Hope and Other Superpowers: A Life-Affirming, Love-Defending, Butt-Kicking, World-Saving Manifesto

by John Pavlovitz

Overwhelmed by the news cycle and the state of affairs in our world? Pastor, blogger, and powerful voice in the Resistance, John Pavlovitz has the answer and the antidote: Hope and Other Superpowers—inspirational, practical, and motivational lessons to cultivate our inner superheroes and save the world.

Pastor John Pavlovitz has become a voice and a beacon of hope for progressives around the world. His popular and beloved blog, Stuff That Needs To Be Said, offers almost daily inspiration and insight into the state of affairs in the world and expertly captures the emotional zeitgeist; the angst, rage, fear, and despair that are the “new normal” for so many people. In the face of the handwringing helplessness we often feel, John offers the antidote: a practical and inspirational guide to transforming your burdens into dreams and your outrage into activism in order to become the kind of people the world needs right now.

Using the fun and relatable framework of superhero mythology, John calls on us to create our origin stories that spur us to action and explains how we can build our protective suits of armor, identify and curb our personal kryptonite and vanquish villains. He also helps us cultivate the specific “superpowers” that we can enlist to make our lives and our world better. Along the way, he offers inspiring and stirring anecdotes and profiles about ordinary people who have done extraordinary things to help humankind.

These times call for us to become superheroes in our own right, with the fearlessness, determination, and commitment to fight the battle against lies, oppression, and bigotry. As in the pages of a comic book, the bad guys are relentless and so we have to be equally steadfast in our goodness. Here, Pastor John sounds the urgent call to action to empower and implore readers to find agency and a sense of meaning and purpose. For people who want to believe in a better world and our capacity to make it so, Hope and Other Superpowers is the answer.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Religion, Spirituality, Politics, Faith, Christian

240 pages, Hardcover

First published November 6, 2018

About the author

John Pavlovitz is an American Unitarian pastor and author, known for his social and political writings from a post modern Unitarian universalist perspective.

Reviews

[Tom Quinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my usual type of book but I saw a friend share an excerpt online and it struck a chord so I checked it out from my local library. And y'know what? It's cute! Aspirational inspirational you-can-do-it-isms delivered in a fun framing motif. Despite his profession as a pastor, the author avoids overt Christian teachings and instead gives generalizable encouragement for a wider audience. And he's not too pious to toss in some hells, damns, asses, and even the occasional shit. It's also a good exploration of pop culture superheroes and their mass appeal, so it works well on two fronts for any comics nerd with a conscience. Oh, and it doesn't hurt that he bashes Trumpism and the 2016 election brouhaha throughout.

3.5 stars out of 5. It is occasionally too superficial and self-aggrandizing (do we need so many reminders about your blog and your follower count?) and it serves up a few too many personal anecdotes, but altogether it's a positive message with an upbeat delivery.

[Janette Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

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."

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.

[Jennifer Jenkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jennie Rosenblum · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 3 out of 5]

We're living in difficult times. The economy is going pretty well. At least the Stock Market is going pretty well. But the nation and the world seem more divided than ever. So, where do we find hope?

"Hope and Other Superpowers" is the second book written by blogger and sometime pastor John Pavlovitz. I was asked to review the book and decided to accept the offer, though I hadn't read his previous book "A Bigger Table." I knew was becoming a well-known spokesperson for the "religious left." I knew he was highly critical of Donald Trump. But, I must admit I hadn't paid much attention to this message. So, I may have approached this particular book with certain expectations. That can be problematic.

The book draws on the stories of superheroes, such as Spiderman, Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. Like many I have an affinity for such stories, having grown up with comic books and Superhero shows. I can see how a person might draw on such stories to tell stories of faith and life in general. The basic message here is that ordinary people have superpowers. We just may not realize that we have them. But, in this time of history, we need to take stock of them and begin using them in pursuit of a world-saving vision. Pavlovitz envisions this book as a manifesto calling forth activist for a world-saving mission.

Before I go further, I'll confess where I got things wrong. Because he is a pastor adn that is the primary designation on his back cover bio I assumed that God would play a role in the story. The fact is, Pavlovitz makes few references to God until in the book, and those references serve as a way of letting us know that this isn't a book about God. Since he's the author of the book, that is his right. I just expected something different. Once I realized that God wasn't going to make much an appearance (I realized this long before he made the confession) I was ready to pay attention to his message.

