Depression Books

I enjoyed this book and with its help have a better understanding of the biochemical bases for depression and anxiety

Orthomolecular treatment of physiological and psychological problems attempts to heal the patient by normalizing the body's natural balance of nutrients (and other essential molecules), especially the amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Nutritional specialist and chiropractic physician, Dr. Rodger H. Murphree advocates orthomolecular treatment for anxiety and depression after carefully weighing the odds of conventionally used anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications. In his book Treating and Beating Anxiety and Depression with Orthomolecular Medicine, he informs about the less-known but paralyzing harms of antidepressant and anti-anxiety drugs. By comparing these with the innocuous orthomolecular medicine, Dr. Murphree advises all sufferers of anxiety and depression to heal better and completely with natural medication.

The book has detailed information about the way our body and mind work, and the causes of anxiety and depression. It is an easy-to-read book, not demanding a background in medicine or biology. Dr. Murphree offers invaluable information on the required amount of essential nutrients, the sources of each nutrient, and a few self-testing methods for determining one's level of health in terms of glandular function. A checklist of various signs of nutrient imbalance is given at the end of the book to help readers make a rough assessment of their health.

To make the book more helpful for a worldwide audience, Dr. Murphree lists useful resources in various countries of the world at the book's end. Treating and Beating Anxiety and Depression with Orthomolecular Medicine is a must-read for all who want to prevent or minimize stress and its damaging health effects.

Armchair Interviews says: If this issues concerns you, check out this book.

This is a great book! I found the information to be life changing. I'm following the advice in this book and feel the best I've felt in years. Easy to read, but backed with scientific studies, Dr. Murphree's book will I'm sure help thousands of patients with anxiety and depression.

The Gold/Silver debates of the 19th Century and British Imperial power made the emerging US industrial nation react like Germany demanding "a place in the sun". Germany mortally wounded Britain's Empire through the First War; and the US sabotaged the Peace through Wilson's 14 Points being met and the US failing to stick around to enforce them; thus inviting Germany to demand 'Self-Determination'for Sudetenland, Saarland, Danzig, Bohemia.....and unravelling those new countries re-born at Versailles.

Britain, hobbled by War Debt was forced to concede on Ireland (De Valera being American) as Harding/Coolidge America demanded repayment from an enfeebled Britain and its incompetent 1920s Finance Minister, Winston Churchill.

Devaluation in 1931 and the disintegration of France brought Germany with its ally Russia back to the top table, and the successful Finance Minister, Chamberlain became the unsuccessful Prime Minister trying to match Foreign Policy to economic status...with a France trying to welch on its treaties to the East, and trying to involve Britain in the fallout....while the US stood aloof convinced Britain was too wily for the boys from the farm......where America could have led, she invented shadows; and the dying Imperial Power faced Japan, Italy, and Germany as potentially hostile.....alone.

The book is thorough and outlines how American obession with Empire and failure to see its stabilising aspects led them to saw at the pillars of the world order, as the demons of miliary expansionism prepared to plunge the world into war. Where American politicians saw British hyperpower; Italy and Japan and German saw a decadent empire ready for toppling........and thousands of GIs saw the consequences of US failure to bolster fading British power, rather than trying to undermine it and make a world safe for dictators.....then on 1st Sept 1939 Germany invaded Poland; 2nd Sept US declared neutrality; 3rd Sept at 11am Britain at War; 5pm France at War.

Dr. Moser writes compellingly about the resurgence of Anglophobia in the United States between the two world wars. He writes with style and the story he weaves is an interesting portrait of the various groups that looked with scorn and fear upon a British empire in its twilight.

German- and Irish-Americans loathed the British. American liberals saw the British as imperialistic. American isolationists, a term Moser is uncomfortable using, were wary of any British attempts to drag Americans into a European affairs.

The author is able to find Anglophobia as late as 1945. Although some historians may claim the author has found Anglophobia around every corner, Moser has the facts to support his argument.

