AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: 10 Days Without by Daniel Ryan Day

Sometimes bringing awareness to desperate causes requires desperate measures.  That’s the whole premise behind 10 Days Without by Daniel Ryan Day: a white, middle class American decides to shrug off apathy, abandon certain “necessities,” and help those who can’t help themselves.

For ten days at a time, Day goes without shoes, a coat, media, furniture, legs, waste (i.e. throwing things away), speech, and human touch.  He does each of these challenges one at a time, each one addressing a different type of injustice, often partnering with an organization fighting that particular injustice.  Throughout this experiment Day raises money and awareness for a variety of causes including homelessness, global poverty, responses to those with disabilities, modern-day slavery, orphans, widows, and prisoners.

The uniqueness of this book had me riveted.  Day doesn’t offer a day-by-day journal of his experiences, as interesting as that would be.  His aim is higher.  While he does recount poignant, and often humorous experiences from his “adventures in discomfort,” he also offers testimonies from others who did some of the challenges with him, as well as sharing the positive results of his efforts.

One thing I really appreciate about Day is he shows no desire to make this a publicity stunt.  Amazing organizations like Joni and Friends, Prison Fellowship, and International Justice Mission are spotlighted.  He is quick to admit his prejudices and shortcomings, and his writing is simple and unadorned.  He avoids soapboxing, and instead calls us to action in practical ways.

This book shook me up; particularly the last two chapters, which focused on our attitudes toward modern-day slavery, orphans, and prisoners.  I am so glad Day narrated his own book, and allows his emotion to show through as he describes his experiences touring orphanages and prisons.

There is so much suffering in the world that is “out of sight, out of mind” for those of us living in the wealth of America.  We need voices like Day’s to shake us out of our complacency.  And in 10 Days Without, Day proves that the voice against injustice often speaks most clearly with actions, not words.

Highly recommended.

Please Note: This audiobook was gifted as a part of the Christianaudio Reviewers Program in exchange for my unbiased review of this work. This has in no way influenced my opinion or review of this work.  More information can be found about this and other Christian audiobooks at christianaudio.com.