Fear: Feel It, Face It, and Grow

Edick follows up on 2010's Becoming Normal: An Ever-Changing Perspective with this earnest and tender memoir of his struggle to take control of a life governed by fear. He notes that fear is essential to human survival, but that in some people it creates a paralysis that keeps them from living. Edick used drugs and alcohol to cope, but his book is also addressed to those who deal with fear by simply avoiding risk. He details his years of overcoming substance abuse with reminders about the myriad stages to recovery, including the danger of becoming too confident in one's successes: "My ego can take control and tell me I deserve to have life handed to me on a silver platter. After all, I quit using, didn't I?" The importance of a sponsor is stressed throughout, as well as the support of friends and family, and faith in a Higher Power, as Edick learned in a 12-step program. The author does not claim to be a professional therapist, but rather a normal man who was unable to function because of fear and self-doubt. His recovery is ongoing and his story should provide both inspiration and comfort to individuals dealing with the specter of fear themselves, or those whose loved ones live in its shadow.(Mar.)