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How to Human: Three Ways to Share Life Beyond What Distracts, Divides, and Disconnects Us
A much-needed reminder about what it means to be truly human in a world where people feel increasingly disconnected from each other and from God, by the popular author of Enter Wild .
“Carlos has created an antidote to what ails us.”— New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff
These are crazy times, people. We are more agitated than ever. We’re fighting. Wrestling with big issues. Less connected than ever to one another and to God. It’s a perfect debilitating anxiety, crashing relationships, and forgetting what it feels like to, well, be human .
In How to Human, author, speaker, and social-media personality Carlos Whittaker offers a fresh vision for becoming the best versions of ourselves. We can refuse to let disagreements define us. We can say no to becoming upset, rage-filled humans and say yes to fuller, happier lives. It begins as we make the shift from “me” to “we” to “everybody” in a three-part journey to be human, see fellow humans, and free those around us.
You’ll think, laugh, and be inspired by this practical guide, which reveals how to help others, how to hope fiercely, and how to experience the thrill of being fully human. Carlos describes a radical path of love—one that requires us to become builders rather than demolitionists. One that gets personal. One that moves toward others in faith rather than away in fear. One that, when times get crazy, is willing to get crazier (in a good way). One that understands the big joy of how to human.
“Carlos has created an antidote to what ails us.”— New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff
These are crazy times, people. We are more agitated than ever. We’re fighting. Wrestling with big issues. Less connected than ever to one another and to God. It’s a perfect debilitating anxiety, crashing relationships, and forgetting what it feels like to, well, be human .
In How to Human, author, speaker, and social-media personality Carlos Whittaker offers a fresh vision for becoming the best versions of ourselves. We can refuse to let disagreements define us. We can say no to becoming upset, rage-filled humans and say yes to fuller, happier lives. It begins as we make the shift from “me” to “we” to “everybody” in a three-part journey to be human, see fellow humans, and free those around us.
You’ll think, laugh, and be inspired by this practical guide, which reveals how to help others, how to hope fiercely, and how to experience the thrill of being fully human. Carlos describes a radical path of love—one that requires us to become builders rather than demolitionists. One that gets personal. One that moves toward others in faith rather than away in fear. One that, when times get crazy, is willing to get crazier (in a good way). One that understands the big joy of how to human.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 24, 2023
316 people are currently reading
4881 people want to read
About the author
Carlos Whittaker
11 books339 followersCarlos Whittaker is a best-selling author and expert storyteller to all kinds of audiences– from parents to corporate America to the non-profit sector. No matter who you are, his message is for you.
Carlos uses his vast and varied personal life experience to captivate and engage audiences in ways that few else can.
In his books, How to Human, Enter Wild, Moment Maker, and Kill the Spider, Carlos reminds us that when we are connected to God and good to ourselves, we can be even better for others. Humans do not exist in a vacuum, so when we address every facet of our lives, we create a greater capacity for relationships, ministry, work, creativity, and patience.
Carlos excels at encouraging people to to show up for their neighbor, regardless of who they are and what they believe. Join Carlos and countless others in the pursuit of being human together.
He and his wife Heather live in Nashville, Tennessee, with their three amazing children, where you can find them working on the family farm, planning trips around the world, and preparing to be empty-nesters.
Carlos uses his vast and varied personal life experience to captivate and engage audiences in ways that few else can.
In his books, How to Human, Enter Wild, Moment Maker, and Kill the Spider, Carlos reminds us that when we are connected to God and good to ourselves, we can be even better for others. Humans do not exist in a vacuum, so when we address every facet of our lives, we create a greater capacity for relationships, ministry, work, creativity, and patience.
Carlos excels at encouraging people to to show up for their neighbor, regardless of who they are and what they believe. Join Carlos and countless others in the pursuit of being human together.
He and his wife Heather live in Nashville, Tennessee, with their three amazing children, where you can find them working on the family farm, planning trips around the world, and preparing to be empty-nesters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 441 reviews
February 12, 2023
I pre-ordered this book on Audible a few months ago but jumped at the chance to get my hands on an advanced copy.
Now, if you follow my personal page, you know I’m a fan. Part of the #instafamilia and have been a follower since 2019. (I think…)
As I read this book, I was reminded of all the stories I got to be a part of financially or experience through Carlos’ lens. And I loved getting to re-feel those feelings of sadness, grief, joy, and laughter. But the thing about this book that surprised me (and I’m sorry that’s the case, Los) is that there is so much Jesus in this book. I know. He loves Jesus. That isn’t an unknown fact. BUT it could have been so easy to write this book with just some good-Jesus-juju with a whole lot of “goodnews movement” vibes. He didn’t. He went full Jesus. And I’m here for it.
The point is to love like Jesus. And while yes there are stories to move you in this book, there are MANY instances where Jesus is the model.
