Book Review: Here Goes Nothing: An Introvert’s Reckless Attempt to Love Her Neighbor by Kendra Broekhuis

 

Kendra Broekhuis’s book, Here Goes Nothing: An Introvert’s Reckless Attempt to Love Her Neighbor, is an honest and heartfelt exploration of what it really means to follow Jesus’ command to love our neighbors. As an introvert, Broekhuis struggles with stepping out of her comfort zone, yet she challenges herself—and her readers—to embrace the sometimes uncomfortable but deeply meaningful work of building relationships. Through humor, vulnerability, and biblical reflection, she invites us to rethink how we engage with the people around us.

Three Positive Takeaways from the Book

One of the most powerful insights from Here Goes Nothing is how Broekhuis acknowledges that loving others is not about our comfort, but about their needs. She writes, “But the fact that I allow my introverted personality to keep me from lending a helping hand because it requires human interaction is flawed.” This is an important realization, especially in a culture that often encourages us to prioritize personal comfort over selfless action. By admitting her struggles, she makes it easier for readers to see their own excuses and find the courage to take small but meaningful steps toward loving their neighbors.

Another great takeaway is her reminder that loving others requires intention. It’s easy to say we care about our neighbors, but actually building relationships takes effort. She challenges readers by asking, “What if, instead of waiting for people to knock on our door, I intentionally looked for ways to show Christ’s love and kindness?” This shift in perspective encourages readers to actively seek opportunities to serve, rather than waiting for them to appear. She emphasizes that while we can’t control how others respond to our kindness, “All it takes to find out is a simple knock.”

A third unique insight is Broekhuis’s understanding that loving others can be risky and sometimes even painful. She points out that Jesus himself was “despised, rejected, mocked, beaten, and crucified” for living out love. So why should we expect to always be welcomed with open arms? She reminds us that “Loving our neighbors is truly a reckless lifestyle. Scripture tells us to love but to expect hatred in return, to give but to expect no repayment.” This perspective is refreshing because it acknowledges the reality that not every attempt to connect will be successful—but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth doing.

Two Negative Observations About the Book

While Here Goes Nothing has many strengths, one downside is that Broekhuis leans heavily on personal guilt as a motivator. She writes, “And while I don’t want the reason I love my neighbor to be motivated by avoiding guilt trips on the can’t-live-it-down train, guilt can be an indicator that something is a little off in my life.” While it’s true that guilt can sometimes push us toward better choices, too much emphasis on it can make serving others feel like a duty rather than a joy. Some readers may feel pressured rather than encouraged by this message.

Another drawback is that the book does not provide many practical steps for introverts who struggle with engaging in social situations. Broekhuis does an excellent job of addressing the why behind loving our neighbors, but she doesn’t always break down how to do it in a way that feels manageable for more reserved individuals. Many introverts might walk away feeling inspired, but still unsure about how to start. A few more real-world strategies for building connections while honoring introverted tendencies would have made the book even stronger.

Final Thoughts

Here Goes Nothing is a beautifully written, deeply personal book that challenges readers to step beyond their fears and love their neighbors with intention. Kendra Broekhuis’s honesty and humor make her relatable, while her biblical insights remind us that loving others is a calling, not an option. She powerfully asks, “Would my neighborhood miss us? Not us actually, but Christ’s presence within us?”—a question that encourages reflection on the kind of impact we leave behind.

While the book occasionally leans too much on guilt as motivation and could use more practical guidance for introverts, its core message is powerful: Loving others is worth it, even when it’s hard. Broekhuis reminds us that our job isn’t to change people’s hearts—that’s God’s work. Instead, our role is to “show, to share, to love, to pray, to give someone a hand. To be a light in this desperately dark world.”

If you’re an introvert looking for encouragement to step out in faith and love your neighbors—or if you simply need a reminder of why community matters—this book is a worthwhile and inspiring read. If you are looking for a how-to guide, this is not it. 

Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com or visit his website at http://engagedneighbor.com.