cover image Get the Junk Out of Your Trunk: Let Go of the Past to Live Your Best Life

Get the Junk Out of Your Trunk: Let Go of the Past to Live Your Best Life

Duane Vander Klok, . . Chosen, $11.99 (154pp) ISBN 978-0-8007-9399-9

Although the title might suggest that this is an organization manual or a guide to decluttering one's life, it's actually a motivational book for Christians who want to jettison emotional baggage like bitterness and unforgiveness. Drawing on biblical figures like Peter, Joseph and King Saul, Vander Klok argues that too many people carry emotional "trash" in their hearts, poisoning their relationships, stealing their joy and damaging their futures. He discusses how bitterness can take hold and suggests ways of effectively dealing with anger and disappointment. At times his writing is overly effusive, with an abundance of exclamation points when less would be more. However, there is reliable and concrete advice, delivered with numerous helpful anecdotes from Vander Klok's experiences as a pastor and counselor. (Sept.)