“Original, perceptive, and compelling… In an astonishingly honest voice, Jena Lee Nardella reflects on the questions we ask ourselves when the odds are overwhelmingly against us - why hope that seems foolish is still necessary.”
– Amy Tan, bestselling author of The Joy Luck Club
“Very few people can write a book about how they have already changed the world before they’re even 30. Jena is one of those rare gifts from God. Her story, her heart, and her journey of bringing clean, fresh, life-giving water to the people in Africa is one you will never forget. Read One Thousand Wells and then help her dig some more.”
– Kathie Lee Gifford
“Jena’s story will inspire you to go out and live a great story. And though the work she does is serious business, she never takes herself too seriously. She invites you into her world like an old friend.”
– Donald Miller, bestselling author of Blue like Jazz
"Buckle up, you're about to meet one of love's heroes."
– Bob Goff, Hon. Consul, Republic of Uganda; author of Love Does
“An authentic and inspiring read for those who want to make a difference in the world.”
– Tony Hale, Emmy-Award winning actor from Arrested Development and Veep
"This is a story of idealism maturing, step by step, into lasting love—and it's a story every idealist, and every almost-cynic, must read."
– Andy Crouch, executive editor, Christianity Today
"Jena Lee Nardella lives her life with honesty and humility—always learning and always adventurous. In One Thousand Wells, her indomitable spirit shows through! A delightful read that shows what can happen when you love others with your whole life, pursue passion with reckless abandon, and allow yourself to be changed along the way."
– Gary A. Haugen, President and CEO of International Justice Mission and author of The Locust Effect
"One Thousand Well is the journey of a calling, from start to finish. It's for the ones of us that always felt the call to something "big" in our bones. What's refreshing about Jena's story is that it isn't too massive for us- it gives us hope that the world can be shifted through persistence, a dedication to one's cause, and baby steps. If each of us lived with the plain love and bold obedience of Jena, there'd be a thousand more tales of loving the world-- instead of saving it-- out there. It is so evident-- the world needs more stories like this one."
– Hannah Brencher, author of If You Find This Letter
"Jena’s passionate, reflective and uncompromising journey has inspired me and the team at charity: water for years. Her leadership has not only directly impacted the lives of so many with clean water, but inspired countless others to break from apathy and follow their passions to give and serve.”
– Scott Harrison, Founder of Charity:Water
“Oliver Wendell Holmes put it best. “Give me the simplicity on the other side of complexity.” That, in a phrase, describes where many social entrepreneurs stall out. They run up against complexity and are overwhelmed by it. Jena Lee Nardella is one of the very few who not only made it through that obstacle but now has the wisdom and skills to be a guide for others.”
– Fred Smith, President of The Gathering
"This is a book of profound hope sure to inspire dreamers of all kinds. Jena Nardella's story proves that when we pursue audacious goals, we find so much more than we went looking for."
– Reba Riley, author of Post-Traumatic Church Syndrome
“Captivatingly honest… Her story lights the path for a generation of disillusioned Christians sifting through tough questions about selfless love and unbounded faith in a world of heightened individualism.”
– Publishers Weekly