An important contribution to interwar diplomatic and political history, _Twisting the Lion's Tail_ is a sign that important, archival research is still being done with skill and panache.

Excerpted from the Sunday London Times, February 14, 1999 edition that prints a review by Robert Anson:

The Sunday Times (London), February 14, 1999

BOOKS: HISTORY

Uncle Sam's venom

Robert Sam Anson

As John E Moser's book opens in 1921, America is preparing for Armageddon against the British. In Congress, where Britain is termed "a red pox spreading across the Pacific", there are calls for the United States to "seize maritime control of the world". "We are nearer war today than ever before," an admiral warns. As war fever mounts, a bestselling tome declares, "We were Britain's colony once. She will be our colony before she is done."

It sounds like an especially fanciful Tom Clancy novel. But every word is true. All this happened in the US during the 1920s, and there would be years more of fear, loathing and near-catastrophe before the cold war finally locked "the cousins" in potentially permanent embrace. How dangerously lunatic those times were is a subject English-speakers on both sides of the Atlantic have done their understandable best to forget.

It is precisely that which makes this book so startling, and (for anyone who cares about the continued health of the "special relationship") so necessary. Written by an American professor in a style blessedly unacademic, this slender, fast-paced volume is a rarity among histories. Not only does it add to understanding, it supplies knowledge where there was almost none.

...

Just as important, and making for some of Moser's most eye-popping paragraphs, was the role played by an ideological grab-bag of late-1930s opinion-makers, set on convincing the public that Britain was not appeasing Hitler, but joining in common cause with him.

...

Ever since, Moser writes, America's dealings with the outside world have been a chronic contradiction: moral, selfless and naive one moment; immoral, selfish, and calculating the next. The one constant has been a need for a foe personifying utter wickedness. Britain has filled the requirement, as have Mexico, Spain, Germany, Japan, China, Vietnam, the Soviet Union, Libya, Iran and now Iraq. Putting down this marvellous, disturbing book, one wonders why, with all the tragedy and mayhem that have been the consequence, lessons are never learnt. One wonders, too, whether the list of America's enemies will ever end. Probably not. There's always the French.

While this book is about weight loss, it is also about taking control of your life. What makes this one different from other diet books is that the "diet" is not some external approach that layers on top of your life, but is a process that is integrated into your life. So follow the witty chapters and rid yourself of pounds and gain a measure of freedom from your cravings and your excuses.

Since reading and editing this book, I've lost 20 pounds so far. For years I had talked about losing weight, but could never figure out how to get over the hump. This book opened my eyes to my own bad habits and how to conquer them and also made me laugh along the way.

This is the first "undiet" book that I have ever looked forward to "getting back to". It's very entertaining as well as practical and straight forward. I appreciate the funny, no BS approach.

A must read for anyone who lives with or works with someone with depression. I have read dozens of books on the subject and this is by far the best for gaining insight into the problems. I wished that every teacher and employer (and supervisor) were required to know this information.

Have you ever suffered from depression? Or do you have a friend who is depressed? Surely you want to know how to help. Now you have the chance to read a book that is a solid resource for those who suffer from depression personally, and for those who want to understand and help them. People have always been thinking that depression is simply a transient feeling of moodiness. In her book Understanding Depression, Patricia Ainsworth examines depression from a different perspective. According to Ainsworth, depression is more than a mental illness. It is a total body illness, affecting both the cognitive ability of the human brain and the functioning of the body. Furthermore, when people are depressed, they suffer from alterations in behaviour, appetite, and sexuality (10). Many of those people cannot help themselves. The only relief is death. In order to prevent this cruel end, Ainsworth explains the nature and symptoms of depression in the different groups, children and elderly. By looking at the symptoms of depression, the question that arises is what are the causes for this illness. Exploring different theories for the causes of depression, Ainsworth begins from the ancient Greek philosophies and reaches to the ideas of the 20th century. Through this process, people get acquainted with different theories about depression, such as Freud's way of seeing mental illnesses as the cause of depression or the theory of the behaviorists who believe that depression is a result of a failure of the humans to deal with, adapt to, and react to the environment (51). By giving numerous examples and explanations like these, Ainsworth successfully proves that depression involves alterations in the brain and has to be treated aggressively. If not, the illness worsens, thus aggravating the person's mounting sense of being overwhelmed. The result could be suicide, mainly because of the inability of this human being to handle depression alone. One of the most important steps of treating depression, according to Ainsworth, is how the depressed people are perceived by the others. Often, people think of depression as something that comes and goes. On the contrary of the common misconception, Ainsworth claims that once it appears, depression brings not only alterations in behavior, but also changes in the chemical structures of the human cells which cannot disappear without external medication and professional psychological treatment. In this way Understanding Depression teaches us how to treat depression, either through the an approach as a physician and psychologist, or simply as a friend who wants to help the person beside him or her. Despite the misconception that depression is simply a transient feeling, there are other misconceptions which Ainsworth calls the "myths of depression"(105). The most popular myth is that depression is a sign of a weakness of character. Unfortunately, myths like this can only contribute the risk associated with the potentially lethal illness. Ainsworth argues against the common misconception that women, as the "weaker" part of humanity, are more likely to fall victims to depression than are men. On the contrary, she proves that everyone has an "equal opportunity" to suffer this disorder inspite of the sex, age, or religion. Ainsworth agrees that there is a difference in experiencing depression. When men are depressed, they tend to look outside themselves in order to master their environment. Depressed women, on the other hand, are prone to search within themselves for the source of their unhappiness(28). Despite the fact that depression can be suffered in a different way by men and women, an equal opportunity for both sexes exists. Depression do exempts no one and the potential outcome, suicide, is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Every 17.3 minutes someone commits suicide in the United States. According to National Institute of Mental Health Statistics, suicide is the ninth leading cause of death in Americans and accounts for more than 30000 deaths every year (11). In order to prevent death, Ainsworth gives answers to questions such as how can I help myself, or how can I help someone who is depressed. While the cure could be different, the first step for treating depression is the same for all people. This step is understanding depression. It is the only way of treating the illness effectively, or as Ainsworth writes: "One of the keys of regaining control of your life and your emotions is to gain a factual understanding of what has happened to you and to your body. Once you understand the beast, you have a much better chance of outmanoeuvring it"(116). Ainsworth's book is a part of the successful struggle against the beast called depression. This is a book concerning a large audience, appealing to the humanity as a whole and to the problems that could happen to all of us despite the fact that we are men or women, children or adults, black or white. Understanding Depression is one of the best ways of exploring the tragedy of depression. It is a tragedy because it has taken away the lives of millions young people and will continue to annihilate the existence of many more if not stopped. Ainsworth's book is an unique source for depression to be destroyed and extricated from one's life because of the author's use of examples from reality and personal touch with depression. These examples are explained in understandable terms appealing to the whole humanity that does not want to give up its humanness to depression. All people are obliged to do something to stop this nightmare that ruins the lives of nearly 15 to 30 percent of the depressed people every day (115). Ainsworth's Understanding Depression is an excellent step to know the enemy, in order to sever its roots and help new lives be built, without the moodiness, hopelessness and emptiness that have darkened our human existence victimized by the beast called depression.

Works Cited Ainsworth, Patricia. Understanding Depression. Jackson, University Press of Mississippi. 2000. ISBN 1-57806-169-5.

The book starts out with a quote: "I treated depression throughout my career and never really understood what it was I was treating until I suffered from depression myself."... by a psychiatrist.

I've battled severe depression for years and from experience, I've learned that talking about it to others can backfire because many see it as a mere weakness. Words like, "snap out of it" can be extremely painful. Isolation becomes inevitable which just makes the sufferer worse. Well, Patricia Ainsworth does understand this disease and reading her book was comforting...something we desperately need.

