About the Book
There is no book out there today like Forget Self-Help, by Thomas Fellows. Through his use of literature, history, psychology, scripture and personal experiences, Fellows stresses the importance of living out the Golden Rule of Matthew 7:12 to live a fulfilling, joyful life. While there has been a myriad of self-help books that have come out in the last decade, Fellows contends that the best way to help yourself is to help others. From his life experiences in the computer software sales world to his ongoing struggle with clinical depression, Fellows deftly encourages the reader to think of their troubles in a different light, a light that puts the emphasis on others instead of oneself.
Southern in nature, Forget Self-Help focuses on four main subjects: two literary and two historical. The book explores the profound writings and actions of Robert E. Lee, and includes quotations and thoughts from Martin Luther King Jr. that the lay person probably has not seen. From a literary perspective, the book focuses on the two books that has arguably changed the American landscape the most any two books have in history: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriett Beecher Stowe.
While the book references scripture quite often, it challenges modern Christian thought in the way that both To Kill a Mockingbird and Uncle Tom's Cabin did. It emphasizes Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:12 that "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Forget Self-Help reminds the reader that since we will never see God on Earth, we are called to be God's agents while on earth, and we should attempt to find favor not just with God, but with man as well.
While one of the sources in the book is the Bible, it is intended to be enjoyed by people of all faith backgrounds.
Review :
"Should provide lots of conversation openers at book clubs and church study groups." - Mary Ann Grossman, Pioneer Press, St. Paul, MN
"Thought-provoking... firing on all cylinders." - Donna Price, American Press, Lake Charles, LA
"Thomas Fellows' Forget Self-Help takes a new approach to old ideals that are oftentimes overlooked in today's society. He's created an eye-opening experience, filled with valuable lessons and an honest look at reality that will shock readers in "all the right ways." Fellows' writing will stay with people and linger in their thoughts and lives long after they've finished the last page." - Jessica Vaughn, Gulf Coast Media (AL)
"Thomas Fellows perfectly encapsulates the struggles of depression, listlessness, and the feeling of being lost in a modern world in Forget Self-Help. By focusing on essential Southern figures and literature, he highlights that to truly find peace and happiness with oneself, one must not only look within, but also seek to give back to others however they can...It is only through selflessness that someone can find meaning, inclusion, and happiness. As he makes clear throughout the book, it is not our job to make ourselves happy, but to use our God-given gifts to benefit those around us however we can." - Matthew McCrary, The Western Star, Bessemer, AL
"Fellows identifies and defines quotes from great novels that will have you turning to those pages from the past once again, perhaps even starting those books over as you see them in a much more clear, perhaps even a Biblical light." - Kyle Mooty, General Manager/Editor, Eufaula (AL) Tribune and Enterprise Ledger (AL)
"The simplicity of Fellows' message is eye-opening and refreshing." - Susan Pepper, Winn Parish Enterprise (LA)
"Whether it's teaching an enlisted soldier how to swim or giving courage to a waitress in Alabama and her fellow tip-earners to fight for fairer wages, Fellows urges that people step outside their own skin and have empathy for the plight of others." - Robert Lee Long, Desoto Times-Tribune (MS)
"Hits on many topics that are stressed by everyday normal people... All in all, the book covers the feelings of the mind and emotions of heart from failure to success, depression to joy. - Lauren Estes, Harstelle Enquirer (AL)
"May be a comfort to anyone who's suffering from the holiday blues." - Karen Gillespie, Augusta Chronicle (GA)
... It isn't like all the other books we have seen in the past, this one is to the point ... This is not a book you will forget, you will pick this book up over and over." - John McKinnon, The Douglas Enterprise (GA)
"Hundreds, if not thousands, of self-help books have been published since the 1960's. Thomas Fellows makes that the best self-help is to help others... - Julie Fletcher, Dequincy Newspaper (LA)
"Anyone who isn't a fan of resolutions can reach for "Forget Self-Help" by Thomas Fellows, a native Atlantan whose struggles with clinical depression helped him to focus not so much on helping himself, but helping others." - Nedra Rhone, Atlanta Journal Constitution (GA)
There is so much truth in this book which, considering the young age when Fellows began writing it, shows insight and life experience that is very advanced ... This book will make you think twice about the status quo." - Dawn Teer, The Sun Times (AR)
"An unforgettable volume." - Dean Polling, Valdosta Daily Times (GA)
