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Never Go Back
In this life-changing book, you’ll learn ten pathways of success that will help you redirect your mistakes and make way for success—physically, personally, and spiritually.
Everyone makes mistakes, big and small. Sometimes our mistakes take us down the wrong path and send us spiraling into destructive life patterns, and sometimes we learn a lesson and never make the same mistake again. But how? How do we recognize our destructive patterns, make new choices, and then follow through?
In Never Go Back , bestselling author Dr. Henry Cloud shares ten doorways to success—and once we walk through these new pathways, we never go back again. His proven method—based on grace, not guilt—outlines ten common life patterns that sabotage success and lays out clear, concrete steps you can take to overcome them. You’ll see your relationships flourish, your personal life enhanced, and your faith strengthened. Dr. Cloud’s powerful message reveals doorways to understanding—once you enter them, you will get from where you were to where you want to be.
With a winning combination of eternal principles, spiritual wisdom, and modern scientific data, Never Go Back will put your heart in the right place with yourself and with God.
Everyone makes mistakes, big and small. Sometimes our mistakes take us down the wrong path and send us spiraling into destructive life patterns, and sometimes we learn a lesson and never make the same mistake again. But how? How do we recognize our destructive patterns, make new choices, and then follow through?
In Never Go Back , bestselling author Dr. Henry Cloud shares ten doorways to success—and once we walk through these new pathways, we never go back again. His proven method—based on grace, not guilt—outlines ten common life patterns that sabotage success and lays out clear, concrete steps you can take to overcome them. You’ll see your relationships flourish, your personal life enhanced, and your faith strengthened. Dr. Cloud’s powerful message reveals doorways to understanding—once you enter them, you will get from where you were to where you want to be.
With a winning combination of eternal principles, spiritual wisdom, and modern scientific data, Never Go Back will put your heart in the right place with yourself and with God.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published June 3, 2014
About the author
Henry Cloud
268 books1,958 followersDr. Cloud has written or co-written twenty-five books, including the two million-seller Boundaries. His most recent books are Boundaries for Leaders and Necessary Endings. He has earned three Gold Medallion awards, and was awarded the distinguished Retailers Choice award for God Will Make A Way.
As president of Cloud-Townsend Resources, Dr. Cloud has produced and conducted hundreds of public seminars around the country. He speaks on relationships—marriage, parenting, dating, personal growth, and spirituality. His seminars are often broadcast live to over two thousand venues at a time.
As president of Cloud-Townsend Resources, Dr. Cloud has produced and conducted hundreds of public seminars around the country. He speaks on relationships—marriage, parenting, dating, personal growth, and spirituality. His seminars are often broadcast live to over two thousand venues at a time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
August 15, 2014
When I see a book with the name Dr. Henry Cloud on it, I know that I am in for a time of introspection. In his latest book, Never Go Back, Dr. Cloud takes us through ten situations that we have probably found ourselves in but don't really want to do again.
The very first chapter was very providential in our lives at this point. We are facing a situation that is very similar to one we recently went through that didn't have a really wonderful ending. Through the use of personal examples Dr. Cloud walks you through your thought process and decision making. In this particular chapter he gently reminded you that even if you are going back you still need to be going forward. Through the steps he lined out it was easy to make a decision in regards to that particular situation.
The book is split into two parts. In the first part there are ten chapters that lay out situations that we find ourselves in over and over again even though we know we should choose differently. What I appreciated about this section of the book was the candor and honesty that Dr. Cloud puts forth. He readily admits that he has found himself in these situations, sometimes more than once. You get to glean nuggets of wisdom from his personal and professional knowledge.
The second part of the book was somewhat of an AMEN session for me. I could identify with the situations in the first part. (Been there, done that, got the scars to prove it!) But the second half was a very practical set of directives that could be put into practice to give me guidance to not go back and repeat bad history.
If you find yourself stuck in the rut of the same mess over and over, do yourself a favor and get a copy of this book. It reads like a conversation with a trusted and caring friend. I think you'll come away from it with some very powerful tools that will allow you to Never Go Back!
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
The very first chapter was very providential in our lives at this point. We are facing a situation that is very similar to one we recently went through that didn't have a really wonderful ending. Through the use of personal examples Dr. Cloud walks you through your thought process and decision making. In this particular chapter he gently reminded you that even if you are going back you still need to be going forward. Through the steps he lined out it was easy to make a decision in regards to that particular situation.
The book is split into two parts. In the first part there are ten chapters that lay out situations that we find ourselves in over and over again even though we know we should choose differently. What I appreciated about this section of the book was the candor and honesty that Dr. Cloud puts forth. He readily admits that he has found himself in these situations, sometimes more than once. You get to glean nuggets of wisdom from his personal and professional knowledge.
The second part of the book was somewhat of an AMEN session for me. I could identify with the situations in the first part. (Been there, done that, got the scars to prove it!) But the second half was a very practical set of directives that could be put into practice to give me guidance to not go back and repeat bad history.
If you find yourself stuck in the rut of the same mess over and over, do yourself a favor and get a copy of this book. It reads like a conversation with a trusted and caring friend. I think you'll come away from it with some very powerful tools that will allow you to Never Go Back!
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
March 28, 2016
When Audible marketed all their self-help books at the beginning of the year, I jumped on this one. I'd never heard of this psychologist but I certainly can always use some help in living my life right and learning from my mistakes. I would agree that, as the reviews state, this book COULD change your life. In fact, in the back of my mind, I started thinking that this book, or at least its principles, are the exact type of thing that every young adult needs to know before they go off to college. If only I'd learned these things back when I was 18!
The principles discussed by Henry Cloud ARE common sense...never trust something that seems too perfect, always do due diligence, never turn from short-term pain that brings long-term success, etc. But it's amazing how many people don't practice them. I've taken notes while listening and intend to refer to them often, for myself AND for my kids.
A word of caution...Cloud does relate these 10 principles to scripture and his overall message is spiritual. This makes all kinds of sense and it didn't seem too preachy. But for those that aren't into that type of thing, you need to know what you're getting. I believe that whether you are a Christian or not, this book has merit.
I'm not sure if the book is best consumed via audio. This would better serve as a book that you could mark up, dog-ear and keep on your shelves. Additionally, the narrator, Michael Prichard, is NOT GOOD for this purpose. He's narrated some Tom Clancy novels and I just can't imagine. His delivery is stiff, almost to the point where it made me uncomfortable.
The principles discussed by Henry Cloud ARE common sense...never trust something that seems too perfect, always do due diligence, never turn from short-term pain that brings long-term success, etc. But it's amazing how many people don't practice them. I've taken notes while listening and intend to refer to them often, for myself AND for my kids.
A word of caution...Cloud does relate these 10 principles to scripture and his overall message is spiritual. This makes all kinds of sense and it didn't seem too preachy. But for those that aren't into that type of thing, you need to know what you're getting. I believe that whether you are a Christian or not, this book has merit.
I'm not sure if the book is best consumed via audio. This would better serve as a book that you could mark up, dog-ear and keep on your shelves. Additionally, the narrator, Michael Prichard, is NOT GOOD for this purpose. He's narrated some Tom Clancy novels and I just can't imagine. His delivery is stiff, almost to the point where it made me uncomfortable.
December 20, 2021
This is Nonfiction/Personal Development/Christian Living. I loved this one. There were so many "Amen" moments. I've highlighted some places that would interest my daughter with some of the crossroads she is at in her life. But this was really for all ages...not just young adults starting their life.
I loved his direct no-nonsense approach to life and some of life's situations. I liked too that he called them like he saw them without any sugar coating. So 5 stars.
I loved his direct no-nonsense approach to life and some of life's situations. I liked too that he called them like he saw them without any sugar coating. So 5 stars.
July 9, 2018
Highly recommend this for help in taking stock of patterns that you need to repent of and turn from. I’m cynical about “self-help” as a genre, but Dr. Cloud is always worth your time.
September 29, 2016
Best book I've read thus far!!!
I enjoyed the use of psychology and how he used scripture to link the two. Extremely helpful an absolute must read.
I enjoyed the use of psychology and how he used scripture to link the two. Extremely helpful an absolute must read.
February 15, 2016
Known primarily for the Boundaries series and How People Grow (his collaborations with John Townsend), one may wonder what else Cloud has to offer. Cloud now finds himself a citizen of an authorial stratosphere that also boasts John Maxwell, Charles Stanley, Chuck Swindoll, Max Lucado, James Dobson and Dallas Willard. How many different ways can one author write about the same subject? (One could claim that John Ortberg and Timothy Keller could be on this list, although they vary what they write about although they continue to churn books out at a dizzying speed.) Each of the author listed above have contributed significantly to our reading lists, and they books sell like hotcakes at a monthly VFW breakfast. However each of them, including Cloud, have come to a point where their influence has become polarized—you either like them or you don’t like them.
This, then, is problematic for an author such as Cloud who typically deals with psychological topics from a spiritual perspective, as he does in Never Go Back. A seminary-trained psychologist, Cloud has never been afraid of hiding his faith nor has he ever backed down from operating out of a faith-based approach to therapy. He talks about this in the preface as he recounts a time of meeting with a television executive who was afraid that Cloud was a closet religious fanatic. Cloud reassured the executive (and the reader) that a person of faith can talk about matters of psychology and culture without sounding like a nut job. This is an important realization because of the theme that Cloud seeks to treat in this book.
The volume is divided into two major sections, following a preface and introduction. In the introduction, Cloud sets forth his purpose in writing this particular volume. When I agreed to review this volume, I thought it would be more along the lines of Boundaries—a popular-level treatment on overfunctioning, a controlling nature or the addictive personality. I was thus surprised when Cloud revealed that this book is actually on repentance. I have always heard (and, thus, taught) that we repent when we make a conscious change in our lives to walk in a different direction (stop an addiction, leave an abusive relationship, ask forgiveness for gossiping or cursing, etc.). Cloud argues that part of being a successfully spiritual person is to practice repentance, to realize things about our lives that are weighing us down or keeping us from achieving our goals and deciding not to continue living that way (i.e., stop trying to be someone you’re not just to please another or continue to use failed processes to accomplish tasks). To Cloud, this is what it means to “never go back.”
This book is certainly written with individual readers in mind, although Cloud argues that it is not to be considered “self-help” because there is no such thing. We must allow God to work the changes in our lives. However this will be a valuable resource for preachers and teachers, counselors and spiritual directors because it will help us guide those who come to us for counsel about their spiritual lives. One of my biggest critiques of sermons is what are we supposed to do with it. Don’t just preach on repentance; give direction on how people can implement repentance. This book provides practical, spiritual applications for how we can change our lives.
I really enjoyed this book, and I would highly recommend it. If you were to read anything by Cloud, I would heartily recommend this and Necessary Endings. I think Never Go Back might actually be better than Boundaries simply because he has twenty more years of experience under his belt.
Rob O’Lynn, ABD
Assistant Professor of Preaching and Ministry
Kentucky Christian University
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Publisher and was asked to review it. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
This, then, is problematic for an author such as Cloud who typically deals with psychological topics from a spiritual perspective, as he does in Never Go Back. A seminary-trained psychologist, Cloud has never been afraid of hiding his faith nor has he ever backed down from operating out of a faith-based approach to therapy. He talks about this in the preface as he recounts a time of meeting with a television executive who was afraid that Cloud was a closet religious fanatic. Cloud reassured the executive (and the reader) that a person of faith can talk about matters of psychology and culture without sounding like a nut job. This is an important realization because of the theme that Cloud seeks to treat in this book.
The volume is divided into two major sections, following a preface and introduction. In the introduction, Cloud sets forth his purpose in writing this particular volume. When I agreed to review this volume, I thought it would be more along the lines of Boundaries—a popular-level treatment on overfunctioning, a controlling nature or the addictive personality. I was thus surprised when Cloud revealed that this book is actually on repentance. I have always heard (and, thus, taught) that we repent when we make a conscious change in our lives to walk in a different direction (stop an addiction, leave an abusive relationship, ask forgiveness for gossiping or cursing, etc.). Cloud argues that part of being a successfully spiritual person is to practice repentance, to realize things about our lives that are weighing us down or keeping us from achieving our goals and deciding not to continue living that way (i.e., stop trying to be someone you’re not just to please another or continue to use failed processes to accomplish tasks). To Cloud, this is what it means to “never go back.”
This book is certainly written with individual readers in mind, although Cloud argues that it is not to be considered “self-help” because there is no such thing. We must allow God to work the changes in our lives. However this will be a valuable resource for preachers and teachers, counselors and spiritual directors because it will help us guide those who come to us for counsel about their spiritual lives. One of my biggest critiques of sermons is what are we supposed to do with it. Don’t just preach on repentance; give direction on how people can implement repentance. This book provides practical, spiritual applications for how we can change our lives.
I really enjoyed this book, and I would highly recommend it. If you were to read anything by Cloud, I would heartily recommend this and Necessary Endings. I think Never Go Back might actually be better than Boundaries simply because he has twenty more years of experience under his belt.
Rob O’Lynn, ABD
Assistant Professor of Preaching and Ministry
Kentucky Christian University
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Publisher and was asked to review it. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
August 13, 2014
Absolutely LOVED this book. It was a simply read because it focussed right to the point. There wasn't a lot of "fluff" in this book which I really appreciated. The second part "now what"? was really helpful, I find so many books leave you hanging to figure the implementation afterwards, this book did a great job of tying it all together! I've already recommended it to several people!
March 16, 2016
Truly insightful
This book laid out 10 items that will bring you and your life down and explain what they are and how to keep from doing them. Some of these things may seem elementary but there are things you don't stop to think about on a regular basis and I think we've all fallen victim to. The last chapter on how to follow through with the special useful. Highly recommend.
This book laid out 10 items that will bring you and your life down and explain what they are and how to keep from doing them. Some of these things may seem elementary but there are things you don't stop to think about on a regular basis and I think we've all fallen victim to. The last chapter on how to follow through with the special useful. Highly recommend.
November 12, 2015
A really good book by my favorite psychologist especially for those of us who make mistakes and did not learn our lessons the first time around an issue.
January 26, 2018
Amazing insight from a Godly perspective. I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone who wants to make some real change in their life.
April 20, 2022
Never go Back by Henry Cloud is written to help people break the bondage of repeated bad habits and unhealthy life patterns. It is written to appeal to a secular readership, as well as struggling believers. It aims at presenting a balance of practical helps and biblical principles. From the beginning, Cloud clearly introduces himself as a Christian who believes that Bible principles are proven principles. The book is easy to read, and extremely personable.
The title, "Never Go Back" is the author's stated substitution for the biblical term, repentance. He defines repentance in terms of a change of mind that leads to a change of action or behavior. He "sneaks" the word into the text in the introduction, and then reiterates it in the body of the book. He writes, "I would love to see myself and the people I care about and work with have realizations every day and begin saying, 'I repent! I will never do that again!' and mean it. That would indicate that we see the word as the positive force it truly is: a gift from God."
The book is divided into two parts. In Part One, Cloud devotes a chapter each to 10 different bad life principles that need to be jettisoned from our lives. Repent of these, and you will never go back to them again. Part Two consists of four chapters devoted to the principle that real repentance is preceded by an "awakening." We must awake to our need of change, and to our inability to change ourselves.
I enjoyed the book. It is filled with practical, biblical concepts with one glaring, and disappointing, omission. While Jesus is quoted, at no point does the author stress that real life change begins receiving Jesus Christ as Savior. In the same way Cloud affirms that "self help is no help," so life change without Jesus is to miss the most important change people need. In the final paragraph, the author expresses his hope that this book will be one more step in God's journey in the reader's life, but without Jesus, that journey leads to a dead end. In the final analysis, it doesn't matter how much better the road is, if the final destination is still hell.
The title, "Never Go Back" is the author's stated substitution for the biblical term, repentance. He defines repentance in terms of a change of mind that leads to a change of action or behavior. He "sneaks" the word into the text in the introduction, and then reiterates it in the body of the book. He writes, "I would love to see myself and the people I care about and work with have realizations every day and begin saying, 'I repent! I will never do that again!' and mean it. That would indicate that we see the word as the positive force it truly is: a gift from God."
The book is divided into two parts. In Part One, Cloud devotes a chapter each to 10 different bad life principles that need to be jettisoned from our lives. Repent of these, and you will never go back to them again. Part Two consists of four chapters devoted to the principle that real repentance is preceded by an "awakening." We must awake to our need of change, and to our inability to change ourselves.
I enjoyed the book. It is filled with practical, biblical concepts with one glaring, and disappointing, omission. While Jesus is quoted, at no point does the author stress that real life change begins receiving Jesus Christ as Savior. In the same way Cloud affirms that "self help is no help," so life change without Jesus is to miss the most important change people need. In the final paragraph, the author expresses his hope that this book will be one more step in God's journey in the reader's life, but without Jesus, that journey leads to a dead end. In the final analysis, it doesn't matter how much better the road is, if the final destination is still hell.
August 12, 2019
This book demonstrates ten life lessons that will teach you never to go back to your old patterns or make the same mistake twice. They include things like...
Don't pretend to be someone you're not.
Don't trust the wrong people.
Don't forget why you're here.
Don't take your eyes off the big picture.
Don't try to please everyone.
I enjoyed reading this because it has a lot of commons sense approaches to problems that are universal, and gives real solutions to difficult situations. One of the good things about this book is that it focuses on the only thing we can control... ourselves. It gives real hope that our life can change, because we can change ourselves, our habits and patterns, our thinking, and our reactions and choices.
I liked the writing style, and it kept my attention, using both logic and emotions to get important points across. I also liked that the author didn't get bogged down in lengthy descriptions of examples of people who did blah blah and had blah blah problem and fixed it with blah blah solution. There ARE examples of real people with real problems, but the examples are concise and to the point, so that I didn't get bored reading about random people.
This book would be excellent for anyone who is feeling bad about past mistakes, or wondering how they ended up in the same situation again, and wants to change and improve their life.
The best part about this book is the solid Bible-based advice, and the Scriptures and references to godly wisdom that are sprinkled throughout the chapters. No one can hope to change their life for the better without God's involvement in their life, and I loved the way this book keeps the focus on God's power to work in us.
Don't pretend to be someone you're not.
Don't trust the wrong people.
Don't forget why you're here.
Don't take your eyes off the big picture.
Don't try to please everyone.
I enjoyed reading this because it has a lot of commons sense approaches to problems that are universal, and gives real solutions to difficult situations. One of the good things about this book is that it focuses on the only thing we can control... ourselves. It gives real hope that our life can change, because we can change ourselves, our habits and patterns, our thinking, and our reactions and choices.
I liked the writing style, and it kept my attention, using both logic and emotions to get important points across. I also liked that the author didn't get bogged down in lengthy descriptions of examples of people who did blah blah and had blah blah problem and fixed it with blah blah solution. There ARE examples of real people with real problems, but the examples are concise and to the point, so that I didn't get bored reading about random people.
This book would be excellent for anyone who is feeling bad about past mistakes, or wondering how they ended up in the same situation again, and wants to change and improve their life.
The best part about this book is the solid Bible-based advice, and the Scriptures and references to godly wisdom that are sprinkled throughout the chapters. No one can hope to change their life for the better without God's involvement in their life, and I loved the way this book keeps the focus on God's power to work in us.
January 2, 2021
This book is an incredibly practical resource when trying to make a necessary change in life that is producing a lot of mental resistance. I will be referring to this book again for sure.
June 1, 2014
You should read this book!
I don't make that statement to often but there is something there for everyone no matter what your field or place in life. This is the second of Cloud's books to make this list of mine since I gave the same recommendation to Necessary Endings.
He lists 10 things you should never do again and then does a great job of showing you why moving forward it always more valuable than trying to go back to a place that will never be the same as it was before.
Some chapter titles are:
Never again return to what hasn't worked.
Never again be something you're not.
Never again try to change another person.
Never again believe you can please everyone.
Never again choose short-term comfort over long-term benefit.
Never again trust someone or something flawless.
Never again take your eyes off the big picture.
Never again neglect to do due diligence.
Never again fail to ask why you are where you are.
Never again forget that your inner life determines your outer success.
The beauty of this book is that it is important to family, business and community life.
You will not regret reading, reflecting and putting into practice the principles in this book!
I don't make that statement to often but there is something there for everyone no matter what your field or place in life. This is the second of Cloud's books to make this list of mine since I gave the same recommendation to Necessary Endings.
He lists 10 things you should never do again and then does a great job of showing you why moving forward it always more valuable than trying to go back to a place that will never be the same as it was before.
Some chapter titles are:
Never again return to what hasn't worked.
Never again be something you're not.
Never again try to change another person.
Never again believe you can please everyone.
Never again choose short-term comfort over long-term benefit.
Never again trust someone or something flawless.
Never again take your eyes off the big picture.
Never again neglect to do due diligence.
Never again fail to ask why you are where you are.
Never again forget that your inner life determines your outer success.
The beauty of this book is that it is important to family, business and community life.
You will not regret reading, reflecting and putting into practice the principles in this book!
July 18, 2014
“Successful people realize that just because someone is unhappy with them does not require that they give up their purpose, fold their cards, or change. They realize that making some people unhappy is just part of the deal–and they keep going.” Pg. 67
Never Go Back: 10 Things You’ll Never Do Again by Dr. Henry Cloud is an ideal book for the blogger, dreamer, or for people like us who see life upside down. It’s about staying the course and never looking back or returning to dysfunctional familiarity.
As a blogger and a dreamer, it gives sound advice. In regards to the blogger, Never Go Back talks about how you can’t change the person’s mind, you must show them why they should do or be something. For the person like me who see’s life upside down and might be tempted to stay in dysfunctional familiarity, it takes our hand and leads us gently, but firmly away from what is familiar and safe to the life we were meant to live.
Like Boundaries, Never Go Back: 10 Things You’ll Never Do Again is a book that I’ll keep in my permanent library for future re-reading. It’s practical and helpful as well as encouraging as I think about my future. No one should do what they have always done just because it’s safe or familiar. I gave this book five stars.
*book given by publisher to review.
Never Go Back: 10 Things You’ll Never Do Again by Dr. Henry Cloud is an ideal book for the blogger, dreamer, or for people like us who see life upside down. It’s about staying the course and never looking back or returning to dysfunctional familiarity.
As a blogger and a dreamer, it gives sound advice. In regards to the blogger, Never Go Back talks about how you can’t change the person’s mind, you must show them why they should do or be something. For the person like me who see’s life upside down and might be tempted to stay in dysfunctional familiarity, it takes our hand and leads us gently, but firmly away from what is familiar and safe to the life we were meant to live.
Like Boundaries, Never Go Back: 10 Things You’ll Never Do Again is a book that I’ll keep in my permanent library for future re-reading. It’s practical and helpful as well as encouraging as I think about my future. No one should do what they have always done just because it’s safe or familiar. I gave this book five stars.
*book given by publisher to review.
December 5, 2014
I think the promo for this book sums it up rather well - "In Never Go Back, bestselling author Dr. Henry Cloud shares ten doorways to success—and once we walk through these new pathways, we never go back again. His proven method—based on grace, not guilt—outlines ten common life patterns that sabotage success and lays out clear, concrete steps you can take to overcome them. You’ll see your relationships flourish, your personal life enhanced, and your faith strengthened. Dr. Cloud’s powerful message reveals doorways to understanding—once you enter them, you will get from where you were to where you want to be."
Besides the practical and insightful advice Dr. Cloud provides in this book, it's also a great push back for the idea that Christians should avoid psychology and counseling because they're contrary to what the Bible teaches. Here Dr. Cloud shows just how complimentary both psychology and the teachings found in scripture can be.
Personally, this book opened my eyes to see some thinking in my life that needed to be changed. Very helpful.
Besides the practical and insightful advice Dr. Cloud provides in this book, it's also a great push back for the idea that Christians should avoid psychology and counseling because they're contrary to what the Bible teaches. Here Dr. Cloud shows just how complimentary both psychology and the teachings found in scripture can be.
Personally, this book opened my eyes to see some thinking in my life that needed to be changed. Very helpful.
June 18, 2014
Dr. Cloud has successfully managed to pull together a book that was chock full of awesome common-sense wisdom, that literally, just about anyone can use. This book was a firm reminder that not only can one recover from a setback, but also that we must choose to "never" repeat the destructive patterns/behaviors that placed us in dire emotional/physical/relational/spiritual straits to begin with.
Although this is a book of transformation with a faith-based edge, anyone can learn to apply the principles that Dr. Cloud has established for those who want to overcome life's challenges.
The wisdom/reinforcement that I've gained is something that I wish I'd had about 20+ years ago... Regardless, it's never too late to gain clarity.
Giving this one: 5 stars
***ARC supplied by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***
Although this is a book of transformation with a faith-based edge, anyone can learn to apply the principles that Dr. Cloud has established for those who want to overcome life's challenges.
The wisdom/reinforcement that I've gained is something that I wish I'd had about 20+ years ago... Regardless, it's never too late to gain clarity.
Giving this one: 5 stars
***ARC supplied by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***
June 18, 2014
Dr. Cloud has successfully managed to pull together a book that was chock full of awesome common-sense wisdom, that literally, just about anyone can use. This book was a firm reminder that not only can one recover from a setback, but also that we must choose to "never" repeat the destructive patterns/behaviors that placed us in dire emotional/physical/relational/spiritual straits to begin with.
Although this is a book of transformation with a faith-based edge, anyone can learn to apply the principles that Dr. Cloud has established for those who want to overcome life's challenges.
The wisdom/reinforcement that I've gained is something that I wish I'd had about 20+ years ago... Regardless, it's never too late to gain clarity.
Giving this one: 5 stars
***ARC supplied by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***
Although this is a book of transformation with a faith-based edge, anyone can learn to apply the principles that Dr. Cloud has established for those who want to overcome life's challenges.
The wisdom/reinforcement that I've gained is something that I wish I'd had about 20+ years ago... Regardless, it's never too late to gain clarity.
Giving this one: 5 stars
***ARC supplied by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***
May 6, 2018
I wish this book had been published when I was in my 20's or 30's when I struggled most with what Dr. Cloud lists as the "Never-Go-Back Awakenings".
1. Never Again...Return to What Hasn't Worked
2. Never Again...Do Anything That Requires You to Be Someone You're Not
3. Never Again...Try to Change Another Person
4. Never Again...Believe That You Can Please Everyone
5. Never Again..Choose Short Term Comfort over Long Term Benefit
6. Never Again...Trust Someone or Something Flawless
7. Never Again...Take Your Eyes Off the Big Picture
8. Never Again...Neglect to Do Due Diligence
9. Never Again...Fail to Ask Why You Are Where You Are
10. Never Again...Forget That Your Inner Life Determines Your Outer Success
1. Never Again...Return to What Hasn't Worked
2. Never Again...Do Anything That Requires You to Be Someone You're Not
3. Never Again...Try to Change Another Person
4. Never Again...Believe That You Can Please Everyone
5. Never Again..Choose Short Term Comfort over Long Term Benefit
6. Never Again...Trust Someone or Something Flawless
7. Never Again...Take Your Eyes Off the Big Picture
8. Never Again...Neglect to Do Due Diligence
9. Never Again...Fail to Ask Why You Are Where You Are
10. Never Again...Forget That Your Inner Life Determines Your Outer Success
March 11, 2019
In the book description it says this book is life-changing. I think that is possible; however, one must incorporate the appropriate principles one at a time, or this becomes just another “good idea” book. Takeaways: we need community to affect permanent change of harmful life habits—so perhaps this book is best studied with a friend?
I found all the suggestions great, I loved how the author tied the things he was talking about to the truths of the Bible, and I enjoyed his (sometimes) amusing anecdotes.
If you are feeling stuck in life and truthfully desire to see what might be causing it, this book could be helpful—although it is not a self-help book, it could very well be called a self-awareness book, given the correct attitude—to overcome life’s obstacles.
I found all the suggestions great, I loved how the author tied the things he was talking about to the truths of the Bible, and I enjoyed his (sometimes) amusing anecdotes.
If you are feeling stuck in life and truthfully desire to see what might be causing it, this book could be helpful—although it is not a self-help book, it could very well be called a self-awareness book, given the correct attitude—to overcome life’s obstacles.
June 23, 2014
Never Go Back is an excellent read. If you are stuck in a rut, and seem to keep making poor choices - this book is for you! This book helps readers recognize repetitive destructive patterns and also helps guide
them to making changes and better choices.
The author uses examples from his own personal experience to make his points and overall, I enjoyed this book very much.
For those who may be unfamiliar with Dr. Cloud's books, he is a highly respected Christian psychologist. If you are stuck in a rut, making bad choices or having issues with relationships, Dr Cloud's books are
a great resource.
them to making changes and better choices.
The author uses examples from his own personal experience to make his points and overall, I enjoyed this book very much.
For those who may be unfamiliar with Dr. Cloud's books, he is a highly respected Christian psychologist. If you are stuck in a rut, making bad choices or having issues with relationships, Dr Cloud's books are
a great resource.
July 19, 2016
I think Dr. Cloud makes a lot of the same points in all of his books. In this one, he reminds us of several things most of us learn the hard way. And we must recognize them as mistakes. He calls it "waking up". Then, he reminds us that there's no such thing as "self help". We all must get help outside ourselves. I like to read a Henry Cloud book every year or two to remind myself not to go down one of the paths that are so easy to fall into. Another version of the same basic content is the 9 Things You Must Do To Succeed. Either book is not a difficult read, and you'll probably see yourself in at least one of the problem areas. I always do.
June 10, 2014
Dr. Cloud's book is well-written and easy to read. He includes real world examples of people struggling in the 10 "Never Again" areas. My pen was rarely idle as I captured notes I need to remember. He makes good use of Scripture in supporting his points but includes the verses in a non-preachy way. Dr. Cloud's 12 steps to making change a reality resonated with me and I especially appreciated his explanation from Psalm 1 that change is a process. This is an encouraging work with a message of hope.
June 10, 2014
This is a great book. It is very practical. Cloud helps us identify the behavior that we need to change and then gives practical suggestions and steps. I appreciated the ten things to never do again. They are really essential to living a good life. Cloud is a Christian and much of the strategy for change relies on strength from God.
You can see my full review at http://bit.ly/1ljsOi7.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Howard books for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
You can see my full review at http://bit.ly/1ljsOi7.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Howard books for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
February 8, 2016
Henry Cloud is in psychiatry, but he is also a deeply spiritual man who shows the parallels between Biblical teachings psychiatry. The title is what the book is about never going back to the same mistakes, never going back to things that don't work, moving forward. It seems like straight forward ideas but sometimes we need reminding about this. I read this and made some realizations in my personal life about how I have repeated certain actions that don't work. This book alongside some of my Christian brothers have been helping me move forward in my life and in my relationship with Christ.
February 5, 2019
Dr. Cloud offers sound, practical, and biblical approaches to dealing with many of the problem areas that arise in life. Too often we repeat bad behavior and wonder why our lives never change. The 10 things to never do again are the backbone of this book. While there is application woven throughout, the final section of the book goes even deeper into how to apply the main concept from each chapter. Dr. Cloud's experience and expertise jumps off just about every page.
July 2, 2023
I LOVED THIS BOOK. It has helped me spot some destructive thinking patterns in my life that I hope to correct. In fact, I fully intend to read this book again, and I don't do that often!
UPDATE: Several years later, and I DID read it again! (Ironic, considering the book's title!) I wholeheartedly second the above review from my younger self. This is a great book to "go back" to again and again!
UPDATE: Several years later, and I DID read it again! (Ironic, considering the book's title!) I wholeheartedly second the above review from my younger self. This is a great book to "go back" to again and again!
March 17, 2016
I really enjoy books written by Dr Henry Cloud. This one was another that did not disappoint. I have already recommended it to several people I know. If you are interested in reading a quick summary you can find my thoughts here: http://joemcfadden.org/2016/03/06/10-...
August 3, 2016
As expected, excellent content one wants to note and highlight -- a challenge with audio version. I may have to buy the book! A distinguished narrator, but a poor fit for younger audiences. I want to recommend the audiobook to young adults in my life, but Cloud's accessibility cancelled by "proper", older reader.
September 28, 2018
Woah. I need to read this book every day for a month. Maybe 6 months.
The author calls the 10 never go back principles as the steps of emotional puberty. Very true -- essential reading for those who want to grow up emotionally and mature as an adult.
UPDATE 9/28/18 -- I have read this book 3x this year. My #3 book of 2018. So good. So necessary.
The author calls the 10 never go back principles as the steps of emotional puberty. Very true -- essential reading for those who want to grow up emotionally and mature as an adult.
UPDATE 9/28/18 -- I have read this book 3x this year. My #3 book of 2018. So good. So necessary.
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