The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: A Contemporary Guide to Fuller and Less Rushed Life

Since this is my first book review, let me lay out my goal. In short, I’d like to tell you enough about the book to let you get the most out of it, starting with whether or not it’s worth your time. I think even that basic question, though, will vary from person to person – that’s why I won’t give the book a numerical rating. Even setting aside that my judgement is fallible, there will always be exceptional circumstances that would differ from that rating. Instead, I’ll try to give you enough information to make your own decision.

With that out of the way, how do you judge a book if not by the blazing red cover?

What’s the book about?

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer is a contemporary book written for contemporary people. From his prologue to the epilogue, the book tours the recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of a life that seems so full yet so empty.

In the prologue and much of the “recognition” part of the book, Comer dives into the feeling of a life that is hectic and busy, only spent churning through a long list of meetings or tasks, or else spent too exhausted to do anything fruitful. He points out that this is the equivalent of feeding our souls empty calories, or using ourselves as consumable goods instead of scheduling down time for maintenance.

The second section of the book moves from recognizing symptoms to diagnosing the actual disorder: a failure to “Follow me,” as stated by Jesus many times throughout the Gospels. More specifically, to follow not just the way of Jesus, but the way of life of Jesus. To share his yoke as in Matthew 11:28-30. This segues nicely into the third and final section, where Comer delves into four particular practices that he believes are fundamental to living a life at a pace that is both less rushed and more full.

What did you think of the book?

Comer’s book is an easy read. Compared to my copy of Mere Christianity, it’s notably thicker, but Comer utilizes much of that additional volume to add white space and a larger font. I think it’s fair to say this represents his intention – that the reader would contemplate the book’s words with weight, almost seeing themselves mirrored back in the blank spaces Comer’s meter encourages them to spend time on. The book is very much focused on application and practicality, rather than the philosophical depths of theology.

This fits nicely with Comer’s stated intention of the book being conversational, as well as somewhat autobiographical. It has pauses for consideration and breath. It’s written in a casual tone, and his openness with his own story does lend it the intimacy of talking to a long-time friend. However, this is perhaps a weakness at the same time – as Comer describes his journey, from his problem to the changes that worked for him, the book runs the risk of being too niche at times.

When paired with how extreme some of his own solutions are (to his own admission in the later chapters), I think this half of a friendly conversation could alienate the reader as the author goes on with radical changes he has made to his own way of life. To be clear, I believe in a savior that demanded radical changes from his followers, and I believe Comer’s own radicalism is rooted in that vein; my critique is that in only describing his own journey without spending significant time on problems he did not himself face, the tone can be interpreted as prescribing his solutions rather than merely describing them. In that tone, his work comes off in much the same way as Dave Ramsey’s guidance – helpful for those in the deep end, but perhaps harmfully overzealous for those who are treading water. (That said, I will second his advocacy for complete stops at intersections regardless of any spiritual boon it may provide.)

There is one other thing that stuck with me that doesn’t serve the main point of the book: John Mark Comer is refreshingly adept at handling social critique. At times in his book, he points out the social injustices brought about by consumerist habits, for example. Each time, he utilizes the topic to make a specific and impactful point, and sets it aside before its political or social baggage can bog down his main point or alienate the audience. He guides us through these responsibilities to our fellow image bearers and to the creation we’ve been given to rule, providing a reminder that jars us out of complacency without shaming.

Who should read this book?

At the risk of being a wisecrack, the people who should read The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry are the people who want to read it.

The book makes no pretense about who it’s for. If you’ve read any part of the book or my review, and the topic has resonated with you, it’s probably worth reading more. If you feel your life is busy and hectic; yet you feel empty, unfulfilled, or drained; then this book could potentially be life-changing. If that doesn’t sound exactly like you, but you wish you could be more in control of your life or get more out of it – you’re probably in the same camp as me: Comer will be helpful or motivating, but not truly life-altering.

This book offers no apologetics, and its casual tone comes at the expense of any particularly deep theological study. For those looking for rigorous study or arguments in favor of the way of Jesus (or the facet Comer inspects), this book will likely come up short.

How should this book be read?

Quickly, ironically enough. I think the conversational tone of the book is best served by reading it in a time span similar to a conversation. The chapter structure in particular creates a flow that is worth following, as they walk you through his thought process smoothly, laying out his invitation to a better way of life: that of Jesus.

I think the ideal way to read the book would be in one weekend with little else to focus on, perhaps with a journal or notepad to record your thoughts on how Comer’s words can apply to your own life. A spiritual retreat would be a great time to read it; a vacation would be missing Comer’s point to an almost comical level. For perhaps the only time I’ll say it: change will wait; enjoy what’s in front of you. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry will be there when you come back, to teach you the importance of that waiting.