I thought this was more of a memoir, which it plainly is not. What it is, is Shawn analyzing phobia & fear, somewhat from his perspective, but mostly just in general. He's very knowledgable on the subject and has done an excellent job interpreting some of his research. However as a non-phobic this book wasn't always interesting & I speed read through large portions of it to get to something that I found more interesting. Still I found some of his theories compelling and even want to read more on the subject because of this book. I think someone who has lived with phobias & struggles to understand it may really enjoy this book. Just wasn't for me.  

Review: Wish I Could Be There: Notes From a Phobic Life

I wanted to like this book but I didn't like it. The writer did not make me care about him or his problems. I didn't feel that I was inside his head or inside his heart. Read full review

Review: Wish I Could Be There: Notes From a Phobic Life

An unusual book, beautifully written. Shawn became a full-blown agoraphobic as a young adult, and remains at the time of this book's writing a few years ago (his late 50s) terrified of open spaces ... Read full review

Review: Wish I Could Be There: Notes From a Phobic Life

I am certainly not an expert on neurology, psychology, psychiatry, genetics and other subjects. I'm sure other reviewers can employ intricate terminology to refute some of the scientific claims and ... Read full review

Review: Wish I Could Be There: Notes From a Phobic Life

Fun fact: this was written by the brother of Wallace Shawn (Vizzini in The Princess Bride). So now, while watching one of the most hilarious movies ever, I will have their depressing family drama in ... Read full review

Review: Wish I Could Be There: Notes From a Phobic Life

My recommendation is to not take recommendations from Katrina Read full review

Review: Wish I Could Be There: Notes From a Phobic Life

I enjoyed this book and definitely identified with it. Shawn has a great understanding of how and why anxiety works as it applies in the world as well as personally. I read a few reviews which called ... Read full review

Review: Wish I Could Be There: Notes From a Phobic Life

This was an interesting read especially for anyone who has ever taken the stairs to avoid an elevator, or driven to avoid a flight, etc. I could identify with the author and I appreciated all the ... Read full review

Review: Wish I Could Be There: Notes From a Phobic Life

I am agoraphobic. The disease was diagnosed more than 25 years ago and my entire adult life has been a struggle to function in something approaching "normal." Sometimes I've done well, and at other ... Read full review

Review: Wish I Could Be There: Notes From a Phobic Life

I ended up stopping this book pretty early on and I never do that. I just couldn't get into it - it was half personal stories (that weren't very interesting) and half scientific information. Not recommended. Read full review