Sharing Too Much: Musings from an Unlikely Life

by Richard Paul Evans

The #1 New York Times bestselling author and “king of Christmas fiction” ( The New York Times ) delivers a charming and inspirational collection of personal essays.

Before he was the #1 New York Times bestselling author of holiday classics such as The Christmas Box , Richard Paul Evans was a young boy being raised by a suicidal mother and dealing with relentless bullying. He could not fathom what the future held for him.

Now, in this intimate and heartfelt collection of personal essays, Evans shares his moving journey from childhood to beloved author. With his signature “seasoned finesse” ( Booklist ), he offers the insightful lessons he’s learned and engaging advice about everything from marriage to parenthood and even facing near-death experiences. This is a charming essay collection that is the perfect gift all year round.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Essays, Inspirational, Audiobook, Biography, Christian

272 pages, Hardcover

First published February 27, 2024

About the author

When Richard Paul Evans wrote the #1 best-seller, The Christmas Box, he never intended on becoming an internationally known author. His quiet story of parental love and the true meaning of Christmas made history when it became simultaneously the #1 hardcover and paperback book in the nation. Since then, more than eight million copies of The Christmas Box have been printed. He has since written eleven consecutive New York Times bestsellers. He is one the few authors in history to have hit both the fiction and non-fiction bestseller lists. He has won several awards for his books including the 1998 American Mothers Book Award, two first place Storytelling World Awards, and the 2005 Romantic Times Best Women Novel of the Year Award. His books have been translated into more than 22 languages and several have been international best sellers.

Reviews

[CM · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

NetGalley gives access to a Richard Paul Evans book before it is released?! That means I drop everything I am doing. He doesn’t disappoint. I will read anything and everything he writes! Inspiring stories; family, love and giving.

[Jess Alice Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this ARC copy on a Goodreads giveaway and I very much enjoyed this book. It had me thinking on my own life, struggles,and the beauty within it. It was fantastic and so well written. I’ve already had used quotes from it because of how much they resonates with me and words I didn’t realize I needed to hear and think on. It was honest and insightful. This can be for all walks of life. He talked about God in some of his writing and I am not a religious person (though I do follow Buddhist teachings and meditations) but I very much loved it all. This book has messages of love, life, and gratitude. The good and the messy and the importance of being present in life.

“Sunsets, like childhood, are viewed with wonder not just because they are beautiful but because they are fleeting” -Richard Paul Evans

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books by Richard Paul Evans. His latest book, Musings From An Unlikely Life-Sharing Too Much is a book of compilations of his thoughts and essays. It gives readers a glimpse of the man behind the books that have touched so many hearts.

The book is composed of short chapters, which I really enjoyed. We get a glimpse how some of his books came to be. We learn about his difficult childhood, and the struggles his biggest fan and hero, his mom, faced with mental health issues. He writes about God moments (referred by some as coincidences or also better known as God things) and how there is no unimportant God moment experience. They made him who he is today. Through struggles and hardships, we see sometimes our greatest gifts are presented in the packaging of adversity.

Some of my favorite chapters were Faith, Christmas, and Miracles, and Marriage, Family, and Other Blessings. I absolutely adored the graduation letter and How I saved My marriage simply by asking “What can I do to make your life better?”

And my last two comment on your book, Mr. Evans is…
Ti voglio bene (I want good for you) and you did not share too much!

[Vannetta Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I had no idea what I was getting into with this book. Richard Paul Evans is kind of an automatic-read for me, so I was happy to see a new book by him. Little did I know that this was such a candid and inspirational insight into his life. He's quite honest about his struggles as well as his successes. And the tone is encouraging and kind.

I listened to the audio book, and it was something I enjoyed taking my time with--listening to a few chapters each day. Well done, RPE. And thanks for the encouragement.

Highly recommend.

[Erin • erinsgottaread · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those delightful books that you could gift anyone - it’s a collection of short, heartfelt stories coming from the author’s life experiences. It makes you feel like a better person just by reading this - you have a refreshed perspective, new tips/tricks to instill in your life, and you can recognize yourself easily in the stories.

I took a star off because it’s not necessarily ground breaking or an overly unique story - but nonetheless an enjoyable book!

[Richard Propes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richard Paul Evans, long recognized as the "king of Christmas fiction," is at his strongest in "Sharing Too Much: Inspirational Musings and Lessons From an Unlikely Life when he is, in fact, turning inward and sharing reflections, stories, and testimonies from his extraordinary life.

There are times that "Sharing Too Much" deviates from that literary plan, an entire section more devoted to biblical musings and lessons, but where this collection of inspirational musings and lessons really shines is when Evans drops the facade a bit and allows readers, and likely most of his longtime readers, to get a glimpse inside what it was likely being raised within a family that seemingly had a good life one day that would spiral into financial challenges, a suicidal mother, a move into a less safe city, and relentless bullying.

Those who've experienced similar challenges, myself included, would likely tell you that some of the most inspirational writing comes out of those challenges for the creative spirits who survive them. There's never any doubt that Evans is a creative spirit from early in life.

It's when Evans is sharing his journey from wounded childhood through to beloved author that this endearing collection at its finest even if it does feel, at times, like Evans remains to this day somewhat hesitant to become truly vulnerable. As human beings, however, we appreciate that bravado that sometimes possesses Evans's writing. We want to know that we can have our challenges yet rise above them in a way - we can still non-profit organizations to help children, we can become a celebrity of sorts, and we can do the work we love. There's something beautiful about Evans's ability to own his entire life journey. In fact, one of my favorite essays in the book involves an encounter that Evans's daughter had with a fan and his own ability to gently yet firmly turn it around with gratitude and respect.

Fans of Evans, and as a 41-time #1 bestseller he certainly has millions of them, will most certainly appreciate the literary tapestry that Evans creates here. I'm almost embarrassed to say this is my first experience with Evans, though I've long been aware of his work.

I mean, seriously. He's the "king of Christmas fiction" and I'm, well, a bit of a Scrooge. My only Christmas tradition is watching a Christmas-themed horror film every Christmas day. Seriously.

Yet, ironically, I found myself most enchanted with "Sharing Too Much" when Evans was leaning into Richard Paul Evans the Beloved (I hereby declare this his official king title). Insightful and compassionate lessons about parenting, marriage, parenthood, incorrect diagnoses and more are warm, witty, enchanting, and practically make you feel like you're sitting next to Evans having a conversation.

Rest assured that I did, in fact, love "Sharing Too Much" even if I didn't quite click with the occasional literary detour and I sometimes wished that Evans would have leaned a little more into the "too much." However, "Sharing Too Much" also gave me a deep appreciation for a man whose life journey gives a deep understanding into how the "king of Christmas fiction" became so incredibly worthy of that title.

Now, I'm moving on to read "The Christmas Box."

[Meagan (Meagansbookclub) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable listen! RPE was one of those authors that grabbed my heart early on in my reading life and it was really interesting learning more about his life and how he continues to inspire and help those around him.

[Lillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic! I randomly found it when I was looking for an audio book. Highly recommend the audio book version because it’s read by the author. I learned so many things about Richard. I love how much he included his faith because that is such a big part of his life. Such a great book! His writing is beautiful.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

For readers of Richard Paul Evans books you will enjoy this inside look at his life. This book contains essays on many topics such as marriage, parents, faith, and just random stories. Many of these stories will make you laugh but a lot will bring a tear to your eye just like his novels do. I personally do not think he "shared too much" in this book it left me wanting more. I can't wait for his next book to come out. I'm really glad that he didn't listen to all those people that didn't think he could write, because I love the heartwarming stories he tells.

[Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally do not read books that are short stories or essays but I made an exception on this one. I found it entertaining and also thought provoking. I also related to some of his experiences. It’s a fast read but it will stay with you.

[MaryJo Landwehr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet read! I enjoy this author and I enjoyed learning more about him through these essays!

[Melinda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Another great book by Richard Evans. He does a great job of connecting with the reader. In this book he shares so many personal stories of his life and childhood. You will definitely find this book moving.

[Karen Burbank · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the stories about his personal journey, but not so much the fables and short stories.

[Kristina Boulter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this random book inside his life, his writing, and his random little short stories. Also I know there was a concern about the way the pages in the book are but that’s a special way that he makes all of the books I’ve read from him, it add character to his book but also something you love and and expect as you do the quotes at the start of every chapter.

Stories that I loved:
An open letter to anonymous.
To my mother.
The dance.
Are the dying visited by the dead?
What I learned in prison.

“It’s one of life’s great ironies. Sometimes our greatest gifts are presented in the packaging of adversity.”

“ The greatest disability is the inability to love those who are different from you.”

[Allie Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this one up on a whim while at the library. I’m glad I came upon it. I remember reading the Christmas Box several years ago and even visited the Christmas Box House while I was a caseworker in Utah. Pretty cool that this author started that organization❤️❤️While some parts of this book were a bit pretentious, most of it was sweet and thought-provoking.

A nice change from my normal reads!

[Ruth Barrineau-Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rarely does a book capture me, entertain me, and teach me —-Sharing Too Much: Musings from an Unlikely Life did that and so much more. Some of Mr. Evans’ musings were funny whereas others were thought-provoking and enlightening. His honesty and complete faith in God were woven seamlessly through funny, serious, heartbreaking or encouraging musings which I often shared with my husband. I highly recommend this book — it’s one I’ll definitely reread.

[Kathy Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast read but delightful. I enjoyed the inside look at the authors life and how insightful it was. Gave me a new perspective on some everyday experiences. This book would make a great gift for someone.

[Rhonda Ruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with short easy little stories!

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never been disappointed with any of his books, this was no exception. Life stories and life lessons.

[Cris · Rating 5 out of 5]

RPE shares insights into his life and shares the outcomes…he does so in such a way that it warms your heart, has you cheering for him and thanking God that he continues to share his stories with us!

[Megan Woodland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of feel good stories from the authors life.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I loved all of the essays. Even the ones that were difficult to read because of the subject matter. I love that he opened up his life to everyone. I wanted to hug the young boy that was bullied and so much more.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving and inspirational collection of the author’s experiences and thoughts. It’s a quick uplifting journey with a calming, yet empowering message.

[Marcia Suppo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25. I basically read every book he writes and there are a lot of them. I am on vacation in Park City Utah, Richard Paul Evans is from Salt Lake City, so of course it was the right time to read this book. His writing is always insightful and inspirational. Looking forward to his next book.

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. I loved this book. I had me laughing, crying, and happy to know there are still good humans in this world.

[Shirley Freeman]

Written in the short chapter, conversational style of Richard Paul Evans' fiction, this memoir covers RPE's somewhat chaotic childhood, tourette's diagnosis, young adulthood with marriage and children, writing, starting non-profits etc. Some of the chapters are short fables and random musings and others are lessons learned from a full, and faith filled, life. I suppose a sub-title could have been, 'Wisdom Stories.'

[Jamie Suter · Rating 2 out of 5]

A compilation of essays from other books or speeches. I found this to be nothing unique and in fact there were a couple stories that seemed to be retellings of historic tales. I was highly disappointed in the author and his lack of originality on this one. I felt like it was a ploy to make money off his popularity. Don’t bother! Read ANY of his other books instead. I only gave it 2 stars because there were a couple stories that were well written despite having already heard them.

[Sara Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written book that helped to improve the way I look at things. I love the way that the book was broken down into sections with same writings. It makes it easy to read a certain part to reach your heart and a couple pages at a time if you are busy and don't really have time to read. It was nice to be able to reflect often in the book. My favorite story was: The Little Cow, which I found myself sharing with others immediately. This was the first book I read by Richard Paul Evans however I look forward to reading more. P.S. If you are reading this Mr. Evans, yes, I would love to see a picture of your grandchildren.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not the right reader for this book. Look, I am too much of a librarian to hate on an author whose books help people through hard times (particularly where he writes in a genre that tends to skew towards female readers, and books with that skew aren't taken as seriously as books for male readers with similar deviations from what makes something literary). I don't care for his fiction, but if they make people’s lives better, I’m glad they are out there for the people who need them.

But nothing really spoke to me in this collection of 1-4 page aphoristic vignettes. There’s no personal growth arc, no cohesive theme, no nuance. Just little anecdotes with tidy morals. Honestly, it feels like a bunch of blog posts dumped together so they can be monetized.

I think RPE fans would enjoy them, but for the rest of us, nothing felt new.