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Unstuck: How the Savior Frees Us From our Favorite Sins
''This book was not written by a General Authority. In fact, it was written by a run-of-the-mill sinner. Are you going to keep reading?'' Robert Reynolds, an entertainment attorney and manager of Grammy-nominated band The Killers, refreshingly tackles the why-did-I-do-it-again? cycle that entraps many of us. Reynolds explains that whether we find ourselves reluctant to let go of our ''favorite sin'' or exclaiming in frustration, ''Dang it! I did it again,'' the Savior and His Atonement can change our desires and set us free to become better and stronger. With a fresh, relatable voice, Reynolds provides insights into the why behind the things that tempt us. He also shares the hope we can have in overcoming even the most alluring of sins through reliance on the Lord s grace. Learn how to find and maintain a mighty change of heart and discover a rich increase of spiritual power, joy, and peace in your life.
131 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 28, 2015
30 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Robert Reynolds
1 book7 followersRobert Reynolds manages multi-platinum recording artists The Killers and Brandon Flowers. He served a mission in South Carolina before receiving his bachelor's degree in English from BYU and a J.D. from New York University Law School. After NYU, Robert was an associate in a New York City law firm and now practices entertainment law in Las Vegas, where he represents authors, actors, UFC fighters, and various bands and musicians, including the band Imagine Dragons (whose lead singer, Dan Reynolds, is his younger brother). Robert and his wife, Erica, are the parents of four children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
December 29, 2015
You should read this book, whoever you are. If you're like me and probably everybody else on the planet, you feel frustrated about the fact that you keep doing or not doing X, and can't figure out how to change. That's why I picked up the book (in my case, audiobook), and it totally delivered on the pitch. Everybody has their own individual quirks and weaknesses, and this book walks you through a very practical approach that applies to whatever habit, addiction, or fault you're unsuccessfully trying to work on. The kind of thing I wish I'd read years ago!
The refreshing thing about this book is that it doesn't just stop at "you need God to help you change, so turn to him"--which is true but has never been informational enough for me. I believe that statement is true, but HOW do you turn to God to help you change? That's the question that this book answers (at last!), in a very straightforward what-do-I-do kind of way. It's not a once-and-done kind of solution, but it's very empowering to have an attack plan more fleshed out than "access the Savior's atonement."
And it's not like the author is making stuff up here. The whole thing is founded on what's in the scriptures--it's just that the topic has been organized and discussed in a way that helps you see things clearly, and offers simple steps to apply the scriptures to your struggle.
Plus it's a really enjoyable read, with lots of little stories and anecdotes. The writing is direct, personal, clear, and interesting. Not a stuffy book at all--very accessible. I listened to it on CD, so I should also say that the author did a good job reading it.
The refreshing thing about this book is that it doesn't just stop at "you need God to help you change, so turn to him"--which is true but has never been informational enough for me. I believe that statement is true, but HOW do you turn to God to help you change? That's the question that this book answers (at last!), in a very straightforward what-do-I-do kind of way. It's not a once-and-done kind of solution, but it's very empowering to have an attack plan more fleshed out than "access the Savior's atonement."
And it's not like the author is making stuff up here. The whole thing is founded on what's in the scriptures--it's just that the topic has been organized and discussed in a way that helps you see things clearly, and offers simple steps to apply the scriptures to your struggle.
Plus it's a really enjoyable read, with lots of little stories and anecdotes. The writing is direct, personal, clear, and interesting. Not a stuffy book at all--very accessible. I listened to it on CD, so I should also say that the author did a good job reading it.
May 1, 2016
And God said, “I give unto men weakness ….”
And thus God declares that the personal weaknesses that bring us so much grief are, in fact, gifts from Him.
“And if men come unto me … then will I make weak things become strong unto them.”
Unstuck is first a book about how we take this gift - weakness - and let God, through the grace and merits of his Son, transform it into strength. But its also a book about what to do when we don't particularly want to give up the repetitive sins resulting from our weaknesses. It is a book, specifically, for people like me who find some sins hard to shake, because part of me really enjoys them.
Unstuck is a book for every person, because each of us has weakness, each has certain repetitive sins that dog us, and each has favorite sins that we enjoy on some level, even though they also rob us of peace that we desire.
