Great news: I’ve finished writing my first book, “OVERRATED”. Here’s the official cover and what it’s about.

Well, I have some exciting news to share with you all.

My first book, Overrated, is done. Manuscripts. Revisions. Edits. Rewrites. Edits. Copyedits. More edits. Copyedits. Then I thought I was finished. And then I wasn’t. More edits. Copyedits.

And ready or not, finally…the book is finished. The book is at the printers right now.

So, here’s some info about the book:

Official Title:

Overrated: Are We More in Love With the Idea of Changing the World than Actually Changing the World?

I actually wanted to call it:

Overrated: Are We More in Love With the Idea of Changing the World than Actually Changing the World…and in the Process, Be Changed Ourselves

And yes, I was also pushing for : Jesus, Justice, and Selfies

The official hashtag: #OverratedBook

Release Date:

The official release date is on September 1 but it’s available for pre-order now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD, and BooksForChrist.

My publisher, David C Cook, is currently working on a simple website for the book.

An Overview of the Book:

I’m really excited about this book. I know that authors are supposed to say that about their own books but this book flows deeply out of my own heart as my personal confession. This book is about Justice, Discipleship and ultimately, about following Jesus. But I’ve learned, at times painfully, that it’s not just about us doing justice, this journey is also about allowing the work of justice to change us. Our calling is not simply to change the world but perhaps as important…is to be changed ourselves.

This book is about my journey in learning this truth. It’s a book that describes a very personal collision of faith, justice, following Jesus, praxis, and counting the costs. It’s messy and painful but it’s real and it’s my invitation to others to be less infatuated with telling a good story and instead, simply living a good story.

Endorsements

I’m also really honored that Don Miller wrote the foreword for the book. I’m truly humbled that several colleagues, friends, and mentors agreed to write endorsements for the book including Dr. John Perkins, Lynne Hybels, Louie Giglio, Shane Claiborne, Ann Voskamp, Matthew Barnett, Judah Smith, Christena Cleveland, Soong-Chan Rah, and several others. Here’s a sample of the endorsements:

“I intended to scan Overrated and write a quick endorsement because I like Eugene. But I couldn’t help myself. I read every word and pondered what I read. Eugene’s questions became mine: I love justice, but do I actually live justly? Am I committed and disciplined enough to become an expert about causes and issues I care about? Is my activism smart? Is it grounded in prayerfulness? Do I incarnate the gospel in such a way that I compel people toward Christ? Overrated challenged and chastised me, inspired and energized me. I highly recommend it.
~ Lynne Hybels, cofounder of Willow Creek Community Church and author of Nice Girls Don’t Change the World 

“G. K. Chesterton was asked what’s wrong with the world. He replied, ‘I am.’ Eugene Cho brings a halt to self-righteous finger-pointing and invites us all to change the world—beginning with ourselves. It can be fashionable to talk about the poor but not as fashionable to talk to the poor. It may be popular to talk about justice and still not know any victims of injustice. But we will never make poverty history until we make poverty personal. Eugene Cho shatters all our hipster coffee-shop talk of justice and dares you to dive into the trenches and do something real with your life. Talking about changing the world has never changed the world anymore than talking about CPR has ever saved someone’s life. ‘Talkin’ Bout a Revolution’ is a great song by Tracy Chapman, but Eugene Cho reminds us that the revolution has to be lived.”
~ Shane Claiborne, author, activist, and founder of Simple Way

“A gusty and gritty expose’ on the motives of a generation in love with the idea of saving the world, Overrated by Eugene Cho is a necessary exercise for all who desire to truly be a part of the change God wants to bring to humanity. I love justice and I seek compassion for all, but as Pastor Cho so vividly unfolds, I first must allow the transforming power of the gospel to invade my heart. This book is real, personal, necessary and a must read so we can all continue on the path toward justice for all.”
~ Louie Giglio, Passion City Church/Passion Conferences

“We are called to give ourselves to our generation, and Pastor Eugene’s work here in Overrated is exactly that. This deeply personal narrative takes readers on a lived journey of wrestling through the realities of being a justice fighter today. I’ve given my fifty-plus years to this fight, and his story is my story. I believe it may be yours as well. I encourage all believers to read Overrated. It lays a course for how we must proceed as humble but faithful justice leaders in an unjust world.
~ John M. Perkins, cofounder of Christian Community Development Association and author of Let Justice Roll Down

Here’s how you can help…

…if the message of the book is something that resonates with you and/or if my ministry has been of some encouragement to you by God’s grace:

1. You can pre-order the book now.

While the book will officially “drop” on September 1, pre-orders are available and might actually start shipping by mid-August. You can pre-order them on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christian Book Distributors, BooksForChrist, and likely your favorite online store. The e-book is also available for pre-order now.

2. Join the ‘Overrated Street Team‘ for the book.

I’ve never had a street team but after chatting with my publishers at David C Cook, we’re all excited about this book and want as many people to hear about it and with limited resources, we’re really hoping for grassroots support for the book.  You’ll need to apply here but if selected by the publisher, you’ll get an early digital copy of the book, an autographed copy of Overrated, and an interactive e-book with study guide. Also, David C Cook will pick the top 5 members of the street team and invite them to a Google hangout where you and I can meet and get to know each other a bit! We can discuss why the Seattle Seahawks will repeat as champs or anything else you want. As part of the street team, we’re asking for folks to:

• Post honest reviews of the book on sites like Amazon and Goodreads
• Consistently post about the book on Twitter, Facebook, and all other applicable social media channels
• Engage with our (David C Cook and Eugene Cho) social media posts about the book
• Discuss and recommend the book to your spheres of influence, online and offline.

There’s limited space but hope you’ll consider applying/joining the street team.

Even if you don’t join the street team, any help in sharing about the book would be incredibly helpful.

3. Pray for the book. Pray for me.

I’d appreciate your prayers for wisdom. I believe in this book. Rather, I believe in the message of this book. It’s something that God has been working in my life for many years and my one prayer about the book has nothing to do about selling well. I just pray that it’ll bless, challenge, convict, and edify the body of Christ…and anyone that chooses to read it.

For me personally, this is all new to me…and I’d love prayer for wisdom and humility. Prayers for balance as I continue to juggle – like all of you – the numerous passions of our lives.

I often write stuff on social media and what folks don’t know is that what I write…is not for often intended for others but rather as prayers and reminders to myself.

Lastly, thanks…

Thanks for your prayers.
Thanks for your support.
Thanks for believing in me.
Thanks for believing in what God is doing in my life.