Carlos Whittaker’s *How to Human* is a timely and much-needed guide for navigating the complexities of today’s world with grace, compassion, and a renewed sense of purpose. In an age where disconnection and division seem to dominate, Whittaker offers a fresh, practical approach to rediscovering what it truly means to be human—and how we can extend that humanity to others.

With his signature blend of humor, honesty, and wisdom, Whittaker takes readers on a transformative journey that starts with looking inward and moves outward into how we connect with those around us. His three-part framework—"be human, see fellow humans, and free those around us"—is both simple and profound, offering actionable steps for anyone feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, conflict, or the state of the world.

*How to Human* is more than just a self-help book; it’s a blueprint for building bridges instead of walls, for shifting from a “me” mindset to a “we” mindset, and for cultivating a radical, faith-based love that refuses to let fear and division win. Whittaker’s voice is one of empathy and encouragement, offering readers the tools they need to live fuller, more joyful lives in a world that can often feel heavy.

The message in this book is one that every person needs to learn. Everyone can take away something from this book no matter what you look like or what you believe. Must read.

In a culture that now seems more divided than ever, Carlos Whittaker seeks to bring us closer together. He encourages readers to see the humanity in one another rather than allowing us to continue to fight over things that shouldn't truly divide us.

How to Human is Whittaker's manifesto on how to engage with love, seek the best in other and be better because we allow those around us to be seen. While I didn't necessarily find anything in How to Human earth shattering or new (I listen to Whittaker's podcast and follow him on instagram and he shares much of this in his day to day lived out experience in both of those places), I did find it helpful to read as one full comprehensive thought.

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".

I decided to read this slowly and so haven't finished it yet, but I have read enough to know that I think it is a wonderfully brilliant addition to what I have read in my lifetime.

Carlos has a way of making everyone feel welcome, whether that is through his #instafamilia or his book. This book is like a warm hug, it tells stories that make you feel warm, that challenge you and help you see life for what it is. I find his philosophy of shifting from 'me' to 'we' doable and even a wonderful way to change the focus from me to all those around me. I cannot wait to finish this book but want to keep taking it in in small amounts.

I highly recommend this book whether you are a Christian or not. Discover the joy of being human.

If you are one of the Instafamilia, Carlos Whittaker’s social media family, you will love this book. It is an extension of topics that he is living out with us. If this is your first introduction, know that this is his best work. He has a way with words and tough topics that has me reframe how I see people and interact in kindness.

loved the insight on this book! carlos always has such beautiful words and ways of connecting with people.

I've been following Carlos Whittaker (@loswhit) since 2020, and his book did not disappoint. As he encourages his followers online to value connection above all, in How to Human, he reminds us to see others as humans instead of political or religious views. This book was a breath of fresh air in anxiety-ridden times and should be required reading for anyone feeling angry, disconnected, or unsure how to build relationships with people different from themselves.

Excellent read! This is a book we really need right now with the culture wars and political polarization. Carlos shares a message of standing on issues while walking with people. We don't have to agree with everything to be able to listen to someone's story or to help someone in need. He shares stories about what a difference it can make when we stop to really look at the humans around us as individual rather than grouping them in to what media has told us about them or what we assume about them.

I love following Carlos on Instagram so I was so excited to get approved for this ARC! Carlos shares examples and insights, which complement who he is on social media. While I am not religious, and he references Jesus a few times, I still found lots of value in the content. Thanks again for the arc!

How to Human: Three Ways to Share Life Beyond What Distracts, Divides, and Disconnects Us by Carlos Whittaker is a book that offers a fresh vision for becoming the best versions of ourselves. Whittaker writes with humor, passion, and wisdom, and he invites the reader to join him on a journey of discovery and growth. The book is 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.

Whittaker shares his insights and experiences on living authentically and intentionally in a world full of distractions, divisions, and disconnections. He leads us on a three-part journey to “be,” “see,” and “free” that we can pursue in order to all live together as the best versions of ourselves. Whittaker uses stories from his own life and from people he has met to illustrate how these practices can transform our relationships, our communities, and ourselves. He doesn't avoid hard topics, such as racism, mental health, and social media addiction, but he also shows the beauty and joy of living in connection with God and others. He challenges the reader to rethink their assumptions, habits, and priorities, and to embrace a more human way of living.

