I was blessed to hear Bart Millard tell his testimony at a concert many years ago! To see that story hit the big screen was incredible and I got to share that experience with my brothers and sisters in Christ! To see the ups and downs and struggles he overcame and see the victory and blessing in his story made me realize God is always working in our lives! #ICanOnlyImagine #NetGalley

Heard this song many years ago, and it is still to this day a powerful song. Bart takes you through his life and the events that lead him to write that song. While he was writing this book, they were also making a movie about his life as well, with the song included of course. So, you get to hear through words what it was like for him working around the set and talking to the actors who were making the movie. Here in this book though you get his story of what led him to the day where he penned the song, when the first people that heard it and knew it was something special, so special that when it came time for Amy Grant to perform the song she felt the only person who could sing the song with the feeling that it deserved was Bart himself. A very powerful story that goes along with an amazing song, he has others as well.

The powerful, uplifting story of the song that changed Christian music forever. We all have heard MercyMe’s song, I Can Only Imagine, at one point or another, but not the story of how it came to be. Imagine is a powerful, uplifting memoir about forgiveness, redemption, and God’s amazing grace.


I received an E-copy from netgalley for a review. All opinions are my own.

If you’ve seen the movie “I Can Only Imagine” about the lead singer from MercyMe’s life, you really need to read the book. This book goes into way more detail than the movie. The book chronicles Bart Millard’s life with an abusive father who completely turned his life around, a mother’s abandonment, and Bart’s eventual rise in the band, MercyMe.

I thought that the story was beautifully told and very easy to read. The book was very honest and authentic about all that Bart had suffered. I loved hearing stories about Mammaw Millard and how the name of the band came from her. Bart had some good in his childhood and was able to come to a point of forgiveness towards both his mother and father.

This was a great book about resiliency and a strong faith in God to help broken people to heal.

Rating: 5 out of 5

This book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for a review.

Wow!!! I loved the song, but now have a greater appreciation for its lyrics and meaning. This movie was also out of this world and definitely not to be missed.

Fabulous read! I finished both the book and audio book in two days. It's that good! (I highly recommend the audio book, read by the author!) I've never been what I'd call a fan of MercyMe. I liked some of their songs and a few made their way to my playlist. But "I Can Only Imagine" has been a favorite since 2002. That song never fails to bring me to worship and tears, thus my interest in the book. I have not seen the movie, and if you have, please don't let that stop you from reading this book! As the author points out, there is so much more in the book! The author has the luxury of telling the reader things in the book that a two hour movie simply cannot contain. I was touched and moved repeatedly throughout! I cried - in the first chapter, the last chapter and a few times in between. This book made me a huge Bart Millard (and therefore MercyMe) fan. As I type this review, I'm in the process of listening to every.single.one of their LP's with new ears. Bart Millard lays himself bare in this book. Raw, vulnerable, exposed, real, transparent, no holds barred. In a day when so many Christians are afraid to let down the mask of perfection and let others see what lies beneath the surface, Bart Millard gives courage - to be real. This is a must read - whether you like MercyMe or not - whether you like Christian music or not - from the first words to the last, this book never gets boring! What a life! What a journey! What a God!

I began reading this book knowing what I thought was most of the story. I had seen the recently released movie based on this memoir as well as recently seen Bart Millard's band Mercy Me in concert. So I wasn't sure what more I could learn about Bart's life? Boy was I wrong! I am thankful I saw the movie first. The book has so many more detail that were changed in the movie, I don't think I would have equally liked the movie as the book. But by watching the movie, getting an idea of his life then reading this book filled in so much detail. WOW! I loved the book and read through it very quickly. Hearing Bart speak at the concert and different interviews then reading this book it really felt real that Bart wrote every word. I felt many emotions while reading this book and I think when reading about someone's life this is what we hope to feel, a connection to the writer. I can not imagine growing up in the environment Bart did but reading his book was impactful to me in that whatever obstacle I have in life can be overcome with God by your side. I would recommend this book for anyone just wanting to connect with the writer and learn more about his amazing life and all that he has accomplished even with difficult circumstances . Or if you are someone going through a difficult time in life.

I Can Only Imagine Is an amazing book. I was humbled just reading it, Mr. Millard's story is fantastic to read. To know all that he is gone through in his life and how GOD fit exclusively into it. It shows how GOD can truly heal a man. This story is so touching, and since listening to, and have all the CD's of- Mercy Me - it is a story I have been curious to read. Do not miss out on his story you will not regret it.

After seeing this movie and finding out he wrote a book, I had to read it! I am so glad that I did! This book was even better than the movie and made me really think that I am happy I had such a good childhood. I felt more lead to continue to follow my faith! I highly recommend this book to all!

I have loved the song "I Can Only Imagine" since the very first time I heard it, and had no idea about the backstory. After watching the movie, I had to read the book (because books are always better than the movies!) This was no exception. Millard's candid story offers hope to all who may struggle with doubt and fear. The reconciliation with his father points to possibility in any difficult situation. A beautiful read!

