Bestselling novelist Amanda Prowse knew how to resolve a fictional family crisis. But then her son came to her with a real one…

Josiah was nineteen with the world at his feet when things changed. Without warning, the new university student’s mental health deteriorated to the point that he planned his own death. His mother, bestselling author Amanda Prowse, found herself grappling for ways to help him, with no clear sense of where that could be found. This is the book they wish had been there for them during those dark times.

Josiah’s situation is not unusual: the statistics on student mental health are terrifying. And he was not the only one suffering; his family was also hijacked by his illness, watching him struggle and fearing the day he might succeed in taking his life.

In this book, Josiah and Amanda hope to give a voice to those who suffer, and to show them that help can be found. It is Josiah’s raw, at times bleak, sometimes humorous, but always honest account of what it is like to live with depression. It is Amanda’s heart-rending account of her pain at watching him suffer, speaking from the heart about a mother’s love for her child.

My Thoughts:

I have read many of Amanda’s books but this one was so moving. It is a non fiction story about Amanda and her son’s journey through depression. I think it is a good thing that Amanda and Josh have written this book as I am sure there are a number of people that can relate, I want everyone to read this book especially if you or a family member is struggling as I think this book will help people realise they are not alone. Josh is very brave to write about what he has been through and I really admire him for being strong and helping others that are in a similar situation. I could never imagine what Amanda went through but she has great support from her husband who helped her and Josh, when Josh was in a bad place. I feel admiration that Amanda and Josh are able to share their story, showing that depression can happen in anyone at any age and that you are not alone and there is help available, there are some really good websites at the back of this book too that I think will help people. I liked seeing Josh’s side but also the side of his mum Amanda, it gave the story two different perspectives. I wish Josh all the best in the future.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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