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Afraid of Everything
Helena Carr is afraid of everything. After a crisis at work, she quits her job and feels lost. It’s time for a serious change, to beat the extreme anxiety that has plagued her since childhood. Something different, unplanned and radical. Sell her house, move to a foreign location, turn her life upside down in an effort to end the emotionally paralyzing fear.
Before Helena can act on her options, however, she has a terrible accident on a Southern California freeway. Instead of going on an exotic vacation, she is in a hospital, in a coma, traveling to strange worlds of another dimension, meeting people who seem to know more about her than she knows about herself.
As Helena explores this intriguing new world, she realizes the truth about her past and the purpose of her future. And she is no longer afraid. Helena is at last ready to live. But first, she must wake up from the coma.
Before Helena can act on her options, however, she has a terrible accident on a Southern California freeway. Instead of going on an exotic vacation, she is in a hospital, in a coma, traveling to strange worlds of another dimension, meeting people who seem to know more about her than she knows about herself.
As Helena explores this intriguing new world, she realizes the truth about her past and the purpose of her future. And she is no longer afraid. Helena is at last ready to live. But first, she must wake up from the coma.
285 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2014
34 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
About the author
Karen Jones Gowen
11 books131 followersBorn and raised in central Illinois, Karen attended Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. She transferred to Brigham Young University, where she met her husband Bruce, and there graduated with a degree in English and American Literature.
Karen and Bruce have lived in Utah, Illinois, California and Washington, currently residing in Panajachel, Guatemala. They are the parents of ten children. Not surprisingly, family relationships are a recurring theme in Karen's writing.
Karen and Bruce have lived in Utah, Illinois, California and Washington, currently residing in Panajachel, Guatemala. They are the parents of ten children. Not surprisingly, family relationships are a recurring theme in Karen's writing.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 16, 2021
Recommend for a nice light read
Interesting genre. Very well done. I wasnt sure if I would enjoy at first but the more I read I became submersed with the symbolism. I recommend this book for a nice relaxing read. Very descriptive detailing of events the main character experiences. The storylines were easy to follow, minimal characters were introduced making this book easy to read in chunks when my time permitted. Not a page turner but a nice way to spend your weekend with a book.
Interesting genre. Very well done. I wasnt sure if I would enjoy at first but the more I read I became submersed with the symbolism. I recommend this book for a nice relaxing read. Very descriptive detailing of events the main character experiences. The storylines were easy to follow, minimal characters were introduced making this book easy to read in chunks when my time permitted. Not a page turner but a nice way to spend your weekend with a book.
August 27, 2021
What an incredible idea
I really enjoyed the beginning of the plot then was kind of disappointed after one event and wonder if I should continue reading. I remained reading the plot and completed the journey. It's a book to make you think.
I really enjoyed the beginning of the plot then was kind of disappointed after one event and wonder if I should continue reading. I remained reading the plot and completed the journey. It's a book to make you think.
June 21, 2019
Good read!
So I purchased this book by accident thinking it was the book my friend recommended! I really enjoyed it and couldn’t put it down. Although spiritually it doesn’t line up with my beliefs, it was a very good fiction book!
So I purchased this book by accident thinking it was the book my friend recommended! I really enjoyed it and couldn’t put it down. Although spiritually it doesn’t line up with my beliefs, it was a very good fiction book!
June 23, 2015
As I read Afraid of Everything I put myself into Helena’s place. What if I was afraid like her? Actually, I had some problems with extreme shyness as a fourth grader and this book made me feel some of those feelings again. Helena did not want to befriend a child who was being made fun of because she did not want to be made fun of herself. That made me think maybe those are some of the reasons behind why I had such a hard time making friends. Everyone was just trying to feel their way just like me. One of my teachers told me to have friends you have to be a friend. I did not know how to do that so I just continued to struggle.
When Helena was in counseling I thought that was very brave of her and applauded her for taking steps toward her own recovery.
I could feel her fear when being targeted on the highway although that particular situation did not happen to me, I did have a woman freak out on me when she did not like something I did. I thought she was going to get out of her car.
When Helena was in the coma I found that whole period very interesting. It made me wonder if the author had ever experienced being in a coma. I did not see from her profile that she had although I am sure she probably did a lot of research on the subject.
