Please, Sorry, Thanks
By Mark Batterson
Pub Date April 4
Multnomah
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion,
Contemporary Christian book that gives readers a fresh perspective on communicating well. I like the way Batterson writes. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to communicate better!
I think we all could learn from this book.
4 stars

Mark Batterson's latest book, Please, Sorry, Thanks, is organized around the three words in the title. Batterson makes the claim early in his book that "words create worlds." If we want to change the inner world of our perspective, attitude, and beliefs, as well as the outer world of our behaviors and influence, we must start with the words we choose to describe our circumstances, people around us, and environment. Each of the one-word expressions in the title are meant to express broader psychological constructs, such as humility, grace, forgiveness, and gratitude. The book is divided into three sections based on the three words in the title, and Batterson unpacks each section by delving into the "psychology" of each term, linking the concepts to our attitudes and beliefs, which influence our behaviors and interpersonal relationships. As would be expected from a book like this, each section includes practical steps we can take to cultivate Please, Sorry, and Thanks in our daily meditations and practices.

If you have read Batterson's other books, you should recognize the fingerprints of his writing quite well. He employs a storytelling style characterized by humorous quips, vulnerable personal examples, and quirky anecdotes that connect seemingly disparate ideas into vivid illustrations of the concepts he is bringing to life. (This latter quality of Batterson's writing is most clearly seen in the Win the Day, but is also evident to a lesser extent in this book.) A unique feature of this book, which is a departure from his usual style, is his use of a more authoritative, journalistic approach. He cites many researchers and studies throughout the book meant to provide some empirical legitimacy to the claims he is making about the power of our thoughts and words in shaping behavior and worldview. As an academic, I found this aspect of the book a little underdeveloped and lacking the intellectual punch you would get from reading other works built on a strong foundation of validated research (e.g., Malcolm Gladwell, Susan Cain, Steven Johnson). His descriptions of the science behind his ideas are not wrong, but they do not have the surgical precision I would expect to see in order to make the jump from the theories to the examples they are meant to explain. As a reader, I was sometimes frustrated as Batterson bounced around between anecdotal sound bytes, puns, and underdeveloped explanations of complex psychological theories rather than leaning on his unique style of intimate, personable storytelling that I have come love in his books. It seems to me, and I could be wrong, that Batterson ventured into a new style of writing that both challenged and overwhelmed him at times. As a writer, I appreciate this and encourage him to keep stretching himself in new directions and methods of conveying his convictions.

There has never been a need for civil discourse more than now. Our beliefs about religion, politics, parenting, finance, and the health of the planet have never been (in my experience) this fractured. Seeing an increase in the words Please, Sorry, and Thanks as a solution to these massive issues dangling over society is a simplistic fallacy, but it may be a good starting place. Change begins with the individual, and we are guided by our thinking. Mark is right, words create worlds, and we must put aside ideological strongholds if we are going to work together to address our problems. Please, Sorry, and Thanks opens the door and invites us to sling less rocks at the other side and carefully examine the boulders that may be weighing us down. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book but I did not find it as impactful as Batterson's other works. I'm OK with this and cheer him on for trying something new. The premise of the book is timely and useful, and if the reader is open to experiencing something unexpected from a well-established author, they may just find the words to start creating their own new world.

I just finished this new book by Mark Batterson. As in previous book, Mark is very good at taking subjects and applying the truth of God’s word to it.

In this book, he discusses how our words create worlds. This is for good or bad. He highlights struggles we might have but also gives Biblical advice on how to change the narrative.. I highly recommend this book if you are struggling with words tearing down worlds or want to be encouraged to continue using your words to build worlds up. It’s a book for all!!!

Please, Sorry, Thanks by best selling author Mark Batterson is a contemporary Christian book that gives readers a fresh perspective on communicating well. This is a much needed message for our world that has forgotten respect and empathy. Mr. Batterson writes a book that is meant to show readers how important good communication really is.

I enjoy his no nonsense writing style. It is easy to understand and edifying. He has done research from ancient writings to bring back to mind things society seemed to have forgotten. The stories he incorporated were enlightening from his research. He emphasizes the psychology of please, the science of sorry, and even the theology of thanks.

I highly recommend this book. Anyone that wants to communicate better, write better, and talk better will glean much needed information from this beautiful book. It earns a 5 star rating from this reader. A copy was provided by NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.

The Power of our Words

Another excellent book by Mark Batterson. I have read so many of his books and they are all SO good! But this one really touched a spark in me because I am challenged many times by my words, and I know the importance of them. Please, Sorry, Thanks...all important and many times forgotten words.
I love the way Mr. Batterson writes; some stories, lots of facts, lots of quotes and great information throughout.

Thank you for another outstanding and important book for our times

This book dives deep into the psychology of please, the science of sorry and the theology of thanks. I have 84 highlighted passages from my first reading. I can guarantee you that I will be reading it again.

There's way more to Please than I realized! I'm absolutely fascinated by how much is communicated when you put in the effort to say please and mean it. You're putting yourself and your desires in someone else's hands. Not assuming what you want is yours by rights. It gives them the freedom and ability to grant or deny. It's a big deal.

Sorry is a complex thing, expressing both empathy and vulnerability. Empathy when you take the time to notice and enquire about other people's problems and pain. Vulnerability when you admit that you were wrong or wronged.

Hurt people hurt people... Forgiven people forgive people. A specific and sincere apology goes a long way. Sorry is asking forgiveness from God and others, and also forgiving yourself. Hadn't really thought about that last one.

Thanks is perpetual wonder and appreciation for the many gifts and miracles that fill your life. It's probably the one topic in the book we're most comfortable with talking about, whether or not we do gratitude well. But there's still a ton of truth and wisdom to be had in this book.

I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone!

I received a copy of the book from net galley and chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.

I'm not a huge reader, but there is so much content in "Please, Sorry, Thanks" by Mark Batterson that I could not put it down. This book provides new thoughts and insights on the words of please, sorry, and thanks. I have a newfound outlook on the importance of these three words and how impactful they are. If you are looking for a life changing book, this quite possibly is the one. Please allow me to say Thank you, Mr. Batterson, for such a wonderful book.

Please, Sorry, Thanks, is a wonderful reminder of the life that Jesus calls us to live. It is full of biblical reference to how we are to behave every day. One of my favorite ideas in the book is the formula, “Grace + Truth = The Secret Sauce.” This is rich, and “caring enough to confront” is so important for growth, but it must be done using the “Secret Sauce.”

This is a great tool to improve relationships with others and help us to love more like Jesus. Thanks for letting me pre-read this great book..

Mark Batterson with his amazing style of personal stories, historical references, and insights from the Bible, shows how you can use your words to change those around you:

Please is honoring others above yourself

Sorry is a we word.

Gratitude is praising God after He does the miracle. Faith is praising God before He does.

Please, Sorry, Thanks by Mark Batterson is a book for now. In his typical positive, upbeat writing style, Mark reminds us of the doors opened by our words. These words are missing in our culture and along with them is the blessing they bring to our relationships with God, self and others. I couldn’t read this book fast because I wanted to digest the text and allow it to change my thought process. I will be purchasing this book to give as gifts.

I love Batterson's style of writing. It remains consistent throughout all of his books and sounds like he is teaching during a Sunday Service. Please Sorry Thanks is no different. Another strong read with excellent easy to remember applications. Readers will also hear him reference famous sayings from some of his previous books.

I enjoyed reading this book. As someone who also enjoys history, one of the things I enjoy about Mark Batterson is he always finds a way to incorporate it into his books. This story was a nice refresher as sometimes I do get selfish in my opinions and actions. This book shouldn't be taken as the only three words to live by, however it is a great starting point. I recommend reading this book at least once as it will be a good way to grade how you are doing and where are some areas you may be able to improve. This could also give insights to why people are responding to you in certain ways and how you are being received when you speak. I was honored to get a ARC copy and all opinions are my own.

Mark Batterson is a pastor and best-selling author of many Bible studies, including his newest book, "Please, Sorry, Thanks: The Three Words That Change Everything." Batterson begins with an explanation on the importance of language, then continues with the psychology of the words "please", "sorry", and "thanks." According to the author, "A pretty please opens hearts and minds and doors. A simple sorry can mend broken relationships. A heartfelt thanks is the flywheel of gratitude."

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Please, Sorry, Thanks: The Three Words That Change Everything” by Mark Batterson was an interesting and informative read to better understand the power of your words, especially please, sorry and thanks. With biblical illustrations, modern research and various examples readers will learn the impact, whether positive or negative, and meaning of the words they use not only on others but themselves as well.

This book is a must read for those looking to hone and develop good and effective communication skills. As a leader in the workplace I have been able to become a better encourager and greater, more positive influence on those around me as a result of reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley on exchange for a fair review.

If only life were as simple as “please sorry thanks”. I appreciated the premise, and agree that all three words are very important, especially gratitude. But life feels too layered to carry the weight of always being the one to have to say these words first. Maybe that’s just a season I’m in...

"Please, Sorry, Thanks" is another Mark Batterson winner. As only Pastor Mark can do, he weaves threads of truth with gold nugget facts and comes up with a very readable tapestry. He takes three seemingly everyday words and presents them through the fresh lens of God. Each of the words (please, sorry, and thanks) packs the power to build, grow, empower, shrink, crush, or destroy all who come in their path.
James, Jesus' half brother, speaks of the power of the tongue. Mark Batterson expands on this theme with everyday facts, poignant stories, and Biblical truths to make his audience take a look at the power of their words. Pastor Batterson's latest offering is a solid five stars.

With 100% certainty, the book “Please, Sorry, Thanks” is a timely message that needs to be heard. The voice of empathy is lacking from generation to generation. Author Mark Batterson brings back the necessity of three life skills: the psychology of please, the science of sorry, and the theology of thanks.

In this book “Please, Sorry, Thanks,” readers discover impressive writing and well-crafted words. Batterson demonstrates the value of good communication. Many journalists could improve their writing skills just by reading this book. In a society saturated with short video reels and media posts, its truly refreshing to read a well written book from a contemporary author.

This book would be excellent for high school literature, college literature, or book club conversation. The focus on language and communication is valuable for any reader.

I especially enjoyed how the author researched ancient texts and applied these stories into his book. He also references modern surveys and helpful statistics. His wisdom is evident and he provides many supporting resources. Using stories, statistics, and studies, Batterson helps the reader change their life by changing their words. This book is fantastic!

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from Netgalley and preordered a hardcover book for my home library.

I normally love Mark Batterson, but sadly I didn't see a point to this book. He took stories from the past and some scripture to talk about how people have said please, sorry, and thanks and how much the outcome was for them. It was a bunch of little stories. There was not much scripture compared to other books, and I feel like there really wasn't a God aspect to this book.