Parker's Perspective: BOOK REVIEW: The Hero Effect - By Kevin Brown

January 29, 2026

Lisa Parker

You have to just love Kevin Brown. The way he tells a story – I could hear him reading this whole book to me. A book about making a difference in other people’s lives just by learning how to be a hero. The world needs more heroes. Not the kind that only come out when there is danger, but everyday heroes – inside people we meet in every interaction we have – from the coffee cart to the lunch ladies – we interact and can have a chance to both BE and SEE their hero.

I want to be a hero.

“Everyday people in ordinary roles who have the extraordinary capacity to make a profound difference right where they are…People who consider it a privilege to lead, love, and serve others. People who go out of their way to help others dream big dreams, achieve great things, and leave us better than they found us. People who exceed our expectations, and when they commit to doing something, we can confidently consider it done…Heroes who breathe life into those who can’t seem to catch their breath.” I want to be that kind of a hero.

Kevin’s apple pancake story is a gem – listen to it now and you will agree. He told of his trip to Disney and how the Executive Chef, Bea, made their trip memorable – she was their hero. What he doesn’t say in the video and finds out 10 years later – is that Bea, too, was influenced by this wonderful Brown family – who was HER hero – and made her a better person and chef because she met them. We really do not know who we touch with every moment of our lives. Being a hero is also good for your attitude. “It is incredibly difficult to be weighed down by your problems when you are helping other people get out from underneath theirs.” Kevin goes on to say that, “you need to be a hero. Your world needs you to become a hero. It could begin right now, right where you are…you can become a hero simply by encouraging others along the way.”

On the deathbed of a long-time, dear friend, Kevin’s friend said to him, ““I am proud of you, Kevin.” Those were very powerful words. I never outgrew my desire to hear them.” You are never too old, too feeble, too anything…to be a hero. People will never outgrow their need for a hero and a hero’s words.

https://youtu.be/8cEoXf_ANSg - apple pancake story