Bart Millard shares his incredible story, telling about how he penned one of the most touching modern songs – and penned it in ten minutes, in fact. But, of course, as singer Amy Grant tells him, “Bart, you didn't write that song in ten minutes. It took a lifetime.” – very true words. And this books fully tells that story of his...

“Music gave me hope when I felt hopeless. Love when I felt unloved. A reason to embrace life when I was dying inside.”

If you've already enjoyed watching the new film “I Can Only Imagine”, or are looking forward to watching it – maybe it's time to read the book. Written by MercyMe's lead singer and writer of the chart-topping song “I Can Only Imagine”. The book explores more of Bart's life in further detail, than the movie allows. And written quite well, if I may say so (and it's so quotable too! Some of my favorite quotes are included in this review). If you're a fan at all, I'd recommend enjoying both the book AND movie – but in the order of your choice.

Let's discuss the story a bit. Bart tells of his childhood in depth, of his father who turned abusive after an accident (Bart specifically says “It was like a Jekyll-and-Hyde story), and how as a young boy growing up in that household, Bart had to turn to his imagination for means of escape. Music became his passion in life.

“But through all that noise in my life, whenever I heard a perfect union of melody and lyric in a song, something traveled from my ears to my heart and made me feel alive.”

Now, if it hadn't been for his Mammaw Millard, there'd be no MercyMe, and there'd be no “I Can Only Imagine”. This woman is the heroine of several important chapters in Bart's life, and a mighty lady she is.

In the latter half of 2001, the song “I Can Only Imagine” hit the radio – everyone was listening to it (Christian and non-Christian alike) – and it topped the charts and broke records.

“No one can write better scripts than God.”

I loved the book – Bart shares so much of his life on these pages – some of it is laugh-out-loud funny, and some of it completely serious stuff. He tells all about how the band MercyMe formed, and about how sometimes... things just lined up so well, it could have only been done by the hand of God. He shares some deeply personal things about his family, and opens up tale after amusing tale to us, his fans. I gained strength and inspiration just from hearing about his successes, failures, and other experiences.

I definitely recommend this to anyone interested. It should be passed through the churches to give everyone the opportunity to read it for yourself.

“While I am here on earth, I am both a work in progress and already made whole because of the cross. I am a child of the risen King who will wrestle with the flesh. I'll win some and lose some, but it can never change how Christ sees me because the cross was enough!”

The song that this book is based upon is one of my favorites so I was eager to read this book. It's a wonderful story about family and some of the struggles that are encountered.
An accident at work causes the author's father to have a drastic personality change and he becomes angry/abusive. A change works in his heart leading him to reach out to God.
I'm anxious to see the movie!
I received an Advance Review Copy via netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Brutally honest. Heart-wrenching. Joyful. Painful. Tender. Thoughtful. A forthright yet gentle reminder of a Love that we can only imagine the extent of. Well done, Bart.

A wonderful book of love, hurt and grace. Bart Millard of the music group, MercyMe reveals the story behind the number one song, I Can Only Imagine. He gives us the “nitty gritty” details of his life, his relationship with his parents and brother, his early years in music and how God has brought it all together. His hard life was one of a horrible childhood due to abuse by his father. He shares how God changed his life to a life of love and forgiveness as he watched God transform his father into a man Bart aspires to become. We see how he trusts God for the future and how these plans have enabled him to become not only the leader of a number one group, but also a man who has learned to be a loving man of God as a husband, father, and friend.

This song is so special to so many, but to especially dear to me as we had it played at my dad’s funeral. I never hear it that I don’t think of him and try to imagine just what heaven will be like when I get there.

I highly recommend this book for all to read. I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson--W Publishing through Netgalley and the opinions expressed are my own.

Wow. Where do I begin? I was working for a small town Christian bookstore when Almost There released. A very good friend grabbed me one day as I came in for my shift and pulled me back to our music section.

"You've got to hear this!", she exclaimed, telling me the song had been a part of the worship service at her church that week. I slipped on the head phones and within the first few lines I was awestruck.

Mercy Me, a group I knew nothing about, had captured every thought and imagining I'd ever had about Heaven. I bought a copy and when my husband got home that night I told him, "You've got to hear this!"

My husband is like Bart: music, all types, genres, and decades make up his world. His life, like Bart's, is lived to a soundtrack. It was a miracle I'd found a song my husband knew nothing about, but it was a song that moved him like it moved me. (He still gives me "credit" for his love of Mercy Me!)

I shared all of that so you can hopefully grasp just how special this book is to me. Bart's story and how that song came to be is woven into the tapestry of my own walk with God. I changed how I worshipped after hearing "I Can Only Imagine", and now that my parents are with Jesus, the song and now the story have taken on a deeper and richer meaning.

Watching God move through Bart's life was a painfully gorgeous illustration of Romans 8:28. Of course, we have the beauty of hindsight, while Bart was living in those moments of fear, isolation, and pain. I cried for him, and I kept telling him to hold on, because better days were to come.

Obviously, he knows that now! But that's how powerful his story is. You just want to encourage him and pray for him and his dad, his entire family, as you read. And it's written like you're talking to him at a coffee shop, or over dinner.

I'm so grateful Bart included the last chapter in the book. He'll probably never even read this, but just as "I Can Only Imagine" changed my journey with God, his latest song, "Even If" has arrived in perfect time for this leg of my journey. A new, harder road that keeps me telling Jesus, "Where else can I go, Lord? Only You have what I need, and have been faithful to me."

As a woman in ministry, that song resonates with me, just as the song that led to a love for Mercy Me and their soundtrack did all those years ago. The journey wasn’t easy for Bart Millard, but as he wrote in the book, "But the fruit on a tree's branches is not grown for the tree but for those who will eat from it."

Praise God for such good and nourishing fruit!

I received an advance copy from the publisher with no services or obligations promised in return.

~I received this book in exchange for an honest review. The song is one of my favorite songs but I never knew the story behind it. What a great book! Your heart will hurt for all that Bart went through, but it will help you discover that there is hope for others in that situation. The book is well written and is story that needs to be told. I love how he weaves other songs that Mercy me sings into the book. Can't wait to see the movie.

"I Can Only Imagine" written by Bart Millard is an amazing story of God's great grace and love. Bart shares the testimony of his life, showing how God works through the hurt and broken places in our lives to bring healing, peace, forgiveness and restoration, when we place our trust in Him. Bart shares many of his life stories that brought him to discover his gift of singing that God gave him which led to forming the band, Mercy Me and to writing many of their greatest hits. One of the greatest songs ever written, in my opinion is "I Can Only Imagine" because it reminds me of how great and awesome it will be when I stand in the presence of my Savior! This song was written by Bart through the life and transformation of his abusive dad to God loving dad.
You will also share in the love story of Bart and his wife and how God works all things together for our good when we love Him and are called according to His purpose.
This is a book you do not want to miss, it is truly a journey that shows how God has great plans for all.
I thank NetGalley for allowing me to read and give my honest opinion. It is a Great Book.

I Can Only Imagine

by Bart Millard

What will it be like for a believer in Christ to die and go to heaven? Bart Millard’s answer is “I Can Only Imagine.” If you have not heard this beautiful worship song, I encourage you to go to YouTube and listen right now. Then read the memoir I Can Only Imagine written by Bart Millard, lead singer and organizer of MercyMe and writer of this song. God inspired him to write the song, and he had it down on paper in ten minutes, but as legendary Christian singer Amy Grant told him, referring to his background, “Bart, you didn’t write this song in ten minutes. It took a lifetime.”

Millard’s memoir details what a movie by the same name could only highlight. A product of a severely dysfunctional family, he suffered extreme physical, verbal, and emotional abuse followed by a long period of neglect which could still be punctuated by paternal outbursts of anger. But through it all, God had a plan. This book details Bart’s relationship with God and the dual miracles He worked in the life of Bart and his dad. How could Bart’s father morph from a monster into a role model? How could Bart forgive his father for the horrible abuses wrought on him and go on to become a kind and loving father and husband himself? The answer to these mysteries is summed up in one word—God. More exactly, the miraculous power, love, and mercy of God.

The book also shares how the band MercyMe was formed and worked its way up the ladder in the dog-eat-dog competitive music industry while remaining true to God’s calling for them. Theirs was not a path of instant success, but it was one that glorified God and reflected His plan and goals.

This memoir is well written and honestly reflects the struggles Bart had in his personal as well as musical endeavors. The part of the book that deals with abuse is, of course, difficult to read, but Millard shares enough that the reader understands the depth of what happened without being drawn into lengthy descriptions of the brutality. Millard shares his pain but also inspires with the wondrous miracle of God’s love.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Thomas Nelson (W Publishing) for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Memoir

Publication: February 13, 2018—Thomas Nelson (W Publishing)

Memorable Lines:

But through all that noise in my life, whenever I heard perfect union of melody and lyric in a song, something traveled from my ears to my heart and made me feel alive.

I embraced the truth that no matter what happened or what Dad did to me, God was ultimately in control. I became more vocal about my faith, less afraid to ask questions about the Bible, and more confident to state what I believed. What I discovered is that there’s personal empowerment that comes with a relationship with Christ, and this, coupled with a newfound identity in Him, brings real healing to suffering people.

The maddening thing about verbal abuse is how the words you’ve heard replay in your head hundreds of times, even when the person is not around or has stopped saying those things to you.

We all face really hard seasons when it seems as if the entire world is against us, when we think we just cannot win. But when we keep standing strong, following the Lord, and obeying His calling, He will see us through and keep us on His path.

The first time I heard “I Can Only Imagine” was when I accept Jesus into my heart and always imagined how I could be the hands and feet of Jesus. Now I know!!!! Share Jesus with anyone and everyone! Bart Millard’s story is inspiring, shows how God’s grace and love surpasses everything. “I Can Only Imagine” written by Bart Millard is the story behind the song and his life. We serve a mighty God, He transformed Bart’s dad and He can and will transform you if you allow Him to. I cried, I heard God speaking to me through the words of Bart’s story. Once you accept Jesus into your heart, your life is transformed and you will never be the same. Jesus loves us so much that He died for us. Bart gets right to the truth, his story is a must read.

I received an ARC from the publisher. My opinions are my own.