My Life in a Nutshell

Many people retreat into nutshells which provide havens of security. There they believe they are safe and can take arms against a sea of trouble, but still waves of doubt continually wash over them. People who have never experienced panic attacks, abuse, or waves of anxiety will find Peterson's fictional account of those who experience such angst in their daily lives illuminating. Her novel provided psychological insight into some of the causes of anxiety, depression, despair, and uncontrollable fears of abandonment to the lay person. Peterson's sympathetic portrayal of two troubled souls who help each other, and thus help themselves is both introspective and retrospective. This book is an invaluable guide to teachers and parents, and guidance councillors. I have learned a great deal about the human condition from Peterson's depiction of Brian, a man stricken with severe problems, who was able, despite his neuroses, help a little child in desperate need of kindness and love.I will be a better teacher because I have read Peterson's extraordinary novel.

I heard about this book on the Anxiety Guru podcast, and I'm so glad I ordered it!! It felt slow to start, because part of me felt so irritated at Brian. I am diagnosed with panic disorder, agoraphobia, and general anxiety. I totally get Brian, and all his calculated steps. My life is calculated to the extreme of where I sit I a room, if/when I shop in a store alone, and driving. But I work EVERYDAY to not give in to these fears. When Brian panicked, I could feel my breathing change, I get it! But I was so angry at him, I wanted him to stop beating himself up and try!! Now, I get it, when my family feels this way. What I love about Sammi and Hugh, they hold no judgements and truly care for Brian. People like me and Brian don't have many Sammi and Hugh's in our life, but it's all we hope for. For someone to love us without judgement, accept us, work with us, and not tell us to just get over it. I was glad to know I'm not as bad off as Brain, but I finished the book feeling just as hopeful as he does. Now, I need to go find an acorn to keep in my pocket ;)

I love this book. I have been diagnosed with avoidant personality disorder and this book makes me feel so much less alone. That means a lot to me and makes this book special.This book is painfully accurate at portraying mental illness and you will find yourself really rooting for Brian, the main character.I also really appreciate the fact that this book is written by an actual counselor with experience in dealing with those with mental illnesses.If you're personally having a very hard time with social situations and anxiety, know someone who has severe problems in this area, or just want to expand your knowledge on the struggles of someone with AvPD, you should definitely read this incredibly insightful book.

Fabulous read that I could barely put diwn. Puts the reader right into the disruption that generalised anxiety disorder gives it's owner. It also looks at diagnosing in a different way by searching the history and looking at its origins. The descriptions got a bit too much at times but it was worth reading to the end.

Wonderful book club choice that everyone could relate to. The characters are very real and it's easy to slip yourself into the story.

This book was a well written story that left me wanting a part 2. I really appreciated the authors ability to get me inside the mind of the main character and understand more.

Enjoyed it as much as Leave of Absence. Both were the kind of books, you just don't want to put down till the end. I am looking forward to future books by Tanya.

Good read, a lovely story!

Wonderfully written, it took me over from the start. Brilliantly presenting human struggles in dealing and overcoming psychological issues.