Kevin Breel

I won this book through the GoodReads first reads program in exchange for an honest review.

I hadn't heard of [a: Kevin Breel|11097830|Kevin Breel|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] prior to reading this book. The blurb informed me that he had a very famous TED talk, and has worked extensively with To Write Love on Her Arms - which makes sense given the subject of this book. [b: Boy Meets Depression|23995294|Boy Meets Depression Or Life Sucks and Then You Live|Kevin Breel|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1433782932s/23995294.jpg|44960943] is a wry examination of his own life, told with a self-deprecating honesty that at times had me laughing out loud. The humor present in the book did little to soften the blow of the darkness to come, but was a welcome reprieve from the usual tone of these sorts of memoirs. [a: Kevin Breel|11097830|Kevin Breel|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] ultimately handled the subject of depression, and living with it, deftly and with a soft touch. This made for an interesting memoir, and an honest look at a difficult subject that I think would benefit a lot of YA readers.

The advice given at the end of each chapter often got a grin out of me, though it also did make me reflect on the changes I've made in my own life and how much little things really can help someone going through a tough time. [b: Boy Meets Depression|23995294|Boy Meets Depression Or Life Sucks and Then You Live|Kevin Breel|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1433782932s/23995294.jpg|44960943] was a good read, and a valuable book for anyone who's lived with depression, or knows someone going through it. I think it would help others understand what people are going through, and how to best help a friend in a difficult place.… (more)

Boy meets depression, or life sucks and ten you live. I’ve suffered with episodes of major depression most of my life. This book describes what its like live with it. This is not a clinical look at the disease. It is personal memoir of one boy and his 17 year journey to find a reason to live and beat back the fog that was his depression. I would give this book to any parent with child who is suffering with this disease of the mind or anyone who is involved with depressed person. Kevin is marvelously, insightful and descriptive in relating his experiences in a manner that anyone can grasp. Kevin speaks with clear voice for the depressed. The book deemphasizes the role of medication in his recovery. It is brutally honest with Kevin's struggles with the idea of going to counsellor and later his impressions and insights he gained from counseling… (more)