“The Story That Inspired the Major Motion Picture.”The captivating story behind the bestselling single in the history of Christian music—and the man who wrote itMercyMe’s crossover hit, “I Can Only Imagine,” has touched millions of people around the world. But few know about the pain, redemption, and healing that inspired it. Now Bart Millard, award-winning recording artist and lead singer of … award-winning recording artist and lead singer of MercyMe, shares how his dad’s transformation from abusive father to man of God sparked a divine moment in music history.
Go behind the scenes of Bart’s life—and the movie based on it—to discover how God repaired a broken family, prepared Bart for ministry through music, and wrote the words on his heart that would change his life forever. I Can Only Imagine is a front-row seat to witnessing God’s presence throughout Bart’s life. Whether falling in love with his childhood sweetheart or mourning his father’s death, founding MercyMe or flailing in the midst of its success, Bart continues to place his trust in God’s plans—plans that continue to surprise and surpass what Bart could have ever imagined.
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I knew the song of the same name as the title of this book, of course. But I didn’t know the story behind it. While the film (which came first) was worth seeing, reading this memoir was a real blessing. Bart Millard’s journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring, and one that I hope many people will read. His story will serve as an encouragement, especially for artists who want to serve the Lord with the talent God gave them. It is also a challenge for how we should all live in grace and with forgiveness in our hearts.
Loved hearing his story and how the Lord used his tragedies to mold and create a better man.
Very inspiring and interesting…beautifully written….i highly recommend this book and also his music….it truly is inspired
This is an amazingly honest biography and gives hope to its readers that God can change even the most hardened heart.
This biography gripped me. Some of it is very hard to read with the abuse he grew up with. The entire story is so inspirational I HIGHLY recommend it!
Dreams can come true.
I knew it would be a great read and I wasn’t disappointed.
I totally recommend it to anyone who wants to be uplifted by what God can do thru Grace.
Love this book! It was a truthful look into how MercyMe became what we know today. Bart Millard has an inspirational story and tells the truth about the happy and hard parts of his life.
This memoir is even better than the movie that was based on it, and I loved the movie.
I have always loved MercyMe’s music. It’s so much more meaningful now to know the story behind these songs!
What an inspirational read! And such a great testimony of God’s hand in our lives and of the healing power of his love. A book that really kept me engaged and turning pages. Highly recommend!
“I Can Only Imagine” is a beautiful, poignant, moving memoir about what inspired the famous song of the same name by Millard’s band – Mercy Me.
As the band is Christian based, so too is this book. There are a lot of religious themes in it along with God and bible references. Then again, anyone who enjoys the beautiful ballad or the group shouldn’t be too surprised by that element. Bart even lists 75 verses that are dear to him.
Bart Millard (with Robert Noland) takes the readers through the journey which starts with his childhood. For a memoir, it is a short read (the memoir part is about 173 pages, paperback edition). It also includes his wife Shannon’s take on certain aspects. It is interesting to note her parents were his second-grade Sunday school teachers.
I couldn’t imagine that such a beautiful song was inspired by an abusive past. Yet, it isn’t the abuse, but the redemption that fueled the story.
Millard’s father, Arthur Millard Jr, wasn’t always violent. He was described, by some, as a “big ol’ teddy bear”. That was until a car accident in 1969, three years before Bart was born. Arthur was working with the Texas Highway Department when a diesel truck struck him. Arthur had obviously suffered some head trauma. He had also played football in high school which may have also led to some injuries.
The accident changed his personality where he would have fits of rage and violence. Eventually Bart’s mother left his father – originally taking the boys, Bart and his older brother Steven, later the two boys would reside with him.
Bart’s childhood was filled with the brunt of his father’s rage. Even his father’s mother (Mammaw Millard) never suspected it. The boys also didn’t say anything. Bart’s only escape was music.
When Bart was in 9th grade, a stunning development changed everything. His father was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Like the accident in 1969, Arthur changed once again, finding his way with the church and Jesus. In finding his way, the relationship between Arthur and Bart started healing and coming together.
Over his father’s several year cancer battle, Bart watches as his father embraces Jesus and becomes the father he should’ve been. Bart recounts the conversations he and his father would have.
It is after his father’s funeral that Bart decides to fulfill his dreams – music. Mercy Me was formed in 1994 which ironically came from Mammaw Millard’s reaction to Bart’s announcement of the band – “Mercy me, Bart!”
The band, through its ups and downs, finally finds its success when Bart cannot stop thinking about something Mammaw Millard said at Arthur’s funeral – “I can only imagine what Bub must be seeing right now” – thus bringing life to “I Can Only Imagine”. (Bub was her nickname for Arthur).
After a few hits or misses and some minor albums, the band finally has a major deal, but needs a “radio” song. Originally slated to be Amy Grant’s single from a new album – she, knowing the story, lets Mercy Me release it.
On October 12, 2001 – one month and a day after 9/11, the song debuts on the radio becoming a sensation. Not just on Christian radio, but soon mainstream radio as well.
“I Can Only Imagine” is the band’s successful “crossover” hit. It serves as a front-row seat to witnessing the presence that God has had in Bart’s life – even through his challenges with his father’s abuse, his father’s illness and subsequent death, as well as his son’s illness – Bart has always followed God’s lead.
This memoir is compelling, sad, inspirational, and comforting. Bart is honest and candid as he recounts what led to the song which also served as the inspiration for the movie.
And, Bart continues to put his trust in God.
I first heard this song in 2008 at a funeral for an acquaintance’s daughter. It would, three years later (2011), be played at my aunt’s funeral. So, I am very familiar with the song.
This book was a quick and easy read. Despite some of the content, I couldn’t put it down.
This book is recommended for fans of the band and the song, or Christians who want to see how God works backstage in our lives.
This book made me really respect Bart miller anyone who can forgive someone the way he did is an incredible person.
A wonderful story of overcoming life adversities to achieve a dream !
I Can Only Imagine Is an amazing book. I was humbled just reading it, Mr. Millard’s story is fantastic to read. To know all that he is gone through in his life and how GOD fit exclusively into it. It shows how GOD can truly heal a man. This story is so touching, and since listening to, and have all the CD’s of- Mercy Me – it is a story I have been curious to read. Do not miss out on his story you will not regret it. I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.
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I loved this book and I think that y’all should as well
I Can Only Imagine is the first-hand narrative of a young daydreaming tyke growing up in Greenville, Texas who goes on to become a multi-platinum award winning songwriter and performer with the Contemporary Christian Music group MercyMe.
Bart’s story is not your typical boy grows up surrounded by family strong in the faith and therefore knows his purpose from a young age and proceeds to live it out. No, Bart’s story can be hard to read at times, due to the sometimes “unimaginable” abuse and loss he suffered as a child growing up.
What Bart saw and experienced would have easily broken so many for life, yet with the support of extended family, friends, church, and musician allies, Bart used the adversity he experienced in life not only to become an inspiration for many all over the world with his music, but ultimately God used his gift to transform those very same people who abused and left him as a child.
The reality is that Bart’s childhood story is more prevalent than we would like to believe, yet it is a glowing example of how God can turn around even the hardest heart, and how He can take the hard times we experience in life and use them to provide hope and healing.
I was provided a copy of the book to review and was not compensated in any way.