He also offers practical tips and challenges for readers to apply the lessons to their own lives. The book offers practical guidance on how to help others, how to hope fiercely, and how to experience the thrill of being fully human.

I've followed Carlos Whitaker on Instagram for quite a while, so when I saw that he wrote a book, I immediately knew I needed to read it. I was not disappointed! I loved everything about this book and the inspiration he provides.

I am tempted to say this is your standard 240 pages Christian nonfiction book. And it does have that number of page. However, there is substance to it. Although I live outside US, I did recognise the trends Whittaker talks about in the people I see on a daily basis.

For someone who follows Carlos Whittaker online, namely on Instagram, many of the stories he tells won't be new. I don't, so it was newer material for me. He writes in a friendly manner, I'd imagine almost like talking to his Instagram community aka Instafamilia on stories. I found this tone approachable and easy to like. There were a few thoughts and ideas I liked, but it's not necessarily ground breaking. Sometimes all you need is a refresher of the things you already know.

I recommend this as a slow read. One chapter at a time, probably, would be enough to think about. It's surely more applicable States-side since the book deals with issues the Americans have to face every day. It's a call to humanity and love for the neighbour.

Wherever you are in your spiritual and physical journey, this is a great and comfortable read. No one will feel left out of this conversation.

In his latest book, Carlos Whitaker (@loswhit) teaches a straight forward message on How to Human- Be Human, See Human, Free Humans. He uses his experiences in the year 2020 as well as the example of Jesus to illustrate these three steps. If you follow Carlos on Insta, you’ll already be familiar with the majority of the content of this book, and if you don’t follow him, you should fix that! Carlos uses his platform to live out the principals in this book daily with his Instafamilia. I appreciated that Carlos wrote this book in a very accessible way. He includes practical examples of how to be human, see human, and free human. If you ever feel like the world has gotten too polarized, combative, and just lost the ability to be get along, consider picking up this book!

Carlos has a unique way of making topics that could be divisive come back to the core of unity in our humanity. His heartfelt story and experience brings you in to his world and allows you space to disagree while still seeing and wanting to understand. This is a challenging and worthwhile read. While this reviewer doesn’t agree with all of Carlos’s conclusions this work provided a beautiful and welcome opportunity to learn, explore, and hope.

Carlos’ book is a beautiful extension of who he is. He breaks the book down into three sections: Be, See, and Free. He tells stories and real life examples of each of the sections. Overall, it’s a great read with Carlos expounding on many of the stories he’s shared over Instagram the last few years. Thankful for the opportunity to read his book!

As a longtime Instagram follower, Carlos is the hope that we all need. He's beautifully spoken, connects with everyone, welcomes everyone and makes you feel appreciated even through a screen. This book is no different. His wisdom has touched my heart and made me try to be more kind and more understanding and remember that even the smallest act of kindness can go a long way. I found this book a bit heavily God-centric-wise more than he relays online but still, it was a beautiful read with purpose and inspiration. If you don't read this book, follow him on IG. You won't be disappointed! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I had the privilege of hearing Whittaker speak at my church some years ago, and I was drawn to his humility, candor, and humor. Not to mention his deep love of the Lord. I was excited to receive an ARC of his newest book, How to Human, and I was not disappointed.

The book is divided into three sections: Be, See, and Free. Each section is broken into chapters that focus on, for example, “Be Love,” “See Bias,” and “Free Loneliness.” Whittaker includes personal stories and discusses the trauma we have all been through with the pandemic. He challenges readers to see humans as real people, to step away from the idea of being right, and actively listen to the hurts and fears of others. He challenges us to love our neighbors and build bridges even when it doesn’t seem like we’ll get along. He encourages us to love in a radical and larger-than-life way like Jesus.

Whittaker’s writing is engaging and clear. He mentions early on that you don’t have to be a Christian to get something out of the book. The book aims to help us, “rediscover our inner compass again and get our bearings” (Whittaker, 2023, loc. 310). He discusses identity, cultural pride, bias, and how to disagree. He talks about our political and cultural landscape and how we can heal as a country. Something he wrote that struck me was, “I don’t stand on issues; I walk with people,” stressing that in addition to stating our opinions on issues, we need to take action and walk with those who are fighting for change (Whittaker, 2023, loc. 1811).

I highly recommend this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and WaterBrook for the ARC.

Love god. Love others. Slow down. Wonder more. Could it be so simple? This book feels like talking to a friend.