The Upside of Fear: How One Man Broke the Cycle of Prison, Poverty, and Addiction Paperback – April 9, 2018

This is as real as it gets, but the insight, inspiration, knowledge and motivation of how true change and redemption is within our reach, has never been put so clearly! I know firsthand what he says is true about the criminal justice system in the state of Colorado from having those I hold most dear having gone through (_and presently going through) the system. It was almost as though I was reading exactly word for word about their life. Weldon, and they, have walked the same steps, the same paths, have been in the same facilities and have had all their contact with the criminal justice system in Colorado Springs and in the state of Colorado. I bought each of them a book as well as myself and the three of us read this in record time, inspired not wanting it to end but so happy to hear, Happy is not even a strong enough word, but to see finally someone create & live such a successful life, after coming through the devastation of Life Choices of Life happening to you of addiction of crime associated with those addictions, change so completely! Self life-altering w/ an awareness of such deep & personal clarity, come out by someone who has really beat the odds of incarceration, recidivism and devastation! Weldon lists such concrete examples of authors of quotes of techniques and visualization in thinking correctly to obtain the life that you envision! There is not enough room to say everything that can be said about this book! You just need to read the reviews, sample pages, and buy this book! Give it to everyone you know who has walked this path or is walking this path now. It has to be the most positive, life changing book that they will encounter in their situation and holds the most potential to help them , in real concrete terms, if a truly positive life change is something they want, but dont know how to begin, develop, learn & live the life they want & deserve to live, & share w/the world! His writing style is highly personable & personal & truly, conversational. Weldon 's sharing may have been cathartic but it's definitely one that those who have lived this life can personally identify with and be clearly led by his years of thorough & amazing self-study and honesty and by his clear blueprint to change and achieve what you want if you're ready to make the change and you want and need clear concise direction to begin your journey to positive self-actualization and success.

I've read this book twice now and I have recommended it to everyone I know, especially those who seem to be unreachable and those who love them! Unfortunately, it's not in paperback (that I can find) so we can't have it sent to people in jail/prison who need it the most since they're not allowed to have hardcover books.My son, who spent time in jail due to crimes committed while he was on drugs, said it was the most insightful and inspirational book he has ever read! He is now able to see himself as a work in progress who works hard at becoming a better person every day, rather than a lifelong loser who lets his past bad decisions undermine and defeat his future. This book has completely changed his thinking and he now knows he is worthy of a good life after all!A mother knows her children and the beauty that lies within them and we KNOW that it's still inside there, even when they and everyone else don't believe it. It's so heart-wrenching when our children or other loved ones make decisions which ultimately lead them to believe that they've ruined their lives forever and are no longer worthy of success or anyone's love and admiration. If only they could see what we see in them and that they're still beautiful inside and capable of achieving their dreams. This book will help them believe that it is possible!

I sent this book to my son who is incarcerated for the umpteenth time for crimes related to his addiction. I also bought one for me. Insightful, easy read, funny, very funny. I never thought I would be able to laugh at my son's addiction. My son said he can not believe how Weldon Long's life paralleled his own. My son had given up trying to get his life back together thinking it was impossible after all he has done and the years he will be spending in prison. He is following the lessons outlined in the book to the "T". He has applied for programs given by the prison and states he has hope for the first time in a long time and now feels he can get his life on track against all odds. Thank you Mr Weldon Long. I never would have thought anything would effect my son's life like this. You might think about starting a new religion, for real. I believe your book can save lives. Have a sip on the beach for me.

Very nice.....this book can motivate everyone to achieve their goals. It is a great story. I learn a lot about the american system of prison and justice.... I am looking forward to read his next book which is more practical to improve the power of persistency which I personally need.... I will see..

This book has all the makings of a best seller. It draws you in from the first page. Once you start reading it you can't put it down. The book begins with the crime which first sent Wally to prison and the thinking which lead him down a path of self destruction. While in prison Wally comes to the realization that his life could be different. Determined to change, he begins a quest to transform his life. He writes down on a piece of paper, glued to the prison wall with tooth paste,the kind of person he will become and the life he will have. Every day and every night for seven years, Wally focuses on what his new life will be like. Thinking about his new life, helps him escape for a short time, from an otherwise bleak prison life. When Wally is released from prison he is able to live the life he dreamed of. This book makes you believe anything is possible and is a true example of how changing your thinking can change your life.

Amazing book, great read, I couldn’t put it down since I bought it, highly recommended. I learned from the book and it’s fired me up for my own life.

Thoroughly enjoyed this and I think one of teh very best self development books on teh market - highly recommended

Stephen covey recommended the book on his personal web page. It was an deep and moving story that inspired me.

A must read for all the young people that find themselves involved in gangs, drugs and on the wrong side of the law and would like to escape to a better life. It is a story of self-redemption par excellence and gives hope for a brighter future to all young people even those who are finding it hard to fit in and are at risk.