What the BookLife Prize judge thinks of From Depression to Contentment

Idea/Concept: Condemning pharmaceutical approaches in handling depression, this practical guide to self-healing presents a commendable alternative to traditional medicine. With a strong case against accepted notions about treating sadness and despondency with drugs, the book adheres to a do-it-yourself plan of action to recover from what ails you.

Prose: Gentle, candid, and easy to absorb, much like meeting an acquaintance at a café for free-flowing conversation, then a bit of structured advice, the articulate manner in which the information is conveyed may be the book’s winning attribute. A remarkable personality emerges in a considerate mode of expression.

Originality: Depression is a popular topic, leading to the publication of countless self-help titles on the subject, each with a different angle. Every proposed strategy in dealing with such a complex and distinctly individual experience will fortify some but leave others floundering, yet this title does provide assistance comparable to its market competition, emphasizing the importance of not merely treating the symptoms.

Execution: An empathetic and knowledgeable doctor reaches out from the pages of this heartfelt text, approachable and friendly. His worthwhile common sense is a gem in the psychiatric profession.

Blurb: Fast-forward from depressed to contented in this take-charge guide to mental health.