Review of “One Man's Journey” by Donald T. Hardison II

Score: 96/100 (9.6 out of 10)

One Man's Journey by Donald T. Hardison II is the most spirited, powerful, and emotionally-charged memoir we've read so far this year!

The book chronicles the deeply personal and transformative journey of the author. It explores themes of family, faith, resilience, and redemption. Through anecdotes and reflective storytelling, the narrative follows Hardison's upbringing, challenges with family dynamics, experiences with profound loss, moments of spiritual awakening, and his relentless pursuit of truth and integrity. Each chapter delves into significant milestones in the author's life, framed around trials, tragedies, and moments of triumph.

As the author eloquently describes in one of the book's key passes, this is the remarkable true story “about a man who... endured some of life’s hardest tragedies... He was a man who became so broken to his very core that he felt suicide was his only option. A man who had come to the end of his own rope and almost to the end of his very own life. A man who had now been rescued, saved, and redeemed. A man who was given a second chance at life, not only for himself but for the sake of so many others. A man who was given the passion and courage to rescue others in their own time of crisis, stopping at nothing to succeed and allowing nothing to get in his way.”

Although this is titled One Man's Journey, this is really a universal story. It's a story that can speak to every soul—everyone who has struggled with secrets, bad habits, and addictions; everyone who has wrestled with their faith; everyone who has seen a loved one's health (or mental health) deteriorate before their eyes; everyone who has lost a loved one; everyone who has wondered where is God in all of this?

One of the themes that really stood out to us in this book was the theme of loss, specifically losing someone you love and connect deeply with.

The book gradually introduces us to this theme through the character of Ms. Gavin, the author's widowed neighbor. It goes without saying that being widowed profoundly affected Ms. Gavin, her mood, attitude, and outlook on life. Ms. Gavin is not the only figure in this book who becomes widowed or orphaned, but her early presence breaks readers in to this painful theme of loss.

We also get introduced to one of the book's other key themes: THE SPARK—the turnaround. So many times in this book, times of darkness are transformed into epiphanies and divine sparks of positivity and light.

In the early case of Ms. Gavin, the presence of Little Donald (around 11-years-old at the time) helps to renew her damaged and tarnished spirit, restoring her zest for life as Little Donald becomes almost like a surrogate son to her. When she tragically and suddenly passes, the harsh reality of death becomes evident to Little Donald. This cycle of life and death among loved ones becomes a reoccurring (and very important and impactful) part of this book.

It actually functions very well against the book's powerful Christian message and back drop—presenting the idea of Jesus Christ as the one who defeated death and broke the cycle.

And then comes THE SPARK of light again—the return of hope and purpose.

For example, in one of Donald's darkest times—a time in which he yells at God that he will never serve him (due to the feelings of hurt and betrayal he feels at losing the closest of loved ones)—he is confronted with a supernatural phenomenon. Storm clouds come and lightning strikes just feet from him, scaring him back into his vehicle and helping to set him straight.

Another event which seems to be an epiphany for Donald is a sudden and near-catastrophic accident reminding Donald that though the enemy (the devil) may come like a flood, God is still active and present in his life.

We don't want to spoil the biggest twists and turns in this incredible real-life story, but we do want to bring up how Donald's many struggles and losses blend and blur into the larger, universal picture of what's happening in the world around him. For example, August 27, 2001 is referred to as “the darkest day” in Donald's life. However, that's put in full contrast and perspective just two weeks and one day later when September 11th happens, prompting Donald to make an extra-painful phone call—a phone call that can't be answered.

By the age of 25, Donald had already seemingly lost it all. But this is a redemption story—a story of hope—our favorite kind of story!

These tragedies, traumas, trials, and tribulations help Donald to realize a lot of things, growing and developing, particularly in his relationship with God—a spiritual and personal relationship that goes beyond religion. In fact, this book does an excellent job at separating what having a relationship with God means versus just being in a religion. Religion can be corrupted by humans, such as the pastor who deliberately lied about the fates of suicide victims (unsupported by biblical scriptures).

It's because of all the hurt, suffering, and hard-learning that Donald endured that he seems to be able to profoundly empathize and connect with people. For example, during the pandemic and lockdowns, he noticed that the homeless had nowhere to go. They were the only ones still wandering the streets of what otherwise looked like a ghost town. By the way, this book does contain some critical and contrarian opinions on the events of 2019-2021 (particularly the handling of the pandemic), but that didn't bother us really.

He was also able to form strong connections with individuals like Mr. Ellis/Mr. E.

This book brought us to tears (or near tears) so many times!

Are you ready to be touched and inspired?

Check this book out on Amazon!