Thanks for putting your heart and words out there for us to read, Carlos. It’s a pleasure to be a part of the team ♥️
Now, if you follow my personal page, you know I’m a fan. Part of the #instafamilia and have been a follower since 2019. (I think…)
As I read this book, I was reminded of all the stories I got to be a part of financially or experience through Carlos’ lens. And I loved getting to re-feel those feelings of sadness, grief, joy, and laughter. But the thing about this book that surprised me (and I’m sorry that’s the case, Los) is that there is so much Jesus in this book. I know. He loves Jesus. That isn’t an unknown fact. BUT it could have been so easy to write this book with just some good-Jesus-juju with a whole lot of “goodnews movement” vibes. He didn’t. He went full Jesus. And I’m here for it.
The point is to love like Jesus. And while yes there are stories to move you in this book, there are MANY instances where Jesus is the model.
Thanks for putting your heart and words out there for us to read, Carlos. It’s a pleasure to be a part of the team ♥️
January 9, 2023
This book is like a warm hug. It points us toward how to make this whole being human thing better for all of us. In an age of outrage and cancel culture and seemingly endless topics that divide, Carlos (I think he’d be ok with me referring to him on a first name basis) shows us how to “be, see, and free” in order to be the best humans we can.
Carlos points to the person of Jesus as the ultimate example of “how to human” and uses passages of Scripture to illustrate his points. BUT he also appeals to those who may not believe that Jesus is God’s Son.
With that being said, this is not a book I would recommend for its theology. I don’t agree with every single thing Carlos believes. But in a way, that’s partly the point of the book. How can we focus on relationships rather than what has the potential to divide us?
One thing he says several times in the book will stick with me: “Don’t stand on issues; walk with people.” I love that and hope to apply it in my life and relationships.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced review copy. And thank you Carlos for being a voice of hope we so desperately need.
Carlos points to the person of Jesus as the ultimate example of “how to human” and uses passages of Scripture to illustrate his points. BUT he also appeals to those who may not believe that Jesus is God’s Son.
With that being said, this is not a book I would recommend for its theology. I don’t agree with every single thing Carlos believes. But in a way, that’s partly the point of the book. How can we focus on relationships rather than what has the potential to divide us?
One thing he says several times in the book will stick with me: “Don’t stand on issues; walk with people.” I love that and hope to apply it in my life and relationships.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced review copy. And thank you Carlos for being a voice of hope we so desperately need.
May 8, 2024
I’m so happy I stumbled upon Carlos and the Instafamilia community a year or so ago. His heart for loving others is so pure, and this book truly shows us how to human. I love his heart and the message of this book. Cannot recommend it enough if you need a little hope and/or some action steps on how to put something’s into action to BE the hope we all want.
November 21, 2022
One of the best accounts I follow on Instagram is Carlos Whittaker’s (@loswhit) so when I saw his new book on Net Galley, I couldn’t click request fast enough. Carlos has been a bright shining light during the pandemic, finding ways to bring people together when we are feeling so divided. His Instagram followers, the Instafamilia, have come together to bless so many people in amazing ways, and that is all thanks to Carlos and his gift for showing people how to be human. Carlos is a man who doesn’t just talk the talk, but he walks the walk. While this book didn’t teach me anything I hadn’t already learned from and about Carlos from social media, I hope this book brings even more people together to do good things in this world. If you aren’t familiar with Carlos Whittaker, please pick up this book and follow him on Instagram. Your life will be all the richer for it.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2023
When I picked up this book, I was not expecting that the main idea of “How to Human” is to look to the most incredible human, our Savior. What a pleasant surprise that this book is so full of the examples of Jesus and how He loved. I loved the point of walking with people in empathy rather than taking a stand against them due to your differences. This book is full of such great advice on how to live with compassion and love regardless of your beliefs.
January 31, 2023
I don't follow him on IG, so I went in with no expectations. It's essentially a rehashing of how he and his family dealt with 2020 and how we can learn from his experiences where we love everybody. Honestly... if you've been trying AT ALL to be decent, it's going to either feel like it's a "Go Team Not-A-Jerk" , or, if you tend to be more cynical, like your reading something you already know and you spent $12.99 to read something that's "duh, what do you think I've been doing?". He's very religious... there's a lot of paraphrasing scripture... the standard for loving people is OBVIOUSLY Jesus Christ.
I don't know... I'm not big into "self-help/ realization" books as a whole, less so if they have a religious angle (and it's not that I'm not religious... maybe I've read TOO MUCH and I'm starting to feel like a lot of them sound trite and campy, and I'd like to see some more action and less words out of the religious community as a whole, but especially from my fellow Christians...... although to be fair, HE seems to be trying to practice what he preaches).
It's very feel-good, oh-look-the-world-is-a-better-place-than-we-thought, we just need to try harder, etc. There's nothing ground- breaking, but some good stories, and a huge plug for Governerds.
If you can't tell from this review, I am one of those more cynical peeps, and feel a little wasted out of my $12.99, and like all I did was read something that supported his platform, of which now I have a very good idea of.
So this review might say more about my mindset than the actual book. Hey... at least it's a short, easy read to a very happy, hopeful place.
.
