BOOK REVIEW: An inside look at one man’s depression …

Kevin Breel is a comedian, but his book isn’t funny.

It’s not supposed to be.

“Boy Meets Depression” (published by Harmony Books) is Breel’s captivating personal story of his onset of depression as a boy, and the havoc it raged in his life until he could get a grip on it.

As a therapist, I appreciated the experiences he shared with blunt honesty. Anyone who has suffered from depression will relate to Breel’s story in various ways. And for everyone else who have neither personally experienced depression nor served those who are depressed, this is an insightful look into a life as it’s sucked into a dark, downward spiral that eventually would leave Breel thinking suicide was a happy idea.

In addition to being identified as a comedian, Breel is described as a writer and activist for mental health. He’s definitely a writer, and a gifted one at that. His small, hardback book is very well written, as if done with the polished skill of a wordsmith. There are no credits for a ghost writer, so if this book is all the product of Breel’s own writing efforts, this 21-year-old should definitely make the time to continue writing.

About his writing, unlike nearly all other books I review, this is not a Christian genre book. Breel uses foul language and secular ideas throughout, so be forewarned before wading into his story.

But it is a story I encourage you to read. It will provide you with real, unabashed insights into one man’s struggle with depression, and I found in the process of telling his story that Breel shares some insightful nuggets about life worth pondering.

Scotty

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”