The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Gift of Fear
Book Review: Catchy title yes, but great content
Summary: 5 Stars
I read this book a long time ago and immediately demanded every woman I knew read it. It's that important. And it's not just for women (although, as the author sadly but correctly points out, they are the recepients of the most violence). De Becker is a (now) famous author specialising in protection; he speaks very authoritatively about it and from reading this and some of his other books, I can understand why: he certainly has the pedigree and experience to do so. The tactics he proffers are simple and quick to implement. It requires nothing more fantastic than common sense (which as we all know, isn't common!). Altogether, this is a great book. Read it and disagree, I dare you! :-)Book Review: Clearcut, No- Nonsense, Immediately Applicable Advice
Summary: 5 Stars
Teaches how to deal with potential criminals, harassing phone calls, stalkers, and manipulators...Gives you the knowledge and confidence to handle dangerous situations as soon as your instinct kicks in, and thereafter. Highly recommended.Book Review: Common Sense Tactics
Summary: 5 Stars
The Gift of Fear does take an in-depth look at the pitfalls of celebrity life as well as addressing the dangers of American society. DeBecker paints a grim picture of violence in America, but also states that the media is largely responsible for our anxieties and fears. We hear and see so much violence on television that we are almost desensitized. Our basic instinct is eroding to the point where we can no longer distinguish the difference between real fear and worry. He offers scenarious which illustrate the differences between these two emotions.He also states that we have a better chance of hurting ourselves than someone else doing it for us. How? We ignore our basic instincts when someone approaches, whose behavior is questionable. The Gift of Fear not only addresses the signals these people throw at us, but tells us how we should handle that person.
In his book, he fictionizes his cases to illustrate how women put themselves in a situation where they beaten, raped, stalked, and murdered. At the end, he summarizes how they could have avoided their snag. He points out that the police and judicial system offer little to help these women once they are in this situation. I, myself, have heard about this scenario many times.
What got to me was a thirteen year-old boy, named Eric. He and his mother had their luggage stolen while on vacation. The hotel manager was very helpful and 'nice'. He was so nice that he made a special trip across the country to see this boy. In short, he was a sexual predator. Fortunately for Eric, his mother was put off by this man. Out of all the stories recounted in this book, this one gave me chills.
Again, DeBecker lists the danger signs that we should watch out for and the common sense tactics of avoiding these criminals. At the back of the book, is a list of agencies who help battered women and children cope and survive. I would recommend this book for everyone.
Book Review: De Becker is a genious.
Summary: 5 Stars
I think that this book was really great. I think that the author is great at relating statistics to an everyday person. He makes things a lot easier than a huge number of statistics that you can not relate to, instead he will say for example that A woman is being beat by her husband right now as you read this review, and another is being beat right now, and again now. That is a lot more understandable than a huge number that one hears by a statistical analysis.Book Review: Develop the proper mind set for survival
Summary: 5 Stars
I have purchased and distributed over 30 copies of this book to friends and relatives over the past several years. As a well-read police commander, I can say that it is the best book I have ever read regarding self-protection. It is not a self-defense book but rather a book to help you understand that "feeling" when something is not right and continuing could result in you being placed into a jeopardy situation. De Becker is a most gifted writer (and speaker, I also bought his VHS tapes) and the many examples that he offers will connect to a very wide audience. He also adds a number of lists and tips that are easy to apply. This is a must read for you, your spouse, children, neighbors and anyone else you care about.