I don't know... I'm not big into "self-help/ realization" books as a whole, less so if they have a religious angle (and it's not that I'm not religious... maybe I've read TOO MUCH and I'm starting to feel like a lot of them sound trite and campy, and I'd like to see some more action and less words out of the religious community as a whole, but especially from my fellow Christians...... although to be fair, HE seems to be trying to practice what he preaches).
It's very feel-good, oh-look-the-world-is-a-better-place-than-we-thought, we just need to try harder, etc. There's nothing ground- breaking, but some good stories, and a huge plug for Governerds.
If you can't tell from this review, I am one of those more cynical peeps, and feel a little wasted out of my $12.99, and like all I did was read something that supported his platform, of which now I have a very good idea of.
So this review might say more about my mindset than the actual book. Hey... at least it's a short, easy read to a very happy, hopeful place.
.
March 30, 2024
Every quarter I give my brain something of substance to balance all the other.. stuff… I prefer to read.
I already loved Carlos and he’s an exceptional narrator so this was a no briainer audiobook. No hot takes, no hidden agenda.. just his loving take on loving others and a little empathy training. Worth your listen ❤️
I already loved Carlos and he’s an exceptional narrator so this was a no briainer audiobook. No hot takes, no hidden agenda.. just his loving take on loving others and a little empathy training. Worth your listen ❤️
December 19, 2025
i wish i had read in 2021
January 27, 2023
This is a great read! I was given an advanced copy and am so glad I was. Carlos writes like he talks, with humor and heart. I think the practical challenges at the end of some of the chapters are fantastic. They give us tangible ways to see and be seen. The forward and epilogue on their own are worth the getting the book. If you follow him on social media you will recognize a lot of the stories and see heart behind them. Whether you are a believer in Jesus as God or as a good person, he speaks so clearly on how to translate that to our everyday relationships. I could have finished it in a day but chose to let the chapters marinate before moving to the next. We could all use a little humor and guidance into being better humans!
February 1, 2023
This book should be required reading for anyone who is a human. Carlos Whittaker, known better to his “Instafamilia” as @loswhit, is one of the real ones. Funny, honest, compassionate, faithful, generous. In his latest book, he shares three ways we as a society can unite ourselves, become kinder, better people, and return to a time when the world was not so divisive.
Using Jesus as a framework and the 2020 pandemic as a timeframe, Carlos gives simple ideas for reclaiming the humanity that slowly (and then quickly) was lost after the height of COVID. What a perfect storm that year was for fear, politics, social issues, division. He says that SEEING other people the way that Jesus saw others, drew near to them, walked alongside them, is the recipe for becoming good humans again. Start the work with yourself and work your way outward.
One main premise that Carlos lives out himself? A quote from early in the book: “Love God and love people. The former accelerates the latter. I don’t think that you necessarily have to love God to love people (I know some pretty loving atheists.). But I do know that if you fall in love with God, it allows you to love people in impossible ways because God’s love is just that: it’s impossible. As in it’s actually humanly impossible to love like God did without God Himself injecting into our love.”
The other fundamental: “Don’t stand on issues; walk with people.” Using Jesus as the copy-and-paste reference for how we should see and love others is shockingly simple, but so effective. Carlos’ heart can be felt in his words, encouraging us to see our neighbors and be better humans. What could be a better goal?
Using Jesus as a framework and the 2020 pandemic as a timeframe, Carlos gives simple ideas for reclaiming the humanity that slowly (and then quickly) was lost after the height of COVID. What a perfect storm that year was for fear, politics, social issues, division. He says that SEEING other people the way that Jesus saw others, drew near to them, walked alongside them, is the recipe for becoming good humans again. Start the work with yourself and work your way outward.
One main premise that Carlos lives out himself? A quote from early in the book: “Love God and love people. The former accelerates the latter. I don’t think that you necessarily have to love God to love people (I know some pretty loving atheists.). But I do know that if you fall in love with God, it allows you to love people in impossible ways because God’s love is just that: it’s impossible. As in it’s actually humanly impossible to love like God did without God Himself injecting into our love.”
The other fundamental: “Don’t stand on issues; walk with people.” Using Jesus as the copy-and-paste reference for how we should see and love others is shockingly simple, but so effective. Carlos’ heart can be felt in his words, encouraging us to see our neighbors and be better humans. What could be a better goal?
January 23, 2023
First of all, I don't follow Carlos on IG...but I'm faintly familiar with him and what he stands for (which I love). So I was curious what he has to share in a book. I picked this book up not knowing anything about is aside from the title.
What I then found was that he shares how he processed 2020-2021 ish and rehashing all of the terrible things of that time with a few being; covid, masking, riots, black lives matter, elections, January 6th etc. I honestly just don't want to keep going back to that time. Everything that he shared was good and valid and makes great points! Absolutely. He shares New Testament quotes about how Jesus handled situations and how we should follow his example of goodness towards humanity (also agree 100%). But I just don't want to read more about how people feel or have processed 2o20 and how to bet better. It's not because I want to ignore it, but I have processed it myself and am ready to move forward.