Additionally, she informs the reader on updated information from the causes of depression, to what's happening in the brain. Treatment is also discussed and all of the writing is reader-friendly. Included is a Glossary, Index, and two Appendices which lists further resources (web sites/books) and a section on medication which are extremely helpful. I recommend this book to anyone who is depressed with unanswered questions and ESPECIALLY for those who have a loved one with this painful disease. I thank you, Patricia.

Unveiling Depression In Women: A Practical Guide To Understanding And Overcoming Depression by licenced psychologists Catherine Hart Weber and Archibald Hart is a serious guide written expressly to be easily understood by the non-specialist general reader. This informative highly recommended work deals specifically with understanding the unfortunate phenomenon of depression as it specifically presents itself in women. Individual chapters address causes of depression, getting help, and strategies for improving one's life when suffering from depression or if a loved one suffers from depression. Unveiling Depression In Women is an ideal book for anyone who suffers from chronic or clinical depression, and those who love them.

This volume is indeed a practical guide to understanding and dealing with depression, especially as it affects women. The place of Christian faith in the healing process is paramount in this book. Discussion of the topic is divided into four major sections: Understanding Depression in Women; Causes of Depression; Getting Help and Healing Depression; and Strategies for Overcoming Depression. In non technical terms the causes and affects of depression are discussed as well as possible methods of intervention. It is helpful to see that depression is a natural consequence of life experiences. When it absorbs a major part of one's life, depression has become a serious problem, but not a hopeless one. Beginning with prayer and fellowship with other Christians, the depressed woman can obtain the degree of help she needs if she follows the suggestions provided by the authors. Pastors, counselors, grandparents, and good friends will find this a ready resource.

This book is one of the most helpful books on Depression that I have read. It guides you through the different aspects of depression. It says clearly why medication is helpful and it sets out clearly different types of depression.

I had been reading widely as I have been asked to give a talk on Depression, and I wish that every member of the group I will be speaking to, could have a copy of this book. it is easy to read, understandable,and helpful.

Excellent and informative detail. I strongly suggest adding this book to your library.

I was not expecting this book to be what it is and still am surprised.It is a collection of photos with some details about the author's and other's private collections of rare collectibles(vases,bowls,lamps,etc).All are beautiful photographs and amazing peices!A totally wonderful book for anyone who loves collectible glass!!!

It is not likely you will ever encounter any of the glass shown in this book but the book is worth buying anyway for anyone who enjoys collecting depression glass. The photos in this book will have you drooling for hours. And who knows? You might actually find one of these beauties one day and buy it because you remember seeing it in the book and knowing that the $50 asking price was well worth it since Gene says its worth $2000!

This one stunned me with its very frank look at manic depression, a.k.a. bipolar disorder. The protagonist's struggles to overcome his mental illness are admirable, to say the least. Here we have the story of a manic-depressive man who is thrust onto a psychiatric ward where he must come to terms with his illness. I recommend this novel for anyone who wants a better understanding of manic depression in a fictional format.

Capturing the sheer essence of how powerful the mind is and the extraordinary challenges one has to overcome when diagnosed with bipolar or manic depression; Christopher Palmer opens the doors to a new world less traveled. Although researched and studied...really understanding why some people are more affected and impacted then others by certain traumas and experiences is still not fully understood. Palmer's book captures the reader in a way that you feel you are having a personal conversation at times with the main character. The characters reflect various aspects of this mysterious disease and how true commitment and love for oneself can pull you through to the other side. I highly recommend this book, especially for those suffering who may not see the light through the tunnel or hear the "Voices Beyond the Stream". There is hope and there is help. Please reach out!

Voices Beyond the Stream is an eye-opener to the plight that many suffering from manic depression face in their daily lives. The author, Chris Palmer, candidly moves the reader through the mind of a man suffering from the illness, giving the reader an extraordinarily honest view of the illness infringing on his main character's (Hunter Kraven) very existence.
Although this is a work of fiction, the characters are keenly real, and urgent issues are cleverly placed into a story that is not only intellectually engaging, it also delivers vital information about coping with manic depression. Palmer's well-crafted words push the envelope, taking the reader to the edge and ultimately bringing forth a real-life solution. He delivers detailed information about modern treatment and depicts the effects of this treatment in a way that only someone with manic depression would know. This rare look is invaluable to moving forward with the courses of action necessary for those who live with the illness and for those with loved-ones who suffer from it.
Voices Beyond the Stream is definitely a must-read for anyone thirsty for understanding manic depression. It won't disappoint!

Branching into novel translations was probably Tokyopop's greatest idea ever, and unlike DMP's forays into the field of narrative localization that I have read, Tokyopop has done a fantastically professional job. There was hardly a time when I felt the translation lacked or was awkward. It was practically seamless and really felt like I was reading an English novel, and not even one meant for a child's reading level (which it isn't). I am very satisfied and pay proper respect to Tokyopop for this endeavor.

That being said, Tatsuhiko Takimoto's novel, which inspired the manga and anime series, is a fantastic read and I highly recommend it, not only to fans of the manga and anime, but also to anyone interested in sophisticated storytelling and insights into the modern culture and sub-cultures of Japan.

If you are familiar with the manga and/or anime the story is similar and many of the characters are the same, but the plot is somewhat different. The humor and crazy antics are still there, but the novel seems to take on a more serious side as well. As you watch Satou make a fool of himself and go crazy and drug and try to kill himself you laugh, but you also feel a kind of connection of sympathy with the character at the same time. It's not an awkward feeling, either, like when you feel bad about laughing at someone else's pain. Takimoto has managed to create the kind of dark comedy that is not uncomfortable at the same time. It is something very hard to do and I would argue it makes the difference here from the book being good to the book being great.

If you are not familiar with the storyline already, the book chronicles the life of a young college drop-out turned hikikomori (shut-in sub-culture in Japan that has become a serious social problem among young people in recent years) named Satou who tries, often in vain, to break free of his agorophobia and fears about other people. He is drawn into his neighbor and former classmate's desire to create an erotic video game, has terrible luck with women in his one-sided crush on his former sempai, and is forced by a lonely girl who lives near the park he often visits alone to join her "program" to help him break from his hikikomori lifestyle. He tries drugs to control his anxieties and Takimoto's writing captures the hallucinogenic effects of these trips both humorously and insightfully.

In the end we are left with the picture of the life of a very human character in Satou, one through which we can come to understand a little better the pain and suffering people with these kinds of social anxieties live with. Takimoto reveals in his afterwards that much of what he is writing is drawn from his own experiences (though he denounces claims that the book is at all autobiographical), lending a greater sense of reality to the existence of people struggling like Satou struggles.

Perhaps it is a bit much to hope that an adult comedy novel like this could help bring awareness and aid to the issue of hikikomori in Japan (and even less so to the issues of similar people in America), but at the very least this book is an entertaining read and is suitable for a wide variety of tastes. It's a little mature at times, so I'd caution younger readers against it, but if you're wondering whether it is worth the money or time to give a try, I would say yes.

Satou is a "NEET", a Japanese term for "Not Engaged in Education or Training." He has completely withdrawn from society and lives off of his parents' money, sleeping 16-hour days in a tiny, trash-littered apartment. His life is a constant downward spiral, propelled by hallucinogenic drugs, his child porn-addict neighbor, and a religious girl named Misaki who wants to reform him but is drowning in her own problems.

While this story is mainly about Satou, the cast is small enough that all of the characters are well-developed. Like Satou, all the characters feel suffocated by society and cope with it in self-destructive ways. There are no happy characters in this book, with unconvincing facades the only thing keeping people from seeing them as a shivering bundle of neuroses. It is very easy to sympathize with the characters, and I'm sure many will be able to identify with at least one.

The book is very well translated, and while there are tons of Japanese terms, the glossary does a very good job of explaining, even for the unitiated. The book is also a very quick read. One can finish it in 2 good sessions, perfect for standing in a long line.

