Book Review: ‘How To Become A Christian In 7 Days’ By Russell Brand

Russell Brand’s new book may be titled “How to Become a Christian in 7 Days” — but that is honestly not what reading it feels like at all.

It’s less a quick step-by-step guide and more the comedian and actor’s testimony about his full surrender to God after years of chasing everything the world tells you will make you happy. Brand has been known for his celebrity lifestyle and controversial past, and these are topics he certainly does not shy away from in the book.

I particularly enjoyed the “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” star’s writing style. He is brutally honest about his past, openly discussing how his former life was marked by an idolization of fame, sexual immorality, and selfishness — and centered around his own ego.

At the same time, Brand’s sense of humor shines through on nearly every page. Even when he’s writing about some of the darkest moments of his life, he always seems to have a witty comment up his sleeve. This makes the spiritual memoir feel less like a self-help book and more like a personal conversation with him.

One of the biggest takeaways for me was Brand’s discussion of pride. This deadly sin is something practically everyone has struggled with at one point or another in life. I cannot imagine how much greater that struggle would be for someone surrounded by fame and constant validation from others.

Brand explores this theme deeply, explaining how all the money and attention he received on a daily basis never gave him the fulfillment he was searching for. He comes to realize that true fulfillment only began when he made the decision to turn his life toward God.

This was another great reminder that the things of this world will never give you the same peace and joy that full surrender to God does. It is a recurring theme throughout Brand’s book and is an especially important point for anyone considering turning to Christianity, as the actor did.

At one point, Brand even says, “If you are going to read anything, throw this book out the window and read the Bible.” This line made me laugh, but it also shows his deep desire to be a vessel for leading others to Christ.