Why did I start reading this book?
Because I got frustrated at idiot drivers on the roads. Because I got angry when I saw litter and dog poop in the park I go to. Because I’d have stressful days at work and bring it home with me.
I didn’t like being angry and I felt immense guilt whenever I became overwhelmed by it—in the aftermath of consequences of course.
What did I get out of the first chapters of the book?
AWARENESS.
Amazon review reader, I found out I was very addicted to anger. I didn’t like big hits, I liked to micro-dose it.
I figured since I rarely yelled and didn’t punch walls I had my anger “under control”. But really, it was always there eating away at me.
Basically, I realized MANY small, stupid, petty things throughout my day would frustrate me, every day, adding up to a lot of time spent being angry inside my head.
This book put anger at the forefront of my mind. I started paying attention to every instance and, if I caught it quick enough, began questioning the anger itself.
It helped me realize the insane number of things I CHOSE to let frustrate me.
But here’s your fair warning:
This is not a passive book. It has exercises it asks you to do, often, especially near the beginning. And they really help.
I’ll be honest, there were many times I’d be invested in the teaching of the book and when I saw it was leading to an exercise I’d groan and just close the book. Sometimes it would be days or weeks until I could be bothered to do the exercise.
But I always ensured to not keep reading until I had done it and given it my full effort and attention.
Because self-development and transformation is WORK. It isn’t fun, it’s often a lot of thinking, writing, and talking for not a lot of answers. Just often small crumbs signalling some kind of progress.
But the great thing is that by sticking with it at some point I reflected on the last few months and realized it had been a while since I’d gotten truly angry. i.e. Angry in the ugly way that made me seek out a book like this in the first place.
“Good for you but what about the book?”
Right ok yeah.
So basically the authors write in a way which, for my mentality, was REALLY useful. They explain things rationally and with a sound logic. They’ll say one thing and I’d immediately think “Pfft ok but I can easily think of a counterpoint to that.” And then lo behold a few pages later I read “You may be thinking [insert counterpoint I absolutely was thinking] and to address that…”
They don't ever leave a statement or advice out there hanging. They back it up, provide analogies, metaphors, parables and whatever else to really help illustrate the point from many angles. They write from a very clear and direct point of view.
That’s not to say you’ll like/agree with everything, but at least it’s been thoughtfully written with authenticity and integrity.
I really do recommend this book.
But only if you’re looking to understand anger for what it is, for guidance to find your own answers, and are willing to do the work to make changes for yourself.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Follow the authors
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Reviews with images
Book condition - poor
Please note that this review is solely for the condition of the book. I have not finished reading the books content yet but I find that the way the book was made is unacceptable. I have never owned a book that’s made as poorly as this one. All the pages are different sizes and looks to be cut by a 5 year old with a pair of dull scissors.
Top reviews from other countries
Dad in progress
to help me deal with a bad habit of a short fuse which I had convinced ...
Reviewed in Canada on May 8, 2018Kindle Customer
For all of us who are agitated, annoyed, aggravated and tetchy on a semi permanent basis...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 6, 2017
