The Law of the Garbage Truck: How to Respond to People Who Dump on You, and How to Stop Dumping on Others [Hardcover]

I heard about David J. Pollay from a friend of mine. I had been mired in a miasma of personal issues and had become a very negative person who would burst into tears with little to no encouragement. I would pour out my personal woes; money issues, loneliness, anger towards the last person who broke my heart, and petty injustices that I felt were intended by everyone around me. I would drive fast, listen to loud music, and ignore the positives in my life. I was self destructive. I was hateful. I was a Garbage Truck.

I opened an advanced copy of this book, lent to me by my dear friend, and started to read. I realized that Pollay's examples of Garbage Trucks (people who spread negative emotions to others) closely resembled my own life. He uses personal, real life examples to express the benefits of allowing yourself to ignore Garbage Trucks and to not be one yourself, and backs each anecdote up with facts from a number of well researched psychological studies. The questions phrased at the end of each chapter allow the reader to express the negatives in their lives and to use the principles taught in the chapter prior to start the process of healing and letting it pass them by. The Law of the Garbage Truck is part anger management, part self help, and all love. It's about making choices to share the positive emotions and experiences in life, and to leave the garbage at the curb.

Empowerment is the name of Pollay's game, and his desire is to change the world, one positive person at a time. I reached an epiphany at the end of the book. I realized that what I had for years called "being honest" and "wearing my heart on my sleeve" had really been a way for me to unload and vent my problems to others, allowing them to pick up the load for me so I could have momentary relief until the next negative moment in my life occurred, and the cycle would begin again. I stopped getting upset when the driver behind me sped around me and cut me off. I realized that forgiveness and acceptance were far better tools than anger and vengeance. David J. Pollay is a fantastic writer, who uses wit and just plain facts to get across this potent message. I recommend that everyone read this book...for the betterment of themselves, and our society/world as a whole. We've been waiting for this voice for years...it's time we listened.

The Law of the Garbage Truck has given me the tools to live a happier, more productive life. I no longer allow negative people and situations to derail my success. I'm also able to recognize, and then stop myself from dumping negativity on those around me.

Unlike other self-help type books, Pollay relates to the reader through real life situations and stories. Then he supports it with research. The information was valuable, but I also truly enjoyed reading the book.

The book addresses everyday life circumstances everyone encounters at work, home and school. But Pollay also bravely delves into difficult subjects such as how to deal with a bully (kids and adults) and deeply negative situations such as loss and long term illness. The further I read into the book, the more people I thought of whom would benefit from reading it.

I cannot say enough about the valuable lessons inside the pages of The Law of the Garbage Truck. Pick up a copy. You'll be glad you did.

The Law of the Garbage Truck is more than just a book about how to respond to others. It is a catalyst for thinking outside of the box. The Law of the Garbage Truck challenges its readers to rise above life's garbage and to courageously choose to be positive even when that choice doesn't make sense.

This is a book that helps the reader improve all relationships: coworkers, spouse, family, students, and administrators. As a teacher, I have used the Law of the Garbage Truck in the classroom. It is a wonderful tool.

I was surprised by the powerful insight that flowed through the book. I felt compelled to revisit and act upon what I had been taught since childhood: love, forgive, and give. The personal testimonies touched me and challenged me as a teacher, a parent, coworker, spouse, and friend. The message of The Law of the Garbage Truck permeates all levels of life's relationships. It is a modern day parable of how we should live. Join many others who have used this tool to unlock a world that is better than the one left behind.