Pavlovitz suggests that the "vital question at the heart of these pages is, 'What kind of person does the world need right now?" (p. xiii). In answering that question, God is not necessarily needed. Thus, one needn't be religious to discover one's superpowers. One simply needs to understand that they are there to be accessed. With this as the premise of the book, Pavlovitz divides his book into three parts. The middle section being the longest of the three.

Part one sets the stage. In the four chapters that make up the section, the author informs us that there is a Hero in all of us. He speaks of the origins of superhero stories, secret identities weaknesses (kryptonite) and and resources (utility belts and armor suits). One of the assumptions here is that we all have adversaries to be overcome.

When we come to part two, the focus is on the superpowers themselves. He offers up eleven superpowers: compassion, sacrifice, courage, humor, humility, honesty, kindness, creativity, persistence, wonder, and gratitude. It is when he gets to wonder that he brings God into the equation, or at least the possibility of the divine. Again, he brings the stories of superheros in so as to illustrate these powers. Thus, with the power of honesty, he opens with a quote from Doctor Strange who declared "Truth is my shield." As we know, honesty is a commodity that is in play. He writes that "the world we live in now is one where truth has become fluid, where the people who best package the narrative, practically speaking, often determine what is real and what is false in order to exert their influence." (p. 121). Of course, Wonder Woman possessed the lariat of truth that could get truth out of even an unwilling person.

Finally, we come in part three to a section titled "Training Ground." In five chapters he reminds us that if we're to join in the act of saving the world, we need to train. As noted in chapter sixteen, "Flying and Falling," he writes that growth most often happens during moments of difficulty. That is is now. As he makes clear in the closing chapter the point of the book is to encourage us to discover our superpowers and take up the life of the activist. He writes that "at the end of your time here, the world will either be more or less kind, compassionate, generous, funny, creative and loving because of your presence in it --- and you alone get to choose." (p. 231).

Pavlovitz is a storyteller, and the book depends largely on stories. They are sometimes stories about his own life. At others he draws on stories of people he knows. Of course, there are the stories of the super heroes. I can't judge him for not doing as I wish he had. I've written a few books myself, though none as big a draw as his, but I know that the author gets to choose the subject and the method. Such is the case here. However, as a pastor myself, I would have liked to have heard whether God has a role here. In fact, I wonder if, in the midst of activism, there is room for grace.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

I received an ARC from NetGalley.

[D.B. Moone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author: John Pavlovitz

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Simon & Schuster Author’s Book Page

Genre: Self-Help: Personal Growth, Motivational, Religion: Christianity, Christian, Social Issues

Page Count: 256 pages

ISBN: 9781501179655

Publication Date: November 2018

Ships on or near: November 16, 2018

Available in Hardcover, Unabridged Audio Digital, and eBook

Pre-order From: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, IndieBound

Note: The links will open in separate windows so you do not have to find your way back to the review. 

My Rating: 5 Stars  

About the Author: From the Publisher:

"John Pavlovitz is a pastor and blogger from Wake Forest, North Carolina. In the past two years his blog, Stuff That Needs To Be Said, has reached a diverse audience of millions of people throughout the world, with an average monthly readership of over a million people. His home church, North Raleigh Community Church, is a growing, nontraditional Christian community dedicated to radical hospitality, mutual respect, and diversity of doctrine. John is a regular contributor to Huffington Post, Relevant Magazine, Scary Mommy, ChurchLeaders.com, and The Good Men Project."

“John’s first full-length book is available on WJK Books and other book retailers. A Bigger Table: Building Messy, Authentic, and Hopeful Spiritual Community shares a bit of John’s story and a vision for spiritual community that allows everyone a place.” Read Excerpt

Author’s Social Media Sites: JOHN PAVLOVITZ: Stuff That Needs To Be Said Website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Contact John   

About HOPE AND OTHER SUPERPOWERS From the Publisher:

"Overwhelmed by the news cycle and the state of affairs in our world? Pastor, blogger, and powerful voice in the Resistance, John Pavlovitz has the answer: this rousing and inspirational guide, drawing from lessons of our favorite superheroes, for how we can band together, live more heroically (and meaningfully) and save the world. 

It’s exhausting to give a damn these days, isn’t it? Perhaps you’re feeling anguished about what you see on the news or in your social media timeline, or by your personal circumstances, and are paralyzed waiting for political or religious leaders, or celebrities, to rescue us from it all.

But what if you didn’t have to wait for someone else?

What if you could be the hero?

This book—a spirited call to action—shows you how.

