When Living A Lively What to Do Book for Yourself or Someone You Care About Who Feels Discouraged, Sad, Lonely, Hopeless, Angry or Frustrated, Unhappy or Bored, Depressed, Suicidal (For Teenagers and Young Adults) Sol When Living A Lively What to Do Book for Yourself or Someone You Care About Who Feels Discouraged, Sad, Lonely, Hopeless, Angry or Frustrated, Unhappy or Bored, Depressed, Suicidal (For Teenagers and Young Adults) Union of American Hebrew FIRST First Edition Thus, Fifth Printing. Not price-clipped. Published by Union of American Hebrew Congregations, 1985. Octavo. Paperback. Book is very good with light shelf wear and previous owner name on half-title page. Seller 411170 Philosophy & Psychology
I almost DNF'd this book after the first page. "Depression often occurs because, for one reason or another, you feel inferior. Perhaps you relentlessly compare yourself to others." I think that was the point where I went, "The entire premise of this book is trash. Do I really want to waste my time reading this?" I have been depressed for a long d*mn time, with many friends in a similar situation, and that was -- by far -- not the reason. Ever. For any of us. (For any depressed person I've ever known, really. Morbid obesity not withstanding.) I'm sure that's somebody's reason, but to say it's "often" the reason? Really? *face palm* The good: I like the way the book is divided into mini-sections every few pages, and how they all fit into overall chapters. I also like that there are plenty of resources (books, websites, phone numbers, etc.). The bad: Everything else. I'm pretty sure this person has had zero experience with depression -- which I didn't even realize was possible as a human being -- and everything he says just sounds like something he's regurgitating from a book he read. He tries to make assumptions (all wrong) based on his education/ experience/ daily horoscope/ whatever, and it's incredibly frustrating, because this person clearly doesn't know what he's talking about -- but he says it with such professionalism. 2*
This is a short read, divided into categories to help the reader find herself. There are chapters on suicide, on friendship, on forgiveness, on finding your way. Sol Gordon is an excellent writer, and this book was full of wisdom.