The Beast: A Journey through Depression

From Booklist
A good investigative reporter will dig deep into her subject, attempting to enlighten her readers' knowledge. Washington Post reporter Thompson does that here, although in this case the subject is the personally difficult one of her own "beast" --her history of depression. Drawing on her journals from adolescence onward, Thompson details her emotional and mental history in brief, impressionistic scenes, creating a mosaic of the human mind's emotional complexities. Colloquially referred to as "the doldrums" or being "blue" or "low," depression has come to be regarded as a genuine illness, something requiring not only counseling, but medical intervention. Depression affects millions, and costs the U.S. economy $43.7 billion in medical expenses and lost productivity. Thompson fleshes it out informatively and compassionately. Anyone who has been affected directly or indirectly by depression will appreciate her work. Raul Nino


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er inner turmoil, battling major depressive episodes to become a successful career woman, but always hostage to a hidden fear that the Beast would prove more powerful than she was. The Beast gives voice to the brain's dysfunction with eloquence and unflinching honesty, and is a survivor's courageous inquiry into the source and cure of an illness.


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