Radical Love by Zachary Levi-A Book Review

Radical Love is a memoir/autobiography (of sorts) about Zachary Levi’s mental health journey.

It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book that I just didn’t want to put down. I found myself forcing myself to not read this story all in one day. Pretty early on, I soon realized that I really wanted to savor this experience of reading Zac’s story. I wanted to take in everything he put down on the page and really learn.

I have to be honest though, I didn’t resonate a whole lot with Zac’s story. Don’t get me wrong, I have had my own mental health struggles. They just aren’t/weren’t to the extent that Zac lays out in this book. But I think that is okay and the point. We all have our own mental health journeys on this rock we call Earth. Like I said, I wanted to learn and boy did I. Here’s the thing, Zac doesn’t just talk about his mental health in this book. He talks about the science and the tools that helped him get through the really, really rough times in his journey.

I have to say that the empath in me was on overdrive while reading/listening. I had heard bits and pieces of Zac’s mental health journey through interviews I’ve read and his Instagram lives, but boy I had no idea! The experiences he went through that eventually led him to rock bottom and then the journey to get mentally healthy was a lot to take in as a reader. All I wanted to do was wrap him up and give him the biggest hug.

The part that absolutely broke my heart and brought me to actual tears was when Zac described a moment he had in Connecticut with Beth (his companion for the day and throughout his time there). He mentioned a point where he was feeling pretty hopeless after a session with his therapists and Beth could tell when he walked out. He immediately broke down as soon as he reached the car and she drove him to the waterfront, as she had done before.

They just sat there as he broke down and Beth didn’t even have to say a word. She didn’t have to. He knew she was there for him without judgement. She prayed for him even though technically she wasn’t allowed to do so. She even told him so. But the part that really got me was when she said, “I would gladly lose my job for you.” As soon as I read that, the tears started flowing. Someone so selfless is willing to do whatever it takes to help someone in need no matter the consequences. Those are good people. Beth is good people. We need more of these people in this world.

As for a favorite part in this book, there were a lot. Zac included these little quotes and blurbs you can find in the margins. I really enjoyed reading those. A lot of them I could relate to and a lot of them hit me hard. They are something I will go back to, reference, and use in my own life.

I mentioned earlier that I had also listened to the book. I highly recommend grabbing the audiobook version. Zac reads it and it adds a whole other element to the reading experience. Radical Love is one of those books that I will pick up again and reread over the course of my life. I think it’s important that everyone read this book. I don’t care if you’re a fan, not a fan, or don’t even know who Zachary Levi is. The concept of radical love is important, especially in today’s world and climate.

I don’t know if he’ll ever read this review (I hope he does), but I want Zac to know that his story impacted me. Maybe not in the way I thought it would, but it did. I will be doing my best from now on to radically love anyone and everyone I encounter in life.

 

Thank you for reading lovelies!

Jess

 

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