I didn't realize that he is a public speaker and and avid follower of Jesus. He makes it very clear that even if you don't believe in Jesus, we can still learn from him as a wonderful example. This book was almost a self help, self reflection, attempt to pump you up to do better type book.
He also shares multiple points along his social media journey, which, I kinda don't care about, probably because I haven't followed him and I'm not connected to those stories that clearly affected many people.
Thank you to NetGalley and WaterBrook & Multnomah for the advance e-copy of this book.
What I then found was that he shares how he processed 2020-2021 ish and rehashing all of the terrible things of that time with a few being; covid, masking, riots, black lives matter, elections, January 6th etc. I honestly just don't want to keep going back to that time. Everything that he shared was good and valid and makes great points! Absolutely. He shares New Testament quotes about how Jesus handled situations and how we should follow his example of goodness towards humanity (also agree 100%). But I just don't want to read more about how people feel or have processed 2o20 and how to bet better. It's not because I want to ignore it, but I have processed it myself and am ready to move forward.
I didn't realize that he is a public speaker and and avid follower of Jesus. He makes it very clear that even if you don't believe in Jesus, we can still learn from him as a wonderful example. This book was almost a self help, self reflection, attempt to pump you up to do better type book.
He also shares multiple points along his social media journey, which, I kinda don't care about, probably because I haven't followed him and I'm not connected to those stories that clearly affected many people.
Thank you to NetGalley and WaterBrook & Multnomah for the advance e-copy of this book.
January 31, 2023
I love Carlos. He is the friend we all need. I was really looking forward to reading his book because of course our world needs to understand more
How to Be humans, see Humans, free humans.
It does talk a lot about 2020 a lot. And that was hard for me. I get that this was when so many things broke and how we have to process that and work on doing better. It’s very American focused (makes sense, he’s American), but the whole world didn’t see 2020 through an American lens.
In the end I appreciate the message and if we can all learn to not stand on issues but walk with people. To be humans, see humans, free humans this place we live will be so much more wonderful.
How to Be humans, see Humans, free humans.
It does talk a lot about 2020 a lot. And that was hard for me. I get that this was when so many things broke and how we have to process that and work on doing better. It’s very American focused (makes sense, he’s American), but the whole world didn’t see 2020 through an American lens.
In the end I appreciate the message and if we can all learn to not stand on issues but walk with people. To be humans, see humans, free humans this place we live will be so much more wonderful.
December 10, 2023
I like Carlos’ Instagram account and following along with his posts. I’m glad I read it, but I really struggled with things he said at the very beginning. He claimed that humans are inherently good, and he uses the Bible to make points throughout the book. But in this instance the Bible is very clear that no one is good. The points he made about empathy/compassion/love all true but for me it missed the full truth of the Bible.
February 12, 2025
i LOVED this one!!!
i think in this political climate this was a book i really needed to engage with. it is convicting in the best way to remind us to walk with people rather than to stand on issues. i feel like he encompassed compassionate Christianity very well. this book actually can be appealing to you if you’re not Christian, but it’s extra meaningful if you are. i heard Carlos preach at my church, and as a fellow AfroLatina, i loved hearing how he’s navigated the difficult political climate we’ve faced since 2020. it was encouraging, convicting, inspiring, and most of all, based in love, which is what Jesus called us to have the most of. i wish i could have everyone read this book!!
5 stars
i think in this political climate this was a book i really needed to engage with. it is convicting in the best way to remind us to walk with people rather than to stand on issues. i feel like he encompassed compassionate Christianity very well. this book actually can be appealing to you if you’re not Christian, but it’s extra meaningful if you are. i heard Carlos preach at my church, and as a fellow AfroLatina, i loved hearing how he’s navigated the difficult political climate we’ve faced since 2020. it was encouraging, convicting, inspiring, and most of all, based in love, which is what Jesus called us to have the most of. i wish i could have everyone read this book!!
5 stars
October 23, 2024
I love Carlos, so my review is somewhat biased. I love his focus on being a good human. He stands up for causes (particularly social justice and ending the death penalty) but most importantly he stands with people. This is not a book convincing everyone to hold hands and agree on everything or even to agree to disagree. He focuses on us seeing people. He talks through the evolution that society went through in the year 2020 and how we can regain some of our innate goodness instead of hating and ignoring other people and their needs. He uses Jesus Christ as the ultimate example, but he also makes it clear that you can learn the same lessons without believing in Christ in a religious context. He talks about bias, love, disagreeing, letting people be seen and heard, and serving people. It felt like a warm hug after a lovely Sunday sermon.
August 7, 2023
I could not stop listening to this book-listened straight through the whole thing and will probably buy a paper copy to read again. I’ve been asking why life post-Covid , still felt so hard and disconnected. I think Carlos Whittaker hit the nail on the head and it challenges me to makes some changes in the way I view & relate to people.
