If you are one of the Instafamilia, Carlos Whittaker’s social media family, you will love this book. It is an extension of topics that he is living out with us. If this is your first introduction, know that this is his best work. He has a way with words and tough topics that has me reframe how I see people and interact in kindness.

loved the insight on this book! carlos always has such beautiful words and ways of connecting with people.

I've been following Carlos Whittaker (@loswhit) since 2020, and his book did not disappoint. As he encourages his followers online to value connection above all, in How to Human, he reminds us to see others as humans instead of political or religious views. This book was a breath of fresh air in anxiety-ridden times and should be required reading for anyone feeling angry, disconnected, or unsure how to build relationships with people different from themselves.

Excellent read! This is a book we really need right now with the culture wars and political polarization. Carlos shares a message of standing on issues while walking with people. We don't have to agree with everything to be able to listen to someone's story or to help someone in need. He shares stories about what a difference it can make when we stop to really look at the humans around us as individual rather than grouping them in to what media has told us about them or what we assume about them.

I love following Carlos on Instagram so I was so excited to get approved for this ARC! Carlos shares examples and insights, which complement who he is on social media. While I am not religious, and he references Jesus a few times, I still found lots of value in the content. Thanks again for the arc!

How to Human: Three Ways to Share Life Beyond What Distracts, Divides, and Disconnects Us by Carlos Whittaker is a book that offers a fresh vision for becoming the best versions of ourselves. Whittaker writes with humor, passion, and wisdom, and he invites the reader to join him on a journey of discovery and growth. The book is a much-needed reminder about what it means to be truly human in a world where people feel increasingly disconnected from each other and from God.

Whittaker shares his insights and experiences on living authentically and intentionally in a world full of distractions, divisions, and disconnections. He leads us on a three-part journey to “be,” “see,” and “free” that we can pursue in order to all live together as the best versions of ourselves. Whittaker uses stories from his own life and from people he has met to illustrate how these practices can transform our relationships, our communities, and ourselves. He doesn't avoid hard topics, such as racism, mental health, and social media addiction, but he also shows the beauty and joy of living in connection with God and others. He challenges the reader to rethink their assumptions, habits, and priorities, and to embrace a more human way of living.

He also offers practical tips and challenges for readers to apply the lessons to their own lives. The book offers practical guidance on how to help others, how to hope fiercely, and how to experience the thrill of being fully human.

I've followed Carlos Whitaker on Instagram for quite a while, so when I saw that he wrote a book, I immediately knew I needed to read it. I was not disappointed! I loved everything about this book and the inspiration he provides.

I am tempted to say this is your standard 240 pages Christian nonfiction book. And it does have that number of page. However, there is substance to it. Although I live outside US, I did recognise the trends Whittaker talks about in the people I see on a daily basis.

For someone who follows Carlos Whittaker online, namely on Instagram, many of the stories he tells won't be new. I don't, so it was newer material for me. He writes in a friendly manner, I'd imagine almost like talking to his Instagram community aka Instafamilia on stories. I found this tone approachable and easy to like. There were a few thoughts and ideas I liked, but it's not necessarily ground breaking. Sometimes all you need is a refresher of the things you already know.

I recommend this as a slow read. One chapter at a time, probably, would be enough to think about. It's surely more applicable States-side since the book deals with issues the Americans have to face every day. It's a call to humanity and love for the neighbour.

Wherever you are in your spiritual and physical journey, this is a great and comfortable read. No one will feel left out of this conversation.

In his latest book, Carlos Whitaker (@loswhit) teaches a straight forward message on How to Human- Be Human, See Human, Free Humans. He uses his experiences in the year 2020 as well as the example of Jesus to illustrate these three steps. If you follow Carlos on Insta, you’ll already be familiar with the majority of the content of this book, and if you don’t follow him, you should fix that! Carlos uses his platform to live out the principals in this book daily with his Instafamilia. I appreciated that Carlos wrote this book in a very accessible way. He includes practical examples of how to be human, see human, and free human. If you ever feel like the world has gotten too polarized, combative, and just lost the ability to be get along, consider picking up this book!

