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The Happy Rant: Wandering To and Fro Through Some Things That Don't Matter All That Much
From the hive mind behind the popular Happy Rant podcast (Ted Kluck, Ronnie Martin, and Barnabas Piper) comes this cornucopia of humorous and thought-provoking critiques of Christian culture. Come for the good-natured cynicism. Stay for the enlightenment.
Ted Kluck, Ronnie Martin and Barnabas Piper, hosts of the Happy Rant podcast, take their faith-based back-and-forth from the recording booth to the book page with this collection of insightful and often hilarious takedowns of pastor trends, personality tests, political engagement, and more.
The Happy Rant crew have a lot of strong opinions, and occasionally they even agree with each other! Always candid and frequently compelling, Ted, Ronnie, and Barnabas tackle everything from the divisive, hot-button issues within the church to more lighthearted fare that reminds us never to take ourselves too seriously.
As entertaining as it is engaging, The Happy Rant will help you to think more critically about the world around you and enjoy a laugh or two (or maybe three) along the way.
Ted Kluck, Ronnie Martin and Barnabas Piper, hosts of the Happy Rant podcast, take their faith-based back-and-forth from the recording booth to the book page with this collection of insightful and often hilarious takedowns of pastor trends, personality tests, political engagement, and more.
The Happy Rant crew have a lot of strong opinions, and occasionally they even agree with each other! Always candid and frequently compelling, Ted, Ronnie, and Barnabas tackle everything from the divisive, hot-button issues within the church to more lighthearted fare that reminds us never to take ourselves too seriously.
As entertaining as it is engaging, The Happy Rant will help you to think more critically about the world around you and enjoy a laugh or two (or maybe three) along the way.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 2, 2022
14 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Ted Kluck
38 books63 followersTed Kluck writes on topics ranging from Mike Tyson to the Emergent Church. Ted has played professional indoor football, coached high school football, trained as a professional wrestler, served as a missionary, and taught writing courses at the college level.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 8, 2022
I want to give it 10 stars: it made me laugh out loud, it was eloquent yet entertaining, and it was so well-written. Stellar.
January 24, 2023
Before reading this book I had never heard of The Happy Rant. This book was recommended by a friend and I’m glad to have discovered them.
The authors (yes Barnabas is Johnny P’s son) have been part of a podcast of the same name for the last several years. They are friends who enjoy giving hot takes on Christian sub-culture and poking fun at the arguably ridiculous things the Christian community does or says. (Think Babylon Bee)
But it’s not entirely satirical and they do offer some thoughtful insights and opinions on a variety of topics. They tackle (because Kluck and football) manliness, movies, fashion, sports, holiday trends, the Enneagram, Christian fiction books, conferences, Reformed stuff and more.
Their goal in all of their writing/podcasts is: “Take Jesus seriously, take our faith seriously, laugh at ourselves, and laugh at the absurdity in so much of Christian (and broader) culture.”
I would suggest before reading this book that you listen to at least one of their podcast episodes to get a feel for their voices and personalities. I would also suggest skipping quick to the section of the book that describes some of their insider lingo/nicknames they use throughout their conversations.
I am a big proponent of nicknames so I give this section a thumbs up.
(Although Ted and Ronnie call each other ‘Baby’— apparently a reference from the 90s movie Swingers. And since I have no idea what this movie is my first thought is probably not what the film is about. And my second thought was that maybe it’s a baseball movie because they love sports. And my third thought was that maybe it’s a boxing movie because also sports. But it’s not any of those. Yet I still don’t know why it has that name and I’m still not sure if I like that particular nickname. It felt very bro-ish reading it.)
I also give a thumbs up to their jabs at the Ennegram and personality tests. They expressed a lot of my thoughts on that.
“I think the word for the day when it comes to personality tests is ‘humility,’ because believing that they create a straight path into the innermost complexities of the soul is treating them a little too much like witchcraft. Which, if you like essential oils and personality tests, is right up your occultism alley.”
“I don’t think there is a version of a personality test that won’t make us selfish and self-centered in about six minutes.”
But I will also point out that they really didn’t mention 1s at all and I want to know why. My best guess is because it’s called The Reformer.
Funny?
So anyway, you must be wondering— is the book funny?
Yes. Yes it is.
I enjoyed the part where they compared previous girlfriends to NBA players. I decided to ask my husband who I would be. He said he’d have to think about it but his first thought was Joakim Noah because “he’s crazy and unorthodox but effective. Also frizzy, floppy, ponytail.”
Their editor’s notes and footnotes were great.
And the overall vibe of the book is just fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously.
At one point they recommend Hot Rod and Nate Bargatze (whom I just saw live this weekend) and that gives me some good insight on their humor. Well. Except for their Steve Martin and Martin Short duo mention. Ugh, Martin Short gets on my nerves.
The guys are pretty transparent about themselves and their thoughts and acknowledging that their opinion may need to be changed. I appreciate their honesty with mostly the right amount of self-deprecation.
It read like a transcript of their podcast. The format is small sections labeled with the author’s initials like dialogue, and it’s a back and forth discussion of sorts.
It’s a super fast read. Which is good because it leaves you wanting more. You want to hear what else they think and what other Rushmores they have. Luckily they have a podcast so there is plenty more where this comes from.
If I was a podcast person, I would listen to them regularly. Instead I’ll just have to go out of my way to check in on them every now and then and see whom/what they’re blasting.
Offense or Defense?
I feel like I’m not easily offended. And if you are, maybe this book isn’t for you, or it is because you need to knock it off! Even as I say I wasn’t offended reading this, I still found myself somewhat defensive at certain times.
I have somehow taken on a subconscious role of ‘defender of Christian stuff’ and I’m realizing that I need to be more open to certain critiques. I love Jesus and I love his church and so whenever someone criticizes something around that I tend to have a knee-jerk reaction that feels like they’re attacking God himself. This is not usually accurate. So it’s good for me to calm down a bit.
For example, they mention a few times the Christian publishing industry and how they make money off selling books; they call almost all Christian fiction trash writing; they make it seem like going to conferences is a bit of a double-standard and pointless; they rag on holiday services.
So I find myself thinking- Everything can’t be free! If there are no Christian publishing companies how are books to be written and accessible? Isn’t there value in Christian books? And yes I’m tired of all the Amish Christian fiction books and a lot of the writing in Christian fiction is cheesy or preachy, but it’s not all like that! And isn’t it better that that is written for people who don’t want to read the secular stuff that’s full of f-words and sexual content? And isn’t there still value in conferences and what kind of person does that make me for wanting to go the TGC conference this year? And don’t we still need to acknowledge the reality we live in?
But then they wrap up each chapter by coming back around to pointing out the good or giving the ‘bottom line’ of the issue that is usually something that calms me down and recognize that they aren’t trying to demolish everything. They’re just pointing out some flaws and such that are worth pondering but making sure that with each topic our hearts are in the right place. That God is still the focus.
So I like this book and their podcast because it will keep me from becoming too set in my ways/thoughts or being too defensive when fair critiques are given. Nothing is perfect, and nothing will be this side of heaven. Just because something has a ‘Christian’ label or association, doesn’t mean it’s without fault but it also doesn’t mean it’s couched with ulterior motives and begging for deconstruction.
We need to try our best to stay balanced and not take the wrong stuff too seriously. A lot of what they poke at are the things that become 'performative.’ Because walking with the Lord and doing what’s right is not about performing. Especially in terms of Christian celebrity culture, mega churches, going to conferences, etc these can easily become a matter of performing to appear a certain way.
I think that is a good insight to always keep in mind- Am I performing or is this genuine?
If I’m Going to Be Judgy
One other point I found myself feeling judgy about was the 'entertainment’ aspect of their opinions.
Ted Kluck is an interesting combination of lit prof, football coach/jock, sensitive writer, movie critic. I’m still trying to figure him out.
A lot of times it felt like he got into these elitist/pretentious ‘rants’ and I didn’t really like it. Movie critics in general tend to annoy me because when I watch a movie I usually just want to be entertained. When I see the movies getting Oscars I roll my eyes and usually put them on my do-not-watch list. Which maybe seems at odds with the curious and thoughtful part of me, but listening to people compare movies and stuff is just not something I really care about, especially when the ‘meanings’ aren’t obvious.