March 11, 2023
How to Human is a book I will read over again every time I’m feeling overwhelmed by the selfish, divisive and combative side of our culture. Walking with people instead of standing on issues, getting close enough to touch, three mile an hour God speed, and just plain relating. In a world that can make me feel like disconnecting, the words and stories in this book inspire me to engage, listen and connect. So well written and such a needed message.
June 19, 2023
Really loved this book! Loved the easy flow - felt like you were just having a conversation with Carlos - and the stories from his life. The concept of just being a better, decent human and doing so with Jesus as our guide whether you’re a believer or not was great. Quick, easy read!
October 4, 2025
Nice to consider what it looks like to be connected and compassionate. Through the lens of the ups and downs of 2020/2021 but still relevant today. Was like hope and a hug and I cried at least 5 times.
February 4, 2023
This book is FULL of great insights and easy applications. A must read!
April 9, 2023
This book landed in my life by way of a dear friend. She gifted this to me for my birthday, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve never heard of Carlos Whittaker before, and don’t particularly love sociology books or how to…fill in the blank. However, I was pleasantly surprised! When Amanda Gorman wrote “The Hill We Climb”, I remember feeling how timely it was…how it resonated with so many of us coming out of a hellish 2020. Carlos has written something that also feels timely. It may or may not be timeless, but it certainly speaks to the heaviness of our post pandemic world. Carlos is engaging and provides heartwarming stories that make me want to be a better human. He validates that bridge building and seeking to understand those who differ from us is the way to healing and connection. Oh, and I’m now part of his “Instafamilia”! You’ll have to read the book to understand. 🙂
January 19, 2023
A few years ago, writer and American civil rights activist, Shaun King, shared a story to his Instagram. That story led me to Carlos Whittaker and his fascinated face as it toured the Precious Moments Museum in Carthage, Missouri. I have followed Carlos ever since. Life is not always easy for Carlos and his family but they walk this earth with a grace that I believe we can all learn from.
Carlos is many things: a writer, a podcaster, a speaker, a husband and father, a community hero, a faithful Christian and the founder of a group of strangers who call themselves “Instafamilia”. The Instafamilia is a powerhouse of passion that has come together to donate over 2 million dollars to people in need - just because Carlos asked them to unite for a cause.
I jumped at the opportunity to get an advanced copy of “How to Human” and pre-ordered it through Amazon before I even finished the advanced copy. I have never pre-ordered a book before. Usually I buy used books. But I’m a big Carlos Whittaker fan - he's like a ray of sunshine on a dark day.
In “How to Human”, Carlos writes like he talks. While that may not be every reader’s cup of tea, I find his style easy to read and relatable. Even when I don’t agree with him. And that’s his whole point - you can relate to someone even when you don’t agree with their point of view. Carlos breaks it down into three sections to guide us away from the things that divide us and towards the things that connect us. He encourages us to be human, see humans and free humans. Through personal anecdotes, he shares his journey to accept his own identity and face his own biases. His point of view is refreshing and empowering. And he has some great stories.
Carlos does not shy away from his devotion to Jesus even though he knows that not all of his readers will believe in Jesus like he does. He encourages those who don’t believe in Jesus to at least try and learn from the story of him. I consider myself a Christian but I have issues with organized religion. The kind of churches Carlos preaches to FREAK me out. But it doesn't stop me from following and learning from Carlos. Don't let religion stop you from picking up this book! There's so much more to it than that!!
I feel it’s important to note, Carlos will bring you back to 2020 in this book. If it was a particularly traumatic year for you, proceed with caution. If you are not ready to reflect on the last few years yet, this book may not be for you right now as Carlos will take you back to push you forward. Definitely pick it up when you're ready!
Final Answer?
Sooner than later, get your hands on “How to Human” AND follow Carlos and/or his family (including his dogs) on Instagram. Humanity will be better off because of it.
Carlos is many things: a writer, a podcaster, a speaker, a husband and father, a community hero, a faithful Christian and the founder of a group of strangers who call themselves “Instafamilia”. The Instafamilia is a powerhouse of passion that has come together to donate over 2 million dollars to people in need - just because Carlos asked them to unite for a cause.
I jumped at the opportunity to get an advanced copy of “How to Human” and pre-ordered it through Amazon before I even finished the advanced copy. I have never pre-ordered a book before. Usually I buy used books. But I’m a big Carlos Whittaker fan - he's like a ray of sunshine on a dark day.
In “How to Human”, Carlos writes like he talks. While that may not be every reader’s cup of tea, I find his style easy to read and relatable. Even when I don’t agree with him. And that’s his whole point - you can relate to someone even when you don’t agree with their point of view. Carlos breaks it down into three sections to guide us away from the things that divide us and towards the things that connect us. He encourages us to be human, see humans and free humans. Through personal anecdotes, he shares his journey to accept his own identity and face his own biases. His point of view is refreshing and empowering. And he has some great stories.
Carlos does not shy away from his devotion to Jesus even though he knows that not all of his readers will believe in Jesus like he does. He encourages those who don’t believe in Jesus to at least try and learn from the story of him. I consider myself a Christian but I have issues with organized religion. The kind of churches Carlos preaches to FREAK me out. But it doesn't stop me from following and learning from Carlos. Don't let religion stop you from picking up this book! There's so much more to it than that!!
I feel it’s important to note, Carlos will bring you back to 2020 in this book. If it was a particularly traumatic year for you, proceed with caution. If you are not ready to reflect on the last few years yet, this book may not be for you right now as Carlos will take you back to push you forward. Definitely pick it up when you're ready!
Final Answer?
Sooner than later, get your hands on “How to Human” AND follow Carlos and/or his family (including his dogs) on Instagram. Humanity will be better off because of it.
October 18, 2024
Carlos is a gem of a human.
Let's protect him at all costs. Heather, too. And while we are at it, his parents and children as well.
I have been following Carlos on Instagram for years now and while I witnessed some of the stories in "How to Human" play out in IG stories, I loved revisiting them with Carlos. Not only did he bring me joy and peace with his kind thoughts and writing, but he also provided me with a reminder of how important it is for us to be the best dang humans we can be.
Life can rough. Our country is wildin' out. But Carlos reminded me of the power of community and friendship, of leaning into others and being someone others can count on.
This is a short novel with a big impact. I challenge you to read it and be reminded of "how to human".
Let's protect him at all costs. Heather, too. And while we are at it, his parents and children as well.
I have been following Carlos on Instagram for years now and while I witnessed some of the stories in "How to Human" play out in IG stories, I loved revisiting them with Carlos. Not only did he bring me joy and peace with his kind thoughts and writing, but he also provided me with a reminder of how important it is for us to be the best dang humans we can be.
Life can rough. Our country is wildin' out. But Carlos reminded me of the power of community and friendship, of leaning into others and being someone others can count on.
This is a short novel with a big impact. I challenge you to read it and be reminded of "how to human".
February 14, 2023
I'm looking forward to such a great discussion coming from this book. I liked his bottom line, which was perfectly recapped in a short paragraph in the epilogue: we are called love others ferociously. All others.
I didn't enjoy his hyper focus on his instagram account and several times I questioned some points he made. He was needlessly wordy and frequently hard to relate to. I wanted more practical suggestions for those of us not famous on instagram. Bottom line, he softly called out some people/actions that needed calling out and rallied his readers to do a better job of loving everyone.
I didn't enjoy his hyper focus on his instagram account and several times I questioned some points he made. He was needlessly wordy and frequently hard to relate to. I wanted more practical suggestions for those of us not famous on instagram. Bottom line, he softly called out some people/actions that needed calling out and rallied his readers to do a better job of loving everyone.
February 19, 2023
I struggled to rate this book. There were parts that I underlined and want to go back to and think about and act on. Other parts were frustrating…lots of one-liners that didn’t feel sincere. And at times the book felt like a collection of Instagram posts. It did not make me want to go to IG and follow the author.
However, I think this book will lend itself to some good discussion
However, I think this book will lend itself to some good discussion
January 22, 2023
4.5 stars
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 @𝘗𝘙𝘏𝘈𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬!
On Instagram, I follow only bookish accounts with three exceptions - one charcuterie board account, Sharon McMahon, and Carlos Whittaker. That’s it. So it’s safe to say that I really like this guy Carlos @loswhit. I like the way he tackles bias and division with facts and friendship. He’s just a genuinely nice guy with a mission to bring people together. He was one of the very few shining lights for me through the pandemic and the absolute cultural disaster that followed.
The other non-bookish account mentioned above is @sharonsaysso. She is another light in a dark world just out here trying to tackle misinformation with facts and truth. #governerdsunite (IYKYK). I found out about 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 when I saw that she had written the foreword.
SOLD!!
Here are my takeaways:
✨In so many ways, I can relate to the author. Like him, I am a Christian who has found myself, since 2020, utterly confounded and heartbroken by so many of the Christians I have known. A quote from the book Transcendent Kingdom that I read in January 2021 goes like this: “I have seen my church, and I can’t unsee it.” Enough said.
✨What the author has done differently than me is that he has opened up. He has tried to help other Christians see things from a different perspective. He has put himself out there and shown kindness and friendship even in the face of rejection. Insert a gif of a person putting a bag over their head and backing away slowly, and that’s a picture of me since 2020. There’s a lot I can learn from Carlos Whittaker.
✨I had both the audio and eBook versions, and I paused the audio at least a hundred times to go highlight lines in the eBook. The best highlight for me was his pronouncement “I don’t stand on issues. I walk with people.” I felt that one so deep because I believe people matter so much more than opinions. I don’t think I’ll ever forget this line.
While the book is unapologetically Christian, I feel there is a lot to gain from reading it even if you’re not. Feel free to ask me about it if you’re unsure.
A half a star off for his Taylor Swift joke. It wasn’t mean, but I can’t take a joke about Taylor. 😂😂
Carlos Whittaker is all about bringing people together. I truly hope his book does just that. I have already ordered my own copy.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 @𝘗𝘙𝘏𝘈𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬!
