How to Be Here - by Rob Bell (Paperback)

About the Book

"New York Times bestselling author Rob Bell shows us how to discover the greatness we were born for, successfully pursue our dreams, find our path, and live confident, fulfilled lives.Rob Bell believes that each of us has a path, a calling--whether it's writing a novel, starting a business, joining a band, or simply becoming a volunteer. But many people are afraid to start on that path. Who are we to do that? Bell counters, Why not you? We need to learn to turn off the internal and external critics and leap. The universe is alive to help us. And we can only discover passion and joy after we take off.Interweaving engaging stories; lessons from Biblical figures; science, art, and business; honest personal experience; and practical advice, he offers invaluable insight on how to silence our critics, move from idea to action, take the first step, find joy in the work, persevere through hard times, and surrender the outcome. Combining the practical inspiration of Stephen Pressfield's The War of Art and the warm instructional insight of Annie Lamott's Bird By Bird, Yes, You encourages us to leave boring behind and embrace the fulfilling lives we are meant to have"--

Book Synopsis

"Forever grateful for the brilliant mind, boundless heart and fierce faith of Rob Bell. His work convinced me that it was possible--maybe necessary and thrilling--to be a person of both faith and intellect. . . . Please read everything Rob's ever written and then go see him live." -- Glennon Doyle

The popular pastor and New York Times bestselling author of Love Wins and What We Talk About When We Talk About God shows us how to pursue and realize our dreams, live in the moment, and joyfully do the things that make us come alive.

Each of us was created for something great--we just need to figure out what it is and find the courage to do it. Whether it's writing the next great American novel, starting a business, or joining a band, Rob Bell wants to help us make those dreams become reality. Our path is ours and ours alone to pursue, he reminds us, and in doing so, we derive great joy because we are living our passions.

How to Be Here lays out concrete steps we can use to define and follow our dreams, interweaving engaging stories, lessons from biblical figures, insights gleaned from Rob's personal experience, and practical advice. Rob gives you the support and insight you need to silence your critics, move from idea to action, take the first step, find joy in the work, persevere through hard times, and surrender to the outcome.

Like Stephen Pressfield's classic The War of Art, How to Be Here will inspire readers to seek the lives they were created to lead.

Review Quotes

"Bell has an uncanny ability to sneak beautiful truths past the bodyguards of our hearts and wake us up to more inspired, vibrant and complete lives. Every single part of How to Be Here is profound and inspiring (except for the blank pages; those did very little for me)." - Pete Holmes, star of the HBO comedy Crashing

"Rob Bell has an uncanny ability to sneak profound and beautiful truths past the bodyguards of our hearts and wake us up to more inspired, vibrant and complete lives. Every single part of How to Be Here is profound, elegant, and inspiring (except for the blank pages towards the beginning and the end; those did very little for me)." - Pete Holmes, star of the HBO comedy Crashing

"While reading this book, you get this crazy feeling that the matrix is being revealed, as infinite possibilities for your life start unfolding before your eyes. And all this miraculousness and excitement happens without a trace of darkness or danger; here is a wild journey that you can actually trust." - Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Big Magic

"Rob Bell has an incredible energy in his writing and everyday life that is contagious. He is a great storyteller; easily making the most complex theories understandable and the ideas more fascinating. Listing all the ways in which Rob has positively impacted my life would take up too much space; so I'll simply say that he has inspired me to live life with a deeper level of appreciation and to love people with a greater awareness of our connectivity. And for that, I am thankful." - Aaron Rogers, quarterback for the Green Bay Packers

"If you want to start living a life that you create with intention, instead of falling out of bed only to fall back into it, this book is for you. I can't offer a higher recommendation. This work changed my life, and I believe it can change yours too." - Mike McHargue (aka Science Mike)

"Engaging, accessible, and engrossing." - Englewood Review of Books

"Because he's Rob Bell, he packed How to Be Here with plenty of inspiration and provocation for his readers to follow suit." - Relevant Magazine

"Listing all the ways in which Rob has positively impacted my life would take up too much space; so I'll simply say that he has inspired me to live life with a deeper level of appreciation and to love people with a greater awareness of our connectivity." - Aaron Rogers, quarterback for the Green Bay Packers

"Bell will be joined by the likes of Brian McLaren, James Martin, Diana Butler Bass and Carol Howard Merritt." - Christianity Today

"Forever grateful for the brilliant mind, boundless heart and fierce faith of Rob Bell. His work convinced me that it was possible--maybe necessary and thrilling--to be a person of both faith and intellect. . . . Please read everything Rob's ever written and then go see him live." - Glennon Doyle Melton, author of Carry On, Warrior

"This book lays out concrete steps we can use to define and follow our dreams. Bell interweaves engaging stories, lessons and biblical figures, insights gleaned from his personal experience, and practical advice." - Publishers Weekly

"Bell continues to share pastoral wisdom . . . incorporating personal stories of struggle as well as those of key figures in the Bible, Bell also addresses how to identify and pursue your passions. The book encourages people to take the initial step towards joy and empowerment." - Publishers Weekly

"If you've ever dreamed that you could do something, but have been afraid to try, this book is for you. If you play it safe instead of taking the big risk because of white-knuckled fear, this book is for you. If you want to start living a life that you create with intention, instead of falling out of bed only to fall back into it, this book is for you. I can't offer a higher recommendation. This work changed my life, and I believe it can change yours too." - Mike McHargue (aka Science Mike)