The author, Robert Reynolds, is particularly suited to the task of delivering this important message. In this day and age of relentless and pitiless media scrutiny, with secular critics quick to latch onto - and broadcast - every mistake made by religious leaders, many leaders are reasonably reluctant to publicly admit faults and share stories of personal failings. While all sin and fall short of the glory of God, their reluctance may at times leave the rest of us wondering if they can relate to those of us locked in battle with sin. But Reynolds doesn't face the same concern and thank goodness for that.
He begins the first paragraph of the Introduction with a bold and vulnerable declaration that intones a different sort of pastoral guide.
“This book … was written by a sinner … I know about temptation.”
Reynolds isn't just acquainted with sin and temptation by way of his own experiences, but also by way of his profession. No, he's not a counselor, or a police officer, or social worker. He's not just dealing with the after effects of sin, cleaning it up. Reynolds manages Rock Bands for a living, so he has a front row seat to not just those who lived fast and crashed hard, but to many who are currently flying high and haven't realized that gravity will yet claim them.
This refreshing perspective allows readers to feel not as though they are being condescended to from someone who is “too good” to really know what it feels like to wrestle with repetitive sin, but to feel as if we are having a conversation with a wise, non-judgemental friend, who has been where we are and just wants to help - just wants us to know that we are all fallen people in a fallen world, yet there is hope for us all, that weak things will one day be made strong if we will trust God and allow his transforming hand to fashion our hearts.
This transformation comes also as a gift, a gift made possible through the grace and merits of Jesus Christ.
This isn't new information. But the way Reynolds presents the process is unusual and refreshing, thus rendering more effective than other pastoral approaches I've encountered. Reynolds doesn't just cherry pick and repackage favorite quotes and scriptures. He shares candid stories about his own life, hard earned lessons which provide meat to the doctrinal skeleton he has erected.
Whatever weaknesses God may have gifted Reynolds, a weakness in the written word is not one of them. The prose is frictionless, vivid, delightful. I read Unstuck in a few sittings, not just because its message resonated with me at an important time, but also because it was a pleasure to read. A pleasure without any resulting guilt, the kind I hope to experience more frequently as I embrace the promises and lessons of Unstuck.
And thus God declares that the personal weaknesses that bring us so much grief are, in fact, gifts from Him.
“And if men come unto me … then will I make weak things become strong unto them.”
Unstuck is first a book about how we take this gift - weakness - and let God, through the grace and merits of his Son, transform it into strength. But its also a book about what to do when we don't particularly want to give up the repetitive sins resulting from our weaknesses. It is a book, specifically, for people like me who find some sins hard to shake, because part of me really enjoys them.
Unstuck is a book for every person, because each of us has weakness, each has certain repetitive sins that dog us, and each has favorite sins that we enjoy on some level, even though they also rob us of peace that we desire.
The author, Robert Reynolds, is particularly suited to the task of delivering this important message. In this day and age of relentless and pitiless media scrutiny, with secular critics quick to latch onto - and broadcast - every mistake made by religious leaders, many leaders are reasonably reluctant to publicly admit faults and share stories of personal failings. While all sin and fall short of the glory of God, their reluctance may at times leave the rest of us wondering if they can relate to those of us locked in battle with sin. But Reynolds doesn't face the same concern and thank goodness for that.
He begins the first paragraph of the Introduction with a bold and vulnerable declaration that intones a different sort of pastoral guide.
“This book … was written by a sinner … I know about temptation.”
Reynolds isn't just acquainted with sin and temptation by way of his own experiences, but also by way of his profession. No, he's not a counselor, or a police officer, or social worker. He's not just dealing with the after effects of sin, cleaning it up. Reynolds manages Rock Bands for a living, so he has a front row seat to not just those who lived fast and crashed hard, but to many who are currently flying high and haven't realized that gravity will yet claim them.
This refreshing perspective allows readers to feel not as though they are being condescended to from someone who is “too good” to really know what it feels like to wrestle with repetitive sin, but to feel as if we are having a conversation with a wise, non-judgemental friend, who has been where we are and just wants to help - just wants us to know that we are all fallen people in a fallen world, yet there is hope for us all, that weak things will one day be made strong if we will trust God and allow his transforming hand to fashion our hearts.
This transformation comes also as a gift, a gift made possible through the grace and merits of Jesus Christ.