In these pages, John offers a path away from the vitriol and toward com­passion, and a plan to transform our burdens into dreams and our outrage into activism. Drawing from lessons of beloved fictional superheroes, John shows us how to identify our origin story, build protective suits of armor, guard against our personal kryptonite, and vanquish our villains. He also identifies ten specific “superpowers” that we can enlist to make our lives and our world better. Along the way, he shares inspiring anecdotes and profiles about ordinary people who saw a gap in the world in empathy or kindness or gratitude and decided to fill it.

Hope and Other Superpowers is an invitation to anyone hoping to be the kind of person the world so desperately needs—the kind who can save it. In other words: it’s an invitation to you."

My Review:

In HOPE AND OTHER SUPERPOWERS we find John Pavlovitz doing what John Pavlovitz does best; articulating the questions, anger, and helplessness millions are feeling today, and have felt since November 9, 2016. Pavlovitz offers hope, but more importantly, he provides feasible solutions. The majority of Americans have become adept at pointing out what is wrong with our country and its leadership. Everyone watches the news, reads the paper and books while crying out for someone to do something. Millions of Americans want Superman or Wonder Woman to swoop in and save the day from the villains who are robbing Americans of their security and peace of mind while instilling fear in the country’s population. Many are looking for someone with the prerequisite superpowers to right the ship and alter its course, sooner rather than later. It isn’t enough to point out the wrongs without offering a solution to the problem. In HOPE AND OTHER SUPERPOWERS, Pavlovitz provides the reader with many useful tools to recognize their innate superpowers and challenges the reader to begin using these superpowers.

For my complete review, please visit www.dbmoone.com

[Amy Gennaro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, the publisher 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.

[Jodi Geever · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up.

Read to prep for Philosophy Cafe January 2020. (Do Resolutions Work?)

As far as self-help goes, this one is pretty good. It draws considerably from super-hero mythos to make the argument that empowered people are superheros in their own right.

Each chapter focuses on a specific virtue, (like hope) or overcoming a specific vice (like fear) and invites the reader to take inspiration from a particular superhero (Spiderman, Captain America, and Wonder Woman are the big three, but the author draws from others as well). There are pull quotes from each superhero, and many imaginings of how Captain America would respond to whatever adversity the reader might be facing.

One feature that I really appreciated (besides the superheros, obviously) was that the author offers concrete means of getting involved in activism in real and manageable steps.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a loooooooooong time since I've used as much highlighter color in a book! This one was just what I expected since I follow Pavlovitz on Facebook; he's saved my sanity over the last few years quite often. Also, the church I attend teaches from contemporary works as well as the Biblical lessons; this was the chosen text a few months ago. I'm a little behind but this book has much to teach the reader, remind the reader, and challenge the reader at any time or age or circumstance of life. I may not have a SUPER superpower at my age, but I'm doing what I can because it is so damn important to me. And that's good enough to save a little bit of the world, if only by supporting the superheroes out there who are on the front lines.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Pavlovitz has, I think, become the pastor to a far greater flock than he ever anticipated. The popular Christian blogger's second book, in which he talks about how each person can be an ordinary hero every day, is a series of beautiful and hopeful essays that provide both inspiration and action steps to readers who may be weary of the darkness currently affecting the world -- and the US in particular.

Pavlovitz' authorial voice is as gentle and humorous as his real-world voice (I have been privileged to hear him speak in person), and his constant message that we must remain encouraged bears repeating for all. Highly recommended.

[Lorena · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Dan Connors · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good audiobook- narrated by the author. He is a warm, loving soul with a podcast and following. Not happy with the Trump era. The superhero metaphor is the entire book. Not a lot of new stuff for me, but worth reading.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have liked this book better if had a lot fewer references to comic book heroes but it was still enjoyable to listen to.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy John Pavlovitz's blog and appreciate his perspective on life. As a liberal Christian, I also appreciate the way he lets people know that his views are rooted in his faith, without in any way pushing it on people. Example from pg 161: "But this isn't a book about theology; it's an invitation to be the kind of person the world needs, and you don't need to subscribe to a certain spiritual tradition in order to be such a person."

This book left me feeling like it fell a little short. The idea of it being encouraging, and helping would-be activists and world-changers to recognize their capabilities is good. The super hero metaphor works well. But the actual advice for getting out there an doing something seemed so brief in comparison to the rest. I found it somewhat inspirational, but much less than a manifesto.