On Instagram, I follow only bookish accounts with three exceptions - one charcuterie board account, Sharon McMahon, and Carlos Whittaker. That’s it. So it’s safe to say that I really like this guy Carlos @loswhit. I like the way he tackles bias and division with facts and friendship. He’s just a genuinely nice guy with a mission to bring people together. He was one of the very few shining lights for me through the pandemic and the absolute cultural disaster that followed.
The other non-bookish account mentioned above is @sharonsaysso. She is another light in a dark world just out here trying to tackle misinformation with facts and truth. #governerdsunite (IYKYK). I found out about 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 when I saw that she had written the foreword.
SOLD!!
Here are my takeaways:
✨In so many ways, I can relate to the author. Like him, I am a Christian who has found myself, since 2020, utterly confounded and heartbroken by so many of the Christians I have known. A quote from the book Transcendent Kingdom that I read in January 2021 goes like this: “I have seen my church, and I can’t unsee it.” Enough said.
✨What the author has done differently than me is that he has opened up. He has tried to help other Christians see things from a different perspective. He has put himself out there and shown kindness and friendship even in the face of rejection. Insert a gif of a person putting a bag over their head and backing away slowly, and that’s a picture of me since 2020. There’s a lot I can learn from Carlos Whittaker.
✨I had both the audio and eBook versions, and I paused the audio at least a hundred times to go highlight lines in the eBook. The best highlight for me was his pronouncement “I don’t stand on issues. I walk with people.” I felt that one so deep because I believe people matter so much more than opinions. I don’t think I’ll ever forget this line.
While the book is unapologetically Christian, I feel there is a lot to gain from reading it even if you’re not. Feel free to ask me about it if you’re unsure.
A half a star off for his Taylor Swift joke. It wasn’t mean, but I can’t take a joke about Taylor. 😂😂
Carlos Whittaker is all about bringing people together. I truly hope his book does just that. I have already ordered my own copy.
March 15, 2023
My rating 3.6
This book was read for a book discussion. It is the kind of book that I can be reading a-chapter-a-day. It isn't boring, but needs some time for reflection and certainly isn't gripping. It is more a how-to book for human relations. The author relates some interesting personal stories and growth as he writes his story. This is not the kind of book I normally read, but I didn't mind seeing things from another's point of view for a while. Mostly, for me, it felt like principles that I have been taught my whole life by my family and church, so I'm not sure I was the target audience, but still interesting to read another take on the same principles.
Summary: These are crazy times, people. We are more agitated than ever. We’re fighting. Wrestling with big issues. Less connected than ever to one another and to God. It’s a perfect storm: debilitating anxiety, crashing relationships, and forgetting what it feels like to, well, be human.
In How to Human, author, speaker, and social-media personality Carlos Whittaker offers a fresh vision for becoming the best versions of ourselves. We can refuse to let disagreements define us. We can say no to becoming upset, rage-filled humans and say yes to fuller, happier lives. It begins as we make the shift from “me” to “we” to “everybody” in a three-part journey to be human, see fellow humans, and free those around us.
You’ll think, laugh, and be inspired by this practical guide, which reveals how to help others, how to hope fiercely, and how to experience the thrill of being fully human. Carlos describes a radical path of love—one that requires us to become builders rather than demolitionists. One that gets personal. One that moves toward others in faith rather than away in fear. One that, when times get crazy, is willing to get crazier (in a good way). One that understands the big joy of how to human.
This book was read for a book discussion. It is the kind of book that I can be reading a-chapter-a-day. It isn't boring, but needs some time for reflection and certainly isn't gripping. It is more a how-to book for human relations. The author relates some interesting personal stories and growth as he writes his story. This is not the kind of book I normally read, but I didn't mind seeing things from another's point of view for a while. Mostly, for me, it felt like principles that I have been taught my whole life by my family and church, so I'm not sure I was the target audience, but still interesting to read another take on the same principles.
Summary: These are crazy times, people. We are more agitated than ever. We’re fighting. Wrestling with big issues. Less connected than ever to one another and to God. It’s a perfect storm: debilitating anxiety, crashing relationships, and forgetting what it feels like to, well, be human.
In How to Human, author, speaker, and social-media personality Carlos Whittaker offers a fresh vision for becoming the best versions of ourselves. We can refuse to let disagreements define us. We can say no to becoming upset, rage-filled humans and say yes to fuller, happier lives. It begins as we make the shift from “me” to “we” to “everybody” in a three-part journey to be human, see fellow humans, and free those around us.
You’ll think, laugh, and be inspired by this practical guide, which reveals how to help others, how to hope fiercely, and how to experience the thrill of being fully human. Carlos describes a radical path of love—one that requires us to become builders rather than demolitionists. One that gets personal. One that moves toward others in faith rather than away in fear. One that, when times get crazy, is willing to get crazier (in a good way). One that understands the big joy of how to human.