This isn't new information. But the way Reynolds presents the process is unusual and refreshing, thus rendering more effective than other pastoral approaches I've encountered. Reynolds doesn't just cherry pick and repackage favorite quotes and scriptures. He shares candid stories about his own life, hard earned lessons which provide meat to the doctrinal skeleton he has erected.
Whatever weaknesses God may have gifted Reynolds, a weakness in the written word is not one of them. The prose is frictionless, vivid, delightful. I read Unstuck in a few sittings, not just because its message resonated with me at an important time, but also because it was a pleasure to read. A pleasure without any resulting guilt, the kind I hope to experience more frequently as I embrace the promises and lessons of Unstuck.
March 16, 2016
I like that this book was written by just a regular guy, a self-professed sinner, actually. After all, we are all sinners. I enjoyed his insights and perspective as he took on this topic.
The book is divided into three parts. Part One is "Sin and Weakness." Part Two is "How to Obtain a Mighty Change of Heart." And Part Three is "'Can Ye Feel So Now?' How to Maintain a Mighty Change of Heart." He focuses on the importance of changing your heart and gives some great ideas on practical ways to do that.
It's an easy book to read yet there's plenty of meat in it to get something new out of it the next time you read it. I like the quotes, stories and scriptures he shares. It's well-researched with eleven pages of notes at the end. This is a life changing book that I would recommend to everyone!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
The book is divided into three parts. Part One is "Sin and Weakness." Part Two is "How to Obtain a Mighty Change of Heart." And Part Three is "'Can Ye Feel So Now?' How to Maintain a Mighty Change of Heart." He focuses on the importance of changing your heart and gives some great ideas on practical ways to do that.
It's an easy book to read yet there's plenty of meat in it to get something new out of it the next time you read it. I like the quotes, stories and scriptures he shares. It's well-researched with eleven pages of notes at the end. This is a life changing book that I would recommend to everyone!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
January 18, 2018
Fantastic read, lots of excellent insight and imagery - particularly the idea that we are all in sinking lifeboats without the Atonement of Christ, however "big or little" our sins and transgressions may be. Personally, I didn't feel "stuck" when I started reading this book, but I did feel as if I had hit a plateau in terms of personal progression. However, within a few pages I could see areas where I was indeed stuck, and could chart an upward climbing path again. The references are extensive here, and link to so many articles that sound fantastic - by the end, I had highlighted many of them to read as well. Such a motivating book.
January 29, 2016
An intelligent look at how easy it is to fall into the trap of repeating the same errors and how if we truly want to turn to the Savior then He will guide us.
I like to read books like this that discuss the Atonement because it is so important that we allow the Savior to do His work with us in achieving spiritual healing and fulfillment.
Such an important message!
I like to read books like this that discuss the Atonement because it is so important that we allow the Savior to do His work with us in achieving spiritual healing and fulfillment.
Such an important message!
April 13, 2017
Great book. I loved how down to earth open and honest he was. Loved how he spelled it out and used quotes and today's languages to teach. I think most of us need lessons on how to use the Atonement.
May 13, 2018
This book is written by a member of the LDS Church who works in the entertainment industry (manages rock bands and is based in Vegas). This caught my attention right away as I figured he would likely have some interesting perspectives living in that kind of environment and trying to stay faithful to church standards. I really enjoyed this book. I recorded my notes in Evernote but a few are worth repeating:
-Humility is recognizing the need to change, faith is doing the change.
-In this age of you can do it, the opposite is actually true. You can’t do anything without the grace of Christ.
-Focus on where you want to go, not what you want to avoid.
-Having a change of heart will not make you sinless but it will make you sinless.
Plenty of good nuggets in this book that give additional light and understanding to common passages of scriptures. He did a good job filling the book with many scriptural references and quotes from general authorities.
-Humility is recognizing the need to change, faith is doing the change.
-In this age of you can do it, the opposite is actually true. You can’t do anything without the grace of Christ.
-Focus on where you want to go, not what you want to avoid.
-Having a change of heart will not make you sinless but it will make you sinless.
Plenty of good nuggets in this book that give additional light and understanding to common passages of scriptures. He did a good job filling the book with many scriptural references and quotes from general authorities.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2016
When I first started this book I thought, "Perhaps over simplified". Interestingly, due to a circumstance later in the day, I started reading fresh with a focused perspective. The book came alive to me and I devoured it in a matter of hours.
