I Can Only Imagine: A Memoir

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars | 2,799 ratings

Price: 14.95

Last update: 08-26-2024


About this item

The captivating story behind the bestselling single in the history of Christian music—and the man who wrote it

MercyMe’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 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.


Top reviews from the United States

S. B.
5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely worth reading
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2018
I read this book in just a few hours. I love his sense of humor and his ability to be straightforward about the abuse he suffered and his feelings about his dad. I did laugh, cry and hurt. The book was very personal. Yes, he could have delved deeper into the abuse and been more graphic, but that is unnecessary. That is the desire of our human morbid curiosity. I felt he painted a pretty good picture of what his life was like. The negative things his father did, said and implied resonated with all the negative voices I've heard all my life (from family and people around me), especially those voices in my own head telling me that I am not good enough or measure up. Mr. Millard's story brought out questions about GOD, relationships, etc., it also gave me hope that I can be something more than what those people, those voices, think and say about me. I struggle with knowing that I am "not my circumstances" and that GOD has so much more planned for me. His story showed me that GOD can bring us out of our brokenness and make beauty out of our ashes. I liked a statement he made toward the end of the book when he spoke about people thinking that Christian music performers (any Christian, for that matter) has it together, they smile and are happy all the time, and their life is perfect. Just as he said it isn't true. Christians are human beings with problems, hurts, failures, etc. We experience everything everyone else does and we sometimes suffer from depression, we hurt, we cry, we ask why. We have moments that we just don't understand. At some point we have to acknowledge that we either believe in GOD's grace, provision, plan, and love for us or believe HE doesn't care. I appreciate the fact that Mr. Millard was painfully open about this fact. He allowed a lot of vulnerability. When the world screams our failures into our ear we need to look up at the HOLY FATHER and cling to HIM. Although my situation still brings me into a place of fear and worry, Mr. Millard has brought me hope. The scriptures at the end are an awesome addition to the book. I love his Mammaw Millard! She had me laughing so hard. Is Mammaw a southern name for grandmother? I had a Mammaw too. I can't wait to see the movie.
I admire MercyMe. You're music has kept me company in my darkness and hurts. "I Can Only Imagine", obviously, is my favorite song. I do imagine, quite often, what it will be like to finally be with my FATHER in Heaven. The song brings a longing and an ache that I am unable to soothe. I can't wait to get there, sit in the grass and just be held by HIM.
Thank you Mr. Bart Millard for sharing your painful but redeeming story of your life.
Love these shirts all three color. Very easy on and off loose fight for day and at night when you sleep in a chair. Will buy our.
5.0 out of 5 stars Wow
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2024
Great read for Christians
Hookingleft
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing emotional story!
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2023
I watched the movie and was moved by Bart’s story. I was so excited when I found out About the book. It brought me back to when I was sixteen and my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I was in ninth grade at the time. The difference with my story is my father died suddenly of a massive heart attack. I don’t know if it was blessing or a curse. He was my rock. While reading your book I found myself thinking what it would have been like to have a few more years to get to know him better. Thank you for sharing this heartbreaking and heartwarming story!
MAC
5.0 out of 5 stars So Enjoyed
Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2024
You can’t go wrong in listening how God can help you during difficult and rewarding times.
Sharon Dean
5.0 out of 5 stars Very Inpsirational
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2018
The first time I heard of MercyMe was at a wedding and I Can Only Imagine was played. I walked out with tears of joy for the happy Bride & Groom but also tears of pure inspiration remembering those powerful lyrics. The song has been played in my car, my house and my work many times over. Reading Bart’s memoir really touched me. Just like the song. Having no idea he went through what he did, my heart reached out to him as I know someone that battles the same in many areas of their life. Bart reaches deep into his soul and so amazingly shares his story. To let us know that we are strong, that we can overcome. All because of the love of Jesus and His love for us, you and me! Bart’s story is riveting, emotional, inspiring and full of God’s grace. Bart has shown me that I can conquer any battle, any fear, all I have to do is pray and let God stand with me. He has shown me ways that I can help my friend by standing with them and guiding them in Jesus’s love. This memoir is very touching. Bring this read into your heart and be forever changed.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for my own honest review.
Wonder Woman
4.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2018
Loved this book, after seeing the movie TWICE. It was really interesting to get some different details about Bart's life and about his dad. There was so much about how Mercy Me got started, and how hard they fought to be relevant in wanting to LEAD worship, rather than just have a good song now and then. I especially appreciated the last 20% of the book, with Bart explaining his own feelings about what we are supposed to be doing, in serving the Lord. Really great writing too.
Mrs. Tina Rice
5.0 out of 5 stars I Can Only Imagine by Bart Millard
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2020
I Can Only Imagine: A Memoir by Bart Millard

The inspiring song, I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe, is one of my favorite Christian songs. I cannot explain the impact this song has had and still has on me, for I too can only imagine what it will be like to stand in the Presence of my Savior. I have seen the movie, I Can Only Imagine (based on Bart’s life), several times and still laugh, am saddened by his young life and cry throughout the movie. The book, by the same name, gives a behind-the-scenes, in-depth look of Bart’s life and the events leading up to his writing this amazing song and his ministry. I appreciate the candid way he humbly, openly shares all the hurts, abuse, struggles growing up, joys, dreams and how God uses those events to repair his broken family, bring forgiveness, love and how God’s presence and love sustain Bart throughout his life. The pictures included in the book give a glimpse of his life and a few scenes from the movie. An amazing true story.
Roz
5.0 out of 5 stars Best book & Best Lessons in this book!
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2020
Best book I've read all year as when we decided to use the movie and do the Bible study in Sunday school, I bought the book and read in advance. Once I read it, I bought 7 more to share as gifts for some office people it was so good! I feel a kinship to Bart in many ways as he showed so much love & grace to his dad after he became ill, it made an incredible example of the undeserved love & forgiveness believers receive from The Lord. We can all learn what acting in grace looks like from this book, from Bart's life. He's not only a very dedicated Christian and family man, he is one heck of an author as well! Thank you for sharing your story Bart, as painful as I know it was to put it all in writing and then relive it in this book. You are a fine example of how we are all to live, love and forgive.

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