The Fantasy Fallacy Book Review

A Response to the Fifty Shades of Grey Phenomenon

Exposing the Deeper Meaning Behind Sexual Thoughts

SUMMARY:  Erotica has invaded more than our minds - it has exploded onto our bestseller lists and into our bedrooms.  

     Many are looking to sexual and emotional fantasies as avenues to fulfillment.  Our fantasies, however, are not reliable guides into the future - they are actually rocky road maps from our past.  Best-selling author Shannon Ethridge theorizes, "Fantasies are simply he brain's way of trying to heal itself from unresolved tragedies and traumas.  We mentally compartmentalize our pain to make room for pleasure."

     Fantasies have deep psychological roots, and if acted on many of them can do deep psychological damage.  Rather than let fantasies rule us, let's take out the sting and bring them under God's rule, allowing the Lord to heal us from the brokenness and insecurities that cause inappropriate fantasies to haunt us.

     Without being judgemental or condemning, Shannon helps us dissect several common and often-disturbing topics, such as:

• a distorted fascination with pornography
• the mental pursuit of multiple partners
• bondage, domination, and sadomasochism (BDSM)

     With tips for controlling unwanted fantasies and resources for providing a safe haven for recovery, The Fantasy Fallacy helps us recognize and heal our emotional pain and equips us to help others do the same.

REVIEW:  This was an interesting and very different book.  Shannon does not shy away from any topic.  She faces it head-on, bringing understanding to difficult subjects we like to keep hidden away and avoid, discussing them in length and bringing it out into the light.  Shannon includes the research studies, material, books she used and counseling sessions she has been in herself and ones she has led to help others to help bring understanding to these formidable subjects.  Also included in the Appendixes are lies we tell ourselves to justify our behavior and ways to combat them; help for curing the sexual abuse epidemic with information on what to look for, discussions to have with our kids and resource information for help; resources for those looking for guidance, encouragement and support for sexually broken people; twelve steps to recovery; and recommended resources for your personal library or for your church's.

This book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers (Booksneeze) for review without compensation.

Shannon Ethridge is an international speaker and certified life coach.  she has a master's degree in counseling/human relations from Liberty University and is the author of the million-copy best-selling Every Woman's Battle series.  Learn more at www.ShannonEthridge.com.