I love the title. UNSTUCK. Who isn't stuck in some way in his/her personal life? We don't all currently struggle with addictions or deep and unfathomable challenges, however, I believe that we all have trials in one form or another.
This book was motivating for me and I have now referred it to two people whom I love.The premise "All things work together for them that love God" (Romans 8:28) is a belief that I support. We can't surmount obstacles alone, but with God's help, all things are possible. Do we really want to be "unstuck"? This book explores how we go about a change of heart. I am still reflecting on the wisdom in these pages.
I appreciate a dear friend and her recommendation.
I love the title. UNSTUCK. Who isn't stuck in some way in his/her personal life? We don't all currently struggle with addictions or deep and unfathomable challenges, however, I believe that we all have trials in one form or another.
This book was motivating for me and I have now referred it to two people whom I love.The premise "All things work together for them that love God" (Romans 8:28) is a belief that I support. We can't surmount obstacles alone, but with God's help, all things are possible. Do we really want to be "unstuck"? This book explores how we go about a change of heart. I am still reflecting on the wisdom in these pages.
I appreciate a dear friend and her recommendation.
June 13, 2017
I read some of the other reviews and I was surprised that anyone could read this without being inspired to become closer to the Savior, and further from their sins. We've all read and heard so much about Christ's gift, but I felt this was a fresh perspective. I feel like Reynolds took things we already know and explained them in such a way that the simplicity of it can surprise us. My 8-year-old could probably read this book. Minus the drug references. :)
I loved the real life stories, loved the clarity of the teaching, and loved Reynolds' periodic reminders that none of us are free from sin. I appreciated his humility. It seemed like this book was a work of love for his fellowmen, a gift to us to break the big doctrines into bite-size pieces.
Do yourself a favor, and take the time to read this quick book. I'd recommend it to anyone.
I loved the real life stories, loved the clarity of the teaching, and loved Reynolds' periodic reminders that none of us are free from sin. I appreciated his humility. It seemed like this book was a work of love for his fellowmen, a gift to us to break the big doctrines into bite-size pieces.
Do yourself a favor, and take the time to read this quick book. I'd recommend it to anyone.
July 17, 2025
The book was organized and written well as Reynolds explores the topic of repentance of repetitive sins. I liked his personal experiences representing people in the music industry. It was neat to have a little insight into his younger brother, the lead singer of Imagine Dragons. I didn't pay attention to when this book was written and had to do a double take when Reynolds talked about how if he had a say in the way the church was run, he would change it to 2 instead of 3-hour church. Ha! I really liked the chapter on faith and how, by definition, there has to be room for doubt. "Accepting any precept of religion requires humble acceptance despite rational doubt." Other things that stood out to me are thought control and the importance of filling your life with good after making changes away from sin.
July 2, 2017
Reynolds' understanding of the mindset of addictive behaviour and compulsive sin together with his clear teaching and weaving together teachings of many general authorities makes a wonderfully uplifting and hope-filled book that genuinely helps in learning how to turn to Christ for real help in overcoming addictive behaviours. My personal favourite insight lay in not just turning away from sin, but toward the Saviour. I strongly recommend this book to all you struggle to overcome their "favourite sins"... which is probably all of us.
August 29, 2017
I really enjoyed listening to this book on my morning walks. The author presented so many great things to think about. I would like to buy a hard copy and reread the book because there were so many things I wanted to remember and write down notes on. Several times I stopped in the middle of my walk to skip back several minutes to relisten to what he had said. I like that this book was written by a guy who is not your typical LDS book author. I really enjoyed his perspective and felt like this book was relatable to me.
January 21, 2020
This book was completely incredible! I love the perspective that Robert Reynolds gives about repentance. More often than not, it seems like we share things at church such as, "Don't Do Drugs", "Don't look at Pornography", or even "Don't watch football on Sundays." And the more I get to know people, it seems that we all have struggled with these or similar issues, yet we put on Instagram faces to show that "everything is alright". This book helped me to understand how deeply the Savior loves and cares for those who have gone astray, and how the atonement can completely rebuild any life.
May 6, 2017
This was a quality book. I feel like I didn't get as much out of it as I could have if I would have been more focused. Maybe that's the book's fault for not doing more to captivate me. More likely, it's my fault for not focusing better. All in all, I thought there were great ideas. And, it was fascinating to hear the perspective of someone in the big-time music industry (manager of The Killers, brother of the Imagine Dragons front man). Quality book.
