Stuff That Needs To Be Said: Essential Words on Life, Death, Faith, Politics, Love, and Giving a Damn

by John Pavlovitz

Over the past few years, John Pavlovitz's blog, Stuff That Needs To Be Said , has become a virtual hub for millions of people from all over the world, drawn there by his clear, compelling words on compassion, equity, love, and justice. This expansive, like-hearted community transcends race, orientation, gender, religious tradition, political affiliation, and nation of origin--and finds its affinity in the deeper place of our shared humanity, which is the True North of his writing. This collection lovingly pulls together some of John's most widely-read and most beloved essays on faith, politics, grief, and the elemental parts of being human. It is an encouraging, inspiring, challenging storehouse of "stuff that needs to be said."

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Self Help, Politics

276 pages, Paperback

Published April 22, 2020

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

[Matt]

This book saved my family.

When I came out as gay, my dad couldn't handle it and spent years unable to be around me, even after Mom died. I remember reading Pavlovitz's viral post about how he would respond if one of his kids came out as LGBT, and I felt so jealous that they get a dad like that. Years later, I had worked enough on it to tell my dad that I can't control if he hates me but that I wanted to tell him more about my life and see what he was ready to be a part of. And he responded, "Oh, I got over that long ago. I read this blog post by a pastor, I really got it."

This book starts with that post, then spends a section speaking in different ways about responding to the horrors of a nation under Trump as a follower of Jesus. The next section is more about politics, broadening to the race discussions. The final section has a series of heartbreaking essays about grief and depression. Though often repetitive (and in two essays, the last two paragraphs are accidentally copied and pasted from the end of the preceding piece), it helps to read these discussions framed in subtly different ways. I feel understood as a Christian Democrat and hopeful for our path as children of God, who is bigger than any one nation. Great work.

[Brad]

I will do my best here, with the intention that I don't mean offense. But I cannot imagine the hubris it would take to self-publish a collection of your blog posts, which is already a self-publication in itself.

Further, I can't imagine who this book is actually intended for. I can't imagine any of the staunch right wing politicos actually finishing this book, the primary reason being that he takes a typical approach to dealing with issues: criticize a group of people for painting their opponents into a corner, and dealing with issues rather than humans all while emulating their same strategy. You of course become the angry, bitter person you are preaching against.

Which leads me to the end of the book, and perhaps the strongest appeal to love others. None of the appeal stems from Jesus Christ, your supposed source, but your own feelings and self-doubt. My conclusion to the author is that you should just stop your own anger, listen to your own advice, and maybe get yourself some real counseling and help. In the meantime, I do hope that your writing about it helps you. I don't believe it's doing much to help others.

[David]

Book #: 36
Title: Stuff That Needs to be Said
Author: John Pavlovitz
Format: Paperback, 276 pages, recent purchase
Pub Date: Published April 22nd 2020 by John Pavlovitz
Started: 9/7/2021 Ended: 9/8/2021
Awards: none
Categories:
A book by a blogger, vlogger, YouTube video creator, or other online personality (PpSgr 31); A book that has fewer than 1,000 reviews on Amazon or Goodreads (95) (PpSgr 36); A book with six or more words in the title (GrRds 36); A non-fiction book other than biography, autobiography or memoir (GrRds 47); A Standalone (BkHdr 10); Author with MORE Than FIVE books (BkHdr 19);
A Book Published in 2020 (BkHdr 20); No People On The Cover (BkHdr 22); Published In Your BDAY Month (BkHdr 23); Read In FALL (BkHdr 25); * Signed Book (BkHdr Bonus 1); Non Fiction (BkHdr Bonus 5);
A-Z Title: S for Stuff
A-Z Author: P for Pavlovitz
Rating: ***** five out of five stars

John is a former Catholic, now UU, a blogger, who lives in Western New York. I can really relate to him. He's also a minister which I'm not. :) The book is a collection of some of his best columns, "Stuff That Needs to be Said". My wife bought an autographed copy.

I agree with him on a large number of topics. I found the book so fascinating, I couldn't put it down and read it in 24 hours. I highly recommend this book. And any of his other books. He's outspoken, thoughtful, insightful, and doesn't sugar coat anything.

[Kimberly]

I purchased this shortly after publication, and just now got around to reading it. What initially drew me to Pavlovitz has also been what's caused me to step back a bit from enthusiastic support. It's safe to say, he knows who he is and what he believes and is unapologetically authentic, which is almost always refreshing in and of itself.
I found this collection cathartic because the themes are even more prevalent for me with our current state of affairs (deja vu). I relate so closely with him, these could pass for my own journal entries. Knowing we're not alone is helpful and inspires hope that we will collectively make it.

