Book Review: Same Kind Of Different As Me, by Ron Hall & Denver Moore

"A modern-day slave, an international art dealer, and the unlikely woman who bound them together."

With a subtitle like that, how could I not be intrigued?

Denver Moore and Ron Hall tell the story of an amazing friendship. Denver - a 20th century sharecropper who set out into the world, only to find himself homeless and friendless. Ron - an affluent and successful art dealer, living in a world of power and pride. That is, until Ron's feisty wife, Deborah, feels called by God to serve at a local mission. Ron dutifully joins her, bringing his wealth of prejudices with him. Even though we might want to look down on Ron, it's to our own shame - if we're being honest, most of us carry these same prejudices. In their weekly visits to the mission, they meet Denver - large, sullen, and violent. But Deborah's generous heart reaches through the socio-economic gap to meet Denver with a faith-inspired love. The journey of Denver, Ron, and Deborah will have you turning pages, laughing, crying, and rethinking the way we view the homeless. It speaks deeply to one of my favourite themes: the power of being loved.

I love the way this book is written, with Ron and Denver writing alternating chapters. Each tells their side of the story in their own distinctive voice, and the effect is powerful. The final pages of the book include a reader's guide, a follow up with the authors, and a few family photos.

Denver and Ron came from vastly opposing backgrounds, but through their struggles, faith, and commitment, they find their common humanity in their uncommon friendship.

I highly recommend this deeply moving story. May it inspire each of us to reach across the gap and love someone who is the same kind of different as us.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."