May 7, 2017
I wished I read this book instead of listened to the audio version. It's very simply written and very clear. It doesn't dive into doctrine and splitting verses. Instead it focuses on basic doctrine with practical application. I had quite a few insights as I listened. It was also kinda refreshing to hear from someone who is literally and figuratively in the middle of Sin City who works and lives amidst temptation.
July 16, 2019
Wow, this book was a powerful book helping the real person connect to the atonement of Jesus Christ. We all have sins we can't let go of that we repent of again and again, and this talks about how to truly confront, commit and finally overcome them by truly turning them to Jesus Christ. I need to read this again - right now! (Neat thing that it's written by a pretty ordinary person, kinda like me! Then again, he's in the entertainment industry that is usually synonymous for BIGGER temptations.)
October 18, 2019
Short but with some interesting stories and ideas about how to manage our relationship without weaknesses, mistakes, and temptations. I feel like one could just read the conclusion of the book and get all the meat of the text as some of it dragged on a bit and didn't provide a whole lot to the thesis. Regardless I think there's some very interesting and new ways of thinking that have given me a lot to ponder with regard to my relationship with Christ and my own sins.
January 1, 2020
This is the best book I read all year. I read it because I love the author, but didn't expect a book about freeing oneself from sin to be as applicable to me as it is - not because I'm perfect, but because I didn't feel trapped by any major sin.
After reading this book, I felt like it was something EVERYONE should read. It was absolutely brilliant, inspiring, and surprisingly original.
I really loved it. I'm going to choose this book to review for my book club this year.
After reading this book, I felt like it was something EVERYONE should read. It was absolutely brilliant, inspiring, and surprisingly original.
I really loved it. I'm going to choose this book to review for my book club this year.
August 30, 2023
Helpful and accessible book about not what to do, but how to do it. How do we resist temptation, how do we gain a hunger for the spirit's presence in our lives on a daily basis? Personable, foundational, short, and inspiring. Good for anyone who wants to improve their lives but sees the same old struggles come up again and again.
For readers who either are familiar with the Book of Mormon or would like to be.
For readers who either are familiar with the Book of Mormon or would like to be.
November 21, 2023
loved the book!
I loved how he points out the idea that everyone struggles. I have had similar thoughts as I work with individuals trying to overcome addiction. This book gives amazing insight into what it means to allow Christ to change us. Willpower alone is not enough which is starting to become manifested in more settings than just the religious setting. You must rely on the Savior and give full control of your life to him. That is when true lasting happiness takes place.
I loved how he points out the idea that everyone struggles. I have had similar thoughts as I work with individuals trying to overcome addiction. This book gives amazing insight into what it means to allow Christ to change us. Willpower alone is not enough which is starting to become manifested in more settings than just the religious setting. You must rely on the Savior and give full control of your life to him. That is when true lasting happiness takes place.
March 17, 2020
Best books I’ve read this year! Very clear. It is full of scripture on that round and confirmation. There are wonderful Sonny, true, and applicable examples and stories from the author. I thoroughly recommend this book to everyone who wants to improve their life and learn to do more good in this world.
March 4, 2019
This book is very good. As none of us are perfect, there is excellent advice about moving forward in an imperfect world. Thankfully, we all have access to perfection in a relationship with Christ. The atone-ment makes us something more than what is even possible.
September 29, 2021
Excellent book. Everyone should read this, especially if you belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You will not regret it. And you may even want to read it again and again, like me.
May 10, 2017
Loved reading Reynolds' vantage point on why we fall short. Great read.
June 20, 2017
This book was well worth the read! Very informative and inspiring.
July 4, 2017
The Miracle of Forgiveness for the post-modern generation.
September 13, 2017
He comes from an interesting lifestyle. Taking this into account, I appreciated his perspective and point of view on various gospel principles. (he manages his brother's group - Imagine Dragons)
January 1, 2018
This is a good book to start the new year off with. Nothing new, but really great insight and doctrine about how to get out of a spiritual rut. Really liked it.
January 4, 2018
This guy is right on. Full of truths. Great book, and will help those who honestly want to be helped away from their “favorite” addictions.
May 21, 2018
Nice plain-talk book on how to overcome repetitive sin. Clearly written and a great book to reach people where they are. Definitely glad that I bought it and didn't just borrow it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews