Depression Books

Dizzy and the Gas House Gang was one of the best books I have read in years. I am an avid fan of baseball, but not quite enough of a fan to wade through some of the typical baseball books on the market--mired with statistics and uninteresting details about flavor-of-the-month players. "Dizzy," however, is a rich account of one of the most interesting and arguably the best pitcher in baseball. A true gem for history buffs, sports fans, and romatics alike.

The best St Louis Cardinal book I've ever read. It is so detailed and fun. The writer - Doug Feldmann - does an outstanding job of covering all the bases in this wonderful release!

Beckman's analysis of the Downwave in the early 1980's was a masterpiece of the application of Kondratiev theory to contemporary American economics and politics. He basically made the astonding predictions of the future of the American economy when many Americans believed we were heading to another round of hyper-inflation. Some of his economic forecasts:

(1) Collapse of the interest rates from 18% to 6% (2) The Collapse of Gold and Silver prices from a high of $850 to $280 per ounce. (3) Rise of Conservative Republican politics for the 1980's to 1993. (4) The coming creative destruction of the old technology in favor of the NEW TECH ECONOMY. (5) THE COLLAPSE OF THE STOCK MARKET AND RISE OF BLUE CHIP STOCK MARKET ECONOMY. (6) The rise of the new underclass known\ as homeless and other blue collar groups. (7) The bottome of crisis in 1999-2000 formally ending the deflation cup.

The updates to his theoretical analysis can be seen in Myron H. Ross, A Gale of Creative Destruction which gives a brilliant analysis of the 5th Upwave of wealth and prosperity and Harry Denton's The Roar 2000 builds a baby boomer portfolio on the theoretical foundations of these two early works. Beckman has to be credited with giving the general public and scholarly community a wake up call on the impact of economic cycles on the daily lives of American citizens. He even gave all the readers the greatest investment advice of the 1980's buy Treasury Bonds at 18% for the 20 year period. Bravo, to Mr. Beckman for being right!

Bob Beckman - one time wall street investor, current fund manager prolific author and publisher of a London based journal since 1968. This book is both theoretical, imperical and provides practical advice on investing in and protecting one's assets from deflationary financial dislocations. This book deals with longwave economic cycles and was first published in 1982. The author examines the posibility of long wave (Kondratieff) cycles with a periodicity in the 55-70 year range. Demonstrations of the phenomenon is made through a number of price charts - including one for grain prices in the UK going back several hundred years, and one for intrest rates dating back several thousand. Stock market history is discussed and parallels drawn between 1929 and predicted similar events during the late 80's. Well researched and written in an approachable style, it makes interesting reading for anyone wishing to develop a broad perspective on matters financial. His thinking seems to be more relevant now in 1997 than when the book was first written. Take the predicted dates and scale of the calamity anticipated with an appropriate pinch of salt. I enjoyed it at do not hesitate to reccomend it.

James Lincoln Collier's THE DREADFUL REVENGE OF ERNEST GALLEN tells of one Gene, haunted by a voice from the past that tells of something bad that happened in town - something Gene's grandfather and his friends wants to keep quiet. When Gene and friends decide to clear his grandfather's name, the voice becomes more dangerous in this story of secrets exposed.

Looking for a good mystery/ghost story? THE DREADFUL REVENGE OF ERNEST GALLEN will be a satisfying read.

Young Eugene "Gene" Richards feels a tightness in his chest. Then there is a strange sensation, like a motion wiggling in his center. What follows is the scariest thing - a voice begins to speak to Gene from somewhere inside.

Over the course of a few weeks, the strange feeling and the internal voice continue to visit Gene. The voice tells him a frightening tale. Gene learns that his beloved grandfather may have committed some unthinkable crime. According to the voice, back when Gene was very young, his grandfather and some other men in the small town of Magnolia got involved in a "get rich quick" scheme that ended in the lynching of a young man. It is beginning to appear that the voice haunting Gene's thoughts is the ghost of that young man looking for revenge.

At the same time Gene is wrestling with the mysterious voice and whether or not to involve his good friends, Sonny and Sam, Sonny's dad is killed in a freak accident, and Sam's dad is injured in an equally strange car accident. As the trio begins to dig into the mysteries of the past, they find numerous reasons to connect their fathers and Gene's grandfather to the vengeful ghost.

Although set in the years of the depression, readers will relate to the young detectives as they do their research at the local newspaper office and ask probing questions of reluctant relatives. Their persistence pays off as the mystery unfolds, and readers will keep turning the pages to learn the answers. THE DREADFUL REVENGE OF ERNEST GALLEN is an excellent choice for any middle grade collection.

Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"

Debra McArthur's book is well written and very well researched. She didn't just get her information from history books; she actually talked to people who lived through this trying time in American History.

The book was specifically written for an audience, ages 9-12, but I found it certainly held my interest. McArthur does not write down to her audience; she informs. Even though I was already somewhat familiar with this time period, she helped me see it through the eyes of the people who were there.

I was surprised, and pleased, that the people living through this stressful time made up jokes to ease their tension. ie. "Almost everyone heard about the farmer who was hit by a drop of rain and fainted from the shock. It took two buckets of sand thrown in his face to revive him" (54).

I am pleased to recommend this book for all ages.

Debra McArthur's book is very well written, and it certainly held my attention. Even though it is intended for readers in grade levels 9-12, readers of any age can enjoy learning about this trying time in the history of our country.

I found the quality of McArthur's research impressive. Her information didn't just come from history books. She talked to people who were there. Even though I was familiar with the story of the Dust Bowl, this book made me see it through the eyes of the people who lived it. I was amazed to find out that people actually made up jokes to help them cope. ie. "Why do crows fly backwards? Answer: To keep the dust out of their eyes."

I am happy to recommend this book to anyone, of any age.

I featured this book in my 4th grade class's unit on "How We Came to California." It was the best book that told about the journey of many families to the Golden State during the Dust Bowl Days because it included why they left, how they came and the struggle once they got here. To make it even more special, my grandmother came to read it to the students because she lived in CA during this time and helped the people who came to her town from Oaklahoma and Kansas. Having an elder read it to the kids was the most memorable thing to many of the kids who simply did not know about this period of their family's history.

Gradeschool children who read this story identified with the story characters. Students went away with appreciation for this time in American History. It was easy to read and informative. It made many students realize how fortunate they are.

A very well written, gritty little slice of American history. If you even wondered why people like me don't like the term "Okie", this book will explain it. If you can read this book and not feel deeply for those folks who went through the Dust Bowl of the early 30's, you have a granite heart. Highly recommended, especially for young people who are used to having it all right now.

After hearing author on NPR, ordered Mr. Cooper's book and found it to be a concise and poignant account. I recommend it highly. Not a pleasant "read," but the book helped me gain new appreciation for the grit (no pun intended) of those who lived through one of the most-challenging periods of American history. Left me feeling thankful my grandparents resided outside the most affected Dust Bowl areas.

Although we are in the 21st-century, there is still a stigma attached to many psychological and emotional problems including depression, anxiety and panic attacks. Some forms of depression are biochemical and some are reactive. Either way, it is never the fault of depressed individuals if they feel low or have trouble coping. Likewise, there is no reason for anyone who suffers from depression to feel inadequate, embarrassed or ashamed, but our culture often makes people feel that way.

Sharon Matthies bravely discusses her own struggle with depression in Eagle Born to Fly. She takes us through her difficult childhood, and into the pains of adolescence and adulthood until she reached the point where she felt that she did not wish to live any longer. In an eloquent style, Sharon describes how her belief in God, her psychologist, and certain special people in her life helped her to pull herself out of a black hole, and create a new philosophy for dealing with life.

Eagle Born to Fly is a candid and illuminating look at a mental health problem that is shared by millions of people around the world. It is a captivating read because Sharon is a particularly intelligent and talented writer.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who suffers from moderate to severe depression. I'm sure that it would be of help to those who have mild mood swings as well because ultimately, recovery is all about self-acceptance and the conviction that there is always something for us to continue living for.

Sigrid Macdonald, author of D'Amour Road

Until the age of five, Sharon enjoyed a happy and relaxed childhood in Canada. But the death of her newborn sister brought the family to grief so deep it was unspeakable. This was in direct conflict with the fairy tales of happy endings that children are so fond of reading. What Prince Charming would rescue the family from the trauma of an infant's death? Which Fairy Godmother would reassure Sharon of her secure place in her family? Where was the Good Witch that would fill the family with love and laughter potions again? The lack of communication and affection from her family caused Sharon to believe that the void existed within her. Furthermore, her self-worth deteriorated when her grieving mother would snap: "Go away, leave me alone, don't be such a nuisance." Sharon became convinced that she "was indeed a nuisance." Sharon developed the core belief that she was a misfit in her own family. By the time she was thirteen, Sharon's "fear and insecurity grew unchecked and unchallenged, somehow accumulating into a full-blown death wish." Surviving her own death wish became the focus of Sharon's existence, so much so that she was unable to see "the possibility of other possibilities."
Despite her chronic and acute feelings of failure, or perhaps because of them, Sharon sought solace as a camp counselor, in school and church activities and with music. Just as she was spreading her seeds of success in adolescence, her parents decided to move, uprooting what was familiar. However, Sharon was graced with an experience of profound connectedness to the Holy Sprit on "Sacred Ground" at a prayer meeting in her new neighborhood. This seemingly coincidental and chance meeting would form a foundation of spirituality that would sustain Sharon even as she sank deeper into the depths of depression. Sharon says that she drifted through detours on her journey through life, without an accomplishment to mark a measure of success, except for the spirituality that ultimately saved her.

