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dappadave's review against another edition
1.0
I had to stop reading this at about 100 pages in. It's not that this book wasn't written well, it's just incredibly depressing, and goes on and on and on and on and on about how incredibly depressed the main character is. It's redundant, and nothing happens. Nothing.
missmurdertattoos's review against another edition
4.0
I read many reviews before I started reading this book. I did see there was a mixed feelings about it, but decided to give it a shot anyway. I'd have to say I do completely understand the general dislike many people had, because it genuinely can come of absolutely whiny and self-absorbed, repetitive, and the title just doesn't seem to work for what kind of book it had turned out to be. But I feel as though that's what memoirs are mostly about anyway, about what you feel and what you think.
Anyway, what I enjoyed about it, is that is was a no holds barred, insightful, raw look into the mind and world of a person suffering from depression. Yes, it may seem whiny and goes on for so long, but that is what depression is like. By no means does it speak for all depressives, but it certainly does speak out about what it can be like and what it was like for one person. It dives deep into the way a depressed mind can and will work. It's all about death, dying, and being all too aware of one's own mortality.
I think throughout the book though, I kept fighting with the idea that she (Wurtzel) was not suffering from just depression, but a mood disorder. But since it seemed as though she had much more lows compared to any highs overall, the idea was quickly fizzled out. And the way it did seem to get a bit repetitive was a bit annoying, but hey - when you're that low, what else can you think to say?
The thing that was most frustrating about it was her self destructiveness. It absolutely did burn me up whenever she would go against her therapist's/psychologist's/psychiatrist's advice. How can you expect to get better when you just screw up your chances at every turn? But again, that is the frustrating part of depression, it doesn't want to make sense.
Overall, I think sections of the book could have been left out as well as some things should have been added in. Such as a more detailed look at how Prozac helped her, and how she was at the time the book was written.
Anyway, what I enjoyed about it, is that is was a no holds barred, insightful, raw look into the mind and world of a person suffering from depression. Yes, it may seem whiny and goes on for so long, but that is what depression is like. By no means does it speak for all depressives, but it certainly does speak out about what it can be like and what it was like for one person. It dives deep into the way a depressed mind can and will work. It's all about death, dying, and being all too aware of one's own mortality.
I think throughout the book though, I kept fighting with the idea that she (Wurtzel) was not suffering from just depression, but a mood disorder. But since it seemed as though she had much more lows compared to any highs overall, the idea was quickly fizzled out. And the way it did seem to get a bit repetitive was a bit annoying, but hey - when you're that low, what else can you think to say?
The thing that was most frustrating about it was her self destructiveness. It absolutely did burn me up whenever she would go against her therapist's/psychologist's/psychiatrist's advice. How can you expect to get better when you just screw up your chances at every turn? But again, that is the frustrating part of depression, it doesn't want to make sense.
Overall, I think sections of the book could have been left out as well as some things should have been added in. Such as a more detailed look at how Prozac helped her, and how she was at the time the book was written.
sarah_tellesbo's review
2.0
While Elizabeth Wurtzel presents an admirably honest description of living with crippling depression, I found this book overwhelmingly depressing. It lacked statistics and information that I would have found helpful and perseverated on the debilitating details of psychological disorder. For someone who has ever struggled with depression, this book can be overly emotional and simply adds to lifelong negativity.
freysiercrane's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
2.5
This is what happens when you tell people they’re “the next Sylvia Plath”. I know it’s MEANT to be self indulgent but come on.
bookishraereads's review against another edition
3.0
I must say that Wurtzel definitely wow'd me with her ability to thoroughly describe her feelings and emotions. Other than that, I hate to admit that this book seemed quite whiny to me. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind listening to an author's problems (Duh, see my shelves!) but damn... This takes it to a different level. All in all, a good account of depression. Maybe too good of an account.
sarahinred's review against another edition
4.0
This is such an honest book. You really get an idea of what it is like to struggle with a serious mental illness
ladymeowmix's review against another edition
3.0
Having read once years ago, but forgot, I was quickly reminded that Prozac Nation is far from a light read. Even for those without any form of mental illness, this is not a book to be taken lightly. For those who do have mental illness - particularly severe forms of depression, Prozac Nation is to be read only when one in is a mindset to be able to, to prevent further triggers or spirals.
Overall, Prozac Nation is an enlightening look at the paths some must go through to finally have an answer that helps. Elizabeth’s journey is one others have found themselves on or traveling alongside.
Overall, Prozac Nation is an enlightening look at the paths some must go through to finally have an answer that helps. Elizabeth’s journey is one others have found themselves on or traveling alongside.
brisingr's review against another edition
5.0
oh HECK YEAH, another one for us BPD girlies!!!
while this is an extremely painful and depressive read (as it details very thoroughly all the symptoms, the ups and downs, and the thought processes behind a very mentally ill teenager and young adult), it is absolutely brilliant exactly in its honesty and skill. highly recommended for everyone interested in mental health non-fiction or memoirs; this has so easily become such a favourite and I think i highlighted half the book at this point.
while this is an extremely painful and depressive read (as it details very thoroughly all the symptoms, the ups and downs, and the thought processes behind a very mentally ill teenager and young adult), it is absolutely brilliant exactly in its honesty and skill. highly recommended for everyone interested in mental health non-fiction or memoirs; this has so easily become such a favourite and I think i highlighted half the book at this point.
hallamahamster's review against another edition
5.0
Preface: My depression never caused suicidal or self-harm thoughts.
That said, this book hit way too close to home. I had to stop reading it for a while. I wasn't depressed when reading this and wasn't on meds at the time. I had to walk away to keep the feelings at bay. I felt incredibly comforted that someone else understood depression because I never felt the doctors really got it.
I couldn't keep this book on my shelves for sanity reasons. I hope the next reader learned from it.
That said, this book hit way too close to home. I had to stop reading it for a while. I wasn't depressed when reading this and wasn't on meds at the time. I had to walk away to keep the feelings at bay. I felt incredibly comforted that someone else understood depression because I never felt the doctors really got it.
I couldn't keep this book on my shelves for sanity reasons. I hope the next reader learned from it.
laurenleyendolibros's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0