This is why you should read “Shoot the damn dog” by @SallyBrampton

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Disclaimer: I’m about to *totally* pimp a book. 

I used to be a book worm. I read and read and read. Bringing characters to life in my head, envisioning the story an author is telling or even imagining them outside of the story I was reading, seemed to be some sort of refuge. For a while however, I had lost my love for books. I’m not sure why but what I once loved turned into effort.

It’s been a while since I picked up a book and this time round it isn’t a novel. It’s not fiction. It’s real. As real as it gets. It’s Sally Brampton’s book “Shoot the damn dog”. Until Sunday I had never heard of it. No-one had told me about it. I stumbled upon it on Amazon. It’s no secret that I was/am affected by depression and that’s what the book is all about. It’s a memoir of depression. Sadly, it’s so real that you wish it wasn’t and yet it’s probably one of the best books I have ever read. Sally manages to make an illness that is described by many as the illness of loneliness, less lonely. It’s sad, touching and funny at the same time. This woman does know how to write, trust me.

Now, if you’ve never been affected by depression yourself or don’t know anyone who has (is that even possible these days?) this book probably isn’t for you and you can stop reading right now. I do know, however, that many people in this community have been affected by this illness, whether personally or through a friend or family member. This book is for all of you. It will help you understand yourself or your loved one(s) so much better. It will give you insight into an illness that we prefer not to talk about because yes, it’s uncomfortable and, excuse the pun, depressing. It’s not a guide on what to say to a depressive nor is it a guide on how to behave around one. It’s simply her reality, put onto paper, combined with facts about the illness. It’s not boring I promise but it’s also not a light read. But then again, the illness is not to be taken lightly either and the time you invest in this book will be well worth it. I promise you.

You can buy the book here. You can find a more in-depth review here. You can find Sally’s blog here.

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