Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review“Breathtakingly honest, this story is a bridge to empathy and a bright beacon of hope. I’m telling everyone to read this book.”
–Lisa Genova, New York Times bestselling author of Still Alice"In
The Valedictorian of Being Dead, Heather Armstrong carries the reader along her fascinating journey out of the abyss of depression, intricately weaving the threads of family, suffering, and scientific breakthrough. This touching memoir, full of scenes both silly and profound, manages to shock, educate, and inspire."
–Alex Korb PhD, author of The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time."I was moved by this real, raw, hilarious and deeply personal story of one woman's epic battle with major depression and found myself cheering for Heather and her entire family by the end of book."
–Wendy A. Suzuki, PhD, author of Healthy Brain, Happy Life“A story of courage, hope, love, and science overcoming the despair of depression. It is a must read for mental health professionals and those touched by depression—their own or that of a loved one.”
–Barbara Arrowsmith-Young, internationally bestselling author of The Woman Who Changed Her Brain“I read
The Valedictorian of Being Dead cover to cover in four hours. I cried and cried; it was so beautiful and honest and scary and real. I think this book will be so helpful for a lot of people living with depression, especially parents.”
–Grace Bonney, creator of Design*Sponge and New York Times bestselling author of In the Company of Women“As the lead anesthesiologist on the study, it was emotional for me to hear of Heather’s experience. She helped me to gain some understanding about what folks go through when they are sick, what the experience of treatment was for her and her loved ones, and what the treatment now means to her.”
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Scott C. Tadler, MD, University of Utah School of Medicine“Candid….intriguing.…cathartic.…an experiential blow-by-blow chronicle.…an unvarnished account of a boundary-pushing procedure and patient.”
–Kirkus“Armstrong’s detailed, honest, and conversational writing reads like a friend pouring her heart out, giving readers an emotional portrait of what it is like for individuals and their loved ones to struggle with serious depression.”
–Booklist
