I wasn't impressed with this book. There were definitely a few comments that really struck home, but they were few and far between.

It is difficult for people experiencing depression to describe how bad it really is. This kind of depression is not merely a feeling down in the dumps, or, a blue feeling, but something verging on a psychic catastrophe of the highest order. One of the worst things about depression is the isolation felt, and, that other people (usually our family and friends), who have not experienced depression, don't understand. You wouldn't want them to! There's some comfort here.

Mr. Mays has written a very literary account of his experience. He obviously enjoyed writing it - the language is so rich and poetic - it is a great pleasure to read in its own right. Although his experience is very personal, there are commonalities of experience shared by all people who suffer. The pure miracle of reading this account is how he articulates these commonalities, coming as close to describing the experience and process as I have ever read. I can find something of my experience with depression here and that's no small thing.

Average Reader Review: Number of Reviews: 1

1. In the Jaws of the Black Dogs By: Waleska from Alberta As a psychology major, I was fascinated by this account of one man's life-long struggle with depression. While I do not necessarily think his experience is representative of depressives in general, I appreciated the way in which May displayed them, with all the vulnerability and courage that entails. I also found relief in the fact that he did not offer a quick fix, as so many psychology authors attempt to do. If you are interested in more literature dealing with mental disorders, I strong recommend a short story by Charlotte Gilman, called The Yellow Wallpaper.

The author is too self absorbed and never succeeds in his quest to find the "true south" because he can't see beyond his own limited view.