I Can Only Imagine: A Memoir by Bart Millard

“The Story That Inspired the Major Motion Picture.”

The captivating story behind the bestselling single in the history of Christian music—and the man who wrote it

MercyMe’s crossover hit, “I Can Only Imagine,” has touched millions of people around the world. But few know about the pain, redemption, and healing that inspired it. Now Bart Millard, award-winning recording artist and lead singer of MercyMe, shares how his dad’s transformation from abusive father to man of God sparked a divine moment in music history.

Go behind the scenes of Bart’s life—and the movie based on it—to discover how God repaired a broken family, prepared Bart for ministry through music, and wrote the words on his heart that would change his life forever. I Can Only Imagine is a front-row seat to witnessing God’s presence throughout Bart’s life. Whether falling in love with his childhood sweetheart or mourning his father’s death, founding MercyMe or flailing in the midst of its success, Bart continues to place his trust in God’s plans—plans that continue to surprise and surpass what Bart could have ever imagined.

Paperback, 224 pages

Published February 13, 2018 

by Thomas Nelson

5/5 stars

This book was part of our church book club, and in the end, I opted for the audio version. At just over four hours in length, or 224 pages, it was the perfect fit for my four-hour flight home last month.

The author, Bart Millard, doesn't shy away from discussing his life and his relationship with his father. His childhood was far from happy, this book packs an emotional punch.

Fast-forwarding to his adult years and the group MercyMe, Millard provides an insightful look into his journey to write the song "I Can Only Imagine". The trailer for the movie based on the song says it better than words ever could.