Being in a coma or being paralyzed and unable to communicate has to be terrifying. It would be to me just as it was for Helena. The doctors and nurses did not know if she was brain dead and were discussing pulling the plug. I speculate as to what life after death may be like. Will I see my loved ones again? I know what the church says but no one really knows. I do love my visits from my mom in my dreams. This is such a special book and very well written. I recommend this book. It struck a few special places in my heart and although some were painful places such as the shyness and feeling that no one liked me, there is also healing in this book. Great job, Karen Jones Gowen!
When Helena was in counseling I thought that was very brave of her and applauded her for taking steps toward her own recovery.
I could feel her fear when being targeted on the highway although that particular situation did not happen to me, I did have a woman freak out on me when she did not like something I did. I thought she was going to get out of her car.
When Helena was in the coma I found that whole period very interesting. It made me wonder if the author had ever experienced being in a coma. I did not see from her profile that she had although I am sure she probably did a lot of research on the subject.
Being in a coma or being paralyzed and unable to communicate has to be terrifying. It would be to me just as it was for Helena. The doctors and nurses did not know if she was brain dead and were discussing pulling the plug. I speculate as to what life after death may be like. Will I see my loved ones again? I know what the church says but no one really knows. I do love my visits from my mom in my dreams. This is such a special book and very well written. I recommend this book. It struck a few special places in my heart and although some were painful places such as the shyness and feeling that no one liked me, there is also healing in this book. Great job, Karen Jones Gowen!
March 19, 2015
Afraid of Everything was such a neat book. I really enjoyed it. The premise is very intriguing and unique, especially for Christian fiction. It's one of those stories that stands out in the genre, and one I know I'll never forget.
The book started out a little slowly. I wasn't sure about Helena or how engaging her story would be. Then, the story took off and I fell in love with the characters and the story line.
Helena is literally afraid of everything. She's spent her entire life anxious, afraid, and unsure of herself. Helena has built up a protective wall around her heart and guards it at all costs. This leaves her very alone, and even more afraid when her fears start to come true (the thinking of believing something will happen can cause it to actually happen is the case with Helena's life). But then, Helena is involved in a car accident, and that's when her story really changed. Suddenly, the narrative changed from first person (Helena's voice) to a third person narrative. This change really threw me off at first, until I realized that Jones changed narratives to fully portray the events that occur in Helena's Great Sleep.
And speaking of the Great Sleep, this was such an interesting part of the story. Helena calls her coma the Great Sleep, and in it, she travels to mystical worlds, sometimes alone and sometimes populated by other people---some of whom she knows. And they all seem to know her. She's not sure if she's in Heaven or not, but she loves it there. Helena's Great Sleep was my favorite aspect of Afraid of Everything. I loved the imagery and the way Jones used this part of the story to weave everything together.
The conflict resolution was perfect for the plot. I loved it. And the ending was everything I wanted it to be. I really loved Afraid of Everything and highly recommend this unique and engaging book.
The book started out a little slowly. I wasn't sure about Helena or how engaging her story would be. Then, the story took off and I fell in love with the characters and the story line.
Helena is literally afraid of everything. She's spent her entire life anxious, afraid, and unsure of herself. Helena has built up a protective wall around her heart and guards it at all costs. This leaves her very alone, and even more afraid when her fears start to come true (the thinking of believing something will happen can cause it to actually happen is the case with Helena's life). But then, Helena is involved in a car accident, and that's when her story really changed. Suddenly, the narrative changed from first person (Helena's voice) to a third person narrative. This change really threw me off at first, until I realized that Jones changed narratives to fully portray the events that occur in Helena's Great Sleep.
And speaking of the Great Sleep, this was such an interesting part of the story. Helena calls her coma the Great Sleep, and in it, she travels to mystical worlds, sometimes alone and sometimes populated by other people---some of whom she knows. And they all seem to know her. She's not sure if she's in Heaven or not, but she loves it there. Helena's Great Sleep was my favorite aspect of Afraid of Everything. I loved the imagery and the way Jones used this part of the story to weave everything together.
The conflict resolution was perfect for the plot. I loved it. And the ending was everything I wanted it to be. I really loved Afraid of Everything and highly recommend this unique and engaging book.
March 23, 2015
When I started reading Karen Jones Gowen’s new novel, Afraid of Everything, I had to double-check that it was a novel and not a memoir. The beginning details a woman’s struggle with an uncontrollable anxiety through the interaction with a psychotherapist. The protagonist, Helena, is a Labor and Delivery nurse, whose extreme anxiety and fear of harming a patient have forced her to take a leave from her career. Anxiety permeates every aspect of her daily life, rendering her helpless to move forward. As Gowen slowly builds tension in her story, I found myself experiencing her fears and anxieties. Her writing is free-flowing and engaging. She paints a vivid picture of how anxiety looks and feels.
“When Mom died, my grief came like a silent howling creature, one whose throat was cut before it could scream. Sorrow was too mild a word for what coursed through me like a living being of destruction.” (Chapter Five, page 40)
In a unique plot twist, she is critically injured in a car accident and ends up in a coma. It is what happens while she is in a coma that keeps me turning the pages. Without giving away too much of the story, she finds her truth and her priorities and emerges a stronger person who is able to fully participate in her life. Although this is fiction, there are many valuable lessons for all of us. I highly recommend this well-crafted, creative novel which sheds light on anxiety and how it can impact our lives. It is an enjoyable and enlightening read.
“When Mom died, my grief came like a silent howling creature, one whose throat was cut before it could scream. Sorrow was too mild a word for what coursed through me like a living being of destruction.” (Chapter Five, page 40)
In a unique plot twist, she is critically injured in a car accident and ends up in a coma. It is what happens while she is in a coma that keeps me turning the pages. Without giving away too much of the story, she finds her truth and her priorities and emerges a stronger person who is able to fully participate in her life. Although this is fiction, there are many valuable lessons for all of us. I highly recommend this well-crafted, creative novel which sheds light on anxiety and how it can impact our lives. It is an enjoyable and enlightening read.
October 29, 2014
A Journey Through Oneself
I love finding an intriguing plot that’s innovative yet contains threads of possibility. In reading Karen Jones Gowen’s well-written new novel Afraid of Everything, I found a strong protagonist—only she didn’t know it in the beginning. It takes a life-threatening experience and knowledge gained through other-worldly sources to help her realize this. It reminded me a little of another book I thoroughly enjoyed, Mitch Albom’s The Five People You Meet in Heaven.
Helena was a labor and delivery room nurse until her General Anxiety Disorder takes that away from her, too. It’s not until a tragic car accident sends her to another world for healing in both mind and body. And here is where it takes an expert storyteller to make this 280-page novel a page-turner.
Not quite halfway into the story, Helena is in a coma where she, along with the reader, learns about life and the need to believe in oneself and not let fear be in charge. Jones Gowen keeps the reader learning and cheering for Helena until the very end. You won’t be disappointed.
I love finding an intriguing plot that’s innovative yet contains threads of possibility. In reading Karen Jones Gowen’s well-written new novel Afraid of Everything, I found a strong protagonist—only she didn’t know it in the beginning. It takes a life-threatening experience and knowledge gained through other-worldly sources to help her realize this. It reminded me a little of another book I thoroughly enjoyed, Mitch Albom’s The Five People You Meet in Heaven.
Helena was a labor and delivery room nurse until her General Anxiety Disorder takes that away from her, too. It’s not until a tragic car accident sends her to another world for healing in both mind and body. And here is where it takes an expert storyteller to make this 280-page novel a page-turner.
Not quite halfway into the story, Helena is in a coma where she, along with the reader, learns about life and the need to believe in oneself and not let fear be in charge. Jones Gowen keeps the reader learning and cheering for Helena until the very end. You won’t be disappointed.
February 8, 2015
This book is written well; I could find no faults except that it starts out very slow and was hard to get through until the accident. The story delves into a woman’s life who has intense anxiety disorder that affects how she perceives and reacts to everything. When Helena gets in an accident, she is in a coma and learns more about herself in her ‘mind’ from ‘an angel mentor’ as her body is still and unresponsive. This part was very enlightening to me and I really liked the lessons Helena learns. As she discovers truths about herself, she comes to see what is really important and what isn’t. I really enjoyed the ending and loved seeing her help others and work to overcome her fears and participate fully in life. Great book.
July 14, 2015
I was originally interested in this story because the main character suffered from anxiety. I could totally relate to many of her fears, including her work as a nurse. I did feel that the personality of the main character was somewhat brisk and rude. I think this may have been a quality of her anxiety, but there were many times I did not like her.
Once the accident changed the setting of the story, I found it confusing. I think this is partly due to her confusion because of the coma. I did like the turn around in her personality by the end, and the sense of freedom and purpose she gained from traveling to other spiritual dimensions.
Once the accident changed the setting of the story, I found it confusing. I think this is partly due to her confusion because of the coma. I did like the turn around in her personality by the end, and the sense of freedom and purpose she gained from traveling to other spiritual dimensions.
October 31, 2014
At first I didn't think I was going to like this story. And honestly, for me it did start out kind of slow. But then a tragic accident changed everything for both the main character and the plot. From there, the story became amazingly creative, unexpectedly so. I really thought I knew where this story was going, but I couldn't have possibly predicted what came next. I loved all of the life-lessons Gowen incorporated into this novel. I actually found myself taking notes. I don't want to ruin the book for anyone so I'll say anymore. Enjoy!
October 27, 2014
Afraid of Everything is a gentle look at someone on the edge of paranoia, ready to fall either direction. Helena wants to change, but she doesn’t know how and isn’t willing to examine the real issues. She wants her life to change overnight, and the result is a journey of spiritual, mental, and physical healing unlike you’ve ever seen.
November 13, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. It was powerful and poignant. All the characters were likable and the story was compelling and interesting. The ending was also perfectly done with how long it was, wrapping everything up and yet not going on too long, leaving the reader satisfied.
July 18, 2015
Life changing
This book was truly inspiring. As someone who faces fear and worry myself over simple situations, it was encouraging to see a character go through such a transformation even if it took a life changing event
This book was truly inspiring. As someone who faces fear and worry myself over simple situations, it was encouraging to see a character go through such a transformation even if it took a life changing event
October 11, 2015
A very good book
This was a slow starter. I got frustrated with Helena that she was so "afraid " of everything. She was really quite into just herself. The book suddenly took a turn and I couldn't put it down. We may see ourselves in her.
This was a slow starter. I got frustrated with Helena that she was so "afraid " of everything. She was really quite into just herself. The book suddenly took a turn and I couldn't put it down. We may see ourselves in her.
April 23, 2017
A journey of understanding, discovery, and healing
I encountered Karen Jones Gowen through her well-written and beautifully illustrated blog. I saw the books that she had written and, interested, looked into them. This one caught my attention, and I purchased a copy and set out to read it.
Of all the nursing specialties, apart from being a nurse in a burn ward, I would think one of the most stressful and anxiety-producing would be that of a labor and delivery nurse. The likelihood of joy and delight in a birth are balanced by the fear that something will go dreadfully wrong. Helena is a Labor and Delivery Nurse struggling with an anxiety disorder that has all but crippled her career and taken away her joy. A severe auto accident sends her into a coma.
And that is where the story truly begins. In prose that is both sparkling and pensive, deep and with a light touch, Gowen tells of Helena's journey during The Great Sleep (her term for a coma). I remember the line from Hamlet: " To sleep, perchance to dream—ay, there’s the rub, For in that sleep of death what dreams may come ..." But for Helena it is a sleep of understanding, discovery, and healing.
This is a little reminiscent of The Five People You Meet In Heaven, but reading of Helena's journey, for me, was both touching and refreshing. This is a beautiful story, masterfully written.
I encountered Karen Jones Gowen through her well-written and beautifully illustrated blog. I saw the books that she had written and, interested, looked into them. This one caught my attention, and I purchased a copy and set out to read it.
Of all the nursing specialties, apart from being a nurse in a burn ward, I would think one of the most stressful and anxiety-producing would be that of a labor and delivery nurse. The likelihood of joy and delight in a birth are balanced by the fear that something will go dreadfully wrong. Helena is a Labor and Delivery Nurse struggling with an anxiety disorder that has all but crippled her career and taken away her joy. A severe auto accident sends her into a coma.
And that is where the story truly begins. In prose that is both sparkling and pensive, deep and with a light touch, Gowen tells of Helena's journey during The Great Sleep (her term for a coma). I remember the line from Hamlet: " To sleep, perchance to dream—ay, there’s the rub, For in that sleep of death what dreams may come ..." But for Helena it is a sleep of understanding, discovery, and healing.
This is a little reminiscent of The Five People You Meet In Heaven, but reading of Helena's journey, for me, was both touching and refreshing. This is a beautiful story, masterfully written.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews