Official Review: So-Called Normal by Mark Henick

Snowflake · Post by **Snowflake** » 24 Oct 2020, 19:02

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "So-Called Normal" by Mark Henick.]

4 out of 4 stars

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So-Called Normal, A Memoir of Family, Depression and Resilience by Mark Henick is a non-fiction memoir of a personal journey through and with depression. As noted in his bio, Mark Henick’s TEDx talk about a stranger saving him from suicide has been viewed millions of times. This book details the author’s life up to that point and then carries on afterwards. Based on personal knowledge, degrees in psychology and philosophy and completion of a Master of Science program in child development, Mark Henick provides a discussion done with a knowledgeable mind and open eyes. It is thoughtful, insightful and empathetic. The subject matter can be hard to read at times, but this memoir is well worth the effort.

The book begins with a heartfelt introduction. Readers are very carefully and succinctly warned that some things within the memoir may trigger their own issues. If that happens, it is suggested to put the book down and follow some self-care practices. After this fair warning, we begin with the author’s point of almost no return. He is standing on the outside ledge of a bridge, ready to let go. One man nearby is attempting to help through listening and empathy. There is another voice from further away calling Mark a coward and telling him to jump. Mark listened to the second voice and let go.

The book’s existence lets us know this was not the end. However, readers don’t find out how this comes to be until much later in the memoir. That information comes after we are shown the path taken to get to that terrible point and then the memoir reaches that pivotal moment once again. On route, readers learn about Mark’s childhood and the many things that helped bring him to his position on the bridge. We learn about particular incidents, parents, siblings, kids, teachers, medical professionals, strangers, bullies and their impacts. However, there is never a sense of blame. We also learn about Mark and how all of these things/people impacted him from a non-judgemental point of view.

What I liked most about this book was the straightforward honesty of the thoughts and words. They did bring to mind some of the darker times in my own life. However, the empathy and understanding found within these pages meant that I was able to look at those times through a different, more compassionate, lens. The book also made me think of many other invisible illnesses and issues in our society from racism to sexism and the surprising lack of knowledge about the female body/health. As a sufferer of an invisible illness, Mark’s frustration and anger at the lack of ability of the current systems to be helpful to/with him really resonated with me. His thoughts about the difference between the times he was in the hospital due to physical injuries and when he was there for mental issues were poignant.

There was nothing to dislike about this book. It was organized well and extremely well written. Non-fiction usually takes me much longer to read than fiction but not this book. I was finished within days of starting and had a couple of late nights. I needed to know what would happen next and how Mark was able to deal with each situation that came up. The subject matter was rather heartbreaking at times. However, as a whole, the book was also comforting. Sharing these experiences in such a detailed and knowledgeable way allows readers to feel much less alone. It’s always helpful to realize that we are not the only one dealing with a particular situation or specific feelings and/or emotions. It also helps us realize that, even if our situation is not exactly the same, there are likely others who feel the same way we do too. The writing made clear that each person’s journey is their own. What worked for Mark may not work for anyone else. However, knowing others are on a similar journey is a wonderful gift.

As a last note, even though the book is marked “Uncorrected Proof”, there were almost no errors. It was most definitely professionally edited and was a grammatical joy to read. There are a few instances of profanity and some brief mentions of sex. Both were appropriately done.

This is an incredible, honest look at a difficult topic. The style is open, forthcoming and empathetic. I recommend it to all readers - starting with mature teenagers. The emotions are so clearly written that it felt more like I was experiencing the book than reading it. As a warning, people going through depression should be careful and discuss reading this memoir with those that are helping them. Those who know someone suffering similarly or have dismissed people with any mental illness, including depression, will find this an enlightening and thought-provoking book. I gladly rate Mark Henick’s So-Called Normal, A Memoir of Family, Depression and Resilience 4 out of 4 stars.

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So-Called Normal
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Nelson Lyric · Post by **Nelson Lyric** » 31 Oct 2020, 12:23

Depression affects quet a vast number of people living today, mostly with the on going pandemic. I'm impressed the author chose to write about it. I really have to read this. Thanks for the wonderful review.

RHD · Post by **RHD** » 31 Oct 2020, 13:46

This issue of depression is here with us. It has been ignored for quite a while now. Courageous people like Henick are just the few coming out. Amazing job on the review!

Magnify3 · Post by **Magnify3** » 31 Oct 2020, 16:17

So glad the stranger helped save his life. I can't imagine what he has shared. It would help to read the book. Thanks for the review!

Nedbrian · Post by **Nedbrian** » 01 Nov 2020, 07:10

Depression and suicide seems to be the norm in recent times in the world we live in right now. This book sure testifies how to escape from it and live a normal life

Ada Ling · Post by **Ada Ling** » 01 Nov 2020, 17:57

I appreciate author's honesty and courage to share his experience. Thank you for the nice review.

MsH2k · Post by **MsH2k** » 01 Nov 2020, 18:36

“It’s always helpful to realize that we are not the only one dealing with a particular situation or specific feelings and/or emotions.”

This is such an important statement. When you feel like the only one who has been through what you are experiencing, hopelessness sets in. This sounds like a well-written book. Thank you for your great review!