The central theme of this book is a fairly simple one, and at the same time a fairly difficult one; how to overcome fear so that we might reach greater levels of success in our lives.
Luvvie Ajayi Jones does not suggest that we should be fearless, for fear can be useful and informative. It can keep us safe and prevent us from making poor decisions. However, some of the things that we fear have been bred in us not for our own good, but so that we might keep our voices small and quiet. So that we won't rock the boat and point out the absurdities of our world. Some of that fear is there because others felt uncomfortable with our differences of opinion, thought, feeling, appearance, circumstances . . .
Those fears, the author suggests, are fears that we ought to address and overcome because they serve no one, and only make us small where we could be grand.
These themes of overcoming fear, wanting for something more grand, "living our best lives" are obviously not going anywhere any time soon. Self help books are doing good business. They probably always will; there's always been troubles and inequality in the world and - sorry, just call me Mr. Pessimistic - I expect there always will be.
Drawing on research, personal experiences, and her grandmother's life, Luvvie Ajayi Jones has written a book that sets out to lift the reader out of their fears, and consider what they might be.
Luvvie Ajayi Jones began blogging in the early 2000's, and has been writing ever since. She is also a highly sought after public speaker. And, as someone who blogs (and has nowhere near the audience that Luvvie has) and who also cannot stand before a group of more than about eight people without wanting to disappear into the floor, I can tell you that that sort of work takes perseverance and guts. So, the author seems to be qualified to cover the topics of tackling fears and realising goals for this, her second book.
I like how the book is written in three parts (Be, Say, Do), covering the different ways in which we can address our fears and learn to overcome them, and that the author writes in her own warm and honest voice. In it's best moments, this book reads like the words of an honest and caring friend. I don't know that this book is for everyone, but there are some interesting and worthy ideas between the pages. If you're looking for a read that might just point you towards a bolder and brighter you, whilst also drawing a smile or two, you might love The Fear-Fighter Manual by Luvvie Ajayi Jones.
You can buy The Fear-Fighter Manual: Lessons From a Professional Troublemaker by Luvvie Ajayi Jones here
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