Publishers Weekly
03/10/2025
Singer and pastor Wells debuts with a clumsy attempt to prove that joy is rooted in divine love. Contending that people mistakenly tether their sense of fulfillment to “fleeting and fragile” sources, he argues that forming the “right” relationship with God provides a permanent feeling of “rest and security” that is rooted in unchanging divine love and precludes the need for other sources of approval. The bulk of the account considers how Christians can create such a relationship with God by taking small, everyday actions—spending more time in prayer, reading the Bible, or trying to connect with God—and communal ones, like attempting to broker peace between individuals and communities. Unfortunately, Wells’s energetic case is undercut by a tendency to veer into platitudes and awkward metaphors—including the book’s overarching comparison of pursuing a holy life to creating a bomb that explodes into “joy and strength” instead of destruction. The author’s good intentions aren’t enough to save this. (May)
Sadie Robertson Huff
I've been cheering Tauren on for years in all of his adventures, and Joy Bomb is no exception. This book shines a light on joy in the Bible while offering new perspectives. Readers, get ready for a journey of understanding Jesus as the ultimate detonator of our 'Joy Bombs'—get to know him, get to know joy! I can't wait to see the positive impact Joy Bomb will make for the kingdom.
NFL quarterback Derek Carr
Joy Bomb is a powerful and timely reminder of the profound joy found in Jesus's teachings. With his trademark clarity and heart, Tauren unpacks the Beatitudes in a way that detonates hope and happiness in the soul. This book will inspire you to live with deeper purpose and extraordinary joy.
Dr. Dharius Daniels
Joy Bomb is more than a book about joy—it's an invitation to see joy through the lens of Jesus. Anchored in the profound truths of the Sermon on the Mount, this book unpacks how happiness flows from a life deeply rooted in him. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and forever changed by the joy Jesus offers.
The JOY FM Carmen Brown
Tauren Wells is a tank-filler! Whether in a song or a sermon, in singing or speaking, he has my attention. Tauren has this unique ability of delivering what I call 'platinum nuggets' (better than gold) that I immediately tuck away in my heart and ponder on for quite some time. I'll never forget having a conversation with Tauren when I was walking through one of my hardest professional seasons. Unknowingly, he summarized in one statement what I had been trying to figure out for months! He gave me divine direction that day, and it was the pivot I needed to see what the Lord was doing. Tauren does much the same thing in this book. His words take the Beatitudes of Jesus straight to the heart. As you read, you'll experience moments like I had in conversation with Tauren that pivotal day—'platinum nuggets' that are filled with the power of the Spirit so your life can be filled with joy. Joy Bomb isn't just the name of the book—it's the experience you'll have as you open your heart and let Jesus's explosive teaching fill your tank and direct your life.
A. R. Bernard
'The joy of the Lord is your strength.' These powerful words, spoken by Ezra, the religious reformer, reminded a broken people—grieving their past while rebuilding a fallen Jerusalem—that their strength was not in their failures but in God's grace and presence. This is the heart of Joy Bomb, a book that ignites an internal explosion of joy when you realize that 'The Greater One' lives in you! Tauren Wells masterfully weaves biblical truth with personal insight, showing that joy isn't circumstantial—it's supernatural. If you're ready to live with unshakable strength and breakthrough joy, this book is your invitation to a life-changing encounter with the source of all joy—Jesus!
Brad O'Donnell
Tauren Wells has done something very special with Joy Bomb—he's taken a subject that many of us assume we already understand and shown us that there's so much more to joy and happiness than we ever thought. Whether you're in a difficult season or, like so many of us, have a sense that there's more for you, this book will show you the way to the source of true contentment and how to hold on to it.
professional basketball player; four-time NBA cham Stephen Curry
I've always been intentional about living with joy—on and off the court. But little did I know, my definition of joy may have been too shallow, confined to just a feeling and a smile. In Joy Bomb, Tauren Wells delivers an electrifying message about the power of true joy—one that isn't fleeting or dependent on circumstances, but deeply rooted in faith. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to reclaim joy, break free from the pressures of the world, and embrace the abundant life God has promised.
Debra Waller
What a perfect book for Tauren to write. Tauren spreads 'joy in the morning' and the Joy Bomb wherever he goes. Jesus spoke about joy throughout his life and wants us to experience this wonderful gift. This book is a blessed reminder that true joy can only be found in the Lord.
Joel Osteen
We all go through disappointments, and it's easy to get discouraged and let the pressures of life weigh us down. We must remember that our joy is a necessity, directly connected to the strength we need to overcome our difficulties. The enemy does not come for your dreams, your children, your health, or your finances; he comes first for your joy. If he can steal that, he knows you won't have the strength to protect the other things. When you get up in the morning, you must set your mind on being joyful and declare that God is on the throne and is fighting your battles. When you understand and accept that God is for you, that he is greater than everything in the world coming against you, you can preserve your joy, and you cannot be defeated. This principle is well illustrated in my friend Tauren Wells' new book, Joy Bomb. Tauren is a well-known and highly respected minister, impacting millions of people in nations throughout the world. His message contained in this book is a message of purpose, restoration, strength, and victory, all found when you draw upon the joy of the Lord. I encourage you to let these words help you overcome the troubles of this world and discover the triumphant life God created you to have.
Michael Todd
Tauren Wells is a powerful example of what it means to represent God with excellence, authenticity, and joy. His life and music radiate the kind of joy that can only come from a deep, unwavering faith in Christ. Whether on stage or in everyday moments, he puts Christ at the center of culture, reminding us all that worship isn't just a sound—it's a lifestyle. And this book will be no different. It will challenge, inspire, and equip you to live with purpose and passion!
