Shook One: Anxiety Playing Tricks on Me

Example of blind spots and breakthroughs. I will buy a physical copy for the collection and read more of his work.

I began listening to the Breakfast Club because of my husband. Initially, I hated the show. There was this one segment that particularly irked my nerves, The Donkey of the Day. But my husband (boyfriend at the time), told me to give the show a shot. You all know, The Donkey of the Day, is Charlamagne's segment. Over time, I actually became a fan of the show and Charlamagne himself. Now I haven't read Black Privilege even though it's been in our home since it was released. Hubby read it. When I heard Charlamagne wrote a book on mental health I was intrigued. On the show he is a major advocate of maintaining one's mental health. If you follow me, you know I make a special effort to read a book for my personal growth and mental health as I am diagnosed with Conversion Disorder. Starting in October, this book was constantly on my mind to read. So here I am completing it in November 2020 as my personal growth read. Brief Synopsis: Charlamagne takes his personal life experiences coupled with what he's learned by means of professional help to deal with his mental health issues, specifically PTSD. Yea, you read that correctly. Anyhow, this book is co-written with board certified psychiatrist, Dr. Ish Major in what they call a Clinical Correlation after Charlamagne provides his personal commentary. I thought this book was very raw and real. He addressed his failures without holding back while applauding his success. This book provides a very intimate look into the life of a Black Man trying to survive in America and the trauma that comes with it. He references Black Privilege a few times, which has increased my interest to read it. The question remains, is mental health issues really a thing? How is it affecting Black Men? Are our Black Men ready to honestly address it. You'll find a mix of hip-hop and movie homage being payed throughout this book. Are you ready to address if your mind is play tricks on you? What spoke to my soul: Protect your mental health, seek professional help if necessary. We carry so much, especially during this pandemic. It has not been easy. What healthy method are you using to protect your mental health? I read, meditate, and journal. So far, it has been enough for me. In the past I have been to therapy and even seen a psychiatrist. Remove the stigma associated with getting help. We go to a doctor for every other reason, why not for our brains? The second idea that spoke to my soul is to be mindful of those around you. Often there are cries for help that we totally miss being absorbed in our own worlds. Do your best with trying to recognize signs of someone crying out for help. They may not do what you want them to do, but you can have a clear conscience knowing you tried. You're only responsible for how you operate through life. You can't control someone else, but you can show that you care. I really wanted to read this book because Charlamagne speaks on his life experience growing up as a Jehovah's Witness. This appeals to me as I was raised as one myself and I currently practice after being away from it for 17 years. A topic I continue to contend with, but I'm coming closer to my truth I guess that would be the final idea that spoke to my soul, continue to pursue your own truth regardless of the cost. As Always, #HappyReading Tracey Robinson Words For The Soul Book Club

I don’t do a lot of reading and decided to give this a try for something to keep me entertained in the gym and I have to say it was a very good read! Regretting not reading black excellence first but I’ll most definitely go back and read that one now.

Omg! I am not surprised at all this book is the absolute truth! I-am ashamed to admit I was so judgmental of my people only because I was so disappointed by them so many times and I knew our potential. But I can honestly say this book had changed my whole out look it really has. I too suffer from PSTD from my childhood experience i witness my two year old sister get killed by a drunk driver at the tender age of 41/2 years old I was kicked out of a whole district in the 2nd grade for beating up my teacher after she slapped me in my face. And til this day I still suffer from anxiety I was molested by family members and I was told what goes on in the house stays there as most African American families did but needless to say this book help me understand and really realize what it was I was going through. The raw and real-ness of this book is the truth!! Thank you charlamange for your boldness and rawness

What I liked about this book is the emphasis and even over emphasis of being present about your feelings, fears and anxiety and sitting with it to work through it. I can appreciate Charlamagnes contribution to healing society though this book. I primarily would recommend this book to black men and anybody that has chronic nervousness. I recommend Shook One to black men because black men need to understand it is okay to acknowledge their pressures and talk about it. And also to help them build up trust within themselves and others so they can release. I recommend this book to hypochondriacs because making the distinction daily between fear and danger is crucial. And that distinction can add years to life. And this books has countless references and examples of that distinction and what should be prioritized and what should be taken less seriously. Shook one is a good book to help you begin to cultivate the consistent practice of putting your healing and mitigating your anxiousness to the forefront.

I purchased this as a gift for someone. They enjoy reading the book.

Yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yooooo!!! Charlamagne thank you for being transparent and saying things many of us did not know how to say. What an incredible breakthrough to finally talk about "mental health" in the black community. I am so proud of you and what you continue to do for society. I love you guys on the Breakfast Club, the interviews, the thought provoking questions, the drama at times, the positivity, I love it all. Thank you for this book. I just finished it. I'm glad I got to meet you in Houston to sign both books. Love you Bro!

Great read

Great book for someone suffering from anxiety or self doubt. Love the step by step break down of issues. Highly recommended. Definitely add it to your collection

Excellent book and Charlamagne does an amazing job describing what its like dealing with anxiety as a black male. I found myself constantly underlining parts of the book I liked and sharing it with friends. Do get this book if experience anxiety on a daily basis. It'll open your eyes to see that you're not alone.

It very thought provoking and honest. It's a good book for young men.

Thank you Charlamagne for this amazing book, Its truly brave to share your past and present insights with your anxieties, to help me realize what can be accomplished on this journey working on myself.

It was well written and was very enjoyable to read. I'm proud of Charlamagne and have a lot of respect for him, for being able to share his weaknesses and his vulnerability.