Book Blog Tour: Before You Climb Any Higher – Jonathan McReynolds

I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

We long for mountaintop experiences, but they’re difficult to achieve and impossible to maintain without the rest, nourishment, and strength found in lush, life-giving valleys. GRAMMY Award winner Jonathan McReynolds shows us why having a valley mindset is not what you think—it’s about receiving God’s grace, love, and encouragement as His beloved child.

Life is full of mountains to ascend, driven by our dreams, ambitions, and callings. But it doesn’t take much for even the strongest climbers to grow weary or lose their way. It’s important to have a “mountain mindset” to help us establish goals, to make steady progress, to achieve success, to do big things for God. A great mission requires from us a little grind, a little hustle, a little competition. But also plenty of time in the valley.

Most people equate valley moments with difficulty and pain, but a “valley mentality” is different according to Jonathan McReynolds. He’s reached the mountaintop—GRAMMY Award, nationwide tours, millions of followers, and more—but he experienced more refreshment, rest, and encouragement from the Lord off the mountain. He writes, “The valley is not about finishing anything, studying anything, or doing anything, but simply being a child of God.” In Before You Climb Any Higher, readers will discover:

Taking breaks from climbing is necessary for your mental health
Ways to find rest, renewal, and authentic community in the valley
Identity should never be wrapped up in success and accolades
How to prepare for the mountain climb with lessons learned in the valley
It’s possible to live abundantly in the valley and on the mountain

We are more than our accomplishments, more than our mountaintop accomplishments. We are sons and daughters of God, who is calling us to rest in the valley, to replenish our souls, to be formed by the Spirit, to discover abundant life that is found only in Him.

Book Referees is excited to be a stop on the Hear Our Voices blog tour for Before You Climb Any Higher: Valley Wisdom for Mountain Dreams by Jonathan McReynolds!

This inspiring book blends wisdom, faith, and personal reflection, offering guidance for those navigating the valleys of life on their journey to greater heights. Jonathan McReynolds delivers profound insights that encourage readers to embrace the lessons found in their struggles, preparing them for the climb ahead.

For today’s stop on the blog tour, I’m sharing TV and movie recommendations inspired by Before You Climb Any Higher—perfect for those looking for stories of perseverance, faith, and self-discovery—along with my book review.

1. Akeelah and the Bee (2006) – Movie

Akeelah and the Bee is a powerful story of a young girl from South Los Angeles who overcomes self-doubt and external challenges to compete in the National Spelling Bee. The film embodies themes of determination, mentorship, and believing in oneself, much like McReynolds’ message of embracing valleys as preparation for the climb.

2. The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel (2020) – TV Movie

This biographical film follows the legendary gospel group The Clark Sisters and their rise to success despite numerous hardships. Their journey of faith, resilience, and staying true to their calling echoes the spiritual reflections found in Before You Climb Any Higher.

3. Colin in Black & White (2021) – TV Series (Netflix)

Created by Colin Kaepernick and Ava DuVernay, this limited series explores identity, purpose, and perseverance as it follows Kaepernick’s coming-of-age journey. His struggles with racial identity and societal expectations connect deeply with McReynolds’ themes of navigating valleys before reaching greater heights.

4. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) – Movie

This inspirational drama starring Will Smith is a testament to faith, persistence, and hope. Based on the real-life story of Chris Gardner, the film captures the essence of pushing through life’s hardest moments to reach one’s dreams—mirroring the book’s message about learning from life’s valleys.

5. Queen Sugar (2016-2022) – TV Series (OWN)

Created by Ava DuVernay and executive produced by Oprah Winfrey, this drama series follows three siblings who inherit their family’s sugarcane farm and must overcome deep personal and societal struggles. The series explores resilience, faith, and the strength to push forward—themes that align beautifully with McReynolds’ wisdom.

Jonathan McReynolds has a way of blending wisdom with warmth, making Before You Climb Any Higher feel like a conversation with a trusted friend. In this book, he takes us beyond the idea that success is just about reaching the mountaintop and instead invites us to embrace the valley—the quiet, uncelebrated seasons where true growth happens.

So often, we’re told to push, grind, and hustle, but McReynolds reminds us that rest isn’t just a pause; it’s a necessity. His transparency about his own journey—from winning GRAMMYs to recognizing that his true identity isn’t in the accolades—makes this book both inspiring and deeply relatable. He challenges readers to shift their mindset: the valley isn’t a place of failure but a space where we can truly connect with God, refresh our spirits, and prepare for the next climb.

This book is for anyone feeling weary from the climb, questioning their purpose, or struggling to find joy in the journey. McReynolds offers practical encouragement and biblical truths that remind us we are more than our achievements—we are God’s children, called to find fulfillment not just in the highs but in the in-between moments as well.

A refreshing, perspective-shifting read that reminds us: the valley isn’t the end of the journey—it’s part of it.

Reviewed by: Orsayor

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