Title: From Depression to Contentment
Author: Bob Rich, PH.D.
Genre: Nonfiction/Self-Help & Relationship
Audience: Adult
Word Count: 50,000
Assessment:
Idea/Concept: Condemning pharmaceutical approaches in handling depression, this practical guide to self-healing presents a commendable alternative to traditional medicine. With a strong case against accepted notions about treating sadness and despondency with drugs, the book adheres to a do-it-yourself plan of action to recover from what ails you.
Prose: Gentle, candid, and easy to absorb, much like meeting an acquaintance at a café for free-flowing conversation, then a bit of structured advice, the articulate manner in which the information is conveyed may be the book’s winning attribute. A remarkable personality emerges in a considerate mode of expression.
Originality: Depression is a popular topic, leading to the publication of countless self-help titles on the subject, each with a different angle. Every proposed strategy in dealing with such a complex and distinctly individual experience will fortify some but leave others floundering, yet this title does provide assistance comparable to its market competition, emphasizing the importance of not merely treating the symptoms.
Execution: An empathetic and knowledgeable doctor reaches out from the pages of this heartfelt text, approachable and friendly. His worthwhile common sense is a gem in the psychiatric profession….
Joanna Walitalo
Joanna Walitalo grew up in Oil City, MI, where she took art classes at Bullock Creek Schools taught by Mr. Matherne and Mr. Myers; both very talented artists, and teachers with endless patience. She earned a BS degree in Biology and Envi-ronmental Studies from Central Michigan University, and took art classes at the Midland Center for the Arts, where she had the opportunity to study under Armin Mersmann. While studying at CMU, she took art classes form Dietmar Krumrey II and Michael Volker. From there, she moved to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where she earned a Master of Forestry at Michigan Technological University. A strong love of the outdoors, and wild places, has led her to incorporate her pas-sion for art with her professional education in order to bring the beauty of wildlife and wild places closer to the general public through scientifically accurate artwork. By far, the artist that influenced Joanna the most throughout her life has been her mom, Barb Rogers, who taught art at Coleman Middle School, MI, for many years, and always encouraged and guided Joanna to incorporate art into all her endeavors. Today, Joanna continues to live with her loving husband James, and son little James, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, working as an artist and illustrator.