Kluck included an entire appendix of movie Rushmores which seemed a bit of a ‘look how intelligent and analytical and funny I am’ flex.
I think the more I listened to their podcast the more I would understand his personality and I would probably be able to read all of it with a better perspective.
I think he would appreciate the book The Nineties by Chuck Klosterman because a lot of his references are from that time period and I’m a tad too young to get them.
Oh also a lot of the movies they mentioned were not ones I would watch/recommend for the content. They did say that they wish they had made different choices about this and I was encouraged that they weren’t dabbling in Game of Thrones. Of course I’m not the shining example of how to make good entertainment choices, but that doesn’t stop me from judging other people’s. I’m a sinner, too.
Additional point about Big T that stuck out to me. He mentions that he is ‘the person’ for several pastors where they can come and laugh and make fun of stuff without fear that they will be seen as terrible people or immature. I definitely get this. And I think my husband and I are those people for one of our pastor friends. We can make immature jokes or be politically incorrect or whatever and it’s a safe place. Pastors need that bit of normalcy and it’s not easy to find.
A Chat with KDM?
Kristin Kobes-Du Mez wrote the book Jesus and John Wayne. It’s a book that also critiques Christian subculture, Christian publishing companies, Christian celebrity, etc. But where her book differs than The Happy Rant is that there is no ‘happy’ and extra ‘rant.’ Also she didn’t make many statements assuring the reader that she still loves Jesus and the Bible.
I know the Happy Rant boys have at least heard of her book because Big T is a western fan and he made a few comments about John Wayne as if in response to KDM’s opinion that all Christians think Jesus and John Wayne are somehow the same thing or held in the same regard.
I think it would be a very interesting and entertaining podcast episode to hear them interview KDM…
At the very least KDM could get a few pointers on writing her next book in which she most assuredly will tear down a good portion of American Christians.
Recommendation
I would recommend this book. It’s funny. It’s easy and fast to read. It’s entertaining yet thought-provoking. It’s both immature and mature at the same time.
You’re not going to agree with everything they say or comment about. But that’s okay. This type of writing is meant that way.
The point of this book, in my mind, is both to make you laugh and also to reflect a little bit on ‘Christian’ things that you may not have really considered and may need to be more aware of.
Like Babylon Bee, you read it and think ‘Oh snap!… well actually they kinda have a point.’ Or ‘Hahaha… wait a minute… that’s me. Shoot.’
Pretty much all Christians will find their stuff relatable. If you aren’t emerged in Christian circles it won’t hit you the same way, but maybe it would be encouraging for you to read how there are people that don’t fit the mainstream stereotypes and disagree with a lot of the widespread ‘Christiany’ sentiments.
Shelf Reflection Book Review Blog
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The authors (yes Barnabas is Johnny P’s son) have been part of a podcast of the same name for the last several years. They are friends who enjoy giving hot takes on Christian sub-culture and poking fun at the arguably ridiculous things the Christian community does or says. (Think Babylon Bee)
But it’s not entirely satirical and they do offer some thoughtful insights and opinions on a variety of topics. They tackle (because Kluck and football) manliness, movies, fashion, sports, holiday trends, the Enneagram, Christian fiction books, conferences, Reformed stuff and more.
Their goal in all of their writing/podcasts is: “Take Jesus seriously, take our faith seriously, laugh at ourselves, and laugh at the absurdity in so much of Christian (and broader) culture.”
I would suggest before reading this book that you listen to at least one of their podcast episodes to get a feel for their voices and personalities. I would also suggest skipping quick to the section of the book that describes some of their insider lingo/nicknames they use throughout their conversations.
I am a big proponent of nicknames so I give this section a thumbs up.
(Although Ted and Ronnie call each other ‘Baby’— apparently a reference from the 90s movie Swingers. And since I have no idea what this movie is my first thought is probably not what the film is about. And my second thought was that maybe it’s a baseball movie because they love sports. And my third thought was that maybe it’s a boxing movie because also sports. But it’s not any of those. Yet I still don’t know why it has that name and I’m still not sure if I like that particular nickname. It felt very bro-ish reading it.)
I also give a thumbs up to their jabs at the Ennegram and personality tests. They expressed a lot of my thoughts on that.
“I think the word for the day when it comes to personality tests is ‘humility,’ because believing that they create a straight path into the innermost complexities of the soul is treating them a little too much like witchcraft. Which, if you like essential oils and personality tests, is right up your occultism alley.”
“I don’t think there is a version of a personality test that won’t make us selfish and self-centered in about six minutes.”
But I will also point out that they really didn’t mention 1s at all and I want to know why. My best guess is because it’s called The Reformer.
Funny?
So anyway, you must be wondering— is the book funny?
Yes. Yes it is.
I enjoyed the part where they compared previous girlfriends to NBA players. I decided to ask my husband who I would be. He said he’d have to think about it but his first thought was Joakim Noah because “he’s crazy and unorthodox but effective. Also frizzy, floppy, ponytail.”
Their editor’s notes and footnotes were great.
And the overall vibe of the book is just fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously.
At one point they recommend Hot Rod and Nate Bargatze (whom I just saw live this weekend) and that gives me some good insight on their humor. Well. Except for their Steve Martin and Martin Short duo mention. Ugh, Martin Short gets on my nerves.
The guys are pretty transparent about themselves and their thoughts and acknowledging that their opinion may need to be changed. I appreciate their honesty with mostly the right amount of self-deprecation.
It read like a transcript of their podcast. The format is small sections labeled with the author’s initials like dialogue, and it’s a back and forth discussion of sorts.
It’s a super fast read. Which is good because it leaves you wanting more. You want to hear what else they think and what other Rushmores they have. Luckily they have a podcast so there is plenty more where this comes from.
If I was a podcast person, I would listen to them regularly. Instead I’ll just have to go out of my way to check in on them every now and then and see whom/what they’re blasting.
Offense or Defense?
I feel like I’m not easily offended. And if you are, maybe this book isn’t for you, or it is because you need to knock it off! Even as I say I wasn’t offended reading this, I still found myself somewhat defensive at certain times.
I have somehow taken on a subconscious role of ‘defender of Christian stuff’ and I’m realizing that I need to be more open to certain critiques. I love Jesus and I love his church and so whenever someone criticizes something around that I tend to have a knee-jerk reaction that feels like they’re attacking God himself. This is not usually accurate. So it’s good for me to calm down a bit.
For example, they mention a few times the Christian publishing industry and how they make money off selling books; they call almost all Christian fiction trash writing; they make it seem like going to conferences is a bit of a double-standard and pointless; they rag on holiday services.
So I find myself thinking- Everything can’t be free! If there are no Christian publishing companies how are books to be written and accessible? Isn’t there value in Christian books? And yes I’m tired of all the Amish Christian fiction books and a lot of the writing in Christian fiction is cheesy or preachy, but it’s not all like that! And isn’t it better that that is written for people who don’t want to read the secular stuff that’s full of f-words and sexual content? And isn’t there still value in conferences and what kind of person does that make me for wanting to go the TGC conference this year? And don’t we still need to acknowledge the reality we live in?
But then they wrap up each chapter by coming back around to pointing out the good or giving the ‘bottom line’ of the issue that is usually something that calms me down and recognize that they aren’t trying to demolish everything. They’re just pointing out some flaws and such that are worth pondering but making sure that with each topic our hearts are in the right place. That God is still the focus.
So I like this book and their podcast because it will keep me from becoming too set in my ways/thoughts or being too defensive when fair critiques are given. Nothing is perfect, and nothing will be this side of heaven. Just because something has a ‘Christian’ label or association, doesn’t mean it’s without fault but it also doesn’t mean it’s couched with ulterior motives and begging for deconstruction.
We need to try our best to stay balanced and not take the wrong stuff too seriously. A lot of what they poke at are the things that become 'performative.’ Because walking with the Lord and doing what’s right is not about performing. Especially in terms of Christian celebrity culture, mega churches, going to conferences, etc these can easily become a matter of performing to appear a certain way.
