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Anger: Taming the Beast
Don’t Let Anger Control You!
If you or someone you love is experiencing difficulty coping with their anger, this useful and practical book is the first place to turn to for help. With its clear, evenhanded approach, this book shows you
• Why you handle anger the way you do
• Positive ways to manage anger
• How to speak up strongly and effectively
• Effective ways to handle frustration and resolve conflicts
• How to set limits and say no to unreasonable demands
• Practical ways to cope with stress, embarrassment, and shame
• How to relate your feelings to others without losing your cool
Whether you have an explosive temper or are brooding over suppressed anger, the questionnaires, step-by-step exercises, and strategies outlined in Anger: Taming the Beast will teach you how to change the way you experience and express anger.
If you or someone you love is experiencing difficulty coping with their anger, this useful and practical book is the first place to turn to for help. With its clear, evenhanded approach, this book shows you
• Why you handle anger the way you do
• Positive ways to manage anger
• How to speak up strongly and effectively
• Effective ways to handle frustration and resolve conflicts
• How to set limits and say no to unreasonable demands
• Practical ways to cope with stress, embarrassment, and shame
• How to relate your feelings to others without losing your cool
Whether you have an explosive temper or are brooding over suppressed anger, the questionnaires, step-by-step exercises, and strategies outlined in Anger: Taming the Beast will teach you how to change the way you experience and express anger.
- GenresSelf HelpPsychology
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 1999
8 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Reneau Z. Peurifoy
12 books10 followersReneau Peurifoy has published books both as an independent publisher and by traditional publishers. His first book, “Anxiety, Phobias & Panic,” published by Hachette, has sold over 300,000 copies and is in multiple languages. He has been invited to speak at eleven national conferences put on by the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA), the nation's primary organization for anxiety-related problems.
Peurifoy’s most recent work, “Why You Feel the Way You Do,” explores the seven core emotions identified by affective neuroscience that we share with our pets and the three key things that positive psychology has identified as the most important emotional factors that impact personal happiness. It provides readers with practical approaches for quieting destructive emotional triggers and negative core response patterns and also includes ways to reduce the negative effects of social media and devices.
Peurifoy has a wide range of experience in front of groups and has appeared extensively on dozens of television and radio programs. Peurifoy's warmth and comfortable manner generate a strong rapport with audiences. Because he believes so strongly in the material he has developed over his years as a therapist, teacher, and workshop leader, his excitement over sharing it is genuinely contagious.
After twenty years of working with anxiety disorders as a marriage and family therapist, he retired to teach at a local College in Sacramento, California. He has now left teaching and spends his time writing, speaking, and conducting occasional classes. He also has a YouTube channel that features videos on practical life skills.
Peurifoy’s most recent work, “Why You Feel the Way You Do,” explores the seven core emotions identified by affective neuroscience that we share with our pets and the three key things that positive psychology has identified as the most important emotional factors that impact personal happiness. It provides readers with practical approaches for quieting destructive emotional triggers and negative core response patterns and also includes ways to reduce the negative effects of social media and devices.
Peurifoy has a wide range of experience in front of groups and has appeared extensively on dozens of television and radio programs. Peurifoy's warmth and comfortable manner generate a strong rapport with audiences. Because he believes so strongly in the material he has developed over his years as a therapist, teacher, and workshop leader, his excitement over sharing it is genuinely contagious.
After twenty years of working with anxiety disorders as a marriage and family therapist, he retired to teach at a local College in Sacramento, California. He has now left teaching and spends his time writing, speaking, and conducting occasional classes. He also has a YouTube channel that features videos on practical life skills.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 27, 2016
This is perhaps the most comprehensive and thorough self-help book I've read on the subject.
I took my time reading this one as I followed Peurifoy's instructions to read each chapter, practice the exercises and continue. I have to admit I was a bit hesitant at the beginning, wondering what new contents or info can I really get on the subject? considering I have spent a few years facilitating anger management workshops. I am thrilled to report I have not only expanded my knowledge on the subject, but I have learned and explored many areas of my own person I had never considered as a source of anger trigger points.
The author explores anger under the most common approach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This is the usual lens we see in workshops and endless books. It works! It's fantastic, and that's the main reason why most therapists or behavioral specialists use it. Not much surprise here. However, Purify continues in the book and deepens in the subject exploring it under psychoanalytic's and family system's perspectives as well. As much as CBT teaches us to stay in the present and reframe the way we perceive the event, I enjoyed digging back, creating my family genogram, exploring my family's role and past experiences into how I'm shaped now.
I was hoping for new information, and to expand the selection of recommended readings I hand out to my clients. I got what I needed and even more. This is a solid book for anyone struggling with managing their own anger (passive or aggressive), those interested in exploring and improving their lives, and an excellent resource for therapists to recommend to clients who are committed in making changes in their life.
I received an ARC of this title through NetGalley in exchange of an honest review. I thank you for your approval.
I took my time reading this one as I followed Peurifoy's instructions to read each chapter, practice the exercises and continue. I have to admit I was a bit hesitant at the beginning, wondering what new contents or info can I really get on the subject? considering I have spent a few years facilitating anger management workshops. I am thrilled to report I have not only expanded my knowledge on the subject, but I have learned and explored many areas of my own person I had never considered as a source of anger trigger points.
The author explores anger under the most common approach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This is the usual lens we see in workshops and endless books. It works! It's fantastic, and that's the main reason why most therapists or behavioral specialists use it. Not much surprise here. However, Purify continues in the book and deepens in the subject exploring it under psychoanalytic's and family system's perspectives as well. As much as CBT teaches us to stay in the present and reframe the way we perceive the event, I enjoyed digging back, creating my family genogram, exploring my family's role and past experiences into how I'm shaped now.
I was hoping for new information, and to expand the selection of recommended readings I hand out to my clients. I got what I needed and even more. This is a solid book for anyone struggling with managing their own anger (passive or aggressive), those interested in exploring and improving their lives, and an excellent resource for therapists to recommend to clients who are committed in making changes in their life.
I received an ARC of this title through NetGalley in exchange of an honest review. I thank you for your approval.
November 1, 2024
[Note: I got this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review]
This book is about Anger, which is one of the most powerful component of human behavior and weakest as well if not handled well. the main theme of the book is - how to experience anger at appropriate level and make it constructive.
The author starts with a question - what is anger ? and takes us through the reasons behind it and repercussions of it. What are the various ways a person responds when s/he is angry. the author has discussed four patients , coming from different backgrounds. these patients are discussed in almost all the chapters and through them the author has tried to convey minute details which were probably not possible without them.
The author has emphasized that anger can be controlled and this book is a kind of a workbook which demands you to take charge of your life and track all the details in your daily life that can cause anger. It also talks about how to know early if you are going to get angry by keeping a close watch on your body sensation, your behavior etc. almost each chapter has some sort of exercise to know your self more and to understand your relationships which are getting spoiled because of anger.
The book talks about how distorted thinking and stress cause inappropriate anger. there is a chapter about how the past of a person can cause it .
There is a very good chapter on how to handle kids and their power struggle with parents. these chapters are full of wisdom. after reading this chapter I realized what I should not do to encourage my kids.
The book also talks about conflicts and how to resolve them. how to handle shame, embarrassment, envy, jealousy, resentment.
I would be reading this book again after few months, as author has asked as well, to make sure that I do not forget the things I learnt from it.
This is a great book and I rate it 5//5.
This book is about Anger, which is one of the most powerful component of human behavior and weakest as well if not handled well. the main theme of the book is - how to experience anger at appropriate level and make it constructive.
The author starts with a question - what is anger ? and takes us through the reasons behind it and repercussions of it. What are the various ways a person responds when s/he is angry. the author has discussed four patients , coming from different backgrounds. these patients are discussed in almost all the chapters and through them the author has tried to convey minute details which were probably not possible without them.
The author has emphasized that anger can be controlled and this book is a kind of a workbook which demands you to take charge of your life and track all the details in your daily life that can cause anger. It also talks about how to know early if you are going to get angry by keeping a close watch on your body sensation, your behavior etc. almost each chapter has some sort of exercise to know your self more and to understand your relationships which are getting spoiled because of anger.
The book talks about how distorted thinking and stress cause inappropriate anger. there is a chapter about how the past of a person can cause it .
There is a very good chapter on how to handle kids and their power struggle with parents. these chapters are full of wisdom. after reading this chapter I realized what I should not do to encourage my kids.
The book also talks about conflicts and how to resolve them. how to handle shame, embarrassment, envy, jealousy, resentment.
I would be reading this book again after few months, as author has asked as well, to make sure that I do not forget the things I learnt from it.
This is a great book and I rate it 5//5.
October 20, 2022
"Anger: Taming the Beast" penned by the author Reneau Peurifoy is a step-by-step program for managing anger calmly and effectively.
Many times in life, we would be upset or provoked by people. At such times, it's important for us to not let our anger control us. My favorite chapters from the book are: 'Resentment, Envy and Jealous'. I was wronged by someone in the past which caused resentment and anger. This book gave me wonderful tips to release resentment and not to have any envious or jealous feelings.
This book will help you a lot in taming your beast. Read this book slowly and reflect on what you read. It's a well written and insightful read.
If you or your loved one have anger issues, get a copy of this practical guidebook. It has useful tips. I have written a few points from this book in my journal so I could practice handling things calmly even in frustrating situations. I loved the author's idea to keep an anger journal. If you know of a person who is struggling with anger issues, we should be supportive and help that person in taming their anger. It's engaging and a book worth reading. Go for it.
Many times in life, we would be upset or provoked by people. At such times, it's important for us to not let our anger control us. My favorite chapters from the book are: 'Resentment, Envy and Jealous'. I was wronged by someone in the past which caused resentment and anger. This book gave me wonderful tips to release resentment and not to have any envious or jealous feelings.
This book will help you a lot in taming your beast. Read this book slowly and reflect on what you read. It's a well written and insightful read.
