Matthew Johnstone

Clearly and simply presented, Johnstone shares his experience of depression (his "Black Dog") with dignity, self-awareness and, most importantly, self-acceptance. His illustrations allow him to convey the melancholy enervation of depression using relatively few words, but still communicating a deep empathy. It's a book that takes just a few minutes to deliver its powerful, humane message.

Highly recommended if you're struggling to articulate your own experience - it should help others who show more don't experience depression to understand that it's not just being "fed up" or "a bit sad", and that you can't just "snap out of it" - and a comfort to know that you're not alone in struggling with your own Black Dog. show less

What a wonderful little book. It has an important message which is projected very simply and clearly; with the text and illustrations complementing each other beautifully. Poignant but not maudlin, and the illustrations have a touch of humour about them that I appreciate. It's also practical to a certain degree, and in the end is positive, encouraging and hopeful.
I imagine that it would be an excellent book to aid children and teens (and adults too for that matter) in their understanding of show more what may perhaps be happening to those around them. show less

I like how it uses Black Dog to describe depression. The way it's written is good, not condescending or 'dumbed down' but uses simple language to describe all the dark and down feelings and situations. Its very real.

The more I think about this book, the more I find to like about it. If a person is depressed they may not have the will nor concentration to read and not want to be preached at. This book contains few words as its power lies in the cartoons based on the 'black dog'. It is a perfect 'light at the end of the tunnel' read without giving too much advice.