The MHA maintains a library of books and videos on a wide range of issues, available for you to borrow. Scroll down for a list of some recent additions to our growing library. Several selections are reviewed below to pique your interest.
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Book Reviews
Stress Management for Dummies
by Allen Elkin, Ph.D.
This book is for anyone who wants a straightforward approach to managing stress. It’s not overly technical, but provides enough substance to make strong arguments about why we all need to take steps to help ourselves in this stressful world. In addition to explain-ing the value of stress management, several types of strategies are offered for getting stress under control. An added plus: not only is the book informative and accurate, Dr. Elkin has a humorous side that makes the reading more enjoyable. For example, chapter 14 is titled, ?De-stress at work (and still keep your job)?.
This book is available from the MHA resource library and in bookstores everywhere. There is also a CD version which is great for long commutes.
Reviewed by Pamela Szalay, Community Educator
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I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts On Being a Woman.
By Nora Ephron
Published by Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 2006
Nora Ephron’s “I Feel Bad About My Neck”, is a short, easy read that pokes fun at the way women, including herself, allow themselves to worry so much about aging that they will try anything to slow down the process. Ephron jokingly illustrates this by pointing out how we dye our hair, pluck our eyebrows, and just about kill ourselves with dieting and exercise.
We as women can’t go anywhere without being prepared for the unexpected. We say to ourselves, ”you never know” when you’re going to need something or run into someone. We carry curling irons, hairsprays, lotions and potions, a spare pair of panties, a jogging bra and panty hose all in those oversized bags-- just in case.
Although an entertaining look at the quirkiness of women, I found this book a bit difficult to get into. Other books on my “to read” list simply seemed more interesting. But once I actually gave it a chance, I found it enjoyable. This is the kind of book that’s great to read while waiting in the doctor’s office or hair salon. But for more depth, I would look for something else.
Reviewed by Cheryl Blacklock, MHA executive director
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The Quiet Room by Lori Schiller in collaboration with Amanda Bennett
Spending time in the quiet room became an important factor in the road to recovery and a chance at a ‘normal’ life for Lori Schiller. Her journey through an adult life coping with schizophrenia, and her relationships with family and friends is documented in her book, which is at times difficult to read because of her honesty. She pulls no punches in describing her behavior: lack of control, scheming to outwit her caregivers, and the hurt she inflicts on those around her.
That quiet room looms large during her treatment but also seems to be a symbol of a place Lori needs to reach inside herself before she can become a functioning, productive adult. Anyone dealing with this most difficult diagnosis may find comfort in the knowledge that a rewarding life can be lived with structure and support
-reviewed by Jackie Kenney, MHA Staff
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Look Me In The Eye by John Elder Robinson
Being told to by a stern teacher or parent to ‘stand up straight and look me in the eye’ is an experience many of us have had in our youth. For author John Elder Robinson that was an impossible request – making eye contact is not in his lexicon. His book is a fascinating read that gives us insight into life with Asperger’s syndrome. Mr. Robinson details experiences with humor as he describes the coping mechinisms he has acquired over his lifetime. We look at his childhood in a somewhat unusual family, his school years “being different’ and see how he matures and moves through life learning to focus on his abilities rather than his limitations.
-reviewed by Jackie Kenney, MHA Staff
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New Books in Our Collection
(Listed by Topic)
Grief/Bereavement
Comfort: A Journey Through Grief
Ann Hood, 2008
Drug Abuse/Dependency
Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction
David Sheff, 2008
A Million Little Pieces
James Frey, 2003
Depression/Bipolar
Understanding Your Teenager’s Depression
Kathleen McCoy, 2005
More Than Moody- Recognizing and Treating Adolescent Depression
Harold Koplewicz, MD
The Disappearing Girl - Learning the Language of Teenage Depression
Dr. Lisa Machoian, 2005
When Someone You Love Is Depressed
Laura Epstein Rosen, PhD & Xavier Amador, PhD
Schizophrenia & Other Personality Disorders
Stop Walking on Eggshells (Borderline Personality Disorder)
Paul Mason, M.S. & Randi Kreger, 1998
PTSD & Anxiety
What You Must Think of Me: A Teenager’s Account of Social Anxiety Disorder
Emily Ford, 2007
General & Misc. Mental Health
Helping Teens Who Cut
Michael Hollander, 2008
-A Bright Red Scream: Self Mutilation and the Language of Pain
Marilee Strong, 1998
The Family Intervention Guide to Mental Illness
Bodie Morey & Kim T. Muesser, PhD, 2007
Body Image/Eating Disorders
Overweight Kids
Dr. Linda Mintle, 2005
Parenting/Grandparents
New Teen Book: A-Z Guide for Parents
Wade F. Horn, PhD & Carol Keogh, 1999
For & About Kids
Please Stop Laughing at Me
Jodee Blanco, 2003
