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Over It: Forgetting Who You're Expected to Be and Becoming Who You Already Are
A beloved musician shares her heart-wrenching story about how an abusive relationship helped her realize the importance of gaining freedom, letting go of expectations, and embracing the beautiful reality of who you already are.
Unspoken expectations surround us. In culture, in the church, and in general. If they weren't pushed on you as a child, you're now scrolling through them as an adult. You should look like this, talk like that, dress like them. Own a house that looks like Joanna Gaines just decorated. Be as fit as your favorite Instagram mom, who somehow works out on her Peloton while balancing a newborn on one hip and her side hustle on the other. And, by the way, are you really in counseling this early in your marriage?
The expectations surrounding us, particularly women, are ridiculous. What if we didn't try to fulfill them and instead started believing the promises Jesus fulfilled? What if we didn't cave to the expectation to look and behave how people want us to, and started looking at ourselves the way God sees us? What if we didn't do everything the way we've always been told it has to be done, and started walking in bold, audacious faith?
In Over It , Kelsey Taylor Grimm doesn't show her best and hide the rest. Through the transparent telling of her own story, from an extensive, sexually and emotionally abusive relationship, to her ascension in the music industry, she invites you into her living room to talk through the ridiculous expectations of who you're supposed to be, and encourages the reader to embrace the beautiful realities of who you already are.
Unspoken expectations surround us. In culture, in the church, and in general. If they weren't pushed on you as a child, you're now scrolling through them as an adult. You should look like this, talk like that, dress like them. Own a house that looks like Joanna Gaines just decorated. Be as fit as your favorite Instagram mom, who somehow works out on her Peloton while balancing a newborn on one hip and her side hustle on the other. And, by the way, are you really in counseling this early in your marriage?
The expectations surrounding us, particularly women, are ridiculous. What if we didn't try to fulfill them and instead started believing the promises Jesus fulfilled? What if we didn't cave to the expectation to look and behave how people want us to, and started looking at ourselves the way God sees us? What if we didn't do everything the way we've always been told it has to be done, and started walking in bold, audacious faith?
In Over It , Kelsey Taylor Grimm doesn't show her best and hide the rest. Through the transparent telling of her own story, from an extensive, sexually and emotionally abusive relationship, to her ascension in the music industry, she invites you into her living room to talk through the ridiculous expectations of who you're supposed to be, and encourages the reader to embrace the beautiful realities of who you already are.
- GenresChristianNonfiction
272 pages, Hardcover
Published September 21, 2021
14 people are currently reading
1334 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 26, 2021
Oh my. This book is not only entertaining, but also powerful. And that power is presented in a humble, candid, conversational narration in which the author comes across as a friend. I loved this book the moment I read the introduction. There’s nothing pretentious, haughty, or ‘preachy’ about it…just a sincere opening of her heart doling out oodles of encouragement.
Over It isn’t a ‘how-to’ or ‘you should’ instructional book. Instead, the author takes you on her personal journey through unrealistic expectations that held her back. Her vulnerable stories serve as guidance, encouraging us that who's we are is what’s most important. We don’t need to strive for acceptance and succumb to the pressures society puts on us. We are already incredible.
A powerful excerpt from the introduction about the world’s expectations:
Kelsey Grimm is straightforward, genuine, and approachable. Her stories evoke laughter, tears, understanding, and admiration. This book is far more valuable than I initially expected. It’s filled with reality, freedom, grace, and the all-important message that We. Are. Enough.
Dɪsᴄʟᴏsᴜʀᴇ: I ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʀʏ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ᴏғ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ. Mʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ᴡᴀs ɴᴏᴛ ɪɴғʟᴜᴇɴᴄᴇᴅ.
Over It isn’t a ‘how-to’ or ‘you should’ instructional book. Instead, the author takes you on her personal journey through unrealistic expectations that held her back. Her vulnerable stories serve as guidance, encouraging us that who's we are is what’s most important. We don’t need to strive for acceptance and succumb to the pressures society puts on us. We are already incredible.
A powerful excerpt from the introduction about the world’s expectations:
Do everything and look good doing it. Be a perfect career woman, wife, mom, daughter, friend, sister, and so on. Balance it all with grace and ease. Be attractive, but not too sexy. Be confident, but not too loud. Pursue your goals, but also raise perfect kids. Work out and eat right, but be comfortable in your own skin. Don’t let anyone take advantage of you, but be accommodating and polite no matter what. Look put-together, but don’t be vain.
Kelsey Grimm is straightforward, genuine, and approachable. Her stories evoke laughter, tears, understanding, and admiration. This book is far more valuable than I initially expected. It’s filled with reality, freedom, grace, and the all-important message that We. Are. Enough.
Dɪsᴄʟᴏsᴜʀᴇ: I ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʀʏ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ᴏғ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ. Mʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ᴡᴀs ɴᴏᴛ ɪɴғʟᴜᴇɴᴄᴇᴅ.
September 21, 2021
I do not know of the writer and never heard of her girl group that she was in. However, even though her book details some events that one has to respect her wanting to explain in the writing, the book comes off not that Christian like for the publishers. She states that the reason for her partying and past with relationships is because of her personality trait level and that is "who she is" basically. The book comes off as one that states that God can't change people, but due to a wordly personality trait test, people just need to be who they are and that is that.
I am NOT judging the author's faith, but just stating how the writing comes across including her views of how controlled the Christian church is at times in relaying a false idea that love is not unconditional because one is expected to sit still during a service. The book is more new-age than Christian views in my opinion.
For and in depth review, visit my blog at: https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/202...
I am NOT judging the author's faith, but just stating how the writing comes across including her views of how controlled the Christian church is at times in relaying a false idea that love is not unconditional because one is expected to sit still during a service. The book is more new-age than Christian views in my opinion.
For and in depth review, visit my blog at: https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/202...
August 30, 2021
In Over It, Kelsey Grimm is determined to help readers to overcome their expectations that are holding them back from living their lives. Many people are dragged down by feeling they aren’t enough and they broke down by their pasts. She explained how she is over it and she described how she was able to deal with her own past and move forward. She first encouraged readers to think of their “it” and what this is that is holding them back from living. These can include: betrayal, dark secrets, diagnosis of a disease, lost dream, addiction, body image issues, and much more.
In the book, she opened up about how she grew up as a pastor kid and how she started singing. She shared how she learned at an early age the expectations that was placed upon her. In college, she thought she would be able to perform and sing whatever she desires. But the music program was more classically inclined. She failed at every single audition and wasn’t ever picked because she wouldn’t fit into the classically mole. She explained how before college that she was always told she was special and that she could sing. She had high dreams of becoming a singer. Instead, she was getting told in not so many words that she wasn’t good enough. She revealed how she met a boy that forever changed her life. He abused her mentally and physically and, in the book, she opened up about some of the details. She also explained how she began to develop more of a personal relationship with Christ. She also revealed a personal story about how she considered killing herself when she was at an all-time low in her life. She also opened up about how she became an artist with her husband, Caleb and they have formed Caleb+Kelsey.
I would recommend this life changing book to anyone who is over it and all of the expectations that ourselves and others have place on us. This book is more geared towards woman but men could always benefit from the message enclosed in this book. I immensely loved how open she was in sharing some of her painful past about her past relationships. She described the horrible events with grace and how she was eventually able to give forgiveness. I also appreciated how she explained how she was saved from suicide thoughts and how she hit rock bottom and was able to redirect her life. I loved how she shared how she developed more of a personal relationship with Christ. She was able to seek healing, get counseling, and break free from the expectations that are holding us back from living openly and freely.
"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords for my honest review.”
In the book, she opened up about how she grew up as a pastor kid and how she started singing. She shared how she learned at an early age the expectations that was placed upon her. In college, she thought she would be able to perform and sing whatever she desires. But the music program was more classically inclined. She failed at every single audition and wasn’t ever picked because she wouldn’t fit into the classically mole. She explained how before college that she was always told she was special and that she could sing. She had high dreams of becoming a singer. Instead, she was getting told in not so many words that she wasn’t good enough. She revealed how she met a boy that forever changed her life. He abused her mentally and physically and, in the book, she opened up about some of the details. She also explained how she began to develop more of a personal relationship with Christ. She also revealed a personal story about how she considered killing herself when she was at an all-time low in her life. She also opened up about how she became an artist with her husband, Caleb and they have formed Caleb+Kelsey.
I would recommend this life changing book to anyone who is over it and all of the expectations that ourselves and others have place on us. This book is more geared towards woman but men could always benefit from the message enclosed in this book. I immensely loved how open she was in sharing some of her painful past about her past relationships. She described the horrible events with grace and how she was eventually able to give forgiveness. I also appreciated how she explained how she was saved from suicide thoughts and how she hit rock bottom and was able to redirect her life. I loved how she shared how she developed more of a personal relationship with Christ. She was able to seek healing, get counseling, and break free from the expectations that are holding us back from living openly and freely.
"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords for my honest review.”
October 14, 2022
Honestly, I was expecting some ground-breaking advice from this book (which I am glad I listened to the audiobook version instead of buying the actual book to read - despite the bright pink, inviting cover). I don't really know why I didn't enjoy this book too much. I mean, she talks a ton about Scripture, which I liked, and she used verses from the Bible to help put her life into perspective. But ultimately, I didn't enjoy this book. Still can't put my finger on it as to why. I also did not finish it...but I was more than 75% finished so I count it as a done deal.
September 26, 2021
This book was a pleasant surprise for me, I did not expect to be so moved by it.
Kelsey is very open about her past and the hard things she has been through. Coming from a Christian family and having many friends who also have grown up Christian, I can relate to the unspoken legalism we can feel growing up, a pressure to be "good", thinking it is goodness that saves, not grace; and the shame and lies and hurt this can lead to. I was never abused as Kelsey has been, but throughout this whole story all I could feel was "This could have been my story", and it brought tears to my eyes several times reading what she has been through. I think this book is important and will be helpful to many. I want to thank Kelsey for being so open, I do believe she will be a blessing to many who read her book. I can't recommend this enough.
Kelsey is very open about her past and the hard things she has been through. Coming from a Christian family and having many friends who also have grown up Christian, I can relate to the unspoken legalism we can feel growing up, a pressure to be "good", thinking it is goodness that saves, not grace; and the shame and lies and hurt this can lead to. I was never abused as Kelsey has been, but throughout this whole story all I could feel was "This could have been my story", and it brought tears to my eyes several times reading what she has been through. I think this book is important and will be helpful to many. I want to thank Kelsey for being so open, I do believe she will be a blessing to many who read her book. I can't recommend this enough.
January 5, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Worthy Publishing for the review copy!
"Over It - Forgetting Who You're Expected to Be and Becoming Who You Already Are" by Kelsey Grimm is a book about life. Sometimes, life can feel overwhelming and difficult, but this book is here to help you figure everything out.
The author, Kelsey Grimm, talks about her own personal experiences in life. She talks about abusive relationships, of freedom and of realising who you really are. It is a book about expectations from our society and culture, and how we can make sure to gain a better life.
Kelsey Grimm has been through a lot! A whole lot! Therefore, this book becomes a hard read. Tough stories and lots of personal experiences.
This is a book that will show you how to get a better life, even though it can be tough sometimes.
"Over It - Forgetting Who You're Expected to Be and Becoming Who You Already Are" by Kelsey Grimm is a book about life. Sometimes, life can feel overwhelming and difficult, but this book is here to help you figure everything out.
The author, Kelsey Grimm, talks about her own personal experiences in life. She talks about abusive relationships, of freedom and of realising who you really are. It is a book about expectations from our society and culture, and how we can make sure to gain a better life.
Kelsey Grimm has been through a lot! A whole lot! Therefore, this book becomes a hard read. Tough stories and lots of personal experiences.
This is a book that will show you how to get a better life, even though it can be tough sometimes.
October 17, 2021
Thank you to Hachette Audio for providing me with an audiobook copy of Over It in exchange for my honest review. I was initially interested in this memoir due to the beautiful cover and great description. I did not know of the author before hitting play, and I did not know what to expect. As a fellow working mom and millennial Christian woman, this really hit home for me! It was a quick listen - but had many deep moments where I was in tears for the author. She opens up about the most vulnerable, dark moments of her life. The general message is “You Are Enough” - and I think I needed to hear that! Thank you, Kelsey for sharing your story!
March 20, 2022
Absolutely love this book. She spoke with such real and raw truth from her experience.
Felt truly relatable with my trauma.
Definitely a book I’d recommend to friends.
Only thing I didn’t like was her last chapter, it felt a bit out a place with the rest of the book and that was a hummer for me.
But all around favorite book.
Felt truly relatable with my trauma.
Definitely a book I’d recommend to friends.
Only thing I didn’t like was her last chapter, it felt a bit out a place with the rest of the book and that was a hummer for me.
But all around favorite book.
April 2, 2022
I felt drawn to this author. Her strength, her honesty is refreshing. We all have secrets that are hidden deep inside of us. We are desperate to keep our secrets from being known by others, but Kelsey has a story to tell that shows us that our secrets can hold us captive. The only way we can be truly free is to let those secrets free. With Jesus and a loving support system it is possible.
September 26, 2023
*3.75 stars all I’ll say is she had some good things to say and sometimes she was right on with the spiritual applications, but more often than not it was apparent to me she is very worldly in her way of thinking. Not sure what her denomination affiliation is but some things she said sounded like Catholicism, but probably another domination that’s very close to Catholicism.
August 16, 2022
Great book, fun writing on a tough subject.
April 1, 2023
This book was good for what it was, it just wasn’t what I was expecting. It’s an easy read and easy to follow. I was expecting a book about how to accept yourself as you are, however this was the author’s story which centered around surviving abuse. I think it could be a great book for the right reader.
June 23, 2023
This book is nothing special. It is enjoyable and a nice read but there isn't anything groundbreaking compared to other books of similar topics. I am sure you will love it if you love the author.
September 20, 2024
Enjoyed the writing style and some of her views. Got the book, will read again sometime soon.
January 17, 2026
Her story is so powerful! She is SO relatable
October 4, 2021
I took the afternoon of October 3 using my Amazon Alexa to read the Kindle book in one day. In fact, just one afternoon. I was having a conflicting day and I looked on Caleb and Kelsey's Twitter the other day and saw that the book was released. I chose today to buy it and pause what I was doing and read this wonderful book. Yes, I realize it is geared towards women but I have so much respect for Kelsey I told her I could not wait for her book to come out. Words cannot describe the emotions I feel after hearing what Kelsey has been through in her life. This goes out to anyone reading this. If you are a guy please share it with your partner. If you are a young lady please read this. The vulnerability in this book is amazing to me. Names changed the respect for the persons mentioned in this book. Aside from that it is completely 100% honest. She talks about how it took time to get confidence after the traumas she shares in this book. If I could have a video conversation with her about the book I would be so honored. Kelsey I'm going to share this with you I hope you see this. I know how hard it was to write what you wrote. However, I truly appreciate you doing so! I have so much love for you and yours as you well know, I hope one day I can see you in person and give you a hug and spend time with you. I hope God will make that happen someday. Much love and respect. Donald a.k.a. Donny
February 24, 2022
I highly highly highly recommend this book! After years of struggling with similar things this book brought sooo much healing into my life !!! This is by fav my favorite book I’ve ever read! 💗💗💗
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews