Brave Fish: Identity, Love, Faith

by Vincent H. Chough

On an early spring afternoon in 2004, Vincent Chough has a life altering spiritual encounter. Opening with a story about doing anything for acceptance, including starving himself down to 105 pounds, this bold autobiographical account follows his experience which leads to a lucrative career as a physician that he later abandons.

Brave Fish is an unrestricted exploration of betrayal, hypocrisy, addiction and coming of age in the 80´s in America. Eventually Chough leaves everything behind and moves to Argentina to find his mission in life. In the end healing, truth and love triumph.

Here are a few

"It would be easy for me to dismiss the indulgences of my youth. I only sowed my wild oats as so many young people do. But I did not stop there. I then reaped the oat harvest, mashed it into mush and brewed the mush into thick beer full of sediment. Drunk and fat on what I had sowed, I pickled myself thoroughly completely drying out any last juices of the excuse of youth. My fangs sank deep into the smooth, translucent ivory neck of innocence, and I sucked deeply."

"ON crisp autumn days Simon and I would plunge down on our bicycles into the valley behind his home. Our thick knobbed tires rolled and bounced us along into a wooded paradise. Joyfully his dog would surf the descent along side us leaping over trenches in the dirt path with her tongue flapping from between her teeth. Leaves carpeted the valley and reflected the sunlight breaking through a canopy of red, yellow, rust and lime, and the floor shined like liquid gold illuminating upward our cathedral of brotherhood. I never wanted those days to end."

"Is not joy, expressed at its most profound level, nearly indistinguishable from sorrow? We shed tears of pain and joy as our biology employs the same conduits for this expression.
The Man upon the cross. Exquisite joy, triumphant sorrow.
At this moment I do not waver, and I exercise tremendous courage, not from myself but from a higher source within me. If I were to execute this explanation on my own terms, a beautiful soliloquy of betrayal would have been woven into a tapestry already thick with lies. This night, however, I claim victory over my pettiness, over my need to save face, and over the fear of exposing my true self. I finally begin to walk in the sweet pastures of truth and light."

Genres: Memoir, Biography

175 pages, Paperback

First published December 19, 2011

About the author

I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina with my wife and five sons. To know me better I share this...

At this moment I do not waver, and I exercise tremendous courage, not from myself but from a higher source within me. If I were to execute this explanation on my own terms, a beautiful soliloquy of betrayal would have been woven into a tapestry already thick with lies. This night, however, I claim victory over my pettiness, over my need to save face, and over the fear of exposing my true self. I finally begin to walk in the sweet pastures of truth and light.

Excerpt taken from my book Brave Fish: Identity, Love, Faith


...

Reviews

[Vincent Chough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here´s what one reader said about Brave Fish:

"I seek books that are thoughtful, lyrical, passionate and spiritually compelling. I have fallen deeply, hopelessly in love with Brave Fish."

Here's another comment:

"I think this is great writing. It is everything I said above -- graphic, intense, forceful, volume-up -- and more. It shows the ability to paint and even make videos using just words. But yours are not "just words."
They are almost like punches in the ring. Take this. Take that. It's bold. And I like it.

Let me just say that I may have liked the latter half of TWENTY NINE as much as any passage. It showed an quiet expressive reflectiveness that not only balanced the volume-up style of other sections, but it also left me in tears."

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

"For anyone who seeks courage despite their frailty... there is Brave Fish."

Brave Fish is the personal story of the author, Vincent Chough. As the title suggests, it is a story of finding one's identity, love and faith. The story goes through Vincent's teenage years and the struggles that are associated with that, then his early career as a physician, and eventually as he leaves his career to try to find his real purpose in life.

I enjoyed Vincent's story. His writing style was open and honest. The book was engrossing, and the use of descriptive language was wonderfully done.

Brave Fish is a story of encouragement and overcoming life's difficulties. I'm glad that the author felt the need to share his story and that I had the chance to read it. I really enjoyed reading about Vincent's struggles and the outcome as he overcame his past and discovered where he wanted to be in life.

[pinK · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I was a little thrown off at the beginning because it seemed that the writing style wasn't going to be enjoyable for me. The beginning was wordy and redundant in parts, but I'm glad that I worked through it.

This book was written so honestly that it was a refreshing read. I really enjoyed the journal entries, I felt that they did great to portray the randomness and short attention span of most teenagers.

With each section of this book, I was able to easily relate to what the author was writing about. The writing was so clear that I doubt that anyone could read it without attaching their life to it.

Overall, this was a fantastic read. I wish all memoirs that ive read were so refreshingly honest.

[Nawnee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to think when I first received this book, I'm not into biographies and I wasn't sure what the tone of this one would be. The writing in this book is so descriptive, it really makes it so you can picture what he's talking about, this helped me more engrossed in the book.
It starts out with the author talking about his high school years and about what it's like falling in love as a teenager, the heart ache and the insecurities that comes with just being a teenager.
He then gets into his experience as a doctor, this wasn't a direction I was expecting. He put in all the years for the schooling, hard and determination that you know goes along with becoming a doctor. This outcome was not what I expected. His internal struggle and thoughts about his patients were really disturbing to read. For someone that has a lot of medical problems I'm not sure I ever wanted to know what a doctor is thinking when they are sitting across from you. He does manage to redeem himself in my eyes when he gets into how he felt about writing the living will's and death certificates.
After this we are at the point where he is leaving the USA to live in Argentina. There's stuff about that brings you back to his teenage years but what really got me was His over all spiritual conversion is at the climax of the book. That part was awesome, and described beautifully. It's a great story and would also be good for helping people struggling with an addiction.
I did really enjoy his particular writing style it's graphic, intense, kind of in your face. He forces you to see his world with the words he's chosen to paint with and it's descriptive, gritty and sometimes raw. Over all I very much liked this book which I wasn't expecting at all. Here's an expert that I liked from the book.

"It is approaching autumn again. The summer warmth still drips from brilliant blue skies, and whispers of a chilled breeze brush mild evenings. The January humidity graciously melts away into cool winter air."
Chough, Vincent H (2011-12-19). Brave Fish: Identity, Love, Faith



This was a free book given to me by the author for a fair review. Thanks for the great read :)

[Unsolved ☕︎ Mystery · Rating 4 out of 5]

- My Description -
This is an autobiography on the life and times of Vincent H. Chough.

It begins in the present, Vincent literally walks you through his life.

He remembers life as a teenage boy in Philadelphia, Pa. He's on the wrestling team. He succeeds in getting down to the weight that can rocket him to win, thus to stardom.

Like all teenage boys, he has a crush on a teenage girl. Most definitely, it is a crush because she won't reciprocate the attraction back to him.

Vincent graduates high school. Enrolls in college. Majors in medicine and becomes a doctor.

All through high school and college, Vincent experiments with alcohol and drugs.

He meets Sophia, and she turns his life around, slowly but surely, because he fights the addictions to become a better man.

He finds God and is strong in his faith.

Today, Vincent is no longer a doctor. He teaches faith in God. He lives in South America with his wife and 5 sons.

- My Review -
What I enjoyed about this book was the honesty and humbleness of Vincent's words.
He didn't beat around the bush.
Vincent made mistakes. He admits to them. He's only human.

Another thing I liked about this book is he rectifies his past actions in refusing to do them again, and the good work he does now.

And he's a better man for it. Way to go, Vincent!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brave Fish: Identity, Love, Faith
by Vincent H. Chough
Book Review

The Brave Fish: Identity, Love, Faith Book was so hard to put down! When I started reading about how the author has overcome such adversity, it was truly amazing to me. As I read, I couldn't wait to see how Vincent Chough's life would change and how he got through it!

When I read The Brave Fish: Identity, Love, Faith Book, I was drawn to the author as individual. You can feel the strength he has been able to tap into as he shared his experiences and desire for others to benefit from reading his book.

I have faced my own life challenges, and found that the book helped me look at my challenges from a different angle. What I thought was my purpose in life changed after I became a 2 time brain tumor survivor. I find myself stepping back to an appreciation for what I do have.

This book was given as a gift by author and does not reflect my rating*



**The story was special and showed me inspiration, as I read the conclusion I was flooded with emotion**

Rachel Grady
Founder/CEO&President
Non-Profit

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in awe of the complex beauty of the words infusing this book. I began reading Brave Fish in August and finished in November. Even with that span of time, the words invaded my mind every time I sat down to read. For me, being able to resume exactly where I left off is generally the sign of a well written story. I slowed my reading near Chapter 12, taking time to navigate carefully (for this reason it took me a few months to finish the book). What this author writes in that chapter was so precise. It brought up painful memories for me as well as memories I have of a family member's experiences. Every chapter thereafter seemed to peel back the layers ultimately leading to the end. I had to laugh at my having so many highlights of favorite quotes in this book. This book truly is a "beautiful soliloquy".

[Bobby · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing spiritual journey that I can only stand back and admire. I have to believe that when God does speak to us, as he did to Mr. Chough, it provides an enabling power to overcome any and all sins and vices that may afflict us. I ran a parallel course to the author's in my youth, perhaps at times even moreso. I have found a great appreciation for Mr. Chough's dealing with the "beast". The "Brave Fish" title is very clever and having raised a wrestling son (among my 6 kids), I find it a perfect analogy for the situation Mr. Chough describes. You rarely have an opportunity to read such a stripping away of "masks" and true baring of soul as you will in "Brave Fish". Well done, Mr. Chough.

[Ted Guglielmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an honest and marvelous account of a man who had blessings in his life and could not see them until he came to a spiritual awakening that changed his life for the better.

As a Man in recovery the beginning of the books with it's 100 mile per hour thoughts on everything is something mind constantly racing mind could relate to. The relationship and control issues and the falling deeper into substance abuse are "familiar". The geograpic solution and then coming back and returning to what he knew also hit home with me.

The powerful thing for me was the spiritual connection he achieved and continues to seek out (though different then mine)that has given him the courage to move on from being a doctor to writing and most important being a spiritually driven caring human being.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brave Fish takes you through a journey from the darkest places in this man's life to a place of peace. I found myself highlighting quite a few quotes. Some quotes were inspiring & some offering an enlightening perspective. This story is a testimony, but not typical at all. In fact, I found the authenticity with which he tells his story refreshing. If you're looking for all sunshine & lollipops, this wouldn't be a book for you. However, if you're looking for a real person with real failures & real victories to which you can relate, this book will impress, inspire, & may even leave you in awe.

Highly recommended!

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brave Fish was an incredible journey that follows a man who gives up what he believes is what he is meant to do, but through living life, realizes he is meant for something else. A "brave" journey that grabs your hand and pulls you through many trials, this book was hard to put down, and not easy to let go of, even days after reading. For those people who are questioning their own choices in life, read this book.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The imagery was amazing throughout the entire book. I find his honesty refreshing and frankly, cathartic. While you couldn't tell where the story was taking you, (you didn't care!) it was pleasantly surprising where it would end up most of the time even though it was his real life. You felt like you were on great adventures! Excellent read, thank you Vincent! I received this book as a gift!

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I related to a lot of his circumstances. It helped me understand the author better and to think. Once I started, I had to finish it basically on one sitting. It kept me interested. Great job! Thank you!

[Marianne Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read. Such an amazing journey in life. Highly recommend!

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

When handed a copy of Chough’s book and asked to review it, I was not sure what to expect. The opening sentence says it all: “Every book changes your life.” No truer words could be said, though I am sure the change brought about in me differs greatly from what the author expected and hoped those who read and review his work had in mind. Like leaving a restaurant with rave reviews still feeling hungry, I am left with a literary appetite far from sated.

Chough has a way with words, which cannot be ignored. He paints many interesting pictures in his quasi-memoir that does keep the reader move forward from chapter to chapter. The story is his own and he knows it best. He illustrates some of his friends/characters quite well and uses some expansive language, which can be both a good and a bad thing. He is also to be applauded for taking this great emotional and vulnerable leap. Alas, it is a leap that falls short.

The literary review gave me a glimpse into what I would be reading, though one never knows how accurate that can be. When tackling a memoir or autobiography of someone whose fame parallels my own, I am left to wonder why one might pen this for the world to read. How does slimming down to 105 lbs really propel the story forward or have the reader want to learn more? I will say, these personal tales are split up by some strong soap box diatribes about the world of medicine in the United States and how we, the general public are so self-centred and narcissistic. Chough eventually goes on to lament this “me-ness” that drives him to the brink. That said, airing out one’s own personal life struggles is more me-ness than anything else found in the book.

Chough also presents himself as a modern-day Job in the latter part of the book, having lived through so much tumult on a daily basis. This religious/spiritual turn in the book, for me, ruins what was a mediocre presentation of his struggles with booze, drugs, and keeping his life on the straight and narrow. Forego the lamentations and find the truth in Proverbs 26:11. There, I have summed up the entire book in a Bible quote.

May you find your path in Argentina, for you have surely made it clear that we North Americans have strayed from ours, Dr. C!

[Mary Agloro · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. I felt it was a bit too wordy at times, especially in the beginning. However, I sensed honesty (almost brutal) and a genuine outpouring of the author's feelings and need to express them. I sensed he really needed to write this book! I love people who are honest, sincere and passionate about their beliefs so that drew me in as well and, as a believer in Jesus Christ and all He is, I love to read about spiritual experiences with God. I suddenly became more interested about the time he shared something he doesn't think we know up to that point. I won't give it away, but funny thing is I didn't realize it by the most obvious way I probably should have, but somehow I sensed it at a point in the story, don't even know why but I did, although I didn't necessarily think I was right until he tells us later on. This revelation brings with it greater understanding of the writer and what he experienced.

[Swantje · Rating 3 out of 5]

I downloaded this book when it was offered as a free Kindle book at the beginning of the year.

The style the book is written in kind of intrigued me. I think, though, that the first half of the book could have been condensed down to a few chapters and the next quarter of the book to another couple of chapters. The author has an interesting story to tell about his life, but he's very verbose doing it. He should have concentrated more on the turning points in his life and how he was influenced by God's Word and led by God during those times. It sometimes seems the writing is too verbose and poetic where some important insight would have been much clearer expressed in more simple, straightforward language. I did enjoy the author's honesty about all those things going on in his life, though.

[Jason Lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is always refreshing to read a memoir that is what a memoir should be: honest and transparent. Vincent Chough pulls no punches in revealing his character through some of his life's challenges. It's tough to like him sometimes as the admits to some poor choices. But what I love about Vincent is that he does not hide his mistakes or attempt to pain himself as something he isn't. What is most admirable about the memoir is his confessional style of narrating that makes the reader realize that everyone screws up sometimes, nobody's perfect.

Chough is also a pretty darn fantastic writer. And, best of all, he has a keen understanding that writing is therapy.

I recommend this book, especiially if you love memoirs or if you are a writer.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rec'd ARC copy of this book from the author Vincent Chough in exchange for an honest review. This is my honest review.
The book makes a connection between the doctor who wanted to become the writer an a fish ( he called brave). People are like that - brave-we step out on our own from our parents homes-or college into the big world.
This book the way that Vincent Chough has written it is so thought provoking , it makes one think. I really enjoyed reading it- To me,it challenged my thoughts and the way I see things.
Over all I rate this book a 20 star rating. Please pick up a copy of this book today and read it. I can't go into any real details of the book as it I did then I would tell you everything....
Way to Vincent!!!

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brave Fish: Identity, Love, Faith
by: Vincent H. Chough

This was a gift from the Author

Without giving to much away about the book, This is a journey of growing up, addiction and the authors personal revelations about his life.

I have to say that I was touched by this book. Vincent is honest and open about his trials that led him on his new found path. I greatly appreciate his honesty. This book is a testiment to what God can do in someone's life. I read this book in one sitting. It was hard to put down.

[Sam Fink · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as much discussion of devotion as I expected. A little too centered on the past and not much discussion of conversion.