Facing the Fire: Experiencing and Expressing Anger Appropriately

John Lee. Bantam Books, 1993. [233 pp.]

Reviewed by: Meg Wickes, Hospice Volunteer.

The title of this book says it all, with emphasis on the final word. An initial proviso states clearly there are those for whom this book is not appropriate reading. The message contained in this challenging book is not for those individuals who all too easily vent their anger in inappropriate and hurtful ways but is addressed to that company of persons who pack their anger so far down inside it can find no outlet, causing all manner of harm to body and mind.

Having defined his audience, John Lee takes his anger-challenged readers into the inner sanctum of his anger workshops, prescribing a variety of non-threatening non-hurtful ways of venting. The author is convincing in his position that unvented anger stifles the emotions and destroys intimacy.

Grieving the loss, or impending loss of a loved friend or family member is, of course, a major source of anger at all levels. This book is a handbook for anger "dumping".

The natural aversion to expressing our anger which most of us feel, is addressed with anecdotal and descriptive materials which demonstrate how to regain one's emotional health. These "prescriptions" range from simple, non-threatening, verbal responses to present-time frustration, to: pillow-thumping, stick-breaking, etc., as a response to deeper angers stemming from the past.

A list of cassette tapes and workshops the author can provide is included. If you recognize yourself in any of this, help is at hand in this highly readable volume.