If you or your loved one have anger issues, get a copy of this practical guidebook. It has useful tips. I have written a few points from this book in my journal so I could practice handling things calmly even in frustrating situations. I loved the author's idea to keep an anger journal. If you know of a person who is struggling with anger issues, we should be supportive and help that person in taming their anger. It's engaging and a book worth reading. Go for it.
July 9, 2025
We all become angry sometimes, unless a disease or accident has damaged the brain.
Anger: Taming the Beast is a self-help book on managing anger by Reneau Z. Peurifoy. Peurifoy examines the causes of anger and offers guidance on how to manage overwhelming feelings of frustration. Not all people express their anger in the same manner, so Peurifoy discusses them too.
The book features elements commonly found in workbooks, including checklists and quizzes to complete. I enjoyed the book. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.
Anger: Taming the Beast is a self-help book on managing anger by Reneau Z. Peurifoy. Peurifoy examines the causes of anger and offers guidance on how to manage overwhelming feelings of frustration. Not all people express their anger in the same manner, so Peurifoy discusses them too.
The book features elements commonly found in workbooks, including checklists and quizzes to complete. I enjoyed the book. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.
April 9, 2018
This was a good read. There are lots of great exercises in here and lots of good lesssons on how to manage and channel anger. The book also gives case examples as well. I found this to be a very helpful read and after my initial read through, am going through the exercises again. I have learned a lot from this book. Very helpful!
February 21, 2021
This is definitely a good book to help with anger. There are great tips in here to get you out of a situation that causes you anger by taking it step by step. There are exercises you can do as you move along in the book. It has very practical advice and can be very helpful. I'd definitely recommend to anyone needing some help dealing with their anger.
July 21, 2022
To make a public confession, I never really understood anger…or that it plays an obstructive role in my life. At 33, I finally do. How embarrassing (it took how long?!). And empowering (change starts now).
This book is a true gift - enlightening, astute, honest, challenging, actionable. Will be rereading it asap. Highly recommend.
This book is a true gift - enlightening, astute, honest, challenging, actionable. Will be rereading it asap. Highly recommend.
February 21, 2017
This was an amazing book. It took me so long to read it, but just for the right reasons. It’s a book that need to be read slowly and taking enough time to understand where the anger comes from and be committed enough to work for a better anger management. If you are willing to give the book the time it deserves, then it’s a very powerful tool to “tame the beast”.
I’ll admit I might have read it faster than I should. I kept returning to the previous chapters several times, because they seemed so important. I didn’t think I had anger issues when I started reading it, but I find myself giving a lot of thoughts, not only on anger but in other emotions and where they come from.
The language used was very simple, it was easy to understand the exposed concepts. The structure of the chapters made sense, it felt very organized. I don’t think the examples were needed, since it was very comprehensive, but still they were helpful. At the end of each chapter there is a summary of key ideas recommended activities. I suggest to take those seriously and practice it, if you are really willing to make a change in your life.
The book address several interesting topics, such as where the anger comes from, distorted thinking, resolving conflicts, stress management, among others. It is a great book. I just can’t recommend it enough.
*Book provided by NetGalley.
I’ll admit I might have read it faster than I should. I kept returning to the previous chapters several times, because they seemed so important. I didn’t think I had anger issues when I started reading it, but I find myself giving a lot of thoughts, not only on anger but in other emotions and where they come from.
The language used was very simple, it was easy to understand the exposed concepts. The structure of the chapters made sense, it felt very organized. I don’t think the examples were needed, since it was very comprehensive, but still they were helpful. At the end of each chapter there is a summary of key ideas recommended activities. I suggest to take those seriously and practice it, if you are really willing to make a change in your life.
The book address several interesting topics, such as where the anger comes from, distorted thinking, resolving conflicts, stress management, among others. It is a great book. I just can’t recommend it enough.
*Book provided by NetGalley.
December 5, 2016
Dr Peurifoy gives us a magnificent, eloquent and practical program to tame anger!
Through the follow-up of four people in their anger management process, are shown different ways in which it is possible to tame anger, transform it into a positive force rather than an indomitable and destructive enemy. Dr. Reneau crumbles the two main causes that cause anger to be expressed in an inappropriate manner, and how we can develop this skill in a practical and affordable way. With great clarity and mastery we are guided, with suggestions, examples, recommended activities, through a self-help complete program to get results. It seems to me that Dr Reneau Z Peurifoy shows a genuine interest in people, he genuinely and profoundly attains to provide us with useful tools to generate permanent change. All people should be educated in anger management and this book is an excellent tool.
Disclamer: My gratitude to NetGalley, I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Through the follow-up of four people in their anger management process, are shown different ways in which it is possible to tame anger, transform it into a positive force rather than an indomitable and destructive enemy. Dr. Reneau crumbles the two main causes that cause anger to be expressed in an inappropriate manner, and how we can develop this skill in a practical and affordable way. With great clarity and mastery we are guided, with suggestions, examples, recommended activities, through a self-help complete program to get results. It seems to me that Dr Reneau Z Peurifoy shows a genuine interest in people, he genuinely and profoundly attains to provide us with useful tools to generate permanent change. All people should be educated in anger management and this book is an excellent tool.
Disclamer: My gratitude to NetGalley, I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews