Review: Well written memoir, but offers little in the way of help for those suffering from OCD
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 09 4, 2013
I purchased this book, based on all of the 5 star reviews. Although it's a memoir; I expected it to offer the reader a lot more insight into OCD than it does. I feel badly not giving the book 5 stars, but felt that since the majority of people purchasing it are undoubtedly looking for information on treatment options; the book falls far short in that respect. If you're simply looking for a book that summarizes the life of a person with OCD; you'll be pleased. If, on the other hand; your goal is to finish the book with a whole new set of building blocks to conquer your own OCD; you'll be quite disappointed.While the author does an exceptional job of writing about her own bout with OCD; it offers little in the way of help for others suffering from the same condition. The vast majority of the book discusses how horrible it is for the author to live with the illness. In this regard; she does an outstanding job of explaining exactly what OCD is, and how it can turn your life upside down. The problem is that the book gives so little in the way of helpful information, that it's of little use if you're seeking help from the disease. Ruth Hartman mentions visiting a psychiatrist, getting a prescription for Prozac, and doing some exposure therapy. While all of these methods may be well and good; there's simply too little information provided. When the book ended; I felt as though I had only read half of the story. Ruth's experience with OCD is spelled out in detail, but beyond that; the book offers very little advice for those suffering from this dreadful condition. There is so much more to OCD than taking a pill, seeing a psychiatrist and exposure therapy. While all of these options have the ability to relieve the symptoms of OCD, they need to be covered in detail, something the author fails to do in this book. OCD is a very complicated disorder that can often last an entire persons lifetime. Had the author gone into detail on the treatment options, and provided additional resources for the reader; than it would be of significantly greater value.I applaud the author for writing her memoirs of her life with OCD, but in no way can I recommend this book to people who are looking for help with their own OCD issues. In my opinion; a reader of this book will feel as if they received little in the way of helpful information to alleviate the symptoms of their OCD. This does not mean that the book is bad; it isn't. It means that it's more or less the story of one persons struggle with OCD, but definitely not a story that will be of much help for those suffering from its symptoms. Perhaps I got the wrong impression when I purchased the book. It does state that it's a memoir, however I can't imagine someone wanting to read such a book without also receiving concrete information on how to deal with the disorder. I for one had expected the memoir to go into detail about treatment options, not just talk about the authors experience. Had she spent additional time writing about cures for this disorder; I would have rated the book 5 stars. Obviously; since everyone else who's read it, has awarded it 5 stars; I'm in the minority. My purpose isn't to warn people not to purchase this book, but to simply advise those who are considering purchasing it, that it's not a book that will help those who are suffering from OCD. It may help to provide an overview of what OCD is, but if you're looking for a book that will provide significant treatment options, look elsewhere.