Review of “Unhitching from the Crazy Train: Finding Rest in a World You Can’t Control”

Julie Sparkman, an experienced counsellor, has teamed up with author Jennifer Phillips to produce a book that belongs on the shelf of any Christian, right beside the classic works of authors such as Larry Crabb. Sparkman demonstrates a similar gift for applying the truths of the gospel to everyday life in a way that is both profound and practical.

In today’s world, there is no shortage of “experts” trying to sell you their strategies for attaining the perfect life. Unhitching from the Crazy Train is something quite different: it serves as a guidebook for those who are ready to live in the real world, where things rarely go to plan.

The book begins with the premise that while human beings were designed for a perfect life in Eden, Eden is no longer our home. Here in this fallen, imperfect world, there will always be a gap between our ideals (our “picture”) and the reality of life.

When faced with this gap, we often go “crazy” trying to force our life, and the people in it, to conform to our picture. We forget our true identity as beloved children of God and fall into an “orphan” mentality that believes “if it is to be, it’s up to me”. When life doesn’t match our picture—when we feel let down by God, others and ourselves—we begin to behave in ways that contradict our own values and beliefs.

Unhitching from the Crazy Train teaches readers, step-by-step, how to “unhitch” themselves from their vision of the perfect life, and bravely embrace the life God has for them. It shows how we can face life’s challenges knowing that in every situation, “He is in this; and He is in me.” The book also equips readers with some helpful strategies for stabilising their emotions when life’s disappointments threaten to throw them back onto the “crazy train”.

Each chapter of the book concludes with a series of “process questions” to help readers apply its teaching to their own lives.

Unhitching from the Crazy Train is a helpful resource for Christians who want a life that is deeply rooted in the gospel, and a faith that can withstand the tempests of life. It is for all those who long to take Jesus at his word when he says:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Unhitching from the Crazy Train is available from Amazon, Koorong, and other major booksellers.