Fears of Your Life

by Michael Bernard Loggins

“I write down my fears, my scariness and my frightfulness. This is an understanding process. It helps me real good.”—Michael Bernard Loggins

Everybody has fears in common, and in this unique, handwritten book, author Michael Bernard Loggins (an adult with developmental disabilities) battles his fears by listing more than 138 of them. Featured on NPR’s This American Life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Graphic Novels, Memoir

160 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2003

Reviews

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! The author has listed, and illustrated, a whole panopaly of fears. Ones that everyone will admit to (spiders, spilling soda on a shirt) to the more esoteric like being associated with shoplifters if you are in the store in the same time as they are. The fact that the author has some developmental/learning disabilities I think allows him a bit more honesty than many of us will admit to. A very good book!

[Christine Ott · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. I heard about this book on This American Life and bought it right away. I loved it. So I bought it for everyone that Christmas. I believe the author has a condition, if I remember correctly, that causes him anxiety, so he wrote the book to face his fears. The book is hand-drawn and handwritten; it's simultaneously deeply personal, yet universal; innocent, genuine, thought-provoking, touching, and hilarious.

[Jaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book re-affirms things I have learned in the Peace Corps: the only prerequisite to know the truth is to have the ability to honestly and originally reflect on your own experience. No amount of formal education can ever teach you this skill, you just have to want it. This man does just that, and his book is a heartwarming and uplifting read if you are open to read it.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book. Thoughtful, raw, honest, and humorous. It is informally split into two parts. Part One is a list of the author’s fears in prose. Part Two is a whimsical set of drawings of people. Each of these people has a fear(s), often related to their name or physical attributes.

I like that the book is in Michael Bernard Loggins’ handwriting. As you turn the pages and read his short descriptions of fears, you can imagine him battling these demons out on the streets of San Francisco, at the store, at home watching TV, etc.

I’m curious if any of these fears have happened to the author or someone in his circle in the past, but it’s none of my business.

Wondering if Michael Bernard Loggins is writing more books!

[Emilybrooks89 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, relatable, honest and hopeful

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

36. Fear of dropping your soda as it hit the ground and fiz on you.

89. Fear of roller skating down hill when you haven’t learned how to stop is scary.

[M Void · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truth be told, my boyfriend read this to me while I laid in bed, overstimulated, and cuddling a stuffed T-rex, but, for what this book is, that feels appropriate.

Michael Bernard Loggins' book is liable to show whether you're a bad person or not. As it turns out, I'm an asshole, but I liked this book.

Through all the amusing typos, misspellings, and confusing ramblings, Loggins points out how far-reaching fears are. He tell us about his many fears and how they impact him. While some of the fears may sound ridiculous to neurotypical folks, it's important to understand how the world can be for others. Loggins helps us cultivate empathy and, at times, touches the soul with his honesty.

[Pearson Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

read these back in february, they are sweet and made me happy

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute

[Jay · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't even want to hear that I'm being hard on Michael Bernard Loggins. Yes, he has development disabilities, and I can appreciate the child-like naivete of his life fears. But this book is like three ideas spread over a hundred pages. How many different ways can you say "I fear that I will be hit by a car crossing the street" or "I fear a dog will bite me." I appreciate the effort that a team of people surely put forth to release this book, but it was definitely a big miss for me. The man is special. The book is not. It needed discretion and more care with originality and layout. Sorry. I have to go now. Hell is calling.

[AnitaDurt · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read this one day at dana's house and remembered how much i liked the zines i got from creativity explored in sf, a nonprofit that provides space for developmentally disabled individuals create, show and sell their art (http://www.creativityexplored.org/). check em out and enjoy fears of your life. i love making lists so i think i'll go write some fears down right now...

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like to pick this one up, open to a page, and read a few lines. A handwritten book by an adult with developmental disabilities, the incredible list of personal fears is something that unifies us all.

[Eli · Rating 5 out of 5]

none of the books that show up with this make any sense that way. truly in a class of it's own. poignant hilarious sad and fun.

[Bosley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A coffee table sort of book, meant to be skimmed. A bit pricey for what you get, but amusing nevertheless.

[bethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

the best