“I saw his face.” Deborah Hall’s words launched the destiny of two men from very different worlds. Ron Hall was an international art dealer with upscale tastes; Denver Moore was a homeless drifter with a dangerous past. Millions have read about their unlikely bond through their first book, Same Kind of Different as Me—a New York Times bestseller and now a major motion picture.
Workin’ Our Way Home describes the ten years Ron and Denver lived together after Miss Debbie’s death. Written in both Ron’s and Denver’s unique voices, their inspiring (and often hilarious) adventures include: Their sometimes-bizarre life together in the Murchison Mansion, Denver accidentally almost burning the house down—twice, The challenges involved with making a movie, Two visits to the White House, Travelling the country to raise awareness about homelessness, And much more. With both wit and wisdom, these pages reveal God’s plan lived out through these men and those closest to them, including their passion to fulfill Debbie’s dream of easing the pain and humiliation associated with homelessness, poverty, and inequality.
“Whether we is rich or whether we is poor, or somethin in between, this earth ain’t no final restin place. So in a way, we is all homeless—ever last one of us—just workin our way home.”
While my daddy was fightin´ the big war in the Pacific, my grandmother delivered me in the farmhouse kitchen near Blooming Grove, Texas, in September 1945. This was back in those days when country girls knew about birthin´ babies and lucky for me, because my granddaddy and the town doctor were on the bucket brigade of a barn fire that night. I grew up in the bed of my granddad's Chevy pickup till it was time to go to school.
Working Our Way Home is the sophomore effort of Ron Hall and Denver Moore. I remember reading their first book The Same Kind of Different As Me some years ago during our library's annual summer reading challenge. I loved their debut. It was uplifting and made me feel all warm and tingly inside. I closed the cover on that book hopeful that Denver had seen the worst of his days, encouraged that he was no longer homeless. It was in part a celebration of the friendship these two men have as well as a homage to the God-fearing woman who brought them together. At first Working Our Way Home had the same feel for me. Although Debbie had passed and Ron was grieving, the imprint her unshakable faith and character had on him and Denver seemed to be there. But then as I kept reading I found myself becoming angry. I found Ron condescending at times. I felt that Denver faults were being illuminated while Ron was being lifted on a pedestal. Instead of being the feel good piece that the Same Kind of Different was for me I was ashamed of myself for bearing witness to what I thought was Denver's exploitation.
Workin’ Our Way Home by Ron Hall is the sequel to Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. This book describing the ten years Ron and Denver lived together after the death of Ron’s wife Miss Debbie is inspiring and often humorous. With both wit and wisdom, the author reveals God’s plan lived out through the two men and those closest to them, including their passion to fulfill Debbie’s dream of easing the pain and humiliation associated with homelessness, poverty, and inequality.
“Whether we is rich or whether we is poor, or something in between, the earth ain’t no final resting place. So in a way, we is all homeless - ever last one of us - just workin our way home. “ 4 stars
Truly, a very touching story and an excellent guide to the power of prayer. Mr. Hall had become a success in his own right but didn’t realize something was missing in his life, GOD!. He had more money then he could spend; traveled the world; hobnobbed with the elite social circles of Dallas, Fort Worth and New York. While his wife Deborah enjoyed the money he earned, she kept herself on the ground and did everything she could to keep her husband on the same path. Even though Ron strayed from he once, she forgave him and actually called the woman he was having the affair with. His wife’s faith led him on a journey he could have never imagined; making friends with one of the meanest homeless people on the street-Denver Moore. Denver grew up in Red River Parish Louisiana as a dirt poor, uneducated sharecropper. When he realized the “man” wasn’t going to let him ever pay off his debts and get ahead, he hopped the train and wound up in Fort Worth, living on the streets. He learned the art of living on his own and only worry about himself. It was a matter of survival since he had no usable skills in the big city, or did he? Deborah wanted to do more for the community and decided it was time for her and Ron to travel down to the Union Gospel Mission and share her faith with those less fortunate. Ron was okay with the idea but not enamored with the idea of hanging around a bunch of dirty, grubby, lice infested people. But, his wife wanted to do it and he agreed to go thinking he would only have to ladle out food a couple of times a month, at the most. His perception would start to change when he meets Denver Moore. It’s true, that over time Denver and Ron become like brothers, but it was Deborah who is the star of this story because her star Jesus Christ. I’m convinced her faith could have moved mountains, but she used it to move people and have them unlock and tap into their savior and understand the power of prayer. Denver had the faith but kept it hidden. Ron was a Sunday go to meeting man until he realized he was only showing up to been seen and not counted. I cannot say enough about her faith, even when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. Through all the treatments, set-backs, victories and pain, her faith neve wavered and Ron and Denver’s became stronger through her. That my friends, it what the story is about and I highly recommend it! Five Stars
As a huge fan of the first memoir, "The Same Kind of Different as Me", I was eager to learn more about the odd coupling of Ron Hall and Denver Moore. So I'm privileged to have the opportunity to read a pre-publication copy Mr. Hall's sequel to the first book, courtesy of Netgalley.
As an avid read of some 100 books per year, it's takes a special book that stick in my mind and soul, did the authors' first book. I know already that "Workin' Our Way Home..." will do the same. This book is written by Ron Hall and tells the tale of his an Denver Moore unusual friendship and brotherhood over the ten years following the end of the first book. Their friendship is a journey characterized by a deep faith, patience, selflessness and an unwavering devotion to a commitment made to the woman they both loved so deeply. Their story is written in two voices, Ron's and Denver's and is so well done that I can hear what I imagine is the cultured voice of Texan art dealer Hall and deep southern rural Louisianan Denver. You can feel and hear their excitement, disappointment and finally Denver's weariness as he gets "closer to home". These two men found their gift and their mission and through their books have share it with the rest of us. I will recommend this second book just as frequently as I have the first, as a lesson in love, faith and friendship.
Great finish to a wonderful journey that these two very different men took together. With this “dual author” book, just like the original, it was great to hear two sides of the story and to hear the wisdom that each man was able to instill in the other, with their common bond being a great Christian lady and an awesome God.
WOW! Great book. If you've ever read "Same Kind of Different as Me" you will want to read this as it takes you through the entire journey of the unique, crazy friendship of Ron Hall and Denver Moore. Much more insight into things that happened to them and between them. Such a great book. True Story. Based in my hometown, Fort Worth, Texas.
I read " Same Kind of Different as Me" several years ago and enjoyed it. I had hoped to like this one as much. I loved Denver's chapters, his wit, humor, and wisdom carried this book. I didn't care for Ron's chapters as much. The more I read, the more I felt he was condescending towards Denver. At times I felt he was using him, in a way, to "polish his own crown." By the end of the book I was feeling quite uncomfortable, with his reminders that he paid Denver to "do nothing" and he paid for his food, lodging, cars, etc. The book left me feeling that while they helped with homelessness some.... there is still a lot of work to do.
You have GOT to read this book. If you read "Same Kind of Different as Me", you will love ""Working Our Way Home". This book focuses on the friendship between Ron and Denver since the death of Ron's wife, Miss Debbie. The book chronicles the ups and downs of their friendship.
First, l loved the book for its humor...from Denver "burning off" to losing his car to his hospital antics. There also needs to be a book just for Denver's "Denverisms". Like keeping his "amerysm" warm (aneurysm); statue of Lamentations (statute of limitations); having his credit card "aggravated" (activated); trickonometry; and one of my favorite lines when Denver "burned off" - "I had to get my eyes deleted (dilated)". And Ron's comeback: "Are you sure you didn't get your brain deleted?"
I also loved how Denver and Ron were there for each other. Denver was there when Ron was grieving the death of his wife. Ron rescued Denver from the various kinds of trouble he got into. Ron was also very understanding of the trauma Denver went through as a "modern day slave". The book did a great job in explaining about how this time in Denver's life influenced some of his decisions. And through it all, their love for each other were quite evident in this book.
The 2 men also taught each other some very important life lessons. Ron taught Denver unconditional love. He tried to teach Denver accountability and responsibility but didn't always succeed :). Denver taught Ron about the homeless and taught Ron what was really important in life. It wasn't about the fancy clothes or all the money but about our relationship with God. I also loved how Denver said that it was not the government or welfare that is going to solve the issue of homelessness because these programs aren't about love and that love is the true motivator to helping those that are homeless.
It helps to go back and read "The Same Kind of Different as Me" but this book can be read without it. Some of the things written in that book are recapped in this book.
Rating: 5 out of 5
I received this book from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson publishing in exchange for a review.
A wonderful written book of 2 different cultures that work together and help each other out. I love these guys. The homeless - guy was blessed with so much wisdom :) This book broke me down at the end I actually cried for the guy. The wages are low and the cost of living are too high, that doesn’t make any sense. However, cut rent in half and that will help get everyone off the streets. There’s a lot of government abusive of power of money. The system is “broken” and it needs to be repaired, we need a better new system. Lastly, there are people that are homeless they don’t have addiction or mental illness. Just don’t have the right opportunities open doors to them. Their extended - families maybe be more of a message than they are. There are a lot of rich and powerful people out their in the world . However, they don’t want to get out of their comfort zone and open up a can of worms. They can change the world one person at a time and be an example and use their money and power the right way. This use to be america :/ There are a lot of money lovers in this world….. :/. I recommend that everyone buy this book ( I brought my book at a book sale for .50 cents from someone who donated at our library and it caught my eyes ) also support the cause…God created paradise and now— america is slowly becoming a garbage can. …
After seeing the movie based on the original book, I was interested enough to read this follow-up detailing the friendship of Ron and Denver after Miss Debbie’s death. It wasn’t that well written, but frankly people don’t select this for its literary merit. They are intrigued by the deep faith-based friendship of two such widely different men. Over and over through the book, Ron tells us what a true man of God Denver was, but, I have to say, it was Ron who kept turning the other cheek and forgiving Denver’s destructive behavior. Denver had a lot of personality — he was almost a caricature of an old streetwise bum — but often his poor decisions were really aggravating. If it hadn’t have been for Ron and his money bailing him out, his “skitzy” behavior would have ended the story much sooner. I can’t imagine the cost of all those hospital stays for this uninsured old man. But there is no denying the team of Ron and Denver raised a lot of money for the homeless and their deep friendship is an inspiration.
This was a wonderful behind the scenes story of Ron Hall and Denver Moore. It has been several years since I read their book, Same Kind of Different as Me. So this was a wonderful reminder of the relationship between these two very different men. Ron Hall does a great job of sharing Denver's human side.
Denver was an amazing man. I loved some of the things that came out of his mouth. To be unlearned, he would express deep thoughts that take you right to the heart of God's love. I found myself chuckling with tears trickling down my face and then the next moment I would be sitting in my chair in awe of the thoughts Denver expressed.
I am so grateful that Miss Debbie opened up the door to a relationship with Denver and allowed us to experience the behind the scene story of love, faith, and mercy. I hope this story will allow others to reach out in a sense of grace and allow themselves to discover relationships that reach beyond their comfort zone.
I loved the first book and while other reviews said this book was more of the same I was hopeful. They were right! This book had more detail but I almost found myself not loving Denver at times but I had to remind myself of his history. This book showed the Ron had the patience of Jobe. In the end as I reflected back on the book remembering how I was critical of Denver, I saw what a true friend they both were to each other.
I don't think it was as good as the first but it is a good reminder of how kindness to others can be life-changing.
Just finished reading my autographed copy purchased after hearing Ron Hall speak for a New Life Center fundraiser. This isn't just a good read, it's heartwarming and inspiring. Ron and Denver's friendship is a lesson not only in friendship and love, but purpose and forgiveness. It's a story sprinkled with bits of wisdom, simple words that we should all know but somehow this common sense gets lost in our busy lives. Sitting alone reading I found myself laughing out loud, smiling, and occasionally a little moisture skimming down my face. I probably have to re-read Same Kind of Different As Me.
Another great book by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. Run’s wife, Debbie has died and. this book is the story of Ron and Denver spending time together, growing in their friendship, teaching each other about love, family, faith and commitment. They start writing a book with their story so that they can bless the homeless in Texas and around the world. Fantastic story!. The other books were great as well
This book is by the same people who wrote ”The Same Kind of Different as Me” and it is so good! It demonstrates how we as followers of Christ are to love everyone around us. We are all here for one goal and it’s to love others to Christ!
“the truth about it is, whether we is rich or poor something in between, the Earth ain’t no final resting place. So, in a way, we use our homeless – just working our way toward home.” - Denver Moore
Received a copy of this book free from Net Galley. This book is a continuation of the story started in Same Kind Of Different As Me. The book is about the friendship that develops between Ron Hall and Denver Moore after Debbie's death. Excellent book. Do not have to read Same Kind Of Different first. This is one of the books that will stay with you for a very long time.
This book is an amazing story of two men from different worlds brought together by the wishes of a special lady. You must read the first two books. Your heart toward homelessness will be broken and you will see these poor people through Denver and Debbie’s eyes. It was life and heart changing for me.
I loved the honesty of Ron's story. He lets the reader know that it was not always easy dealing with Denver. I wholeheartedly respect all Ron did to help Denver and the fact that together they were obviously successful helping the homeless in our country. Human beings and relationships are complex!
This is a touching, sweet and inspirational true story. I watched the movie Some Kinda Different From Me and really enjoyed it. It is also a book from which the film was based upon. I found this follow up book on the website. I highly recommend it, (actually both of them) especially now when we all need to be uplifted.
As of the time I read this book I had not read "Same Kind of Different as Me". It is now on my list of to-read books. This isn't a traditional story. Rather, it's a memoir told in two voices, both of them unique and powerful. If you have not read this book, you have missed out on a fantastic/thoughtful work.
A follow-up book to “Same Kind of Different as Me” that I read only last week. I would have enjoyed it more if I’d spaced them apart by at least 6 months. Many stories were duplicates of stories that I’d just read in the first book, with less than half of the book adding anything to their relationship.
This book is a sequel to Same Kind of Different as Me. It describes the ten years Ron and Denver lived together after Ron’s wife’s death.
Denver’s profound words he would always say at public events: “Whether we is rich or whether we is poor or something in between, this earth ain’t no final resting place. So in a way we is all homeless, ever last one of us, just workin our way home.”
Received this book as an ARC for my honest review.
This is the 2nd book in this series. I liked it, but it wasn't as good as the 1st book. The first book had me gripped tight but this one at times made me feel like it wasn't real and had a hard time connecting with it.
Excellent read. A poor black man and a wealthy white man come together via circumstances. What made it so interesting for me is that it is true and written as the black man spoke, i.e., bisness rather than business.
I’ve been reading this book for the past week, and finished it in the midst of #georgefloyd. I don’t think I’ll ever forget how it felt having those two things collide, and how it made me want to be better- be better for black people, for the homeless, and for men and women caught in cycles.
It contained a few new stories as compared with the author’s first book. I was disappointed to find it so redundant, rather than a stand alone second book. Read Michelle’s review below. I agree with her.
I was concerned that I had trouble following the story as it seemed to jump around but I couldn't put it down. First thing I knew I had read all three books and what a blessing. Now what is God calling me to do?
I like this book I had already read Same Kind of Different as Me some years ago it was a good book so was pretty sure this one would follow suit. Not disappointed will most likely read another Ron Hall book in the future !!
3.3 - Clarification and/or more detail to Same Kind of Different As Me. This rendition is more about Ron than the work Debbie did. Felt a little like he wanted one more book for financial gain. Just my opinion.