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« BOOKS: GODS IN ALABAMA by Joshilyn Jackson | Main | BOOKS: THE WHY CAFE by John Strelecky »
Thursday
Jun222006

BOOKS: DOWN CAME THE RAIN by Brooke Shields



DOWN CAME THE RAIN:
My Journey Through Postpartum Depression
by Brooke Shields
(Hyperion, 2005)

Now available in Trade Paperback, 226 pgs, $14.95 U.S.

What to expect from a personal memoir about Postpartum Depression from a well-known celebrity?


I must confess to approaching DOWN CAME THE RAIN with interest, but with a certain amount of skepticism, too; perhaps a small suspicion of self-centered whining from a pampered, spoiled celebrity (which turned out to be unfounded). Yes, having a baby, becoming a mother, having your entire life turned upside-down and inside-out (as kids will do) is HARD; but, Brooke Shields -- beautiful, talented, rich, perfect -- one might think she could simply add a full-time nanny to the household staff or personal entourage and get on with it.

Oh, how easy it is to rush to assumptions.

DOWN CAME THE RAIN is a much different story of celebrity experience. While it is still difficult to relate to Brooke Shields as Everywoman, DOWN CAME THE RAIN is well-written and painfully honest about the universal experiences of becoming a parent and the concerns and challenges of finding balance at home and work, within yourself, even, no matter who you are or what your resources. Brooke Shields opens up even further to share her experience and reveal important information about Postpartum Depression: When the 'Baby Blues' go beyond the normal difficulties and challenges of adjusting to life as a new Mom.

While DOWN CAME THE RAIN may be a disappointing autobiography of celebrity (and that's not really the point), there are brief glimpses of a notorious life. Many of us grew up with Brook Shields in the media -- the controversial, poor-little-rich-girl success story -- and here are personal reflections about her life, growing up in the public eye, her relationships with her Mom & Dad, her high profile marriage and divorce to tennis champ Andre Agassi. She is more open and detailed about her second marriage, to comedy writer Chris Henchy, and their long, difficult journey to conception -- told with engaging humor and self-deprecation.

The focus of the book is on the resulting pregnancy, which went very well, but then a horrible labor & delivery experience and a painful recovery led to severe depression and eventual diagnosis of, and treatment for, Postpartum Depression. Shields takes readers on a horrifying, brutally honest journey into depression and recovery, and by doing so, shows a great deal of courage and illuminates a path of hope for thousands of women, battling their own demons and suffering in silence.

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