[Milo]

Pavlovitz' gift is articulating the thoughts in my head without using profanity when talking about politics. He feels the same rage, disgust, and disappointment as many of us, but eloquently expresses those emotions in such an effective manner, it's refreshing. I applaud his writing, his thinking, and his efforts to do good work. I urge everyone to follow him, either by reading his books, following on social media, or any other way to enjoy his writing.

[Kellene]

So much of this book brought out my righteous indignation and furor over the folks following false prophets and making excuses for the bad behavior of a vile man and generally acting in every way that I consider BAD! I did a lot of saying "yeah, what he said" and feeling justified for my ill-will toward "those people". But then the third part hit a different nerve and I had to do some rethinking for my own sanity.

[Holly Johnson]

These writings are better as a blog set in a particular time. It loses something in becoming a book, and is dated. By that I mean you can imagine or remember what stupid thing Trump did that would cause the righteous anger of the author, but since we are for now free of that particular pain, and instead in other momentous times, it feels dated.

[Teresa Markoski]

I borrowed this book from a friend , but purchased a copy to keep on my bookshelf . Chapter one : If I have LGBTQ children is a chapter I might want to share with other parents , I and I will need to remember where to find this writing. I follow John Pavlovitz on social media and I always enjoy his viewpoints.

[Charlotte]

I bought this book for my husband for Christmas. He read it in one day. If you enjoy these essays on Facebook this book has a lot to offer. The author is a Methodist pastor, suffers from depression, and tells it like it is. His chapters on grief are especially moving.

[Mark Morin]

I read only the 3rd section through the advice of a friend. I found it very helpful in while reading it I could point to it and say, "yup that's me". Did not really give any advice on what you can do but it let's you know you are not alone.

[Sandra Johnson]

Collection of the author’s blog posts, the chapters can sometimes feel a bit disconnected. Some chapters resonated more with me than others, especially the chapters dealing with grief. Some chapters caused me to think more about the subject being discussed. Overall, a good read.

[Thomas (Tom) Baynham,Jr.]

This is the second of Pavlovitz's books that I've read and I've become a fan. I appreciate his honesty and his transparency. I'm looking forward to engaging him again soon.

[Carol Bedin]

Powerful. A friend lent me this as I struggled to deal with some things in the world, and he is insightful and not afraid to say what needs to be said in a world full of injustice.

[Barbara]

This is a book everyone should read. Pavlovitz tells it like it is - all those things we think but are afraid to say or admit.

[Cait]

Literally all opinions by the author. Interesting to read if you don't mind disagreeing with someone's person opinions and don't offend easily if your beliefs don't jive with your own.

[Char Freund]

I follow John Pavlovitz online and on twitter and enjoy his spiritual input on social justice issues and grief. His short essays are succinct commentaries of current events. This book is a compilation of many of his essays but I’m disappointed that some of my favorites did not make the book.

I’m giving it a 5 as like the title says, it’s about stuff that needs to be said. Read an essay a day and reflect. But don’t forget to research others on his website.

I’ve put today’s date for start and finish but only because I’ve read them previously. I’ll take my own advice and read and reflect daily.

[Joseph]

Wow! While/after reading this, so many emotions filled my mind. So well written and comes straight from the heart. Many people will find it “offensive”, but those with an open mind will find it amazingly necessary. Growing up (and still being) a Christian, I find a lot of his experiences and opinions to be very similar to how I have come to view “religion” these days. Really left me with a lot to think about, not only in regards to religion, but about the overall idea of life and the little time we have left

[Nadia]

I left the church years ago due to the hypocrisy and lack of compassion & empathy that I saw there. And I've have no desire to return. But after coming across John Pavlovitz and reading his works online, I saw starting to see that maybe there are some good, genuine Christians out there. This book definitely encompasses that and more!

[Pamela Monke]

A book for the soul

I found this book to be a haven in a dark and troubled time. John Pavlovitz seems to speak about all the troubling things that we , or I am distressed about, disturbed by, angry about or going through and he lets us know we aren't alone. This book is a book for the soul.

[Cynthia Keene]

Putting my thought in words

John Pavolitz is extremely gifted at writing about the things that matter most in life. This book actually helped me to recognize my own feelings through his words.

[Rick]

This book is well worth your time to read regardless of your views on religion, politics, life, death, and life in general. High praise from a non-believer.

[Elizabeth Lykins]

A compilation of thought provoking posts by John Pavlovitz. A great book for those interested in social justice for all.

[Gayle]

Enjoyed every word.

Helped me feel like not all Christians have gone to the dark side. Also helped me feel less alone in my grieving process that is never ending.