Behind the Smile: My Jurney Out of Postpartum Depression by Marie Osmond, Marcia Wilkie, Dr. Judith Moore Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Behind the Smile: My Jurney Out of Postpartum Depression
Book Review: Does anyone really have a clue about PPD?
Summary: 5 Stars
If you have a question about how a mother could drown her 5 children (Houston, Tx, June 2001), this may give some insight.When I first purchased the book, I thought I would more be able to relate to Marie's problems. During the book I couldn't help but think that if she only knew how people who were not famous or rich had to deal with some of her problems, she would be ashamed of complaining. Further into the book, however, she explains that she even knew that people would feel this way. I began to understand where she was coming from, and identify with her somewhat. The most valuable part of the book, I believe, are the doctor's recommendations and information at the end of the book. This, with Marie's detailed synopsis of PPD makes the book a very informative read. I have to ask, however, what part Marie's husband played in the PPD. It seemed like she insinuated that if he had been there to help, she might not have gone into depression.
Book Review: Painfully truthful.
Summary: 5 Stars
Although I am not a mother, I am a sufferer of depression. When this book came out I was intrigued because I have always loved Marie Osmond and admired her joyfulness. In this book, however, she is brutally honest about her struggle with PPD. She provides intimate details of her battle and the pressures around her. I had always imagined a star such as herself would have a entourage of assistants but she doesn't. She actually runs her home and takes care of her family almost alone. This was very impressive as it lent credibility to her story.
As she finally sinks deeper and deeper, help does manage to come around. The last part of the book deals with her recovery as discussed with Dr. Moore who provides valuable information as well as insights.
Book Review: Not enough dirt
Summary: 3 Stars
Ok, Marie you did post partum moms a big favor by writing this book and bringing this horrible malady out into the open. I suffered from it and it is a terrible, terrible disease. Nobody can understand and I hid it from everybody except my psychologist (who looked askance at me her own self). But if you want to sell me a book about your life I'm going to need a little more juicy details. Where were your "wonderful" parents during this ongoing childhood abuse? Where were they when you were killing yourself during your teens? They lost your money--aren't you a little angry at them? What about that awful first husband? What is really the matter with your marriage? I know more about how hard it is to settle in with 7 kids than I know about Brian. More dirt, or don't bother to write a book. Just do a lot of magazine articles about it.Book Review: Subtitle is "Walk a mile in my shoes"
Summary: 5 Stars
While this is a book basically about PPD the fact is it is a book about mental illness and how we as a society either turn away or face the lion and the fact that mental illness in whatever form is treatable.My birth mother was institutionalized because of schizophrenia, my husband after being hit by a drunk driver developed PTSD (post traumatic shock disorder) and because of the roller coaster journey I had a brush with DID or Dissociative Identity Disorder.
PPD like these other mental health issues can be dealt with. And unless you have been there, you cannot possibly understand why Ms Osmond doesn't tickle the voyeurs need to know the torrid details about the sexual abuse she notes she encountered. I am thankful she had the maturity to note it and move on to the bigger picture which was PPD, and the help she got.
Thank you Marie for helping everyone, patient as well as family and friends better understand that mental health is something we all need to come out of the dark ages and into the modern world of wholeness and help. You may never fully know what a great gift you have given so many, many people.
Book Review: Thumbs Down for Marie; Thumbs Up for Dr. Moore
Summary: 3 Stars
There are essentially two books in "Behind the Smile." I came up with three stars as a result of a low rating for Marie's contribution, and five stars for Dr. Judith Moore's information and guidance on PPD.I've been a fan of Marie's since she started performing and always admired her as an entertainer. Unfortunately, the presentation of her story has many shortcomings.
Marie's decision to guard the details regarding both her sexual abuse and her six-month separation from Brian stifles her voice. Once she decided to share her story and reach out to millions of women, there should be "no holds barred." I wanted to know what was going on "behind the smile."
Without all the facts, we're left to assume her parents simply exploited her and did not do an adquate job protecting her against predator(s). I'm also left with a poor impression of Brian. He didn't seem to be around much until Marie crashed.
After reading about Marie's turmoil and ongoing crises for most the book, chapter 20 simply describes the self-awareness and wisdom she has apparently gained. Parts of it sounded trite and pretentious. Additionally, Marie's lists of PPD Symptoms and First Aid Kit were simply too silly.
Dr. Judith Moore's input and expertise on PPD is fabulous (and worth the costs of the book alone). Her information is presented in a straight-forward manner. Dr. Moore's practice of integrating both traditional and non-traditional healing methods in her practice is indicative of how open-minded she is. It's obvious that her main concern is the health of her patients and all women.
I hope Marie continues to work with Dr. Moore and her psychotherapist on her physical and emotional health. She deserves to be healthy and happy.