Member Reviews

Jennie Allen is a powerful Bible teacher. Since I also wrote a book about transforming your thought life, I wanted to get her perspective on how to change negative thought patterns. She shares interesting and thought-provoking stories from her own life, and the lives of many others, to help you understand how to stop toxic thinking. I liked the illustrations at the end of each chapter which show how you can reverse the spirals. A great book to help you stop anxious, angry, selfish and self-destructive thoughts.

I received a preview copy of Get Out of Your Head from Netgalley.

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Combining research, Biblical truth, and neuroscience, Jennie Allen writes on the importance of our thought-life and the power not of not only positive thinking, but right--or true--thinking. Although it's a bit redundant at certain points and occasionally goes in circles (how many times do we need to know "18 months"?), it's a good book on an important topic.

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Wow. This book was really helpful.
I loved the personal examples the author has written and all the practical steps that can help a Christian to stop the toxic thoughts.
I will surely recommend this book to my friends.

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I am currently stuck in a cycle of being very much stuck I'm my own head. During this COVID-19 crisis my own thought processes are absolutely keeping me from living my best self and Jennie's book was a great reminder of how I really do have more control over my thoughts than I act like sometimes. I appreciated her writing style, her conviction, and her ability to teach with love and the spirit. A really good book for anyone who finds them in negative thought patterns, or who allows other sources to influence how we feel about ourselves, and about the world around us.

(I receive an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for my honest review of the book)

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I feel like I walked this journey right along with Jennie. The enemy loves to pound the inside of my head until I can’t think straight anymore. I wasn’t sure that this was going to be a book I could enjoy. I wonder every time I pick up a Christian book if it is going to be full of nice Christian words or if it is going to tell me how to trust Jesus to fight back hell for me. I much prefer to be trained for warfare. This book did not disappoint. I don’t want to cause any spoilers, but Jennie was up to her eyeballs in demonic oppression and could not see it. Her rescue came in the form of community and the book of Philippians. Read it. This is a book for all of us who hear those negative voices in our heads. There is a plan in place for our deliverance and redemption.

She quotes one of my top ten favorite books quite a bit. Humility by Andrew Murray. I fell in love with it about 14 years ago. I can still tell you where I was when I read the forward. It was deeply convicting to me. You might want to grab a copy of that as well.

Growing up I was surrounded by plenty of negative voices. They tore at my soul and held me captive though you would never know it by looking at me. Some of them are still speaking hate over me. Even when I wasn’t with those people, those voices were on repeat in my head. For most of my life, I assumed my own inner voice was a jerk because the words were in first person. Then I learned that the enemy does that. He will eat you up and spit you out and make you think you did it. He’s the classic narcissist. The thing I have dealt with is learning to take those thoughts captive instead of being held captive. As I was reading this, I realized I could also take that voice captive. My role here is to bag the thing and run it as fast as I can to the feet of Jesus. If you take the time to document the voices of people and the words in your own head, you’ll see a common theme. That theme comes from one abuser. It changes every relationship we have. We no longer have to overreact. We don’t have to cower in shame. We have a choice to play offense here. We can fill our hearts and minds with words of life. Jennie’s book is a guided help to us all.

When we bought our mission house, I felt like the words coming at me were so powerful that they resembled death threats. I felt like I was walking through a dark underpass alone chasing God’s hand and guidance. Then I realized I wasn’t chasing Him and those were not my thoughts. May this word bring you freedom.

Every time that inner voice tries to tell me that I’m a loser, I try to counter it with truth. I am doing the hard work to be healthy, whole, and love others well. I’m holding promises.

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This book is one that changed my life. For the first time ever, I bought the hard copy, e-book and audible version of this book. I am not sure that 10 stars would be a high enough rating. My hope is by having all the versions that I can gradually convince my family to read it. I have already started listening with my teen daughter. And I am recommending it to everyone that I know! Thank you so much to NetGalley for letting me read an advanced copy!

So what did I love so much? Jennie Allen combats real life problems with Scripture. While she is clear that at times, people truly do need psychological help, that is not the point of this book. What she wants readers to realize is how to truly turn the Word of God into the sword of the spirit.

First, Jennie explains the reasons why we all spiral into negativity. Charts are included, so we can visualize why we go down the wrong paths. She is honest about her own story. This helps the authenticity of the book because she feels like a fellow traveler rather than an expert.

Issues tackled in the book are ones that cause all of us to struggle. Inferiority. Depression. Selfishness. Pride. Complaining. By explaining the issues, we can then recognize the truth that we need to fight for higher ground. We need God to transform our lives through His power.

Perhaps the best ending to this review is this book's beginning: "Be transformed by the renewal of your mind." Romans 12:2 This means it's possible.

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Circumstances often make us feel like we are out of control. And often, when life spirals out of control, our thoughts soon begin to follow. For me, when my thoughts get entangled, I often feel out of control and feel like I cannot get out of my head.

The constancy of this spiral has me researching and learning more about brain science. This effort to counteract the never-ending spiral has taught me much about how the brain works. Over the past few years, I've dug into books by neuroscientists Dr. Ski Chilton and Dr. Caroline Leaf. This year, Jennie Allen has added another voice to the conversation in her latest book, Get Out of Your Head.

While not a neuroscientist, it was easy to see in reading Get Out of Your Head that Allen had done a significant amount of research. Other books I read focus more on the scientific reasons why the brain functions the way it does. Here, Allen focuses on how to take thoughts captive. Allen relies on scripture to provide the backbone and lifeline for taking thoughts captive. Without the written word of God, there is no hope to take control of the spiraling thoughts in our heads.

Get Out of Your Head continues Allen's message of freedom that she preaches often. She reminds the reader that renewing the mind is possible. It's possible because God has told us that with His help, we have the power to renew our minds.

Allen breaks down the lies the enemy tries to throw at us and helps the reader rebuild the truth. As each lie is broken down, the reader is given tools and truth that will help take thoughts captive in order to take control of the mind.

Allen has written a very approachable book. Even if you think you're not struggling to take your thoughts captive, I recommend reading Get Out of Your Head. Allen gives such an approachable understanding of how thoughts get stuck in our minds. And tangible instructions for what to do to help change these thoughts to find freedom.

I found Get Out of Your Head to be a good read, but because I've read other books (all by neuroscientists) on this topic, I found the reading a bit light for me. However, if this is your introduction to how the brain functions, this would be a great start for you!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review is my own, honest opinion.

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Jennie Allen rocked my world with her books Anything and Restless, so as soon as I saw that she had a new book coming out I knew that I would want to read it! This book is so timely. Through her honest and transparent sharing of events in her life, Jennie walks you through how to combat the war going on inside your head, to think about what you're thinking about. She points out how the enemy uses our thoughts to wage war on us, but then she shows us a strategic, step by step plan to fight that war and rest in our identity in Christ. "God isn't just after your freedom. He prepared good works in advance for you so that a whole lot of people could be set free. When we take every thought captive and reclaim our thinking patterns from the lies of the enemy, we are set free to set others free. May we steward our freedom well."

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This is a book that I see can be useful to many people. I am not a person who has a lot of negative thoughts but I can get a lot of useful ideas from this book. I am still in the process of reading it as it takes me a while to digest it all. Many things in this book I cannot relate to but feel I need to read and understand that many others do wrestle with these problems. I would recommend this book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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I just love Jennie Allen’s authenticity and humility. It’s what’s drawn me to each of her books and “Get Out of Your Head” is no different. It’s equal parts “yes this is so me!” and “Thank you Lord for this wisdom.” She strikes a perfect balance between the ability to relate and also gives you sound, hopeful advice and wisdom. I highly recommend this book to anyone struggling with anxious, depressive, compulsive, or toxic thoughts. You are not alone and there is hope! God has used Jennie to write a book we have all been holding our breaths in anticipation of reading without even knowing it was possible to overcome something so many of us struggle with in our daily lives. Be encouraged, challenged, and refreshed as you learn to move and think in the rhythms of God’s amazing love and His ability to restore and renew only what He accomplish! I received this book from NetGalley and my opinions are my own.

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I received an advance digital version of this book for my honest review.

So honestly, I can’t say enough good things about this book. It reaches to the heart of our struggles in life, what we believe, how it affects our behavior and relationships, and how to shift our thinking. We have a choice: will we listen to the negative thoughts or set our thoughts on the Word of God? All of us are dealing with our thoughts but only Christ-followers know real truth to renew their minds and Jennie Allen takes us on a journey through dealing with those thoughts that Satan would have us believe. They can’t live in the light of truth. If you have read, C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters, you may see a parallel with how Jennie Allen identifies the battle.

I could fill pages with all the parts of the book that I highlighted, but for me, right now, the pivotal chapter was chapter 9-Lifelines. Our culture seems to isolate us if we are struggling and that may be the least healthy thing we can do. Years ago I remember talking to another woman about why I hadn’t seen her for a while in church. She told me she hadn’t been there because she hadn’t been doing well. That seems just the opposite of what should happen in the church. We can’t do it alone and if we try that’s just when the enemy attacks us! We are told by culture that we are strong and independent but in reality we need connection. Jennie Allen is the founder and visionary behind IF: Gathering which is an organization that connects women to God through His Word, and to each other. This is her best book to date. She also hosts an exceptional podcast titled, “Made For This.”

Do yourself a favor, get healthier thoughts, read this book…better yet, read this book with a group of friends. Take a risk, get out of your head!

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I recently heard Jennie talk about this new book of hers on a podcast I was listening to and loved the perspective she shared. I was excited to receive a copy from Netgalley and couldn’t wait to dive in. I love how Jennie wrote from both a spiritual and scientific approach to how our brains are wired and how our thoughts have a major impact on our actions on a daily basis.
Jennie’s tone of voice came through in every page as she encouraged and motivated the reader to take negative thoughts captive and replace them with positive God thoughts. Her willingness to share her own struggle with doubt and the stories of others made this read more personal.
I would highly recommend this book to others as I believe it is so important for every individual because we all struggle with one or more of the negative thought patterns expressed in this book.
So glad to have the chance to read this one.

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Toxic thoughts poison our lives, those niggling doubts , those fears, worry and out-right lies you hear from your brain are not you. You can learn to quiet and even obliterate these from your life. Jenny Allen shows you ways to take control over these self-destructive thoughts and live a happier life. Suicidal thoughts like "you're not worthy, not pretty , too dumb, useless etc. all come from the devil. His purpose is to undermine you and draw you away from the God who loves you. This is a fabulous book that deals with the constant negativity that surrounds us and how to overcome it. This book offers HOPE!!

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When I first heard the subject of Jennie Allen’s newest book, I knew I had to get a copy as soon as possible. In recent years, I had let negative thoughts take over my life – everything from anxiety to pessimism to cynicism. Get Out of Your Head sounded like just the thing I needed…and it has been exactly that for me.

To give you an idea of how much this book has resonated with me, I’ve been reading it on Kindle and have highlighted 250 different passages. This book is real, honest, based on God’s Word, and super practical. I absolutely love the strategies Jennie gives us for choosing something other than spiraling out of control with toxic thoughts. I have found so much freedom and joy because of this book. Get Out of Your Head is my #1 must-read non-fiction book right now, possibly ever.

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This is an amazing book and practical tool for changing desteuctive thought patterns and having a better life!

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If you struggle with toxic thoughts, you MUST read this book. It gives life changing ways to learn how to get rid of those toxic thoughts by replacing them with lifesaving thoughts from Christ.

This is an easy read. It is also a companion book to Jennie Allen's new Bible Study by the same name. I am looking forward to leading a group of ladies at church who have asked for something to help them with their thought lives, through this study. I can't say enough good things about this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah and NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own.

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What I love about this book is that it so desperately needed to be written, and to be written well. Jennie Allen did just that. With depression and anxiety plaguing our culture, we need to know there are practical ways to help shift our thinking away from the downward spiral. Is it a cure all? NO, and I’m so grateful that Jennie clearly outlines that in her text, BUT we can take our thoughts captive and help move them in the right direction. The enemy will use whatever he can to help separate us from what we know, and that can so easily happen in our own though patterns, if we don’t align them with the scriptures. Perhaps one of my favorite things about this book wasn’t even the subject matter itself, but how genuinely Jennie presents it. She is so honest, warm, and empathic while speaking deep truth. She has such a gift!

I was given an early copy of this manuscript through NetGalley for my honest review. I enjoyed it so much that I bought it. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Jennie Allen writes beautifully. “ Get Out of Your Head” is an easy read and you do not need to be a theologian to understand the Biblical based references. This book is great for anyone at any phase in life. Jennie reminds us “how we think shapes how we live”. “Only when we’re planted in the soil of gratitude will we learn and grow and thrive.” I love these points Jennie simply puts out there for us to read and absorb. She gives simple life examples we can relate to and understand. I truly loved this book. This will make a great small group study, book club and a gift for my family and friends.

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"Get Out of Your Head" by Jennie Allen is a Christian Living book.. Jennie is the founder of the If Gathering and wants to motivate Women to live what they believe. She is a best selling author. She has written Bible studies. She is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary in Biblical Studies. Her book is excellent. She is challenging the reader to deal with their spiraling thoughts. She reminds us that we are to bring our thoughts captive to the Lord and not just keep them in our head. She says we can retrain our mind. The spiraling thoughts make it hard for us to be effective in our day to day lives. She also encourages us to think about what is good, and positive each day. This book is a good resource for counselors, pastors, pastor's wives, any layperson. The book is practical and helpful. I was given the book to read and review. It is well written. The opinions are my own. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. I will post my review on Goodreads, Amazon, facebook, my blog, for the church staff.

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Every time I think Jennie Allen has said the most powerful words, she comes out with more! I love Jennie. I've read her books. I've gone to her conference. And yet, this was new and fresh and something the world needs to hear. Such a powerful read. I will walk daily knowing that truth is the most powerful weapon we possess as humans walking this Earth. I will fear less, doubt less, overthink less, and I will not allow myself to be held captive. The words in the book bring freedom to a generation that has more chains holding it down than ever before. Thank you Jennie for your words of truth. For your courage to talk about the hard things and for disciplining a generation. This book is one I would do a bible study to, I would read with close girlfriends and digest it chapter by chapter and would gift to anyone that is stuck in their head and needs some freedom. 5 stars for me!

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