I think that is a good insight to always keep in mind- Am I performing or is this genuine?
If I’m Going to Be Judgy
One other point I found myself feeling judgy about was the 'entertainment’ aspect of their opinions.
Ted Kluck is an interesting combination of lit prof, football coach/jock, sensitive writer, movie critic. I’m still trying to figure him out.
A lot of times it felt like he got into these elitist/pretentious ‘rants’ and I didn’t really like it. Movie critics in general tend to annoy me because when I watch a movie I usually just want to be entertained. When I see the movies getting Oscars I roll my eyes and usually put them on my do-not-watch list. Which maybe seems at odds with the curious and thoughtful part of me, but listening to people compare movies and stuff is just not something I really care about, especially when the ‘meanings’ aren’t obvious.
Kluck included an entire appendix of movie Rushmores which seemed a bit of a ‘look how intelligent and analytical and funny I am’ flex.
I think the more I listened to their podcast the more I would understand his personality and I would probably be able to read all of it with a better perspective.
I think he would appreciate the book The Nineties by Chuck Klosterman because a lot of his references are from that time period and I’m a tad too young to get them.
Oh also a lot of the movies they mentioned were not ones I would watch/recommend for the content. They did say that they wish they had made different choices about this and I was encouraged that they weren’t dabbling in Game of Thrones. Of course I’m not the shining example of how to make good entertainment choices, but that doesn’t stop me from judging other people’s. I’m a sinner, too.
Additional point about Big T that stuck out to me. He mentions that he is ‘the person’ for several pastors where they can come and laugh and make fun of stuff without fear that they will be seen as terrible people or immature. I definitely get this. And I think my husband and I are those people for one of our pastor friends. We can make immature jokes or be politically incorrect or whatever and it’s a safe place. Pastors need that bit of normalcy and it’s not easy to find.
A Chat with KDM?
Kristin Kobes-Du Mez wrote the book Jesus and John Wayne. It’s a book that also critiques Christian subculture, Christian publishing companies, Christian celebrity, etc. But where her book differs than The Happy Rant is that there is no ‘happy’ and extra ‘rant.’ Also she didn’t make many statements assuring the reader that she still loves Jesus and the Bible.
I know the Happy Rant boys have at least heard of her book because Big T is a western fan and he made a few comments about John Wayne as if in response to KDM’s opinion that all Christians think Jesus and John Wayne are somehow the same thing or held in the same regard.
I think it would be a very interesting and entertaining podcast episode to hear them interview KDM…
At the very least KDM could get a few pointers on writing her next book in which she most assuredly will tear down a good portion of American Christians.
Recommendation
I would recommend this book. It’s funny. It’s easy and fast to read. It’s entertaining yet thought-provoking. It’s both immature and mature at the same time.
You’re not going to agree with everything they say or comment about. But that’s okay. This type of writing is meant that way.
The point of this book, in my mind, is both to make you laugh and also to reflect a little bit on ‘Christian’ things that you may not have really considered and may need to be more aware of.
Like Babylon Bee, you read it and think ‘Oh snap!… well actually they kinda have a point.’ Or ‘Hahaha… wait a minute… that’s me. Shoot.’
Pretty much all Christians will find their stuff relatable. If you aren’t emerged in Christian circles it won’t hit you the same way, but maybe it would be encouraging for you to read how there are people that don’t fit the mainstream stereotypes and disagree with a lot of the widespread ‘Christiany’ sentiments.
Shelf Reflection Book Review Blog
Book Review Blog | Facebook | Pinterest
September 9, 2022
I mean, what can I say? It did exactly what it intended to do, which is make me laugh. A lot, and sometimes not quietly in public places. But there’s also plenty of thoughtful and thought-provoking content here. It’s a book version of the podcast for sure, which for me means 5 stars.
