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Title: Speaking of Sadness: Depression, Disconnection, and the Meanings of Illness by David Allen Karp ISBN: 0-19-511386-1 Publisher: Oxford University Press Pub. Date: April, 1997 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $15.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.62 (13 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: A must-read for the "intelligent" depressive
Comment: While not offering neat/sappy cures for depression (a do this, do that approach), Karp does provide relief merely in his description of experiences someone suffering with depression has...profound insights that ring true for the commonality in dealing with this illness/condition.
As an individual suffering from periodic bouts of major depression, I found his insights mindblowing as I had never attributed these "traits" as part of the depression itself, but as part of my "unusual history." While hard to explain to the "average" and "normal", someone who has undergone the misery of depression would surely find resonance and comfort in Karp's remarkable work.
Lastly, I would recommend not digesting this book DURING a visit to the abyss as it is a bit heady (and usually concentration is a HUGE ISSUE at those times), but definitely read it after the bright lights turn on again.
Rating: 5
Summary: Academic View of Illness
Comment: Karp is a sociologist who examines depression from a cultural point of view. Folks looking for a "quick cure" are not likely to be satisfied with this particular outing. However, folks looking to understand how society views those with depression, how folks with depression view society, and how the illness can also impact family members ... this is the place to go. I read this book as part of a medical anthropology curriculum ... an ethnography of an illness ... and found it to be quite enlightening. I have been in and out of treatment for depression myself over the years, and finding that so many people had similar experiences of reconstructing their self-view as a result of the illness was quite useful. Again, this book is definitely not a "quick fix" or "feel good" kind of book ... it's one that looks at the nitty-gritty of one of the country's most prevalent illnesses and examines the minutiae therein.
Rating: 5
Summary: Beautifully written and profoundly insightful book
Comment: David Karp's book on depression is written in beautifully simple prose. His own battle with depression is interwoven throughout the stories of others, and the humanity and gentleness with which he portrays both speaks of a generosity of vision which preserves the sanctity of each person's story. There's no sociological-ese to distract from the stories, which is a delight for someone who- though an academic- tires of its exclusionary language. The courage it took to write this book-- as it is a "coming out" book of sorts-- is extraordinary, and that thought rests in the back of your mind as you read it, gathering inspirational power. As someone who has struggled with depression throughout my life, I felt a "resonance" with the souls represented in this book which at times had me in tears. Highly recommended-- both for those suffering from depression as well as academics.
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Title: The Burden of Sympathy: How Families Cope With Mental Illness by David Allen Karp ISBN: 0195152441 Publisher: Oxford Press Pub. Date: January, 2002 List Price(USD): $15.95 |
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Title: The Beast: A Journey Through Depression by Tracy Thompson ISBN: 0452276950 Publisher: Plume Pub. Date: October, 1996 List Price(USD): $13.95 |
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Title: Unholy Ghost: Writers on Depression by Nell Casey ISBN: 0060007826 Publisher: Perennial Pub. Date: 08 January, 2002 List Price(USD): $13.95 |
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Title: Darkness Visible : A Memoir of Madness by William Styron ISBN: 0679736395 Publisher: Vintage Pub. Date: 08 January, 1992 List Price(USD): $11.00 |
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Title: Undoing Depression: What Therapy Doesn't Teach You and Medication Can't Give You by Richard O'Connor, Richard O'Conner ISBN: 0425166791 Publisher: Berkley Pub Group Pub. Date: January, 1999 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
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