Van Gogh in Peppers
A self-portrait of Male Depression
by Christopher Scott Downing
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Pub Date Jun 01 2015 | Archive Date Sep 30 2015
Description
Christopher is a thirty-three year old grocery manager with a lot on his mind. He’s got a team full of rascals, a second-in-command who’ll do anything for his job, and a fiery-eyed girlfriend who can’t wait for him to break up with her.
He’s depressed alright, but can he beat it on his own? With all the bullheadedness of most men in America, Christopher decides he’s going to triumph alone, over everything, including his physical brain that seems entirely out to get him.
With foreclosure around the corner, debt looming, and a deepening reliance some pretty bad behavior, Christopher must get a grip on his declining American life before he plummets too far and loses everything, including the woman he's sure he almost kinda sorta loves.
Advance Praise
Although Christopher epitomizes the archetype of the Byronic hero, at no point does he romanticize his experiences with depression. This candid narrative detailing his outrageous and often downright abusive behavior is cringe-worthy at times, yet the heavy subject matter of the novel is balanced by scintillating prose, sparkling wit and a self-deprecating attitude that prevents this memoir from becoming an angst fest. The author has a gift for characterization, and the players in this story come to life through effortless dialogue and the narrator's sharp observation of human relationships.
-Circling Turtle, onlinebookclub.org
Your book provides an excellent format for a discussion on depression in men
- and sets the stage to question why many men attempt to "go it
alone" in handling depression (and to determine best ways to overcome this
obstacle). Van Gogh in Peppers also offers great clinical applicability, as you
paint a vivid picture of male depression that is consistent with how men very
often present in treatment.
-Dr. Marla Reis, Ph.D.
Christopher's memoir not only captures what everyday life might look like
for adult men with depression, but also exhibits the resistance many depressed
men have toward asking for help and admitting that healing depression requires
more than willpower, alcohol and wishful thinking. Christopher's honest,
authentic and courageous journey battling depression and other linked problems,
such as dysfunctional relationships, self-defeating thoughts, anger, unhealthy
lifestyle habits and substance abuse, normalizes what other men face and
signals that they are no longer alone.
-Rachel Dack, MS, LCPC, NCC
Here is a writer with a great sense of himself, clearly exposing some of the
less pleasant aspects of his history in what I found to be a deeply touching
memoir. It is a well written, highly entertaining, engrossing read, and I loved
it.
-Patrick
Total respect to the author, an obviously intelligent and sensitive man, being
prepared to pick at the scabs of his past and write so eloquently and honestly
about his feelings and thought processes when in the grip of darkness.
Harrowing at times there is no sugar-coating here.
-Diana J Febry
Incredible. Unlike any book I've ever read about
depression.
-Joseph Earsom
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781507654583 |
| PRICE | $12.99 (USD) |
