Hope and Other Superpowers is a good introduction to John Pavlovitz, his worldview, and his embrace of the entire world as inspiration for it. In this book, he approaches the topic of hope as a “superpower” that can be attained by all. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a little hope in a dark place, and everyone who wants to make their little corner of the world a little better.

I DNF'd this one. I tried and I struggled and it just felt like a weird add. I constantly felt like a was reading an introduction and never felt like i got to the key parts of the book.

Thank you to the author John Pavlovitz, the publisher Simon Schuster and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for a candid review of the book.

This is a very inspiring book with many good and fairly simple changes to effect a great change in your life and the world. I loved the simple messages that are illustrated with heartfelt real life stories. It is an inspiring book. The only negative that I have with the book is that the author brought politics into the book and risked alienating half of the US population. The author states that he was inspired to write this book as a response to the helplessness and dismay that he felt as a result of the election of President Trump in 2016. He equates the results of this election to the end of decency and humanity in the United States. What he ignores is that many people in the US, myself included, have been feeling alienated before this and specifically when the other party was in power. I am sorry that a book that should be so inspiring for so many will perpetuate alienation and a lack of understanding and empathy. I, of course, have a different political viewpoint, and HATE when other people assume that they know what I believe and then have the audacity to tell me in infinite detail what I believe. Having said that, I feel that the author lost a very good opportunity to speak to both ends of the political spectrum and could have been a pulpit for understanding and outreach instead of whining about how their political beliefs were not mandated. I too am appalled at the divisiveness in the country, but this book will do nothing to bring people closer together---it instead perpetuates it.

If you would like an inspiring book with some opinionated sidebars about politics....then this is an interesting read.

This is a book with an interesting concept. It is well written too. The author talks about many "superpowers" and tools to help with the challenges we might all face today. There is as much detail and information in this book as the title of the book is long. If you are worried about the author being a pastor or this being all about superheroes don't -- just read it for the thoughts. If you do that then you might find it interesting and get some interesting ideas from it. What I got out of this book is have hope and take everything piece by piece and day by day because otherwise we will be overwhelmed. Just work to do the best we can. We are here to help uplift each other and help give hope to others too. Doing this is super and just might help more than we know for the greater good for everyone. What will you get from the words he writes?

The full title of the book I’m here to review today is… Hope and Other Superpowers: A Life-Affirming, Love-Defending, Butt-Kicking, World-Saving Manifesto. John Pavlovitz wrote this book and, presumably, picked the title. It is possibly the longest title I’ve ever seen but the book is absolutely worth ever hyphen in the title.

A few things, first.

When I requested the ARC of this nonfiction book from NetGalley (thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the chance to read it and offer my thoughts!), I picked it because the title seemed ambitious and I was trying to pick outside my genre-comfort zone, so I picked self-help. I did not realize that John Pavlovitz is a pastor, I did not realize that John Pavlovitz is considered one of the more liberal prominent pastors in the country, and I did not realize that the ‘superpower’ part of the title meant I’d need a working knowledge of comic book heroes to get the analogies made in this book.

When I realized these three things, as I started the book, I was quickly wary because I am agnostic, I’m generally skeptical of the motives of megachurch pastors, and I’ve never seen a comic book movie (Marvel or DC or whatever else there is, it’s all very confusing).

However, and this is an important part, Hope and Other Superpowers is not about why I should go to church and give myself up to Jesus, let him take the wheel as Carrie Underwood sings. Pavlovitz mentions being a pastor but I had the sense that he was not writing as pastor to his flock, but as a human being to other human beings. And, possibly less important but very surprising, I really want to watch all the comic book movies!

I was going to say I didn’t expect this book to be what it was but I don’t know what I expected it to be so I will say this…

I didn’t know I needed to read this book, but I did.