August 8, 2022
Are you someone who needs answers to sone of life's most burning questions, such as what is a evangelical celebrity, can pastors be funny, or what are manly men? This book will give some insight into these questions that some of us have been pontificating about as we sit in our scroll arm leather chairs sipping our burboun and smoking our cigar. Be prepared to chuckle as you read this book , these men blend humor with wisdom as they navigate these serious and crucial topics. While these topics are relevant to the current times we live in, if you're reading this in 2035 buy this book just for the nostalgia factor as I'm sure by then we'll have ironed out all the snags and baggage in evangelical Christian culture.
March 7, 2024
The Happy Rant may be my favorite Christian podcast. I’ve listened to it on and off all the way back to the Altrogge days (probably butchered that spelling). It was such a refreshing weekly listen to hear some hilarious banter that riffed on reformed Christian culture from within. I found the podcast at a time when I was probably insufferably serious, and it really helped me enjoy lighter conversation and appreciate humor much more. In the show I appreciated Barnabas’ sheer frankness, and Ted is probably one of the most hilarious guys I’ve ever listened to. Ronnie was tougher for me to relate to but I did appreciate his pastoral insights.
This book was a perfect send off for a ten year long podcast. The audiobook was even narrated by Barnabas, Ted, and Ronnie. Great cap to one of my favorite pods.
This book was a perfect send off for a ten year long podcast. The audiobook was even narrated by Barnabas, Ted, and Ronnie. Great cap to one of my favorite pods.
March 27, 2023
Only read this book because Joel brought it on our honeymoon and I didn’t bring enough for myself (rookie mistake. blame the fact that i’m moving). Solid entertainment value although I didn’t follow them 100 or maybe even 80% of the time and also don’t agree with 100 or maybe even 65% of what they said. Okay maybe it’s closer to 75%. This book also cost me a dinner because Joel’s old professor says very clearly that if he were to hear me speak he would want to punch me in the throat. Maybe he said all enneagram 4s but since I’m special and the only *real* 4, he meant me. Read it if you want or don’t 🤷🏻♀️
April 7, 2023
This was a refreshing writing style that felt like tuning into conversations with three old friends that I don’t always agree with, but always love. At times, the content was one-sided, but these are all friends from a similar era and culture & I appreciated the honesty more than I wanted the conflict. As a heads up, it’s very possible to get lost in all the names they throw out. Reformdom benefits from their tongue-in-cheek, “let’s not take ourselves too seriously” dynamic. I want more books like this (from them! but also, from other groups of friends)!!
Hands down the most fun I’ve had reading anything all year.
Hands down the most fun I’ve had reading anything all year.
October 15, 2022
As I longtime listener of The Happy Rant podcast, I was excited for this one. I intentionally waited for the audiobook because it seemed more fitting of a format after years of listening to the pod.
The book is great! It brings a great balance of depth and humor to topics the guys usually wander to and fro through. I was encouraged to think more deeply through some topics, while also freed to laugh about the ridiculousness of other topics. If you like the podcast, buy the book, baby.
The book is great! It brings a great balance of depth and humor to topics the guys usually wander to and fro through. I was encouraged to think more deeply through some topics, while also freed to laugh about the ridiculousness of other topics. If you like the podcast, buy the book, baby.
November 7, 2022
I binge listened to the audiobook today and enjoyed every second! If you’re a fan of the Happy Rant pod, you’ll likely find this to be an extended, and perhaps more thoughtful, episode. I really enjoyed hearing a bit more from the boys than is typical in a 45 minute ep !
September 7, 2022
Every week for the last six years, I've listened to the Happy Rant. Ted, Barnabas, and Ronnie have always made me laugh and occasionally made me think. All the greatest hits of running jokes and gags were easily found in the pages, while a few surprises were thrown in. Ted goes full David Foster Wallace with all the copious (but delightful) footnotes. Ronnie's voice comes through quite strong with his unique, casual style of abbreviating everything. Pipes's razor-sharp wit also manages to be captured in the pages. Their commitment to making fun of Reformed Christianity while still being members of Reformed Christianity is commendable. It really comes through in how these three guys use each chapter to say something important about their (and our) relationship with God. Money, celebrity culture, deconstruction, politics, chasing dreams, and personality tests are all subjected to much joke-making but then thoughtfully analyzed for how these things speak to our need for God. Great work, boys.
February 1, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It takes a unique approach of blending three distinct personalities and presenting meaningful discussion in somewhat of a dialogue form. Each chapter is a different topic within the Christendom realm, and Ted, Barnabas, and Ronnie all chime in with their unique perspectives just as they do on their podcast. I listened to the book, which was great because each author reads their parts. It’s cool to hear their perspective in their voices. This book is humorous, witty and, at times, challenging. Lots of poignant observations and wise commentary.
March 8, 2023
I've been following this podcast for a few years. I love it -- in small doses. The thing that makes it compelling, the irreverent inside-out mockery of modern Christianity, is also the thing that wears me out. Too much is tiresome. Well, if a podcast is sometimes too much, how about a whole book!
I'm too hard on these fellas. I really did enjoy the book. Following Piper, Kluck and company feels like being friends with them. Hanging out. And they're good guys. Some things deserve to be mocked, but when you clear away the sarcasm, their hearts are in the right place.
I'm too hard on these fellas. I really did enjoy the book. Following Piper, Kluck and company feels like being friends with them. Hanging out. And they're good guys. Some things deserve to be mocked, but when you clear away the sarcasm, their hearts are in the right place.
September 25, 2022
This books serves a quite niche audience, namely the Happy Rant podcast audience, but it serves them very well! I was skeptical that the vibe of the podcast could be transferred to paper, but they managed to pull it off! (If you're not familiar with the podcast, you might still enjoy it if you're a moderate conservative Christian that can tolerate humor. Bonus points if you're Reformed-ish. A handy guide to all the in-jokes is included in the back.)
May 14, 2023
This book is only five stars because I have been listening to the podcast for years and the book is everything I hoped it would be.
Is it a literary classic? No
Will anyone reading this review have any idea of the niche Christian subculture humor this book relies upon? Unlikely.
Was it worth buying with my birthday money and reading in a day? 100 percent.
Is it a literary classic? No
Will anyone reading this review have any idea of the niche Christian subculture humor this book relies upon? Unlikely.
Was it worth buying with my birthday money and reading in a day? 100 percent.
July 21, 2023
I love the podcast and the book was great, thoughtful and entertaining.
September 19, 2022
First off, let's state the obvious. If you love the podcast, you'll love the book. If you've never listened to the podcast, go listen to a few episodes (go ahead, I will wait....) If you like what you heard there, then you will like what you read here. What I like about this book is the guys ability to take humor, snark and theological depth and balance them out perfectly. The book seems to me to be slightly more serious than your average Happy Rant podcast, although there are still plenty of ha ha's to be had. Great job boys....
August 11, 2022
Okay, let's be honest - this style of a book is objectively not going to be 5 stars in the same way Marilynne Robinson or Fredrick Backman or Jane Austen is - but for what it's meant to be, five stars all the way. A great mix of humorous observations, a little of serious reflection, and a dash of Ronnie not knowing how to speak (or type) in full words. If you like the pod, you'll love the book. If you haven't listened to the pod, well this will be a great introduction, because it comes equipped with a Happy Rant dictionary, which will shorten the learning curve of all the inside lingo they use in each episode.
In the words of Larry the Cucumber, "I laughed, I cried, it moved me, Bob." Also, the paragraph in the last full chapter where Ted does a defense of John Wayne as a persona is spot on and worth the price of admission.
In the words of Larry the Cucumber, "I laughed, I cried, it moved me, Bob." Also, the paragraph in the last full chapter where Ted does a defense of John Wayne as a persona is spot on and worth the price of admission.
August 22, 2022
If you love the podcast… you’ll love the book. I definitely “heard” each of the host’s sections read in their voice in my head. (Which is equal parts creepy and cool.) Humorous in all the right places, deep in all the right places… it’s like reading an “ep” of your favorite “pod.” You gotta trust me, it’s money baby! I actually think the print medium helps the boys stay a tad more focused, and this dialed in approach leads to some surprisingly deep discussions that are worth the price of admission.
Unlike Pipe’s dad, I wasn’t forced to endorse this book, but I think the boys should throw some cashish my way for this elite level promo work. Buy a copy. Thanks me later.
Unlike Pipe’s dad, I wasn’t forced to endorse this book, but I think the boys should throw some cashish my way for this elite level promo work. Buy a copy. Thanks me later.
November 30, 2022
I listened to this book on Audible because I was looking for the same sound I hear on the podcast weekly. As always, I appreciate the wit and humor conjoined with the seriousness of some of the topics. Ted, Ronnie, and Barnabas know how to appropriately point out the outrageousness found in their own theological tribe while at the same time semi-seriously address the issues in each chapter. My listening experience was filled with moments of laughter followed by other moments in which I was impressed by the wisdom each of them offered in their own separate ways, which is exactly something I was hoping for in this book.
August 11, 2022
This is a podcast in written form (in the best way). The back and forth between the three authors is unique and creative. I’ve never read anything like it. Each of their voices are clear and funny, and there were deep and true reflections on the Christian life. I got to the end wishing there was more (even though they have weekly podcast episodes). This is worth the read if you like poking fun at the Christian world, but still treating it with respect. Highly recommend!
June 16, 2023
(Audible) I mean, I expected to like this and I ended up liking it as much as I expected. It’s essentially my favorite podcast hosts putting into print an elongated version of their podcast (also under the same title as the book). And to add to the confusion, I listened to this on audible—how about that for a media consumption roundabout.
These guys have redeemed the art of reformed humor and Christian satire, and on top of that also have a depth to them that I both relate to and admire.
These guys have redeemed the art of reformed humor and Christian satire, and on top of that also have a depth to them that I both relate to and admire.
August 11, 2022
Magisterial, epic, a tour-de-force. I laughed, I cried, I read in the bathroom instead of my phone. This book taught me how to be a man and how to use my personality to achieve fame and fortune for the purpose of demonstrating piety on social media by using my newly develop platform to express discernment. Thank you, this is a life changer.
December 31, 2022
Hilarious. I love The Happy Rant podcast, and these guys did a really good job of transferring the feel of the podcast into printed words on a page. I especially loved the "endorsements," their dictionary, and the general feel of the book wandering to and fro through a variety of topics, many that I care deeply about. Deeply enough to laugh out loud while "hearing" these guys mock them!
January 3, 2023
Despite trying to keep up with "what's out there," I had never heard of The Happy Rant podcast before coming across this book last week.
I found the book provocative, honest, funny. I enjoyed the banter between three good friends and their willingness to tackle things that sometimes never get tackled. A very good book.
I found the book provocative, honest, funny. I enjoyed the banter between three good friends and their willingness to tackle things that sometimes never get tackled. A very good book.
January 5, 2023
This book was great in every way. I love listening to the podcast to hear their banter and rants; it makes me laugh a lot. This book did the same thing but also gave valuable biblical encouragement on various topics. Loved hearing their perspectives. I also really enjoyed hearing each of the guys read their sections on the audiobook version. Highly recommend that format.
April 22, 2023
If you want to read a distilled version of the happy rant podcast this is the book for you. I honestly enjoyed reading some of the ongoing jokes and turns of phrases and hearing 3 (kind of) different perspectives on each topic. They approach each topic with humor healthily mixed with a serious desire to understand.
August 20, 2022
An easy, enjoyable, witty read marked by Reformed satire and serious conversation. You can really only appreciate this to its fullest if you know the guys from the Podcast. All things considered, I loved it.
December 7, 2022
This read always had to be an audiobook experience. All three authors read the book and engage with each other within every chapter. If you listen to the podcast, this is a really fun read. If not, very little hump will land.
December 29, 2022
If you like this podcast you will love this book! Matt Chandler’s forward sums up the quality of the boo well. Also, I don’t think I would have it read it without John Piper’s endorsement. Great work gentlemen 👌🏻
January 13, 2023
Hilarious, thoroughly enjoyed it! Also reminded me why getting off ‘Evangelical Twitter’ for good, was one of the most logical things I’d done lately.
Especially enjoyed the chapters on Celebrities and Conferences. Funny yet thought-provoking.
Especially enjoyed the chapters on Celebrities and Conferences. Funny yet thought-provoking.
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