The Book of Feeling Blue

I'll be really honest, I struggled to get started with this bright blue book with it's white lettered title The Book of Feeling Blue. Not being a person who has struggled with depression, my preconceived ideas about the content did little to encourage me to start reading.


Gwendoline Smith is the bestselling author of The Book of Overthinking (which I have not read). The Book of Feeling Blue writes in a way that is very easy to read about a topic that can make some feel uncomfortable. With accompanying cartoon-like images to help illustrate the points she is making, I often found myself nodding my head in agreement and laughing out loud, much to the amusement of my husband.

Despite my initial hesitation to begin this book, there was much that I could relate to and it was thought-provoking yet slightly comforting to learn more about being able to identify the differences between "feeling blue" and the beginning downward spiral that could lead to more serious forms of depression.

Of particular interest was Beck's Depression Inventory - a simple yet particular set of questions used to assess whether or not someone is stressed, distressed, feeling blue or depressed. (It was somewhat a relief to discover, as I thought, that I suffer from the normal ups and downs, shit happens, frustration and very mild blues - phew!)

From a school librarian's perspective, I'd catalogue this book into our Staff Library. We are an Area School: Y1-Y13, and I would also recommend to our school councillor or our Senior student teachers to lend to a senior student that may be struggling with depression or is currently dealing with a family member who is suffering from depression. Despite the topic, it is very informative, light and easy to understand. It is full of tips and practical strategies to not only identify the differences between mild blues to more serious depression but also offers suggestions for helping a family member or friend who is depressed.

What stood out most to me with the content was the empathetic but no-nonsense way Gwendoline Smith explained what's going on when you're feeling down and the advice she gives on how best to cope.

Do you have any advisory warnings for this book? Definitely not for children.

Would this book work as a read aloud? No