The Black Dog by Reverend John R. Dolan, Book review

Publisher: Signalman Publishing 
ISBN-13: 978-1935991588

Synopsis:


This book describes one man's life experiences as he struggled with anxiety and depression. The book describes the mental, physical but most importantly the power of the Holy Spirit that eventually enabled John to develop resilience, and thus led him into the sunlight of a full and meaningful life. 

Anxiety and depression have always been taboo in society. Frequently, the subjects cannot be touched with a "ten-foot pole", let alone be a subject for family discussion. Depression is seen as neither worthy of compassion nor understanding. For the author of this book, a familiar record plays. "Young man, depressed? Nonsense; you have everything you need; just buck up and face the world the way we all have to." 

The message in this book is one of hope and of love, but most of all it demonstrates what is possible when you place your life, unconditionally, in the hands of Jesus Christ.

My thoughts:

For many Christians and non Christians alike, being victorious is typically overcoming  an addiction such as alcohol, drugs or even pornography for i.e.
In his latest book 'The Black Dog'  Rev. John R. Dolan bares his soul as he personally recount his own battle with depression and most important his ultimate victory over this mental illness. It is important to know that just as insidious as any other disease, such illness permeates family life, career, self image and even faith.

Describing his own bouts with depression or the Black Dog, British born author John R. Dolan graphically describes his lifelong battle with this problem which too many still consider taboo. Compassion or understanding is often non existing for those who struggle sometime all their lives, with this debilitating condition. But it is a real threat and as the author tells us, even loved ones are often affected by these issues. 

Through his own experience Reverend John R. Dolan provides readers with tremendous insight into the mind of the depressed, identifying how and why their reasoning is so affected by mere events and circumstances.
Readers will feel the author's faith throughout his ordeal, his unmistakable love for Jesus and his love for a wonderful family who stood by him. He credits their loving support as well as those of friends and his family pastor for this victory!

Well written, easily understood and abundantly illustrated, you will discover one man's journey through a very real world of depression and like him, experience hope and love when you place your life in the hands of your Saviour! It bespoke of courage from someone who has gone through it before you!

Absolutely a must read for anyone who is suffering from depression and their loved ones. The message is clearly there: It is okay to feel such, you are not alone and there is help out there!

A great discussion opener and an excellent addition to any personal or social (church) library! If you feel in any way uncomfortable with this issue or have experienced this real threat, please read this book!

5 Stars!

About the Author:

'The Reverend John Dolan was born in Oxford, England, and was raised close to the ancient Cathedral in Llandaff, Wales. John has lived and worked in the United States for 40 years. 
John is a British Chartered Accountant (CPA) and is an ordained Deacon in the Episcopal Church,USA. This unlikely combination and his having lived in two very distinct cultures has given John the opportunity to discern his spiritual journey from differing perspectives'.

John has written two books: 'The Mushroom Farm, also illustrated by Paul J. Engel and 'The Black Dog'.

For more information please visit website (here)

I received this book free from BOOKCRASH courtesy of the Author as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Nerve, Poise Under Presure, Book Review

As pressures surrounds us, finding poise and serenity under stress amounts to quite a tour de force!
Who amongst us has not felt pressure at one time or another? Fear can indeed upset the best of plans as we all know it.

In Nerve, Taylor Clark explains the myths surrounding fear, stress and anxiety using extensive research cases and shows us a way to steady our nerves and increase confidence.
The way we perceive events leads us often to a "case of bad nerves". Uncertainty is in fact the one most stressful, even brutal, test military training agencies uses to teach their recruits resilience. Some recruits retain an amazing amount of mental clarity despite the psychological and physical abuse they experienced whilst others neurological response to the abuses is certain to see them fail.
Actors such as Laurence Olivier for i.e. described how his throat would constrict when on opening night, a sudden dread would take hold of him. Yet he learned to deal with the strife, never letting anxiety deter him from his calling.

Taylor Clark shows us that if we accept fear and anxiety, we can in fact live with it. He includes in his book an easy to follow list of advice and for more in depth help, a great suggested reading section in the back of his book is included.
If I disclosed more of course, you would not have to read the book. I can tell you however that breathing exercises is on the list and since I am a tad anxious myself at this moment, I will make use of it right now!

This is in no way a "let's fix quickly this" book but like most of us, I feel reassurance just knowing I am not alone and there is a helping hand for those nerve wracking moments!

I received this book free from Hachette Book Group as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

The Healing Code, Book Review

The Healing Code dust jacket states that it takes only 6 minutes for anyone to heal the source of health, success or relationship issue. Impressive!
I am quite sure that many people will probably jump right to the Healing Code section!

Following Alexander Loyd's suggestion however, I decided to start right at the beginning. And I will immediately state I am very glad I did!
It will give you a much better understanding of how exactly the code works. You will also uncover an amazing amount of information provided by the author, sort of a mini library of Quantum Physics, medical and historical facts.

Hard to put down and at times challenging - I asked myself more than once, is healing really this simple - this is well worth reading!
There is absolutely no doubt The Healing Code is the result of a well documented study which clearly shows amazing results!
And there are many people who truly believe these are the most important 6 minutes of their lives.
It is important of course to come with an open mind to this process and to be willing to work at it.
After all, what do you have to loose? Have a little faith...
Give yourself an opportunity to heal and read the book!

I give this one 4 1/2 stars!


Alexander Loyd, PhD., ND and his comments. Very interesting!

I received this book free from The Hachette Book Group Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Lastingness, The Art of Old Age

This ARC of the book Lastingness - to be published this month in fact - proved to be a new challenge for me. I will admit that reading "Whatever hill we try to climb, we are over by fifty and if that hill involves entertainment or athletics, we are finished long before" was again a reminder that nothing lasts.
I have thought for a long time now that once you reach fifty, your warranty is over and then everything falls apart! Or does it?

Yes, I am over the hill and I confess this is the first book I read on the subject. Anyone who is retired will agree this kind of subject comes as a mixed blessing!

Nicholas Delbanco's uplifting look at old age however involves an amazing amount of detail and thought.
In this, his latest book Lastingness, he clearly shows that Creativity and Genius is not limited to the younger generation. In fact he gives wonderful examples of those who continue to perform interesting and productive lifestyle in their 90's and beyond!

It is enlightening to know that whilst some people see their skills and knowledge decline in their latter years, many - like a good wine - will improve and still contribute to our World even as their body slows down.
Growing old is indeed an art! And you just might discover something about yourself still!

Nicholas Delbanco describes his father in law as being "Only ninety four". From someone who was raised by her Grand Mother I can attest that even as a nonagenarian you can live a full life! Her motto was "Live, Don't just exist!" and she left an everlasting impression on anyone who met her!

Carpe Diem (Seize the day!) as Horace would say!

Not all of us will be remembered as an Artist or a Genius of course but we still have a few things to do and to try! Never say Never!

This book is a great read for anyone in the Golden Age or merely approaching it, especially those of us whose plans calls for just sitting in our favourite rocking chair on the porch watching the world go by! Carpe Diem!

This is 4 star material and I recommend you find a spot on your library shelves for this book!
Consider this a much enjoyed book!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ARC book free from Hachette Book Group as part of their Blogger Review Program. 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."

The Heart Mender, a story of second chances by Andy Andrews

Anyone who is acquainted with me will tell you how much I love to read so when the opportunity came to review this book I jumped on the occasion.

Since the USPS took a VERY long time to deliver this latest tome to our mailbox, I almost psyched myself into believing there is a reason for everything after all and perhaps this one was not for me.
Then after checking again the mail (requiring a ferry ride each way since this is a private island and there are NO deliveries here) my husband came home waving the Thomas Nelson parcel and I just knew this one was meant for me.

Every so often you find a really good historical novel.
Written by best-selling author Andy Andrews, http://theheartmender.andyandrews.com "The Heart Mender" tells a story of love and loss in a time of war.

Albeit based on facts mostly unknown by most of us, namely the presence of U boats in the Gulf of Mexico during WW 2, this novel is about the many emotions experienced by people in times of trouble and hardship.

It is fast paced, well written and has all the ingredients which makes it a story you will not want to put down: love, hate, murder, intrigue, deception and survival.

This is indeed a compelling story of second chance, of forgiveness and real people (names were changed to protect their privacy) in a small town along the northern gulf coast faced with the realities of war.

I find it a wonderful read and I heartily give it 4 stars!

Please note in compliance with the news rules and regulation of the FTC commission I was provided with a free copy of this book, courtesy of Thomas Nelson.

The Undervalued Self by Elaine N. Aron, PhD, another Hachette review

I thought to look into something completely different for me: checking out a self help book and I must admit I was surprised to read this one.

The Undervalued Self written by Elaine N. Aron, PhD, explains clearly each and every one of us has an undervalued part of our self, something which causes us to feel anxious at times, unworthy and even depressed. Some of us deal with it easily whilst most of us (sounds very familiar) feels as we are losing the battle. We all care about the perception of others!

She goes on to tell us we can learn to recognized the symptoms, the little things that triggers these feelings and in some instances perhaps discover the traumatic experience that might also have created our feeling of inadequacy.

We are after all our worst critic! But it is possible to free ourselves of these negative feelings. Her suggestion of developing new friendships and deepening existing ones reminds us no one is an island in itself. We need others to fulfill our lives.

I learned to see myself with this book in a completely different picture. When I closed the last page, I reminded myself Rome was not built in one day. But here is a start...

I very much enjoy reading this book and I gladly give it a 4 stars!

Disclaimer: Hachette Book Group has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.