The Upside of Fear: How One Man Broke the Cycle of Prison, Poverty and Addiction

Motivational, Life Changing. Read This Book!!

I am recommending this book to everyone I know! The author delivers a true tale that is heartbreaking, funny, motivational, and feel-good, all rolled into one book.

Growing up, Wally had a father that was distant, and while never really in big trouble, he was a classic underachiever and didn't really fit in well. He married young, and it was a dyfunctional relationship. Neither he or his wife were happy, and neither really knew what was wrong, or how to fix it. One night Wally is out driving around aimlessly (pretty much the way he had lived life up to this point), when he picks up a hitchhiker. Together, the two of them decide to rob a store, and life goes rapidly downhill from there. For the next 20 years, Wally's live is a mess, over half that time is spent in prison, when he is out of prison the time is spent committing crime, drinking, using drugs, and having a son that he rarely sees. With a ninth grade education, he finally realizes in prison that the only way to change things is for HIM to make a decision, change his life, and make it the way he wants it to be. He begins by reading every self-help, religious and motivational text he can get his hands on. The story from there is nothing less than an inspiration. There is truly something here for us all to learn.

Weldon (Wally) Long pulls no punches here, and doesn't try to pretty up the truth of his mistakes in any way. The story is harsh and brutal, and sometimes it's pretty tough to have any sympathy for him. Written with honesty and from the heart, it will make the toughest reader feel a tug on the heartstrings. Teaching himself to share his loving feeling for his son through letters to the boy, he shares a tender and moving part of himself; one he wasn't even aware existed.

If you know someone struggling with life, and feeling that they are just unlucky and ready to give up, buy this book for them. Regardless of your views on religion, whether you believe in God, miracles, or anything else; this book will touch your soul and help you see things differently. I have already loaned it out to a friend, and actually have several more folks in mind to lend it to next. In fact, I plan on buying a couple of copies, one to keep for myself and a few more to share with friends, family and others.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A book that will touch your heart and make you realise that you truley CAN achieve anything you want to. Totally Inspirational- must add to your library!

The other reviews explain precisely what the book is about, though I wanted to add how truley sensational and inspirational this book really was for me. It still amazes me how one man endured all that he did- jail for almost 20 years, to now having transformed his life totally and living a life one would only dream of. After reading the book, I felt connected to the author because he opened up his heart and soul and told it how it truley was and didnt sugar coat it in any way. It was as though I was enduring all that he was and I even became totally overjoyed when he was in the midst of transforming his life. It left me realising that my obstacles in life are minor compared to Weldon's and also that I should look at each day as a blessing and MAKE life happen, as opposed to 'going with the flow' in the river we call life. If you think you have tried everything to overcome your obstacles and can not see the light at the end of the tunnel, read this book-it is a real eye opener! If Wally can do it- so can we all!!

Truly touching and inspirational this book has all the makings of a best seller. It draws you in from the first page. Once you start reading it you can't put it down.

The book begins with the crime which first sent Wally to prison and the thinking which lead him down a path of self destruction. While in prison Wally comes to the realization that his life could be different. Determined to change, he begins a quest to transform his life. He writes down on a piece of paper, glued to the prison wall with tooth paste,the kind of person he will become and the life he will have. Every day and every night for seven years, Wally focuses on what his new life will be like. Thinking about his new life, helps him escape for a short time, from an otherwise bleak prison life. When Wally is released from prison he is able to live the life he dreamed of. This book makes you believe anything is possible and is a true example of how changing your thinking can change your life.

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