It’s in part a call to larger action, in that it’s fairly obvious how Pavlovitz feels about the current president, but it’s also a call to any action at all. A reminder that every single action we undertake has a ripple effect on both our own lives and the wider world. The underlying theme is that we all have the power to be the superheroes we see in movies and comic books, even when the simplest task seems so impossible. It’s about the fact that when we take care of ourselves, we can also make our world better for it. It’s a guide that asks me to take stock of myself, to take better care of myself, and take better care of the world.

I’m going to read this book again, and again. I needed this book, at this moment in my life, and I know I’ll need it again.

A book about superheroes, our current political landscape, and hope? And they go together all in one book?

Yep.

I have followed the author, John Pavlovitz since 2016, shortly after Trump was elected. He popped up in my Facebook feed and I headed to his blog to read more. He is viewed as polarizing pastor in some circles but oddly enough, it's primarily the church circles who view him as such.

So, a book review about politics, religion and a polarizing pastor? This should go well.

It will. I promise. Because this book is about hope and I don't know a single person, in the church or out of the church, who doesn't need hope. I know I do.

And did I mention superheroes? He uses all the well known superheroes to beautifully illustrate the points of his book. I'm a sucker for superheroes so I was hooked.

What this book boils down to is how we treat each other and how we inspire and give hope to others. That issue is something that has been on my mind a lot lately, and really, the past several years.

John gave an example of watching coverage of Hurricane Harvey and rescue after rescue - others helping others without a care as to what their political views were, what church they attended or didn't attend, their race, or whether they were legal citizens or not.

That was eye opening to me because he was right; I watched the same footage and I never wondered if the woman stranded in her home voted for Trump or Clinton.

I would be lying if I said that my heart doesn't hurt for how our president treats others or that I can support that behavior just because he is our president. I can't look past it in favor of policy. But at the same time, I can't directly influence a change in him either and that realization has been deeply dividing for our country.

This book helped me to refocus.

He wrote about activism; a word that scares a lot of people. But it's really not frightening at all when it ends up as simply looking to help those who have been marginalized in your own community. I don't have to 100% agree with someone to be kind and helpful.

I don't even agree with the author on every point but I took from the book what I needed for my heart, for my life. And that's the approach I'm going to start taking on a daily basis. It's hard to be angry and despondent when you are focused on helping others.

From a writing perspective, John is a great writer. He is passionate and he has a way of conveying his passion through examples, like the Hurricane Harvey passage, and of course the superheroes.

This was a fairly quick read and left me feeling better than I did before I started the book. I am still thinking about what he wrote and that is typically a sign of a good book - if it sticks with you after you turn the final page.

Who would I recommend this book to? Anyone in need of hope; especially the weary and the hurting. And please don't let the pastor thing scare you off. This book was written for everyone and quite possibly more for those who have been hurt and turned away by the traditional church.

This book is available on November 6th which just happens to be Election Day. Well played, John Pavlovitz. Because no matter how the results come in, hope is still needed whether you are red or blue.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Simon & Schuster, for the advanced reader's copy. I received this ebook for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

In the first chapter, Pastor John Pavlovitz states that “Adversity (ours or others’) is always an invitation to be transformed.” I feel like that’s a good summary for the message of this book. The author shares many stories, both his own and others’, showing how our most difficult experiences can inspire us to discover our heroism, live more meaningful lives, and work to make the world a better place.

The book draws on the author’s love of comic books, and his frequent pop culture quotes and comic book references, as well as his self-deprecating sense of humor, add some fun to this manifesto. The ordinary superpowers that he promotes are compassion, sacrifice, courage, humor, humility, honesty, kindness, creativity, persistence, wonder, and gratitude, as well as hope and love. Regardless of our beliefs and affiliations, I’m sure most of us would like to see more of these values.

I love the author’s blog, but I felt like this book dragged a little bit at times. Still, if you are looking for a bit of inspiration and encouragement, I recommend you give this a try. Many passages were sweet, instructive, and easy to relate to, such as the author’s story of receiving spiritual nourishment from attending a U2 concert or making time for a spontaneous dance party with his daughter.

Note that the author is vocally progressive in his politics and not shy about his dissatisfaction with the Trump administration, so Trump fans probably won’t care for this. I think the book was carefully written to be inclusive of most other folks. While Mr. Pavlovitz does discuss his vocation as a pastor, this is not particularly a Christian book; there is very little religious content and I never felt uncomfortable reading this as a nonreligious person. Consider this passage as an example:

Whether you’re a person who believes that life is the work of an eternal creator initiating everything, or you understand the world to be a random, organic evolutionary process, the conclusion you come to about yourself should be similarly awe-inspiring. Either you are an intentional work of art fashioned by the hand of a limitless creator, or you are a once-in-history, never-to-be-repeated miracle of matter and gravity.

I was provided an ARC through NetGalley that I volunteered to review. Because I have not seen the final published version, I cannot comment on the final editing and formatting.

I loved the premise of this book, but wasn't impressed by the book itself. I'm not sure who the intended audience is. The stories from the author's life and the cursing make me think it is for adults, but the tone is more appropriate for middle-grade children (since my 35 year old, Presbyterian minister husband loves superheroes, I assume they're for children and adults alike). Also, while I am fine with some swearing in books, I know my library's director isn't going to include a book with cursing in our religion section. The book is also quite scattered and therefore hard to follow. Overall, a good concept, but disappointing.

Are you a superhero? You just might have what it takes, a superpower, and not even realize it. This author uses Super Heroes and their attributes as well as things that may be your kryptonite to show the reader how they can deal with their current world. Whether it be outside forces or internal ones there are simple ways to use your superpower. Don’t think you have a superpower? Well, it surprised me to learn that compassion and courage are superpowers!

This book is a little like a memoir in that the author uses many instances from his life as well as those he ministers to in order to help illustrate a plan of action for the reader.

I was able to read an advance copy of this book through NetGalley. If you enjoyed John's first book, A Bigger Table, you will love this one. It is the next step - embracing our individual superpowers to effect change in ourselves and in the world. With the daily deluge of bad news, it can be easy to give up hope. This book is the infusion of affirmation the world needs. There is so much work to be done. After reading this, it's a little easier to believe we can work together to make it happen.

Hope and Other Superpowers using a current trend to help people to understand that they have their gifts. The superhero trend isn't used as a gimmick; John Pavlovitz uses these figures and ideas 6to make the idea of gifts and talents relatable. This metaphor works well in encouraging people to use what is in them. He brings to the forefront how important hope, love, sacrifice, and courage is and how these are superpowers in themselves.
I came away feeling refreshed about myself and my world. We all have good and we can make a difference in this world even if we don't have a cape.

What can Spider Man, Captain America, and Superman teach us? Author John Pavolvitz shows us in his engaging and occasionally heavy-handed style. He uses plenty of personal examples and stories of real people, to encourage us to be our best in confusing times.

I agree that many times we do strain to keep it all together, to look the part and win the prize. I agree that each of us is a masterpiece. We do forget that we were once carefree, happy, creative and resilient children. We have lost sight of our capacity to be great.

I have to confess that I had never heard of the author or known about his beliefs before I read this book. I guess I didn’t read the blurb carefully enough. For those of you who are progressives and know Pastor Pavlovitz, I’m sure you will enjoy this book and you may reread it several times.

For me, I decided to give it a try. The author bothered me when he stated, “I haven’t mentioned God or faith or religion much…” He’s a Christian minister!

The author is interested in how we view the world and directs us to be agents of change. I’m not counting on super heroes, that’s for sure. And I love my country. But I will do my best to be a caretaker of hope.

Thanks to Net Galley and Simon and Schuster for a review copy. This is my honest opinion.

Are you kidding me? This is a liberal wolf hiding in a disguise of a Christian book, but his attitude is anything but. Sure, if you just gloss over the words, it seems like he's an ok guy on the surface, but if you actually read them....he continually takes a dump on our president (Look man, I didn't like either option, but my parents taught me to "Respect the office, even if you don't respect the man'), takes jabs as those who won't willingly give until they are depleted (even if the recipients don't bother to try and help themselves), and actually uses the phrase "bleeding heart" in a way that we are expected to aspire to that title. And if you think, based on this review, that I'm staunchly conservative, you'd actually be wrong. What I _don't_ like is someone pretending to be a spiritual leader, when they are really trying to sway young hearts and minds politically. Be upfront and be who you are....but for heaven's sake, pick up that Lasso of Truth and admit to what you're actually doing. This guy is a pastor........I surely wouldn't allow him to work with my youth, given his propensity for heart disguise. If you have a two-minute attention span (thank you, Twitter), don't know who you are (most young people), really like comic books (hopefully young people), and think you can change the world (again, young people), you might enjoy it....but don't mistake it for the propaganda that it is.

An amusing call to being your own superhero in life. Once you become a superhero, you can change the world. I enjoyed reading this book. A quick, inspiring read.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

What Kind of Person Does the World Need Right Now?
This book is a call to action. It is a call for activism and resistance against the upside-down world we live in. Americans (in general) and Christians (specifically) no longer seem burdened to love the least, or to be agents of compassion, or to care for your Muslim, gay, African, female, or poor neighbors as yourself.

The author uses popular comic book heroes to identify ways of cultivating key traits (ordinary superpowers) that will improve our lives and our outlook on the worldwide community.

The book warns about the weaknesses (our personal Kryptonite) that leaves us vulnerable to the adversaries and villains that we will face on the journey.

Superpowers don't work alone but in teams of other people with the ultimate goal of creating a global movement of radical goodness. This book provides guidelines for locating like-minded heroes and how to join together to achieve common goals.

Mr. Pavlovitz shares stories of some ordinary superhumans to illustrate how they triumphed against adversity, despair and opposition. These stories serve as an example to launch us into our greater purpose and destiny.

The author recently made the following plea on his blog, and this book provides guidance on how to take meaningful action.
"You and I need to pick a hill worth dying on right now, and we need to ascend it without delay. We need to speak and write and work and protest, and do all the things we’ve been waiting for someone else to do."

My Thoughts
I read this book from cover to cover and found it quite compelling. Mr. Pavlovitz is an excellent writer and expresses his ideas, views and opinions in a very articulate and meaningful manner. He has built a huge platform of supporters on social media sites and frequently expresses his dislike for President Trump and the current political environment in our country.

However, I don't think this book is about politics, religion or liberalism. I believe Mr. Pavlovitz is sincere in his desire to make this a better world. The purpose for this book is to inspire and motivate ordinary people to get off the sidelines and take a stand for their beliefs and convictions. He warns that there will be a price to pay for taking a bold stand on controversial social, political and religious issues. You will face the scorn and rejection of family members, co-workers, church members...your mother might think your brother/sister is better than you.

Put on your cape and use the superpowers described in this book to turn your back on fear and pick a hill worth dying on.

I feel like our country has lowered the bar on what is morally right and wrong. I don't even like watching the news anymore. The bad news just keeps coming. This book stirs something deep inside of me. It confirms the popular quotation by Edmund Burke; "All that is necessary for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing."
Hope and Other Super Powers will be released on November 6...election day. A coincidence? No, I don't think so.

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

Hope and Other Superpowers
A Life-Affirming, Love-Defending, Butt-Kicking, World-Saving Manifesto
by John Pavlovitz is a wonderful amusing guide to being our own personal superhero. It shows us how we all have superpowers, everything from compassion to gratitude and honesty. The author shows how we can use these 'superpowers' to change ourselves and the world. I lived the play on being a superhero. I highly recommend this book.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion of it.