Carlos has a unique way of making topics that could be divisive come back to the core of unity in our humanity. His heartfelt story and experience brings you in to his world and allows you space to disagree while still seeing and wanting to understand. This is a challenging and worthwhile read. While this reviewer doesn’t agree with all of Carlos’s conclusions this work provided a beautiful and welcome opportunity to learn, explore, and hope.

Carlos’ book is a beautiful extension of who he is. He breaks the book down into three sections: Be, See, and Free. He tells stories and real life examples of each of the sections. Overall, it’s a great read with Carlos expounding on many of the stories he’s shared over Instagram the last few years. Thankful for the opportunity to read his book!

As a longtime Instagram follower, Carlos is the hope that we all need. He's beautifully spoken, connects with everyone, welcomes everyone and makes you feel appreciated even through a screen. This book is no different. His wisdom has touched my heart and made me try to be more kind and more understanding and remember that even the smallest act of kindness can go a long way. I found this book a bit heavily God-centric-wise more than he relays online but still, it was a beautiful read with purpose and inspiration. If you don't read this book, follow him on IG. You won't be disappointed! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I had the privilege of hearing Whittaker speak at my church some years ago, and I was drawn to his humility, candor, and humor. Not to mention his deep love of the Lord. I was excited to receive an ARC of his newest book, How to Human, and I was not disappointed.

The book is divided into three sections: Be, See, and Free. Each section is broken into chapters that focus on, for example, “Be Love,” “See Bias,” and “Free Loneliness.” Whittaker includes personal stories and discusses the trauma we have all been through with the pandemic. He challenges readers to see humans as real people, to step away from the idea of being right, and actively listen to the hurts and fears of others. He challenges us to love our neighbors and build bridges even when it doesn’t seem like we’ll get along. He encourages us to love in a radical and larger-than-life way like Jesus.

Whittaker’s writing is engaging and clear. He mentions early on that you don’t have to be a Christian to get something out of the book. The book aims to help us, “rediscover our inner compass again and get our bearings” (Whittaker, 2023, loc. 310). He discusses identity, cultural pride, bias, and how to disagree. He talks about our political and cultural landscape and how we can heal as a country. Something he wrote that struck me was, “I don’t stand on issues; I walk with people,” stressing that in addition to stating our opinions on issues, we need to take action and walk with those who are fighting for change (Whittaker, 2023, loc. 1811).

I highly recommend this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and WaterBrook for the ARC.

Love god. Love others. Slow down. Wonder more. Could it be so simple? This book feels like talking to a friend.

This book helped me see some things differently and provided a lot of thought provoking, positive interactions with others (and myself), led the way in giving ourselves the same grace we have for others. I really enjoyed this book.

This book is an extension of who I have seen Carlos to be on Instagram. A kind human, who will speak to hard issues with grace and conviction, but who wants people to be loved first, then introduced to Jesus. That attitude comes through in the book.

The book is a great mix of storytelling and helpful tips on how to engage the world around you.

I’ve been a part of Carlos Whitaker’s Instafamilia for quite awhile, so many of the stories shared were familiar to me. Black bunny, fishing trip, flood, Pope, chickens, broken wrist, piano player, etc. - I watched them play out in real time. However, it was worth a revisit and to read as Carlos has processed. In his signature, vulnerable, conversational way, he tells a story so that the reader isn’t listening passively but is stirred to action. I doubt the author and I agree on everything theologically and politically, but I believe, he absolutely “humans” (aka LOVES) well.

Now more than ever we need to figure out how to human, and Carlos Whittaker offers amazing advice and insights on how to be human with those around us, regardless of common interests.

I was interested in this book after following Carlos on social media for a couple of years, and it's one I've recommended to multiple friends.

Good book about what one would think is basic stuff; treating each other as Christ treated others, really seeing people beyond race and age and other demographics. Great real life stories of his own coming to the realization that he wasn't living what he was always preaching. Hard truths wrapped in a joy-filled book.