There's no fairy tale happy ending here, but the ending is satisfying. If you like introspective novels, character development-heavy plots, and rainy days, pick up this book and enjoy.

Even though the hikikomori culture in Japan is very, very dark and haunting, it still deserves an in-depth look. With "Welcome to the N.H.K.", author Tatsuhiko Takimoto created a complete masterpiece of a novel about hikikomori.

The main character, Satou, is a 22-year-old hikikomori, a person who is afraid to socialize with anyone outside of his room. He dropped out of college and is unemployed. His rent is due in a few months, and he only manages to pay by selling the appliances in his room. He lives next to an otaku who is also afraid of the outside world. In their drug-infested mania, they try to create the best hentai (porn) video game ever.

Although their situations are very depressing, Satou still manages to strike up a friendship with a 15-year-old missionary girl dropping off flyers at his apartment. She likes him, and wants to cure him of hikikomori. However, she has her own secrets--she has burn marks on her arms, covered up by her long-sleeved T-shirts. She doesn't think God exists, and she's depressed as well.

This is a love story between a girl and a hikikomori. Despite their flaws, they find far more things that they have in common. The ending is heart-wrenching, but perhaps it's more memorable, because they manage to maintain a very strong friendship.

Sadly, the author is still a NEET (a nicer way of referring to a Japanese person who stays cooped up in her/his room). However, even though he suffers such extreme depression, perhaps he found some relief from expressing these emotions in this powerful book.

Reviewed by Patti Yackulic for Reader Views (6/07)

For most of us, depression still carries a stigma. We're concerned that other people will react negatively towards us not only because they're ignorant as to the components and frequency of depression but also because traditional medications for depression may influence our behaviors. Dr. Michael Schachter's approach to treating depression may eventually alter public perceptions. Schachter approaches depression holistically.

Individuals suffering from heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and a plethora of other illnesses are all offered medically approved alternate approaches to encourage cures or remissions. Daily we're bombarded with data promoting healthful lifestyles (eating, sleeping, exercise, stress management, etc.) in order to offset or manage physical disorders; however, Schachter's similar approach towards depression is novel. Indeed, at this stage, his philosophy does not garner the support of the majority of the medical community. Nevertheless, his work holds promise - at least according to his account in "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Depression."

Before I read Schachter's book, my understanding of depression was limited to psychology course rhetoric supplemented by limited details supplied by a long-distance friend who suffers from a bipolar disorder. As I gained a more comprehensive view of depression from Schachter, I found myself wondering if anyone could entirely control depression with a natural approach, or if some level of traditional medications would always be required to maintain balance. Even Schachter does not completely negate his natural approach being supplemented with a certain amount of medication. However, his premise is to primarily focus on treating depression without heavy reliance on these traditional medications which have potentially devastating side affects. Can I imagine my friend functioning well without resorting to her daily tablets? My well-considered answer is negative, simply because my friend does not possess the discipline to maintain a healthful regime. Nevertheless, I suspect that her level of medication could be lessened if her psychiatrist embraced Schachter's philosophy and encouraged her to adopt a lifestyle which would not only promote mental well-being but physical well-being also.

"What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Depression" is not a work solely for individuals afflicted with the disorder, but it is a work which should be consider equally worthwhile for the medical community as well as the general populous. Perhaps, in time, Schachter's approach will be mainstream and traditional medications will be relegated to an alternate status.

There are as many books written about depression, as there are symptoms of this baffling disease, particularly since the malady appears to be intensifying among all age groups from children to the elderly. In addition, several books are written about all-natural approaches for treatment of depression.

However, Dr. Schachter's book may very well be the best breakthrough book to date for the content and information related to the many types of depression that afflict more than 19 million Americans each year.

The term, 'you are what you eat' has been around for decades, but this book brings a new meaning to that phrase. Not only does the author describe and outline the characteristics that define the various types of depression, but explains in layman's terms how to conquer, without medication, this debilitating illness by eating the proper foods in the correct proportions. Nutritional deficiencies are described in detail, along with a variety of symptoms that require specific supplements.