Indeed, Sharon needed divine intervention to save her from a suicide attempt. She writes that the void was so wide and vast that "there was nothing left inside of me." Yet, even as she swallowed pills, she prayed for salvation. Finally, a True Friend rescued Sharon by following her own intuition to guide herself to Sharon's door. Meanwhile, Sharon has a dream that affirms her security in the spiritual realm, and propels her back to consciousness.

Sharon shares the long road to recovery, which began with "authentic self-knowledge." What Sharon needed to know was that she is "loved and has a rightful niche in the world." The road was difficult, with set backs and pit falls of doubt and distrust. These worsened when her father and mother died. Meanwhile, Sharon plodded along in tedious yet demanding careers, and inhabited dingy and infested apartments.

In the meantime, Sharon tried prescribed medications, but a recommended yet unsupervised switch from one anti-depressant to another left her unaccompanied in a detoxification experience. Chronic fatigue also held her hostage in her own home.

Sharon ultimately found a psychologist with whom she "muddled through the mangled chaos" of her anxiety ridden mind. Carrying the spiritual epiphany that "I am, therefore I'm worthy" Sharon began an uphill climb out of the depths of depression. The void she had experienced became filled with her love for God and His love for her. Sharon experiences the love of a spouse, the connection to friends, and the grounding of a happy and healthy home. Therein lies the happy ending.

The reader learns life lessons because Sharon generously shares her Truth and Knowledge. The reader is also grateful that Sharon survived to offer her poetry, dreams, and narrative, which give reason to hope. In this reviewer's opinion, what Sharon shares with others is a great achievement. Those reaching through depression for themselves or others, and those seeking to understand the dynamics of depression, will benefit from reading Eagle Born to Fly.
review by Lynn C. Tolson

I read this book for my first women's studies course in college. The documents presented here provide interesting illustrations of women's lives and work and of ideas and conventions about women's roles in American society. It is a valuable resource for academics and teachers, and an interesting read for everyone else.

Its a shame that in many history classes, half of the human experience is virtually ignored. This is even more apparent in terms of anthologies of documents. Nancy Woloch has made an outstanding contribution in correcting this in her _Early American Women_.

The book is marvelous in the wide variety of documents it contains. There is census data from Spanish California, accounts of Iroquois women in government, oral histories of slaves (and mistresses), and some really fabulous material on the 19th century sufferage movement. The voices of women from all social classes can be heard here, from the colonial era to the Progressive period. It is very well rounded, and I will certainly be including it as a part of my curriculum.

The only short-coming I find in the book is its lack of statistical and visual documents. With this minor criticism said, I highly recommend this book to educators, especially those in the discipline of history.

Jeb Nubey is the pastor of the Church in the Dell, in Nazareth, Arkansas, raising the 3 Welby children Angel, Willie and Ida May abandoned by their parents. Fern Coulter is Jeb's fiancée. Our story opens with Fern, Jeb and the Welby children are in Ardmore, Oklahoma for Jeb to meet Fern's family and to announce their engagement. While there Philemon Gracie who is the former pastor of Church in the Dell has arranged for Jeb to meet Jonathan Flauvent, the dean of the Bible College in Oklahoma City. He offers Jeb a pastorate at the First Community Church in Oklahoma City. Jeb is taken by surprise as he really hadn't taken Garcie's letter, setting up the meeting, seriously and hadn't even mentioned it to Fern. Jeb looks at this as an opportunity of a lifetime. Fern sees it as going back to the high society life she left behind when she moved to Nazareth.

In Ardmore the Welby children are reunited with their sister Claudia, who lives in Norman, Oklahoma. She has 2 small children and has been abandoned by her husband. Feeling pushed to leave the only family she has known, seventeen year old Angel goes with Claudia to take care of the children and to begin a life that is not of her choosing.

Jeb decides for Fern's sake not to take the position in Oklahoma but finds out Gracie worked this out so he could return to Church in the Dell. Realizing God's hand is involved Jeb and the Welby children move to Oklahoma City and Fern moves to her mother's in Ardmore till the wedding in December.

Back in Ardmore Fern must face the past she left behind. While with Claudia circumstances force Angel to run off with an older man with a questionable job. Frantically Jeb and Fern search for Angel as they realize the police and the FBI are searching for the man Angel has ran off with.

Can Jeb find Angel and bring her home? What of this man she has run off with? What has happened in Fern's past to cause her to have to face? Will the First Community Church and Oklahoma City be the life they are dreaming of?

This is truly an awesome book. With all the twists and turns this book is really a page turner. From beginning to end this novel keeps you on your toes waiting to see what happens next. This is truly a book of fiction and romance and history as it takes place during the Depression. Women of all ages from teen up will thoroughly enjoy the story as it unfolds. As you read "Earthly Vows" don't worry if you have not read the rest of the series as each book stands alone. But very seldom does a series of books come along that is written so well and keeps you wanting more but the author Patricia Hickman has done just that. Not only does each book stand alone as a story unto its self, but as a series is phenomenal. The author has really done an awesome job with The Millwood Hollow Series but especially "Earthly Vows" which is the icing on the cake. Sadly this is the 4th and final book in the series. Sadly that we must leave the Nubeys and the Welbys behind but what is read and learned within its pages will stay with you for a long time.

Reviewed by Regan Windsor for Reader Views (1/07)

"Earthly Vows" is the fourth and final book of The Millwood Hollow Series. As with the other three books in the series ("Fallen Angels," "Nazareth's Song," and "Whisper Town") this is a novel you won't want to put down! Patricia Hickman has a wonderful way of capturing the reader, transforming you into the world of the Depression, and subtly showing you how worlds collide and lessons are learned.

"Earthly Vows" takes Jeb Nubey, the local con man turned preacher, to Oklahoma where an opportunity exists at a large wealthy community church. For Jeb the church represents a fresh start; a break from his rocky history and the struggles he has encountered at Church of the Dell. For Fern, his fiancé, it reawakens ghosts of the past and her discomfort begins to strain their relationship. Jeb is torn between a dream of wealth and new beginnings and the possibility of risking a relationship he has spent years nourishing.

Meanwhile, during their stay, Fern's mother has managed to locate Angel's sister in a town nearby. She is down on her luck, as was the way of the Depression, with two small kids to feed and a husband who abandoned all responsibility. It is determined that Angel will go and stay with her, help her get back on her feet, and then send for Willie and Ida May. While Jeb feels this may set things right by Fern, whom he doesn't want to burden with the responsibility of the three children he inherited in his days on the run, he can't help but feel this may not have been the best decision.

As Fern begins to face her past and Jeb is forced to take a hard look at the implications of his decisions, Angel too faces a situation she is struggling to deal with. Unable to locate Jeb, feeling abandoned and desperate when her situation turns bad, she runs away what seems her only option - a sweet talking young man who offers her freedom, pretty clothes, and a life on the run.

"Earthly Vows" does a fabulous job of bringing closure to the Millwood Hollow Series. It brings the story full circle, closing the loop on the understanding of family, the meaning of love, and the desperation we feel when we may have lost either one. Patricia Hickman has once again developed a novel full of suspense and intrigue that will have the reader racing to devour the pages, while at the same time feeling the hesitation to reach the end.

Great book! Gives plenty of color-photo examples of named pieces. Very pleased with this book. Different editions many times show different pieces for examples, it's a good thing.

Being in the hobby of collecting glass as I am for over a decade, becomes alot more interesting when you have a fantastic book like this to refer to.

This book offers tremendous return for your dollar as far as what it gives you. Concisely written, easy to read, well planned and designed value guides on the same page with the pattern you are researching, are ideal. The number of pictures you get of any pattern is by far, more detailed than any other reference I have seen. The number of pieces made that are listed ALSO seem more complete. You will see a wide array of all the patterns in all the colors which is incredible as well. As much as I am a fan of Gene Florences' wonderful glassware references of which I have many, THIS beats his Elegant Glassware of The Depression Era. It just is more complete. It also shows patterns that he does not include.

If you collect, sell, have an interest in glassware or all of the above like me, you too, will want to add this volume to your glass reference library.