Do read his blog, though - Stuff that Needs to Be Said. It's great! https://johnpavlovitz.com/

[Nicole Overmoyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Mrs Mommy Booknerd http://mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

OUR INTERVIEW WITH JOHN PAVLOVITZ

by Sara Bell and Emily Lewis who jointly interviewed John and wrote with article.

There are many things that I love about being a book blogger, but nothing beats being able to actually talk to a writer that you both admire and aspire to be more like. That kind of opportunity recently presented itself when I was lucky enough to conduct a phone interview with pastor, writer, and activist John Pavlovitz. Yes, you read that right - the one and only! John’s blog Stuff That Needs To Be Said has an average monthly readership of over a million people and, if are not familiar with his work, it is definitely something worth checking out. His most recent book, Hope and Other Superpowers: A Life-Affirming, Love-Defending, Butt-Kicking, World-Saving Manifesto was just released in November of 2018.

I have ready many of John’s blog posts because my sister Sara shares them frequently as he always seems to be able to capture what we are feeling, whether it is his reflections on what life is like after losing a parent or his insights on any number of other topics related to the state of affairs in the world. Through all of his writings, John’s consistent message is focused on the importance of being a compassionate, ethical, and decent person; he is not afraid to call it like he sees it when people are demonstrating anything but kindness, empathy, and integrity. Knowing that my sister is a huge fan, I asked her if she wanted to interview John with me. She was obviously super excited (and a bit of a fangirl about it). The three of us ended up having an awesome chat about his new book and a few other topics that are near and dear to our hearts.

Hope and Other Superpowers is touted as a “spirited call to action” that will inspire people to transform their burdens into dreams and their outrage into activism. In short, the take-home message from the book is that we can all be a force for good if we choose to. John shares stories of several “real-life superheroes” and how they have come through times of adversity to be more than they ever thought possible. The experiences that these individuals have endured are both heartbreaking and inspiring; they have all learned important life lessons on how to take negative events and use them as the catalyst to find new purpose and impact the world in an incredibly positive way. John also adds in anecdotes and personal stories to highlight his own reflections in an emotional, engaging, and often humorous way that makes this book one of both laughter and tears.

Thinking about everything we read in Hope and Other Superpowers and on John’s blog, the first question Sara and I asked him was about finding balance. As John expresses in his book, giving a damn is exhausting and it can certainly become very overwhelming at times. So, we wanted to hear his advice on how people can find the sweet spot between caring deeply and passionately about world events but not getting so pulled into all of the negativity around us that it eats us up. John shared some thoughts on how to best manage this, based on approaches that work for him.

John suggests that it may be beneficial to break things down into an almost hourly process of taking information in and then purposely stepping away. It is valuable to be engaged in the world around you so you are well informed and able to advocate when needed but it is also important to be intentional about withdrawing at regular intervals to renew yourself by simply enjoying some silence, spending time in nature, or connecting with friends and family. Although we may want to keep on top of all of the day’s events and dedicate ourselves to defending the principles we hold dear, we still have to live our lives and we won’t be good to anyone if we are totally drained.

If you are actively engaged in advocacy or community improvement work, another possibility is to shift energy between different aspects of the causes you care about. For a period of time, perhaps you can focus on legislation or policy reform and then switch to more directly supporting the people who are impacted. Varying your activities can assure you continue to feel like you're making a difference without getting burned out on one thing.

John’s final thought was to keep coming back to the question “what is my why?". It can feel insurmountable when you think about all of the opportunities there are to get involved, share your voice, and make an impact. Try to start with one issue you are super passionate about and just focus on that. You don’t need to have it all figured out and you don’t need to tackle everything. Just start somewhere.

Another topic Sara and I wanted to talk with John about was the loss of his father. John has shared very openly through his blog and in his book how losing his dad has impacted his life. My siblings and I also lost our father suddenly 5 years ago so the immense vulnerability and raw emotion that John has expressed is something that really hit home with us. Sara has shared with me that she has read several of John’s posts multiple times, as his writing brings her comfort by capturing the feelings of grief and the aftermath of the loss in a very heartfelt way. We wanted to know how this experience has changed John for the better and allowed him to grow, as we continue to navigate a similar path day by day.

John said, as he began to write only a few days after his Dad passed away, he realized that what he was going through was not a novel thing. People are enduring all kinds of losses and hardships every day. However, only he was experiencing that exact loss in his own way. No matter what is happening, we all have unique insights​ and as he started sharing and putting his words and feelings out into the world, others also began to share. His learning was that we can ultimately find commonality when we embrace being our authentic self. Sara and I can attest that this is true, as we feel a strong sense of gratitude and kinship with John for so often expressing (much more eloquently than we can) what we and many others are feeling.

When asked what prompted John to write Hope and Other Superpowers, he said that he really just wanted to write something simple and somewhat elemental about how easy it really is to be a good human. John stated, “Cruelty is trending - it is easy to see all the vitriol that is perpetuated because it grabs people's attention. However, there are also beautiful things happening in the world and I wanted to give a voice to that.” Like so many of us, John believes that the world is full of good hearted people and it is easy to forget that when we are inundated by negativity all the time. At the most basic level, John wanted to encourage people who are exhausted by caring so much and give them hope.

In the time we were lucky enough to talk with John, he was warm, humble, down-to-earth, and insightful. Just as in his writing, John's spoken words were touching and profound. After we wrapped up, Sara said to me “Over the last few years, John’s messages have consistently been just what I needed to hear at just the right time. He is able to clearly articulate so many of the exact thoughts and feelings I have in a way that I never could. He does it on his blog, he did it in this book, and now he did it again on our phone call.”

Hope and Other Superpowers accomplished everything John set out to do and it’s definitely a must read for anyone who is searching for beautiful, inspiring stories of perseverance, resilience, and triumph over negativity. This interview was a really incredible experience for both Sara and me. I’m confident John’s writing will continue to be a source of hope for us and millions of others, especially now when it is needed the most.

[Sue Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope and other Superpowers is a book calling all of us to be involved. He used fictional superheroes as examples to show that they saw things and got involved to fix them. The author feels that we could make a big difference too if we used our own individual powers. We each have our built in protections, are strengths, and our visions but we just don't use them. We often just sit back and do nothing. He writes that we all could be heroes if we acted on what we know is right. Granted it is a simplistic thought but so true.

Here are examples of some of the ideas that impressed me: "the real battle isn't between good people and bad people-it's between openhanded people and closefisted people" and then he explains further. Or this one "Heroes...do things that everyone else hopes and prays somebody would do". Powerful words.

I struggled with how to rate this book because it is very easy to read and not spectacular but I kept finding quotes and ideas that made me think. I guess that is what makes a book readable and likable.

[Jess Macallan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

HOPE AND OTHER SUPERPOWERS is an uplifting read about how average people can tap into their superpowers and make a difference. I enjoyed the author's approach to inspiring readers by sharing his story and the story of everyday people doing amazing things. The author didn't sugarcoat anything going on in the world, or his own experiences, but instead focused on humor, encouragement, and honesty. Rest when you need to, and get back to work and make a contribution in a way that's unique to you.

If you need a boost of positivity and the reminder that you have a superpower to tap into, you'll want to read this book.

[Audrey Stars in Her Eye · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

I received an ARC through NetGalley; all opinions are my own.

[Martin Hensley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book to read when you are ready to give up. When there is just too much wrong with the world and you simply can’t face it for another day, much less fight it. John Pavlovitz reminds you that you are not alone, that your actions do affect others and that the good fight is never in vain. If Pavlovitz’s blog often seems angry of late, this is his alter ego, committed to providing hope and encouragement. This is a book that deserves to be highlighted and dog earred to death.

[Pía López Copetti · Rating 1 out of 5]

My initial thoughts were: "give it a go and stand the anti-Trump bullshit". Well, the apocalyptic feeling for the writer seems to be strong enough to keep going over and over the same crap all book long in one form or another.
Totally disappointing, I couldn't get past Chapter 4.

[Linene · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read an exert from this book and was intrigued, the book did not live up to the exert.,

[Lewis Finkle · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you are not scared of becoming a little dumber after reading a book, go ahead and pick this one up. I met with an attorney to possibly sue the author for wasting my time.

[Cathie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love reading the author's blog and articles, and I really liked his previous book, A Bigger Table.