The book is divided into two parts. Part one, 'Coming To Terms With
Depression,' has three chapters that describe various approaches for treating depression and introduce the nutritional approach. You will also discover your biochemical profile and learn how to get the professional help you need. Part two, 'How To Prevent and Treat Depression Comprehensively,' has ten chapters that focus on the use of nutritional supplements for the many emotional, medical, and mental symptoms of depression.

Each chapter ends with an overview entitled, 'The Bottom Line,' which highlights the important factors of that particular chapter.

In my opinion, whether you are suffering from depression or have a loved one or even an acquaintance that is tormented by this widespread and vicious malady, this book is for you. I highly recommend this exciting approach as an effective alternative treatment of depression.

Armchair Interviews says: Important look at depression.

I have used a couple of other books in the past for using supplements and amino acids to combat my depression. This book is the BEST out of those three. Dr Schachter gives a more comprehensive overview of the types of neurotransmitters and than an approach to start balancing the inhibitory and then the excititory neurotransmitters. This book contains more information about amino acids and with a better understanding about what ranges of each you could try. I have been trying this and it has been helping me. Plus there is much more in this book such as lists of medical tests, herbs, diet, toxins, hormones, light and stories.

I am going through treatment for cancer and if one more person gave me some syrupy sweet, overly illustrated, "overly Job" book candy coating the message "shut-up-and-put-up-God-can-do-what-He-wants-so-you-have-no-right-to-feel-anger-or-grief-or-confusion" I was going to go insane.

Then I stumbled on this book in the teen Sunday School class and it blew me away. It's small but packs a powerful message that helps answer questions but also helps you learn to deal with problems.

I've bought a few of these to pass around chemo. I could have done without some of the cutesies, i.e., "King Jimmy" but it's easily overlooked given the message.

Sometimes life isn't fair, but we expect it to be...why else would we be so angry and hurt when it isn't. We wonder:

* If God is a God of love, why is there so much suffering in the world?
* Why do the wicked seem to prosper?
* Why do terrible things seem to happen to nice people?
* Why does life have to hurt so much?
* Isn't there an easier way to grow?
* Can any meaning be found in suffering?

Endorsed by the likes of Joni Eareckson Tada, Billy Graham, Paul Meier and others, When Life Isn't Fair: Making Sense Out of Suffering (Hardcover, 144 pages) presents helpful insight, poignant stories and touches of humor in revealing a biblical perspective on these questions. Written in a highly readable and thought-provoking style, author Joel A. Freeman, Ph.D. encourages readers to seek a greater understanding of their feelings through personal reflection. He also prompts discussion about their expectations of themselves, others and God.

Published by New leaf Press as part of the Trusting the Master series, Dr. Freeman's newly revised and reprinted book contains Bible verses that speak to specific situations. Drawing on his years of experience in counseling people through their grief and suffering, Dr. Freeman provides a framework upon which can be found true, lasting peace and security.

As a State of Maryland Board Certified Professional Counselor, Joel A. Freeman, Ph.D. holds a Master of Science degree in counseling from Loyola College (Baltimore) and also a Ph.D. in the same discipline. He served as mentor/chaplain for the NBA Washington Wizards for 19 years ('79-'98). As president of The Freeman Institute™, Dr. Freeman conducts team building/leadership/diversity/change management initiatives for leaders of other nations, government agencies, corporations and faith-based organizations. Joel and his family reside in Maryland.

In the midst of a very terrible time in my life, I stumbled across this book. It blew me away. I have read many, many books on suffering and dealing with life's tragedies. This one is different in that it does not simply regurgitate the standard pat answers to why suffering exists and what to do when it happens ("Trials are actually a blessing! They'll make you a better person! Embrace them!" -- Give me a break.). Joel Freeman avoids preachy, sanctimonious language and never gets condescending. He gives you practical strategies for dealing with not only suffering and grief but the accompanying feelings of unfairness and "God's absence" that go along with these. My faith in God was strenghthened by my having read this book.