REVIEWS
5 Star - Must-read book. Highly recommend
Reviewed in the United States on September 12, 2026
Pivoting From Blue is a must-read. It's the story of a man getting hit from every direction: divorce, family illness and loss, drinking problems, and a near-death boating expedition. The “year from hell.”
Skip Van Gardner doesn't present you with a toxically positive self-help book rife with quick fixes. Instead, he takes you on a journey from self-pity to self-enlightenment, confronting the harsh truths in between.
The humor and raw honesty are a big part of what makes it work. Some of the situations are genuinely heartbreaking, while others are absurd enough to make you laugh out loud. That balance keeps the heavier material from becoming overwhelming and makes the emotional moments hit harder when they arrive. Much like the squall that is central to the story, you never know what's coming next.
While it's a deeply personal memoir, the situations at hand are surprisingly universal. For the voyager of the human experience, there is something here you'll find relatable, as well as something that may give you a new perspective on life to carry with you long after you've finished reading.
5 Star - Brutally honest writing that I couldn’t stop reading. / No predictability, no idea what the next thought was that would enter his mind. Read every page and don't skip a word.
5 Star - Pivoting From Blue is the kind of book that invites you to slow down and reflect. Skip Van Gardner writes with honesty, humility, and hope, showing that healing isn't about having all the answers, it's about finding the courage to keep moving forward.
5 Star - Raw, honest, and utterly compelling. I could not put it down.
5 Star - With its conversational tone, it's like you're sitting on your buddy's back porch as he tells you the riveting tale of the worst year of his life while cracking you up and leaving you feeling inspired because he made it through stronger than ever.
5 Star - Highly recommend if you're looking for a book that's both emotionally honest and quietly uplifting. I read it in just a couple of sittings and immediately wanted to talk to someone about it.
5 Star - Highly recommend if you're looking for a book that's both emotionally honest and quietly uplifting. I read it in just a couple of sittings and immediately wanted to talk to someone about it.
5 Star - This Story is ABSOLUTELY COUCH LOCKING! You come to know and understand the Author. His pure honest truths are captivating! His thoughts and perspectives are riveting!
1 Star - Didn’t leave a name or post a review. I know who it was and you will too once you read the book. (Amazon won’t remove it) - Badge of Glory!! See the One Star clue on GoodReads below. Very interesting.
GoodReads Reviews 100+
5 Star - I discovered Pivoting From Blue through an Author Spotlight at PBC (Prominent Book Club), and I'm grateful I do. Skip Van Gardner shares his journey with remarkable honesty and heart. His message about resilience, faith, and choosing to move forward is one that stays with you. This is a meaningful read for anyone navigating life's unexpected challenges.
5 Star - Pivoting From Blue is a powerful reminder that even life's darkest seasons can lead to growth. Skip Van Gardner writes with honesty, vulnerability, and hope, making this a story that encourages readers to keep moving forward no matter what they face.
4 Star - This book speaks to anyone who has ever experienced loss, change, or uncertainty. The author's willingness to share his journey with such openness makes the story both relatable and inspiring. A meaningful read from beginning to end.
(Van Gardner wanted us to post this 4 star review because the reviewer took the time to write it and he appreciates that.)
5 Star - Skip Van Gardner doesn't pretend life is easy. Instead, he offers an honest look at grief, healing, and resilience. The message is authentic, encouraging, and full of heart.
5 Star - What stands out most is the honesty. Pivoting From Blue reminds us that healing isn't about having all the answers, it's about continuing to take the next step. A thoughtful and uplifting read.
5 Star - I couldn't put this book down. I actually had to reread it because there were so many emotions flying around. Some parts were laugh out loud. Makes me look at parts of my life reminding me to keep the faith and always be open to learn something from the lessons that life throws my way.
1 Star - No Review - Turns out GoodReads Reveals your name even though you think you’re anonymous. I know the name well and so will you when I’m done. It was a very angry person who might, or might not, have gotten exposed to the public for what she did to my parents. Please read the disclaimer. And reviewers have beaten down her one star with a ton of 5 stars. Eat that One Star Wonder.
5 Star - Funnier than a book about this has any right to be
He'll gut you in one paragraph and make you laugh in the next. Somehow it doesn't feel wrong.
5 Star - A MUST READ
My wife asked me to read Pivoting From Blue after she did. Now I know why. I love music, but I never thought about how powerful it can be when combined with the kind of visuals Van Gardner describes in this book. I read the book once, then went back and played the song that went with the chapter. I’m a boat guy, so I played “I’m Still Fine” before I re-read the chapter about the storm on the way to the Bahamas –- I felt like I was on the boat with him, taking every hit. I’m going chapter by chapter now. This book is a powerful reminder to be grateful for everything in your life. Everything.