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Getting Through What You Can't Get Over: Stories, Tips, and Inspiration to Help You Move Past Your Pain into Lasting Freedom

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There are some things in life people never get over. No matter how much they want to. Many experience abuse, financial disaster, serious illness, death of loved ones, and other common traumas making them believe they’ll never move past the pain, but through research and true story compilations, author Anita Agers-Brooks offers emotional, practical, and spiritual insights from experts and people who have survived intense trauma—and have made it through seemingly impossible situations.  

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2015

170 people are currently reading
2286 people want to read

About the author

Anita Agers-Brooks

9 books22 followers
Anita Brooks motivates others to dynamic break-throughs. Blending mind, heart, and spirit, as an Inspirational Business/Life Coach, International Speaker, and Common Trauma Expert.

Anita is also an award-winning author. Her titles include Amazon best seller: Getting Through What You Can’t Get Over, Barbour Publishing, First Hired, Last Fired — How to Become Irreplaceable in Any Job Market, Leafwood Publishing, Death Defied-Life Defined: A Miracle Man's Memoir, and contributor to The Change: Insights Into Self Empowerment Book #4. Her books are available at major and independent bookstores, Amazon, plus several online retailers.

She fulfills her mission to help 21st century women and men make fresh starts with fresh faith by sharing what she’s learned through experience, interviews, and research. Anita shares hope and encouragement on her Fresh Faith Inspirations podcast.

Anita’s favorite pastime is watching sunsets with her husband of 30 years, while they laugh and dip their toes in the water. Her favorite passion is inspiring others to transform battles into victories.

You can connect with Anita on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, LinkedIn, or Twitter. Keep up with Anita’s latest happenings at anitabrooks.com. Email anita@anitabrooks.com to request information on having Anita inspirationally speak or train at your next event.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer.
128 reviews10 followers
February 24, 2017
I just wasn't a fan of this book. I didn't realize that this book was very focused on religion and how God heals everything. The stories were interesting, but I just couldn't get over how everything was based on religion. I'm not against it, and if religion helps you, that's great. This just wasn't the book I was expecting.
Profile Image for Kev Willoughby.
577 reviews13 followers
May 19, 2019
Genuine. Heartfelt. Compassionate.

That's a 3-word book review that describes just how effective you will find this collection of true stories from real people to be in helping you find the strength you are looking for.

Heartbreak can visit us in many different forms and multiple times over the course of our lives, bringing overwhelming sorrow that we cannot overcome on our own. If you've ever heard anyone tell you that "God will never put more on you than you can handle," (and that's not even written or taught anywhere in the Bible) then this is the book you need to read. The stories within these pages are so personal that in every chapter I found myself drawn in and compelled to keep reading to see how the person got through their circumstances. I repeatedly became unaware of my surroundings as I was reading. This is a great book, but not just because it was written well. It's a great book because it doesn't just have interesting problems; it also has the answers.

Covering many diverse topics such as adoption (from the child's perspective, not knowing who the biological parent is), physical abuse, sexual abuse, homelessness, divorce, death of a loved one, estranged family members, marital affairs, betrayal, bankruptcy, job stress, unemployment, loss of health, and PTSD, there is something in here (and probably multiple somethings) for everyone.

One of my favorite thoughts from the book comes from the heart of Edie Eger, an Auschwitz survivor that you meet in the opening pages of the book. She imparts some insightful wisdom from a well-known passage that is often quoted at funerals:

"The 23rd Psalm says, 'Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.'

It does not say, 'Slow down.'

It does not say, 'Stop.'

It does not say, 'Pitch a tent.'

It does not say, 'Build a house.'

It says, 'Walk.'"

Her message is that regardless of the particular unfavorable circumstances we may find ourselves in, our approach has to be the same: keep walking. Get up every day and keep showing up, keep putting one foot in front of the other. You may never get over what has happened to you, but you can get through it with the help of your Creator.

Author Anita Agers-Brooks also shares another message along those lines that is important to keep in mind as we go through the valleys in our lives. She teaches, "if God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, know He owns the gas in a thousand tanks, the jobs in a thousand companies, and the groceries on a thousand shelves." God can help us through our difficulties.

Agers-Brooks also sheds light on some purpose that we can find in our valleys, teaching the reader to "let your adversities shape you into a person of compassion who uses your past to help others in the present."

This is the kind of book that you can give to someone when you don't know what to say, and it's the kind of book you can buy a copy of for yourself because it's not the same old collection of cliches or surface-level anecdotes that ignore the deeper feelings that we all focus on when life meanders beyond our control. This is a book that will make a difference.
Profile Image for Karen Jordan.
Author 2 books20 followers
October 23, 2014
You are not going to want to miss this one that will be published in 2015. In her compelling writing style, Anita Brooks gives powerful accounts of several inspiring faith stories of people who overcame impossible situations that left them with post-traumatic symptoms. These believers found help and healing as they put their hope in Jesus, Who enabled them to get through what thy could not get over in their own strength.
Profile Image for Jan Dunlap.
Author 15 books56 followers
March 19, 2015
Anita Agers-Brooks has penned not only a book about recovery from emotional and spiritual pain, but a book packed with practical advice, insights and tools to help you do exactly what she promises in her title of “Getting Through What You Can’t Get Over.” Her Insider Insights at the end of each chapter are perfect ‘cheat sheets’ you can use to kickstart your day with music, scripture and prayer – no doubt I will refer to them often when my own inspiration runs low! By sharing stories of the painful experiences we encounter, Anita also makes it clear that we all have to deal with some form of post-traumatic stress; none of us are immune to grieving, hurting, emotional and psychological pain, and the sooner we learn to treat ourselves kindly as we suffer, the healthier we will be. As an anxiety survivor myself, I applaud Anita’s honest approach to our shortcomings and self-induced feelings of guilt, even in the practice of our Christian faith. God is with us always, and this book is a glowing testament to that Presence and the practical ways we can rely on our God.
Profile Image for Britney.
768 reviews12 followers
April 16, 2015
Getting Through What You Can’t Get Over shares personal accounts of people who have survived various traumas and moved through the pain. As the cover states, this book is full of “Stories, Tips, and Inspiration to Help You Move Past Your Pain into Lasting Freedom.” Each of the twelve chapters contains a story or compilation based on true events, as well as insights for emotional healing, practical help, and spiritual comfort.

We have all endured painful experiences in our life and sometimes need help moving past these difficult times. Using her own experiences and those of others, Anita Agers-Brooks inspires readers to overcome their circumstances and seek healing and comfort in God and His word. The personal stories, advice, and insights offered are touching and inspiring. Getting Through What You Can’t Get Over is a great source of encouragement!

I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and offer my honest opinion. I received a complimentary copy of Getting Through What You Can’t Get Over from Barbour Publishing.
Profile Image for LeeAnn.
1,792 reviews2 followers
December 17, 2015
What a beautiful, cathartic book! This book is part memoir, part self-help, part prayer book, part Bible study -- and all excellent. What starts as an author's memoir of past pain blossoms into a hopeful, inspirational book for anyone who has ever felt like they were drowning in sorrow. It could be such a difficult book to read, but it is really such a breath of fresh air! I read it twice, then passed it to a dear friend much in need of encouragement and hope. I sincerely recommend this book, well-deserving of a 5-star rating. Thanks to GoodReads and Ms. Agers-Brooks for sharing this book with me; the message of peace and hope is well worth the read!
Profile Image for Claudia.
899 reviews22 followers
April 30, 2019
Intense is the best word I can think of to describe this book. The personal stories of people who have been through PTSD inducing situations are just that, intense. Some I had to abandon because of the depth of suffering. That said, the author follows up each story with good, practical advise for dealing with great adversity. I especially like the final chapter entitled Valley Freedom. Her twelve-step map to guide one through dark valleys is quite powerful. (Not to be confused with a twelve-step program)

If you or a loved one has gone through a difficult time that has been difficult to recover from, I would highly recommend Getting Through What You Can't Get Over. I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.
Profile Image for Mary Kenyon.
Author 12 books121 followers
July 17, 2015
This is one of those books you might have to read in chunks of time instead of all in one sitting, particularly if you are dealing with something painful in your life...and who isn't? Why? Because is so well written, it actually brings all that pain you are suppressing into the forefront of your consciousness, essentially forcing you to face it. Which is a good thing, because the only way to get through it is to deal with whatever "it" is. Denial only works so long. The "Insider Insights" and "Practical Helps" at the end of the chapter are spot-on, and the spiritual comfort and prayers are just what we need as we face the demons in our own life. I love, and identify, with these words from the author (page 221): "But those hard times taught me good lessons. I now carry my own level of experiential empathy, a deep compassion that comes from having walked through darkness. When others hurt, I may not understand exactly what they are going through, but my gut aches for them. I care deeply. When I say I;ll pray, the words aren't spoken mindlessly-I mean them. I want to reach back to the place I've come from and comfort the wounded grasping for God's healing light." Yes, and yes.
Profile Image for Laura.
483 reviews5 followers
July 8, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. Lots of insightful tips and help within these pages. Great read. I am passing this on to someone else I think it may help a great deal, as well. It really is a great book. You will laugh and you will cry as you relate to the stories and tips. Several times I had to put it down and couldn't get back to it quick enough to hear the end of the story. I'd recommend this for everyone, regardless of whether you're in a tough spot now or not, at some point in our lives we all are. I really like the practical solutions and steps suggested for dealing with our issues.

