Book Review - Radical Love: Learning to Accept Yourself and Others

Perhaps best known for his roles as Chuck Bartowski in the television series Chuck, Flynn Rider in Disney’s Tangled, and the lead role in the superhero film Shazam!, Zachary Levi has been a rising star in Hollywood over the past decade. That success is only part of the story, a story that Levi discusses in his new book Radical Love: Learning to Accept Yourself and Others (affiliate links).

This book surprised me in many ways. There is often a feeling about Hollywood actors that they have it all and oftentimes, nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, they are people just like us and have some of the same problems we have. Levi presents the struggles he has experienced throughout his life including strained relationships with both of his parents, dealing with depression, and even thoughts of suicide. The book is really an exploration of why he struggles the way he does, but also a bit of a guide as to how he is working to overcome those struggles. ​

---

I use present tense as the mental and emotional issues Levi talks about in this book (and that many people deal with on a daily basis) are not things that get fixed in one shot. These are struggles that must be faced every day, perhaps for the rest of your life, and that’s scary. But part of the beauty of the book and the way Levi presents these struggles is that he has begun to understand that they will never be completely fixed. There is no magic pill to make things perfect, but learning to deal with the issues in a healthy and productive way goes a long way to setting us up for future success. 
​
Parts of this book are not easy to read, but if you are someone who has ever battled depression or anxiety (and let’s face it, who hasn’t?) then you need to do yourself a favor and find this book. Get it for someone you love who might be going through some tough times or who had a hard upbringing. They will thank you for it. ​