Title: The Gift of Fear: and Other Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence
Author: Gavin de Becker
First published January 1, 1996
332 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780440508830 (ISBN10: 0440508835)
Rating: 4.17
Overview
The Gift of Fear: and Other Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence by Gavin de Becker is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn how to protect themselves from violence. In this eye-opening book, de Becker, who is known as the nation’s leading expert on violent behavior, shows you how to listen to your gut instincts and spot even subtle signs of danger.
Whether it’s a date who won’t take no for an answer, a new nanny who gives you an uneasy feeling, or a stranger who offers unsolicited help in a deserted parking lot, de Becker offers specific ways to protect yourself and those you love. He shatters the myth that most violent acts are unpredictable and shows you how to act when approached by a stranger, when you should fear someone close to you, what to do if you are being stalked, and much more.
With practical tips and real-life examples, The Gift of Fear will empower you to take control of your safety and spot danger signals that others miss. Don’t wait until it’s too late – read this book and learn how to protect yourself today.
About the Author
Gavin de Becker is a highly knowledgeable individual when it comes to predicting and handling acts of violence. He has extensive experience serving on the President’s Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Justice as well as the Governor’s Advisory Board at the California Department of Mental Health.
Currently, he operates a consulting firm that provides guidance to a variety of entities, including government agencies, universities, police departments, corporations, and media personalities on how best to evaluate threats and hazards.
Editoral Review
The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker is a groundbreaking book that has been recognized as an essential read for anyone seeking to protect themselves from violence. First published in 1996, this book is just as relevant today as it was when it first came out.
A critically acclaimed expert in security and violence prevention, de Becker offers practical advice on how to recognize and respond to danger before it has a chance to escalate. De Becker’s writing style is extremely engaging and accessible, and this book is perfect for readers who may not have a background in psychology or criminology.
It is an illuminating read that will help readers understand how to interpret their intuition and use it to stay safe in a variety of situations. The Gift of Fear is primarily a non-fiction book, but it also weaves in personal stories and anecdotes to illustrate its points.
de Becker provides detailed examples of how he has helped celebrities and politicians stay safe, while also providing case studies of extreme situations, such as mass shootings and domestic violence. These stories are told with empathy and sensitivity, and they help readers to understand how they can apply the lessons of the book to their own lives.
One of the book’s main strengths is its focus on empowering the reader. de Becker gives his audience practical steps they can take to identify and avoid potentially dangerous situations.
He also helps readers to recognize the signs of violence in others and how to respond in potentially dangerous situations. By taking a proactive approach, readers can significantly reduce their risk of becoming a victim of violence.
Another strength of The Gift of Fear is de Becker’s holistic approach to violence prevention. He acknowledges that violence is not just an individual problem but a societal issue that needs to be addressed at a larger scale.
de Becker explores the root causes of violence and offers a thoughtful and nuanced analysis of how cultural attitudes and social norms contribute to it. While The Gift of Fear is an excellent book, it does have some limitations.
Some readers may find the author’s emphasis on intuition and the subconscious mind to be overly simplistic, and there is a risk of oversimplifying the complex causes of violence. Additionally, while de Becker provides ample guidance on how to recognize and avoid danger, some readers may find the book lacks concrete strategies for changing the larger societal forces that are driving violence.
Despite its limitations, The Gift of Fear is a must-read for anyone seeking to protect themselves and their loved ones from violence. This book is perfect for readers who are new to the subject of violence prevention or for those looking to deepen their understanding of the issue.
Highly recommended for anyone who values their personal safety and the safety of others. Rating: 4.5/5
Criteria for Rating:
– Writing style
– Engagement
– Accessibility
– Thoroughness
– Empowerment
– Nuance