I won this in a first reads giveaway on Goodreads, thank you!
Profile Image for Amanda.
441 reviews9 followers
February 7, 2017
Helpful advice and touching stories of loss and dealing with various things that seem or are impossible to get over, but offers hope that you can get through.
Profile Image for Cocopuffs.
25 reviews2 followers
April 20, 2018
Worth it! especially when others are telling you to get over something and you just can't seem to.
Profile Image for Kendra Hudson.
5 reviews
December 27, 2018
Good read

I’m not really religious but this book has open my eyes to how people “let go and let God” In to their lives when they had no place to go. It was up lifting
Profile Image for Gabriella.
82 reviews4 followers
August 2, 2019
It's based on Religion which I didn't mind but it was unexpected.
Profile Image for Lauren Marie.
17 reviews
March 8, 2025
This book increased my faith within these collection of stories because it made me feel “if they can overcome their pain or past, then I can too!” I’ll be practicing the insiders insights too so I can get through what I can’t get over.
Profile Image for Shonda 🌺.
114 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2020
Such an inspirational book, it had real life and encouraging stories. Very relatable ❤️ a great pick me up kinda book.
36 reviews6 followers
April 20, 2015
I just finished reading this book last night and it was pretty good. As you may be able to guess by the title, this book is non-fiction and its purpose is to give examples of really tough situations that may have happened in an individual's past and to offer suggestions to help them get over those things.

Some of us have had something traumatic happen in our lives and we just can't seem to let go of it, no matter how many years ago it may have been. We relive it over and over again in our minds and may have feelings from thinking that you deserved whatever happened because you 'asked for it' or a consuming rage that the trauma happened at all. In some cases people suffer from PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the memories affect their everyday lives. They may suffer from depression and, on some days not even be able to drag themselves out of bed. They may have anger issues that cause them to strike out at everyone who shares their life or tries to help them.

Mrs. Agers-Brooks gives Biblically sound advice for dealing with a situation from your past that is causing you pain in your present. The description on the back cover begins with a Bible scripture;

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4 (NIV)



Here is the description of the book;

We will do almost anything to avoid facing our worst fears. But when tragedy strikes, and you can no longer hide, what do you do?

Many experience abuse, financial disaster, serious illness death of loved ones, and other common traumas making them believe they will never move past the pain. But through research and true story compilations, author Anita Agers-Brooks offers emotional , practical, and spiritual insights from experts and people who have survived intense trauma--and have made it through seemingly impossible situations.

Getting Through What You Can't Get Over offers relatable stories from people who have "been there" and lived to see a much brighter day, as well as a section of "Insider Tips" that provides insights on emotional healing, practical actions to take, and scriptures for spiritual comfort and encouragement to help you work through any struggle.


The true stories were simply heartbreaking and kept thinking how terrible it was for those people to have had to go through those things. But Mrs. Agers-Brooks wrote them with compassion and I could almost hear the empathy in her voice. The way she writes makes it immediately obvious that she is a woman with a huge heart and a mission to help others find their way out of the pain of traumas caused by people and situations out of their control.

Because the advice she has given in this book is biblically sound, I won't hesitate to put them to use in overcoming my own past trauma. I believe this book would be a wonderful addition to any library, whether or not the owner of said library has been through any type of trauma. I say that because, while the message this book offers is directed to those who HAVE experienced a negative and life altering event of some kind, I think that one could read these pages and learn from them how to help a friend get through a tough place in their lives.

Overall, this book was well written, very compassionate, and sensible. Mrs. Agers-Brooks made sure to clearly explain the steps one should take to get past the hurt of their past. My favorite chapter in the book was Chapter 12 "Valley Freedom". In it the author wrote;

"I now carry my own level of experiential empathy, a deep compassion that comes from having walked through darkness. When others hurt, I may not understand exactly what they are going through, but mt gut aches for them. I care deeply.When I say I'll pray, the words aren't spoken mindlessly--I mean them. I want to reach back to the place I've come from and comfort the wounded grasping for God's healing light."

These words were a comfort to me and are what gave me the encouragement I needed to go back and deal with my own past hurts. I really hope that if you are looking for a way to get through a traumatizing event from your past, that you will give this book a read. Allow the words of this author and many troubled individuals and the truth of God's Word to smooth out those rough places and soothe the sore spots in your heart and soul.

Do you have any stories to share or pointers to give those who may be hurting? Come on over and visit Writing Opinions and leave a comment.If you have read the book, let me know what you thought of it.


Be Blessed!


**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my honest thoughts.
333 reviews18 followers
August 2, 2019
I think Getting Through What You Get Over by Anita Ayers-Brooks can be a very helpful book for so many of us. The structure of the book makes it easy for a reader to find the chapter that deals with their specific need. Each chapter presents the situation in a relatable story with Insider Insights, Practical Help, and Spiritual Comfort followed by a Guided Prayer. I read through the whole book not just the chapters that I thought pertained most to.me and was profoundly moved by the experience. This is a book that I see myself returning to again and again in the future.

There are several times that the author or someone in a chapter referred to God as Daddy. The first it was done the speaker explained their reasoning and while I see the point she was making, it feels uncomfortable for me. It isn't wrong, to each their own, and I am not saying it is, it just isn't for me.

I think whoever prepares print books to be ebooks should adjust the pages. I'm sorry, I don't know the correct terminology. Titles, subtitles, and text run into each, the spacing can be wonky, especially when It comes to the start of a chapter and the bullet points at the end of chapters. It can be distracting.
95 reviews
August 23, 2017
I really liked this self-help book. It was organized and an easy read. I like that the cover tells the reader exactly what is in the book - "stories, tips, and inspiration to help you move past your pain into lasting freedom". The author starts every chapter (except the last, which is a wrap up) by providing a story of someone that has gone through something that they will never get over. This helps the reader to see that he or she is not alone. The author then describes how the event has affected that person's life, and tells how he or she is getting through it. This alone is good bibliotherapy. Some of the topics the author focuses on are death of a child, financial problems, marital affairs, not knowing who your biological parents are, family feuds, medical issues, and homelessness. The author keeps the reader's attention by telling interesting stories.

The author then gives some practical advice, geared toward the particular trauma in that chapter, on things to do to help with healing and getting through rough times- songs to listen to, bible verses to read, and exercises to promote feeling better. This book does not overwhelm the reader with information and self-help ideas. The author provides the reader with simple, doable ideas that are not complicated- exercises that someone going through a traumatic experience could actually do. Spiritual inspiration and a prayer are presented at the end of each chapter.

Sometimes self- help books are too involved and try to get the reader to do things that are just too much to do alone, without professional guidance. This is a book that is not too much. Also, sometimes with self help books, the author makes it sound like his or her self- help book is an easy fix. This author does not. There are no promises that anything in the book is going to work. There are just ideas to try and inspirational messages that might comfort.

The only problem I had with this book was that the reader could very easily think they have a mental illness after reading it. The author describes symptoms, particularly of post traumatic stress disorder, and I don't think it is made clear enough that someone can have symptoms of PTSD, but not necessarily have the disorder. The author does state that she is not a licensed professional counselor, but she does use the term PTSD freely throughout the book. Many people have symptoms of PTSD and my concern is that after reading the book readers may think they have it.

If you have been through a trauma, and are looking for inspiration and practical self-help ideas this book is a great choice.

The author provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Christy.
91 reviews47 followers
March 26, 2016
Getting Through What You Can't Get Over by Anita Agers-Brooks is a helpful book for anyone grieving from going through a traumatic experience. Each chapter is someone's personal story of a traumatic experience and how they overcame. The end of each chapter has personal activities to try, scriptures to meditate on, and a written prayer.

This book will not cure your grief but will help you understand your emotions and know that you are not alone. I read this book because I've been battling grief/depression from my own traumatic experience of a miscarriage after years of infertility treatments. My specific experience wasn't one of the stories shared, but I could personally relate to their feelings and take the steps discussed to start my journey to healing.

I found the 7 Stages of Grief discussed in the book to be very helpful. First of all it made me feel normal and that I was experiencing grief normally in the time frame for me. I learned what stages I had surpassed, which stage I was currently in, and at what stage I would be ready to try again.

Getting Through What You Can't Get Over is a book I am keeping in my personal library to reference back to anytime life gets tough.
Profile Image for Donna.
855 reviews43 followers
June 29, 2019
Getting Through What You Cannot Get Over by Anita Agers-Brooks.
Anita shares both her own stories and those of people who have dealt with the unimaginable. There are just some things we will not get over; but Anita has compiled a tips, techniques, scripture and prayers to help us get through them to the other side.

One of my biggest a-ha moments is the understanding that the 7 stages of grieve are used and needed for more than just losing a love one. Often we are grieving the loss of health, relationships, or a life we imagined. I hope that speaks to you like it did me. She shares the 7 stages often.

I think most of us are starting to realize that PTSD is not just for veterans. Anita writes about how it may manifest itself and tips on how to manage through it.

Closer to the end of the book, Anita shares the 12 step map that she developed to guide her through dark valleys in an efficient and powerful way. Let me interject here that Anita has faced more valleys than I can imagine. She is sharing with you after experiencing several valleys.

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
Profile Image for Susan Barton.
Author 6 books94 followers
January 23, 2017
Life is certainly unpredictable. Most of us find ourselves going through any number of difficult times during our lives. When we are stuck in those difficult times, and replay them over and over again, it can leave us feeling distraught and hopeless. This book is all about finding ways to overcome past traumas to live a happier, more fulfilling life.

This is a wonderfully positive book. It’s filled with real life examples and tons of excellent advice for moving past some of life’s most painful experiences. The author’s writing is incredibly genuine and honest. It’s clear she’s filled the pages of this book with her most positive intentions. By also including music suggestions, Biblical scripture and prayer at the end of each chapter, readers are given added incentive to get through personal pain and trauma.

Although there are many Biblical references throughout, this book never comes across as being “preachy”. I found it incredibly uplifting and encouraging. I highly recommend reading Getting Through What You Can’t Get Over!

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton, http://ebookreviewgal.com
Profile Image for Tina DePalma.
3 reviews1 follower
March 8, 2016
I am always looking for resource material that might be beneficial to those who may be struggling as well as in the work I do with trauma survivors. I thought this book was one in which most people can relate to because most of us will have hard times. The stories were a way to connect with the different types of problems people may experience and there were tips to put into place to help the reader move through their journey. I think this book is not only helpful to people who have experienced trauma but also for just about anyone.
4 reviews
June 1, 2016
The title of this book is pretty Facile on what its based on. This book I chose on one pretty tough day for me and when i didnt really feel as if i had any worth left. The stories about the traumatic occurences and devastating events that are explained in this book are unreal. And to think those people overcame those situations and recovered is something far more than stregnth and character and it gives readers something to believe in. But the most important message i got out of this book was that you cant ever go looking for solace, if someone cares they will show you.
Profile Image for Amy Bell.
450 reviews12 followers
October 20, 2019
Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. I struggled with this book. Yes there are inspiring stories and she has some good practical tips for dealing with some of the trauma that was experienced, I felt it as just a little too neatly tied up in a bow. If you just trust in Jesus it will all be okay. I'm a Christian and while I know what happens in the end it's not just pat answers that help in the here and now. I'm not sure what I expected but I was a bit disappointed with this one.
Profile Image for Christine Norman.
149 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2016
This book was really helpful. Besides stories from the lives of people who had endured extreme emotional and physical pain, she also defines a number of practical strategies to help the healing process. I especially liked her music suggestions to address specific tragedies. We often hope to find the right words to ease the pain of our friends. In my own experience, healing words that are sung break through my sorrow much easier than spoken words.
Profile Image for Kassandra.
29 reviews
March 8, 2019
Rarely do I read a book out of sheer desperation for knowing or understanding something better. This was, sadly, one of those times. This book just didn’t give me what I am searching for. It isn’t terrible. It did have the aspect of ‘its okay to hurt’ that I am still desperately trying to understand.

I don’t think I can fully fault the book, however. Anybody who’s experience complete loss and grief probably knows that it’s possibly the only time you’ll never find what you need.
Profile Image for Ann.
2,624 reviews3 followers
April 4, 2019
This is an awesome book! If you or someone you love is having trouble getting over hurts and things that happened in the past, grab this book. It is full of helpful, biblical advice to help you. This is a book I will refer back to often. Thank you Anita Agers-Brooks for writing this book! Thank you Barbour Publishing Shiloh Run Press via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Kade Gulluscio.
975 reviews62 followers
May 7, 2019
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks NetGalley!

Everyone should read this book. I'm sure everyone has at least one person in their life who has PTSD or has gone through a tragic/difficult experience. This book will help you understand that and help themw ith some advice on how to move forward.

This book has helped me in ways the author will never know.
1 review1 follower
April 29, 2015
Anita has such a way of getting through to you through her writing. She takes personal experience of her own and dedicates it to bettering the lives of others which is commendable on various levels. This book had me reading for days, continuously. I couldn't put it down! I would recommend to anyone dealing with something they cant get over, but hope to get through!
6,147 reviews
April 27, 2015
I thought Getting Through What You Can't Get Over is a great inspiration for those who have been through painful events in the past. I enjoyed the inspirational stories that tells of real life people who had gone through dramatizing times in their life. So inspiring.
5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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