Sincere thanks to Jonathan McReynolds, Thomas Nelson, and W Publishing for providing this audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!

Jonathan McReynolds delivers a powerful and introspective journey in Before You Climb Any Higher offering his wisdom, vulnerability, and faith-filled encouragement for anyone seeking clarity in their purpose. One of the highlights of this audiobook is that Jonathan narrates it himself, I think the combo of his soothing voice and heartfelt delivery make the experience feel personal, as if he’s speaking directly to you, as his friend!

I received an audiobook copy, which I thoroughly enjoyed, but I think the physical version would be even better to annotate and reflect on key takeaways. My two favorite sections are when he talks about the difference between striving and surrendering, reminding us that success isn't just about pushing harder but also about trusting God's timing. His insights challenge the idea that we have to have everything figured out before we take the next step. The other favorite is when he discusses how people can become unhappy because they’re trying to rush through their valley season. He reminds us that difficult times serve a purpose, and when we try to fast-forward through them, we risk missing the growth and preparation that God intends for us. That perspective really resonated with me as I’m currently in a valley season that has been extended way longer than I could’ve imagined.

This book is both inspiring and practical, perfect for anyone navigating transitions in life. Whether you’re a longtime fan of his music or just here for some wisdom, this is a must-read (or listen)!

I’m a big fan of Jonathan McReynolds, so I was excited to listen to this audiobook by him that he narrates. This book was part memoir and part motivational, and I really enjoyed every second of it. Jonathan McReynolds is a very relatable person, and I was also able to relate to him in this book. There were so many good nuggets included that I found myself re-listening to certain parts.

McReynolds put his heart and soul into this book, he is a man that is wiser than his years. He has always given me warmth and authenticity, and it flowed through to this book. I feel that “the climb” is something everyone has struggled with in one way or another. This story offers encouragement, advice, and Biblical wisdom, as well as tips for shifting our mindsets.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers of the book and audiobook for the ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review.

This was good. His perspective on things was refreshing and easy to relate. There were nuggets that I highlighted and it gave me the encouragement that I needed.

"The best and worst you can ever be is a child of God." This book is filled with such wisdom that helps alleviate some of the stress and struggle of trying to make it in today's world. "Before you Climb Any Higher" took me a little to get into it because I kept thinking of the valley as being a bad thing, but McReynolds is very clear that the valley is actually a great place to be. I also found the book a little difficult to get into because I didn't feel that I was on the mountain like he was, but then the more I read the more I saw that you don't have to be a celebrity to be climbing the mountain, you just have to be striving for the life God wants for you.
The book is filled with wisdom and some humorous anecdotes that made this book a very enjoyable listen/read.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the audio ARC. My opinion of the book is my own and was not influenced by receiving a copy of the book.

It's been forever since I picked up a non-fiction book. I've loved Jonathan McReynolds' music for years and was intrigued when this came up on Netgalley. I loved hearing his origin story. "God started it."

There are also so many other notes I took down but these stood out to me:
- "The most awesome task is climbing the mountain God instructs us to without letting it change our core relationship and identity in Him."
- Contrary to the bad rep that valleys get (eg, valley of dry bones, valley of the shadow of death), they are actually places of rest as compared to the exertion required for the mountain.
- Whilst climbing the mountain, take the valley's sustenance with you in order to survive up there.

Quite the refreshing book for when you feel caught up in the rat race or responsibilities become too much for you. I loved the audio which he did the narration on. Felt like he was talking directly to me.

Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ALC. All opinions are my own.

Jonathan is a new author for me and so far, I've read 3 of his books and they were all good!

This book is so good, inspiring, and encouraging. It is based off of biblical principle and he does mention scriptures. Being seen is being understood, no one is looking down on you. Chapter 5 made me teary eyed, his grandmother in her last days. Whew.

No matter how high you go, you're still invisible, the mountain!

Teach us to recognize when someone can see us, such a great word!

Be just Human! Staying on the mountain can cause loneliness.

New Levels New Devils
Keep your faith or lose heart

Highly Recommeded!!

Thank you Netgalley, Jonathan McReynolds, and Thomas Nelson for this ARC, in exchange for my honest review.

Jonathan McReynolds delivers an inspiring mix of memoir and motivation in Before You Climb Any Higher, offering wisdom on embracing both the mountaintops and valleys of life. While success and ambition push us to climb, McReynolds reminds us that true growth happens in the valleys—where we rest, reflect, and reconnect with who we are.

Narrated by the author himself, the audiobook feels like a heart-to-heart with a friend. His storytelling is warm, personal, and relatable, whether he’s sharing “Valley Talk” with his mom or the keepsakes that remind him of his purpose. While faith is central to his message, the lessons—self-acceptance, resilience, and knowing when to pause—resonate with anyone striving for something greater.

This book is both a reality check and a reminder to enjoy the journey, not just the destination. A solid, uplifting listen for anyone looking to balance ambition with reflection.

Disclosure: Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this audiobook for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Jonathan McReynolds did an amazing job keeping his readers/listeners engaged!

I was intrigued to see a book from him, as I was already loosely familiar with his music and aware of his work in the gospel space.

In his book, Grammy Award-winning Jonathan McReynolds shares his journey to fame as a gospel artist to shed light on our culture’s obsession with success and status—what he refers to as the mountain mindset, where we’re always climbing higher and chasing the next achievement. He urges listeners to embrace a valley mindset instead. The valley may seem like a lowly, desolate place, but it’s where we can meet God and find everything we truly need.

This book was a great reminder that it’s okay to REST—to descend from the mountaintop and lay low in the valley to replenish before the next climb.