This one discusses how we can see a need and find a way to meet it, that if we look around us we can find hurting people to help - we don't have to keep scanning the horizon; narrowing our focus makes it easier to find an area we're passionate about. "Thoughts and prayers" don't change anything, it's the actual doing that makes a difference. He uses a superhero theme, with many mentions of DC and Marvel superheroes, and also personal stories of individuals who have made a difference. I'm sure it will speak to many people (probably younger than me), but with my temperament type (I have to HELP) it just gave me another excuse to beat myself up for not doing enough. But that's me...

chapter headings to give you and idea of how the theme is laid out - if I'd seen this first it might have influenced my purchase

Introduction: News from Metropolis
PART ONE: THE HERO IN ALL OF US
1. Origin Stories
2. Secret Identities and Alter Egos
3. Kryptonite and Archenemies
4. Utility Belts and Armor Suits
PART TWO: ORDINARY SUPERPOWERS
5. The Safest Hands Are Still Our Own (Compassion)
6. We Have to Give Up the Thing We Want the Most (Sacrifice)
7. We Have a Hulk! (Courage)
8. Why So Serious? (Humor)
9. I'm the Ant-Man (Humility)
10. Truth is My Shield (Honesty)
11. Only Love Can Save the World (Kindness)
12. Ideas Are Bulletproof (Creativity)
13. I Can Do This All Day (Persistence)
14. I Believe There's a Hero in All of Us (Wonder)
15. I Can Save Today. You Can Save the World (Gratitude)
PART THREE: TRAINING GROUND
16. Falling and Flying
17. Superhumans - Assemble!
18. Heroes and Villains
19. Action Figures
20. You Are the Hope

[Tim Ogle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book. I admire Pavlovitz’s desire to instill hope. I agree with him that average ordinary people are capable of extraordinary impact.

However, I don’t recommend this book because of his insistence to present fictitious superheroes as the model of example.

The book is the exaltation of humanity rather than a hope filled revelation of our whole being created in the image of Yahweh God. His view of hope is built upon fantastical false inspiration of super heroes.

He has many examples of real life people who have made an extraordinary difference in the world. However, he exalts the created while dismissing the Creator’s image of human life that is stamped upon us.

It is a message of hope built upon a foundation of shifting sand, and foundations matter.

Pavlovitz is a brilliant optimistic writer but I believe misses the foundation of hope that has been overwhelmingly been documented in the reality of Jesus Christ.

[Jacqueline · Rating 3 out of 5]

So...I absolutely love John Pavlovitz as a writer. Some of his blog posts are my favorite writings - I read them often and send them to people frequently. I was so excited when his book came out. HOWEVER. It's been hard for me to get into - I've been working on it for awhile. I read a bit, put it aside, and come back later on.

For me, the superhero theme throughout the book is excessive and distracting. I will fully own that I am NOT a Marvel comic fan. In fact, I hate Marvel movies. Had I known that would be such a theme of this book, I would've been more prepared going into it / wouldn't have had such high expectations. But since I wasn't aware of it, the book fell short for me, and left me a bit disappointed.

That said, the underlying messages and words (once you take the superhero lingo out) are absolutely beautiful.

I look forward to his next (non-superhero) book. :)

[Lauren Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I led this book in a small group, and it served its purpose well. This book at it’s center is very uplifting and helpful to give you a new perspective on how you can use your gifts to help others. Who knew Humor was a superpower? A fun book drenched with examples of superheroes in the movies as well as every day people, this is a good book to read if you’re stuck in your own head and unsure of how to change the state of the world. Be warned though: John Pavlovitz is no unbiased author. You must hold strong to your own opinions and not let his change your perception of the message. Pavlovitz puts much of his energy into his bold views on politics, so skip over those parts if you want to get to the core of the book. All in all, this book becomes very repetitive after awhile. My suggestion is read the introduction, and then the different superpowers and stop there. The rest is redundant. I like his gusto!

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apparently this is the author's response to Trump getting elected. I totally get that, everyday there is something else I can barely stomach in the news. However, this book is going to be dated very soon! It would have been better if he had just mentioned his dismay at the election outcome in the introduction, to let us know why he wrote the book, but he mentions it again and again throughout the book. Also, pretty much every chapter has a different super hero that he talks about ( Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, SpiderMan etc.) and unless you are familiar with these super heroes and their special powers, you are going to feel left out of the loop. There are some good stories in here that people will be still be able to identify with in a few years, but most of the book is for millennials and they need to read it before 2020.

[Linda Peterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will offer a couple of quotes that spoke to me as a means of reviewing this book. It left me feeling more powerful and energized. I'm happy I read it!

"The suffering we see in the world, the divisions in our nation, the disappointments we accrue ... are all potential places where either our defeat can be finalized or our destiny clarified."

"In the face of injustice and suffering, prayer without behavior change or measurable movement isn't something I'm all that interested in. ... Heroic people move from burden to action, from heart to hand; they evolve from simply feeling empathy to tangibly expressing compassion."