC. My opinions are mine and mine alone.
Profile Image for Tonya Makrinski.
350 reviews
January 30, 2022
Kathie Lee interviews several people from many different journeys about their faith walk with Jesus. I enjoyed reading several of the people's stories as they are so varied because God has a knack of meeting one right where they are. These stories are interesting and inspiring. Several people are just starting their walk and don't KNOW God yet, but there is a mustard seed of faith working and that's all God needs to start that journey he desires with each of us.

My biggest compliant is that Kathie Lee is so saccharine sweet in how she interviews that I have a hard time getting beyond it as it comes off so fake for me. She has a tendency to pontificate which is annoying. Just let these people's testimony stand on their own, they are powerful. Kathie Lee would do well to take a humble pill, sit back, and let reader be moved by God rather than spoon fed by her.
Profile Image for Brianna.
43 reviews
March 7, 2022
Have you ever wondered what did others think of Jesus? Is it okay to have a different vision of Jesus from someone else, like family, friends or even members of the same church you go to? Kathie Lee has conversations with others and ask them what they think of the Jesus they know. It's interesting to read the interviews or conversations Kathie Lee has with the celebrities in her book about Jesus. Overall its good to see that we can sit together and actually have a conversation about God, Jesus and or religion in general and not want to kill each other because we do have different opinions on the matter. If you are questioning religion or seeking to find some information about religion, The Jesus I Know is a good book to read if you want to learn more about Jesus. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley for an honest review.
1,403 reviews
January 3, 2024
Very early in the book, we get "In this book, you will read honest conversations about different encounters with the same Jesus." In many times, readers have have had other thoughts about what was in the book. But, for many of us, we read The Bible in a particular book that everyone should understand in the same way. That makes Gifford's book come to us with ideas we may not have heard of or even even imagined.

But, the second label, there's a "Honest Conversations and Diverse Opinions about WHO HE IS. That's "Jesus."

What we read is what some people have gone through about the book. It's a different way to write such a book. And it's different read what the people in the book of you are reading. The sub-title does makes it worth a read. I wish I could have read the book with a few people who want to know about Jesus.
452 reviews2 followers
January 1, 2022
I was extremely put off by the deep, Bible thumping, verse quoting in this book. I consider myself somewhat religious, but this was waaaaay too much!
It could have been a good book, but the interviews were very different; in the way Kathie Lee would say something like 'and then you had an experience when you were 7, tell me about that'. It just jumped around from one God moment to the next in her conversations. I'm not sure if I would even call it conversations, because the questions were obviously leading to the specific point Kathie Lee wanted to make. Only to be followed by a "corresponding" Bible verse she would quote as if she would remember all these quotes, much less converse with someone like this was written!
Nope!
Pass this one by!
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