I Want to Move on - by Lauren Vander Linder (Paperback)

Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2024 This book!!! The way the author writes is in a practical and understanding way - she makes scripture make sense and gives hands on tools to battle unforgiveness and bitterness. This book is focused, direct and course-correcting for believers. It’s worth the read!!!

This book is beautifully outlined with biblical truth and practical tools to help you break the chains of bitterness and move forward in your life. Lauren engages with the reader through her writing making this a book you won’t want to put down and will want to come back to reference again and again. Excellent book. I highly recommend!

Excellent read that inspires, challenges, and comforts as you learn how to find freedom through hurts.

Anyone who's ever felt offended or wronged should read I Want to Move On (and that's everyone). Lauren so tenderly addresses the reader who has been hurt but has let their hurt fester into bitterness, and she shares much of her own experience with offense, bitterness, and finding forgiveness. Each chapter is titled after a different thought one might have if struggling with bitterness: "I Know I Shouldn't Feel This Way," "They Have Something I Deserve," "If I Don't Stick Up For Myself, No One Will," "I Didn't Think Christians Would Do This," etc. She talks about the root of bitterness that's referenced in the Bible, how bitterness is a foothold for the enemy, how deeply vital forgiveness is, and how God fights for us, delivers us, and brings justice. In the very last chapter, she offers some extremely practical steps for forgiveness and knowing if you've forgiven those who've hurt you. Lauren feels like a dear friend to me after reading her book! She tackles a prickly topic with grace, humor, gentleness, and relatability. The whole time I was reading, I kept thinking, "I needed this book 4-5 years ago" (during some icky breakups) and maybe even 2-3 years ago. But even so, I'm so glad I read it now, and I have a feeling I'll need it again in the future. Highly recommend it to anyone who feels even the smallest root of bitterness poking up in their heart, and who wants to experience the abundant freedom Jesus desires for us when we live in forgiveness.

This book is so challenging and practical! I think everyone will face feelings of hurt or bitterness at some point in their life and I highly recommend this book! It gives biblical principles and walks you through practical ways to release forgiveness.

Unless you are a magical unicorn who has never been hurt or offended by someone, READ. THIS. BOOK. Lauren is so raw & vulnerable with her writing, making it so relatable and gives you the freedom to admit your feelings. I found myself reflecting on things I hadn’t thought about in years — and let me tell ya, I felt SO much lighter afterwards. With her wisdom & biblical principles throughout the book, Lauren leads readers to a place of freedom and a chance to move on from pain & bitterness. This is a book that is SO needed and is so different from anything else on the market. I have been changed by this book & it’s something I will re-read over and over again. Her teachings will stick with me forever!

I have had the joy and pleasure of being one of Lauren’s friends over the years, making reading this book extra sweet. Her authenticity beams through in the way she makes you laugh out laud so hard you disturb your slumbering cat or a fellow train commuter. I went through an incredibly difficult time when my marriage suddenly and unexpectedly (and un-wantedly) ended. Reading this book after graduating therapy felt like all the things I wish I could summarize in the thousands of dollars I spent getting to “good.” It doesn’t matter if you think you are holding a grudge or not, this book will show you somewhere you’re holding something and keeping yourself from the freedom and joy that true forgiveness brings. This book reads well the first time through, but will also be a cookbook you keep in your life skills kitchen. Its titled and organized well, so that when you feel like “blank” you can quickly whip up a batch of forgiveness. I could not recommend this book enough, save yourself the thousands of dollars of therapy and physical trauma of running a half marathon, and nestle into a bean bag, coffee and book in hand, and be ready to experience the freedom of forgiveness.

Loved this book! Gives you tangible ways to get past hurt. You’ll laugh and be encouraged while finding healing.

Through Biblical examples, as well as Lauren’s own personal accounts, “I Want To Move On” gives such refreshing and practical insights on how to move beyond bitterness and into forgiveness. Lauren’s relatable nature, combined with specific application and prayers at the end of each chapter, makes it feel as if a great friend is encouraging you along your forgiveness journey as you read. Lauren has created an excellent guide for all of us who want to move on. I highly recommend this book!