January 22, 2023
I would venture to say that if you have lived life in the last three years with your eyes opened, you have probably said numerous times “what in the world is happening here?” We have seen people go off the rails. Honestly, it was happening prior to 2020, but 2020 and beyond seemed to bring many issues to a head. I think many of us also said, “what is wrong with people? They have lost their ability to relate in human ways.”
This book is amazing to point out simple truths that it seems many of us have forgotten. To be human simply means to put love front and center. To choose love over being right or spouting an opinion. To actually see people. To not avoid the pain of others, but to have empathy. To say “you matter” not only with your words, but also with your actions. This book points out that love is also a verb…a call to action.
I have followed Carlos on Instagram now for 3 years. I have watched and participated in many of the examples he shares in the book. He is downright legit and authentic. He is not just someone who sends “thoughts and prayers”. He rolls up his sleeves and does the work of love. Everything he says in this book, has been practiced. So he knows what he is talking about. This isn’t just words, it is experience.
Get this book. It is an easy read, and warms your heart that there is good out there. But be ready to be challenged to put these simple truths in to practice. Empathy, hope, being seen, being free, and love is infectious. Change can happen, even in small efforts. Be the part of change, start the domino effect. Get this book, start with something and let’s be human again together!
This book is amazing to point out simple truths that it seems many of us have forgotten. To be human simply means to put love front and center. To choose love over being right or spouting an opinion. To actually see people. To not avoid the pain of others, but to have empathy. To say “you matter” not only with your words, but also with your actions. This book points out that love is also a verb…a call to action.
I have followed Carlos on Instagram now for 3 years. I have watched and participated in many of the examples he shares in the book. He is downright legit and authentic. He is not just someone who sends “thoughts and prayers”. He rolls up his sleeves and does the work of love. Everything he says in this book, has been practiced. So he knows what he is talking about. This isn’t just words, it is experience.
Get this book. It is an easy read, and warms your heart that there is good out there. But be ready to be challenged to put these simple truths in to practice. Empathy, hope, being seen, being free, and love is infectious. Change can happen, even in small efforts. Be the part of change, start the domino effect. Get this book, start with something and let’s be human again together!
April 29, 2025
First of all, I follow Carlos on Instagram and enjoy his content. His book, Reconnected, was one of my favorites of 2024 so I decided to start reading some back list titles which led me to this one. In our divisive world, this one sounded like it would be right up my alley and in some ways it was but I wish I'd read a few reviews on this one before diving in. Primarily because this book was full of early pandemic content and rehashing all the difficult things of that time from masking to riots to elections etc). Quite honestly, I just don't want to keep going back to that time and there was a lot of it in this book. So if you don't mind rehashing that time frame, this book might be for you.
There are so many good and valid points in this book. I loved the message that we should learn to not stand on issues but walk with people. It's an important message that quite honestly I think many Americans need to be reminded of right now. Carlos reminds us that underneath every issue we argue about on social media, there are real people experiencing joy, pain, sorrow and everything in between. He also uses Jesus as the ultimate example of how to human which I appreciate as a believer and follower of Christ. However, I wouldn't necessarily recommend this book for its theology. I don’t agree with every single thing Carlos believes (ex: the innate good of people). But honestly, that’s partly the point of the book anyway, right?? How can we focus on people and relationships, rather than what has the potential to divide us?
One thing he says several times in the book will stick with me: “Don’t stand on issues; walk with people." I love that and hope to apply it in my life.
There are so many good and valid points in this book. I loved the message that we should learn to not stand on issues but walk with people. It's an important message that quite honestly I think many Americans need to be reminded of right now. Carlos reminds us that underneath every issue we argue about on social media, there are real people experiencing joy, pain, sorrow and everything in between. He also uses Jesus as the ultimate example of how to human which I appreciate as a believer and follower of Christ. However, I wouldn't necessarily recommend this book for its theology. I don’t agree with every single thing Carlos believes (ex: the innate good of people). But honestly, that’s partly the point of the book anyway, right?? How can we focus on people and relationships, rather than what has the potential to divide us?
One thing he says several times in the book will stick with me: “Don’t stand on issues; walk with people." I love that and hope to apply it in my life.
January 9, 2023
Usually, I’d refer to an author by their last name. That’s what my time writing academically taught me. But Carlos is different because he’s a friend. Or he feels like it as I am a proud member of his Instafamilia. If you, too, follow Carlos on social media or listen to his Human Hope podcast, you’ll be happy to hear that his voice translates very well from audio and video to print. As you read the pages of this book, it will feel like Carlos is right there with you. And that’s the most refreshing thing about him and this book: he doesn’t just tell people what to do. He walks with people through the waters of complex issues and helps find a path forward. He truly practices what he preaches. This book is the “how to manual” for being like Carlos and ultimately for being more like Jesus (which he explains in such a way that even non-Christian readers might enjoy). Well written with engaging stories, down to earth explanations of complex concepts, and practical action steps, “How to Human” is a refreshing tool for how to draw near to and engage with people who are different from you, in a time when much of the world seems to be doing the opposite.
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