7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess

By: Jen Hatmaker

Narrated by: Rebecca Gallagher

Do you feel trapped in the machine of excess? Jen Hatmaker was. Her friends were. And some might say that our culture is. Jen once considered herself unmotivated by the lure of prosperity, but upon being called "rich" by an undeniably poor child, evidence to the contrary mounted, and a social experiment turned spiritual journey was born. 7 is the true story of how Jen took seven months, identified seven areas of excess, and made seven simple choices to fight back against the modern-day diseases of greed, materialism, and overindulgence.

Food. Clothes. Spending. Media. Possessions. Waste. Stress. Jen and her family would spend 30 days on each topic, boiling it down to the number seven. Only eat seven foods, wear seven articles of clothing, and spend money in seven places. Eliminate use of seven media types, give away seven things each day for one month, adopt seven green habits, and observe "seven sacred pauses".

So, what's the payoff from living a deeply reduced life? It's the discovery of a greatly increased God - a call toward Christlike simplicity and generosity that transcends a social experiment to become a radically better existence. 7 is funny, raw, and not a guilt trip in the making, so come along and consider what Jesus' version of rich, blessed, and generous might look like in your life.

©2012 Jen Hatmaker (P)2012 Oasis Audio Ltd

Amazing! - Even though Jen wasn't the narrator

Love it! Jen has blown me away once again, inspired, refreshed, and trying to figure out if my husband might attempt this with me.

A Wakeup Call for Complacent Christians

Would you consider the audio edition of 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess to be better than the print version?

Nope. The narrator not only had an annoying Chicago accent, she also mispronounced words and her habit of EMPHASIZING every OTHER WORD was REALLY DISTRACTING.

What did you like best about this story?

The humor - the author is very funny and presents what could be complicated theology in simple terms, illustrated by personal anecdotes.

What three words best describe Rebecca Gallagher’s performance?

Overemoted. Distracting.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I am not much of a crier, but I teared up when Jen talked about her adopted kids. And I laughed out loud several times.

Any additional comments?

Great reminder that made me want to take action.

Life changing!!

An amazing book! I listened to it twice already and will surely review it aria some time down the road. I am excited to get rid of the excess in my life and live a freer, happier, and more productive meaningful life for the Kingdom! Highly recommend it!

Wish the author had narrated the book herself.

If you could sum up 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess in three words, what would they be?

Jen Hatmaker is an incredible speaker. I wish the author had narrated the book herself. This narration has mispronunciations in a few places that are ridiculous. If the author is an amazing, successful speaker, why on earth not have the author narrate themselves?

What did you like best about this story?

Made me rethink many things about the way we live.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Mispronunciations. Her sarcasm is forced when the writer so clearly has an ease and comfort in her writing style. She's not Jen Hatmaker.

What did you learn from 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess that you would use in your daily life?

So many things it's impossible to write in this box.

Fun

What did you love best about 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess?

It was an enjoyable "blog" book that brings up some very interesting points in our lives. I have relooked at my life, my possessions, and how I waste much and trying to figure out how to change that.

Have you listened to any of Rebecca Gallagher’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, I have not heard this reader before but I felt she was excellent-made it very enjoyable

Any additional comments?

I recommend this to all to listen to, to consider and share.

loved this book

I really liked this book. I also really liked the person reading it, and I'm picky about the readers voice.. hers was great.

Excellent book

Really got me thinking about my priorities, what matters most and ultimately how to surrender everything to God in order to be a more effective servant for Him, for others, for the kingdom.

Fantastic Challenge

I thought the beginning was especially awesome. The first few chapters I really enjoyed. Now, I'm not a Christian which is likely why it lost me at times but the premise of her project really got me thinking none the less. I loved thinking about her challenges and the way I might adapt these ideas to my own life.

Very Challenging

If you're comfortable in a faith that exist only within the walls of the church don't read this! The challenge to change how we live so we can be the change that allows others to live in the light of Christ is compelling and anything but comfortable!

EYE OPENING BOOK

What did you love best about 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess?

It opened my eye to the things I was viewing as "normal" and showed me what I really need to be focused on. I’m constantly wondering at the end of the week. What just happened? Did I get anything done? I was not enjoying life I was doing it. This book really shook me and there will be change in my life.

What was one of the most memorable moments of 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess?

She described one of her friends and their relationship with television, and I realized I was doing the same thing. I do that! I can’t believe some else doses that that’s hysterical… then I realized how much of an idol it has become and that there needs to be change in that area of my life.