Review: Insightful and Entertaining
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 14, 2013
The author lived through years of depression and actually worked these 12 steps to climb out of his "pit."  Unlike many self-help authors, this author did not write this book for any self-aggrandizement or shallow appeals for approval.  He WANTS people to un-depress themselves and offers simple, baby steps to get there.His initial premise is that there is a division between the brain and the mind.  The brain is not infallible.  It often gives us false information that can keep us stuck in one place.  Mr. Wiseman offers small steps a person can take using the mind part of themselves to trick the brain into behaving differently.  The author understands that change can be scary and sometimes painful.  Changing how one approaches life is a giant part of who a person is.  That's why he proposes small, achievable steps in a happiness trajectory.  Broad, new-years-eve-style resolutions are easy to give up on.  Giving up on a baby step is just plain embarrassing.The writing style here is breezy, friendly, and nurturing.  I enjoyed every page of it.  I highly recommend this book to people who feel stuck in a depressive state, but also to friends and family members who want to understand better the nature of depression, and who want practical ways to help (best achieved by applauding successful accomplishments).5 stars for a job well done.