I bought this book from Borders. I just happened to stumble across it in the on sale pile, then I read the title. Judging by the fact that I saw the the word "phobic" I knew it was going to have something to do with Psychology, and I was immediately interested. The man in this book suffers from Agoraphobia. He has a fear of both open places, and a fear of isolation.
This book both explains and defines what it means to have a phobia.
I personally have a phobia of ants, and pretty much any insect that happens to be near me, or on me at the time. I cannot sleep until I have dealt with whatever kind of insect it is that is around. If I find one by my bed, or in my room, I have to clean until I am satisfied that the insects are completely gone. Before I began reading this book, I didn't think I had a phobia. No one likes insects, is what I used to tell myself. What I have learned is that I do have a phobia, not because I dislike insects, but because I panic when I am around them. Usually in a public place, I don't get as panicky, but the impulse to get rid of insects is always there.
This is a great book for people who do struggle with phobias. It isn't biased against anyone phobia, and it doesn't make you feel that you are abnormal. It is simply notes from someone who has experienced extreme phobias. By reading Allen Shawn's account of his agoraphobia, it has been helpful to me, and discovering my discomfort toward insects.
I do recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Psychology and/or anyone who has or is suffering from a phobia of their own.
