by Calvin Nowell with Gayla Noz

Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.; 1 Original edition (November 9, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 141432331X
ISBN-13: 978-1414323312

Description (Publisher Website)
How do you go about losing 215 pounds? The same way you gain it—one step at a time. In Start Somewhere, Christian singer/songwriter Calvin Nowell shares the story of his astonishing weight-loss journey, his search for a truly healthy lifestyle, and his faith that made it all possible. Not your usual “quick-fix” diet book, Start Somewhere offers a path to lasting, transformational change—starting from the inside out—to everyone who feels trapped by unhealthy behaviors or circumstances.

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About The Author (Publisher Website)
Potential: capable of being, but not yet in existence. This definition best describes the life journey of Calvin Nowell. Pursuing purpose and destiny has been the path he has taken for most of his life. Knowing it was there but not understanding how to manifest it was the struggle he faced for years. Eventually, he decided to start somewhere. This Nashville-based artist had spent his entire life struggling with his weight until he found the strength and willpower to fight his final battle of the bulge. Now, 215 pounds lighter, Nowell brings new meaning to the term "living large." A worship leader, session singer, and songwriter since 2000, Nowell has recorded and toured with well-known artists such as Michael W. Smith, CeCe Winans, Fred Hammond, Nicole C. Mullen, and Israel Houghton. Two songs from his 2007 CD release, Start Somewhere ("Unrestrained" and "Receive"), have been featured on Worship Leader magazine's Song Discovery CDs. "Unrestrained" can be heard on recordings such as CeCe Winans' Pure Worship release, American Idol Mandisa's True Beauty release, and EMI gospel artist Myron Butler & Levi's Stronger. Calvin has appeared on Billy Graham's Television Special, ABC's Good Morning America, TBN's Praise the Lord, and the Dove Awards. No longer relegated to the shadows as a background singer, Nowell has turned misery into ministry and is ready for his close-up as he brings his unique blend of music and testimony to audiences nationwide.

Review
I was totally blown away by this book.  It was the message I needed to hear at this point in my spiritual and weight loss journey.  My copy now has about 40 post it flags decorating it so I can refer back to it! This isn't a diet book or a workout book.  Simply, it's about Calvin's journey on his weight loss.  It's about getting honest with yourself and with God, it's about surrendering your will and gaining God's dreams for your life.

The biggest message in this book is that it isn't just about weight loss - it's about anything you're holding onto.  Whether you're weighed down by addictions or abuse, the message in this book is that God still has a plan and you can leave it all behind and move forward.  This book isn't about the end result, it's about the process and how we just have to "Start Somewhere".

Calvin tells us it's like picking up change.  We may find a quarter today that doesn't seem like much, what can you buy with a quarter anymore? But if we find a quarter a day at the end of the week it's $1.75, at the end of the month it's $7 and if we keep going, at the end of a year we've collected $91.  Losing weight, or addiction or anything that's weighing you down, is like that.  Start with something, anything and it grows.


There is so much wisdom in this little book.  This man has been there, he's suffered and he's used every excuse in the book just like we all have.  While this book is definitely Christian, it will speak to anyone who is struggling to let go of something.

Thanks to Tyndale House for providing me with a copy of this wonderful book to read and review!


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