Book Review: Spark by Jason Jaggard

Photo from Waterbrook Multomah site

Publisher/Date: Waterbrook Multnomah/August 21 2012

Spark is a deceptively small book with a very large impact! At 206 pages, less than a third of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, it does not seem a heavy read. The phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” truly applies here. 

Jaggard has redefined terms that we as Christians have heard to the point of desensitization. “Faith”…”hope”…”love”…”risk”…”change”…words that we are all too familiar with become fresh and relevant in the context of today’s world and bring a message that is timeless. He defines a “spark” as a risk, small or large, that impacts our lives and those around us. He points out that “risk” is a very subjective term, and that what is a risk (in the sense of doing something different than our norm, a real change in our routines, habits, and outlook) for one person is not for another, and that every person can take a risk…create a “spark.”

The founder of Spark Good, Jaggard has created a small group model (which most Christians in today’s church are familiar with), in which Spark groups meet for five weeks. During those weeks, each member agrees to take one small risk per week for 4 of the weeks, and each week the group discusses the impact of the “sparks” created. There is no set curriculum or resources needed (though there is a short guide available) to begin or host a Spark Group.

Jaggard uses multiple anecdotes and stories from his own life and the stories of many others to illustrate his points. We see how small changes created big results, and get a real understanding of what a single “spark” can do.

The writing style is somewhat journalistic, with short paragraphs separated by double-spaced lines, very like a blog (or this review), with few to no long-running sentences. Some reviews I have read since finishing Spark have complained about this style, but personally, it appeals to me. It keeps ideas a bit more organized and concise.

One complaint I have read that I see (limited) merit in is that Jaggard tends to repeat himself often, and uses too many anecdotes and examples to illustrate his point. While I agree that some parts of the book were repetitive, I disagree that it is too much. I find that people absorb more if they hear it more than once. In a fiction piece, a theme or idea is repeated endlessly in example, metaphor, or statement, and while it is not often used in nonfiction writing, it isn’t unheard of, and in this book, I do not find it boring or overdone.

I myself am a risk-taker and have little qualms about trying new things or “thinking outside the box,” so I really identified with the premise of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Spark, and am looking to start a Spark Group at Living Hope Fellowship. I think that anyone can benefit from what Jaggard has to say, and like to imagine what our world would look like if more of us created our own “sparks.”

Spark entry on Waterbrook Multonmah's site  


another bligger's review of Spark

Melissa McGinnis is the Children's Director for LHF, and likes to kick out boxes' walls. Mrs. McGinnis received a review copy of this book at the Catalyst Dallas Leadership Conference, but not as part of Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books Program. Her opinions are her own.