Candy B. (candieb) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 239 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 13
This book is not what I was expecting. I was expecting this portrait of a glamorous woman who had the blues and boo-hoo-hoo. But, man, was I wrong. I don't believe everything I read, but Brooke seems like such a down-to-Earth normal person. I have never experience depression (pp or not), but I left this having a clearer understanding of what those that do go through. My heart ached for her as she went through what amounted to hell. But the breastfeeding advocate in me couldn't help but smile that she didn't give up on that too (okay, it was a small part of the story, but I cheered!). I feel like this book should be required reading for fathers-to-be though. From what I gather about PPD, the women don't always know what to do or how to ask for help. It does take someone else to recognize it - as her husband did. Good for him. Good for her. Asking for help is more difficult than admitting you need it. I loved this. It felt honest. I do wonder how she's doing today though. I don't follow too many celebrities, but I might have to cyberstalk a bit to find out a bit more ;) Seriously though, I left feeling happy for her and wanting to sit down and buy her a cup of coffee. Here's to you, Brooke - I hope the sun shines on every day.
Shirley P. (booknookchick) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 117 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 11
Tom Cruise's critical comment that depression can be overcome without medication provoked me to read Brooke's words carefully. Anyone who believes that depression is something you can just 'get over' needs to read this book.
Even though depression, especially post partum depression, is no longer a phenomenon, Brooke's experience reinforces that many new mothers, fathers, family and friends are still ill-prepared to recognize the symptoms of depression and understand how serious it can be if left untreated.
This book reveals a completely different person than most of us probably think we know. Even though her book may not be written as cohesively as Michael J Fox's "Lucky Man", Brooke has deftly conveyed the darkest side of depression.
Anyone who doesn't know anything or enough about depression should read this book.
Even though depression, especially post partum depression, is no longer a phenomenon, Brooke's experience reinforces that many new mothers, fathers, family and friends are still ill-prepared to recognize the symptoms of depression and understand how serious it can be if left untreated.
This book reveals a completely different person than most of us probably think we know. Even though her book may not be written as cohesively as Michael J Fox's "Lucky Man", Brooke has deftly conveyed the darkest side of depression.
Anyone who doesn't know anything or enough about depression should read this book.
Helpful Score: 7
Who knew Brooke Shields was so articulate? This is an honest, very personal account of Brooke's episode of post-partum depression. Quite interesting!
Lyndsey N. (crunchymomof3) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
Wonderful book outlining Brooke Shields and her battle with postpartum depression. She was very brave in coming forward and discussing this hopefully creating a awareness of the severity of this illness for more women to come forward. I recommend to anyone dealing with PPD.
katzpawz reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 281 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
A very well written account of an horrendous problem. The fact that Ms. Shields is a celebrity gave "voice" to this condition. Much the same way that "Mommie Dearest" finally made the world look at child abuse. Thank you, Brooke!
Elka F. reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
After seeing Brooke Shields discussing her experience and this book on Oprah, I decided it would be worth reading. She talks about a lot of her emotions and thoughts and feelings after going through infertility treatments, a very painful miscarriage, and then a rather easy pregnancy, followed by an emergency c-section, and what happens after her baby is delivered. While I didn't have to deal with as much as she did, I identified with and understood a lot of those emotions and thoughts. Postpartum Depression isn't talked about as much as it should be, and this book discusses the subject with openness and honesty and isn't pushy or judgmental. I would recommend this book to everyone, not just those who have been there already, or those who are in the middle of it now. Would be helpful for husbands to read, so they have a better idea of what their wife may be going through, and how/why their wife can't seem to shake it or explain it. The book also contains a list of resources (books, websites and hotlines) for more information and/or help.
Kathy S. (Havetoread) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This was better than I expected. Somehow it is comforting knowing that Postpartum Depression isn't concerned with a person's occupation, color, age, etc. She was very honest with her own experiences and shared facts as well. Shields encourages others to seek help getting over something that one out of 10 women suffer from. One of her quotes is, "It was comforting to know that those people who had experienced Postpartum Depression, but who had reached out for help not only came through it, they did so with healthy bonded relationships with their children. This is a book I will be passing on or referring people to if they or anyone they know or love is going through this horribly common condition that threatens to take the joy out of new motherhood.
Bron G. (MizBookLady) - , reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 32 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
"Down Came The Rain" is a no-holds-barred description of a first-time mother's *excruciatingly* painful experience with post-partum depression. (Note: the fact that Brooke was a first-time mother does not mean that a second-, third-, or more, time-mother cannot sink into pp depression. She certainly can.) As I read Brooke's story, I alternately nodded, wept, and winced, remembering my own sojourn in post-partum depression over 20 years ago. I think one solid point of this book is that it enables any/every woman in this position to be able to see herself in Brooke's mirror and say, "This is real. This is life-threatening. I need HELP." to her doctor/health practitioner--and expect to receive that help. Brooke is painfully honest, but as she states several times in several ways, she had to be in order to help heal both herself and others who would read her story. I highly recommend "Down Came The Rain", and not only for new mothers, but for their doctors, husbands, and other family members.
Mary H. (momreader5) -
Helpful Score: 2
I loved this book! Not necessarily a good read if you're a new mom and wondering if what you have is PPD - that should be done with a trusted doc. IF you've been diagnosed already and have started antidepressants, this is a good book to read as an encouragement and a "I'm not alone" read. Brooke has written candidly and clearly.
Christy E. (AbigailChristy) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Brooke Shields shares her experience with Postpartum Depression after the birth of her first baby. This books was a quick read for me because it kept me interested. She is brutally honest and does not seem to hold much back. I would recommend this book to mothers or people who like to read autobiographies or memiors.
Eva Marie L. (babyjulie) -
Helpful Score: 2
I just finished this book and wasn't too eager to read it because while I like Brooke Shields, she's never been one of my favorite actresses but as a mother I enjoyed the book immensely. I fortunately did not suffer from PPD but the book is well written, shows a lot of what the authors life with her husband Chris Henchy and their daughter was like during that first year and a half. I enjoyed it.
Tara G. reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 80 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
If you are pregnant and feel that you may experience post partum depression, or are post-birth and experiencing it now - this is the book you need. Brooke has been there done that and she will make you feel less alone and more like a human being going through a physical change. She advocates natural remedies and testing your estrogen and thyroid (Personally I found an estrogen replacement helped immensely as my estrogen was less than 0 - though very very few doctors even think of testing it). Love this book and frankly, she helped pull me up and away from the edge I was on.
Helpful Score: 2
this book touched me deeply. I had tears in my eyes reading it. Her journey to motherhood was not easy and the reader can relate to her on a personal level.
Anne S. (boxtopmom) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 29 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This was a great insight through Postpartum Depression through the eyes of someone who went through it. I found it very interesting and I think it is helpful for anyone who has a family member going through it.
Stephanie F. reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 39 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Very detailed descriptions of the feelings a mother might have with PPD. Excellent resource for a new mom and her support to give one more view of how post partum "looks" to help determine if she, herself, is having just the "baby blues" or PPD. How very brave of Brooke to expose herself and her feelings in this very public forum. For my personal tastes, I thought the book was a tad "whiney". While I understand the feelings and empathize with her experiences, however, she was so obsessed with her body "image" and spent a large portion of the book discussing it. But then again, maybe that is part of PPD.
Erin (nire67) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I have enjoyed watching Brooke Shields on tv and in the movies for years. This book allows us to have a view of her personal life. And it would help so many woman who knowingly or unknowingly are suffering with postpartum depression.
Christin E. (dreamingofverona) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on
Helpful Score: 2
I read this book while pregnant with #2, as I had myself suffered with PPD with #1. I was amazed to find a book that embodied all of what I had felt at that time, the heartache, the confusion, the anger and the healing. Brooke wrote from her heart, she shared thruths that most of us would never so much as whisper to our wide-eyed husbands, much less the world. PPD is real, and she has given it a voice.
Ammie (AmiLu) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 32 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is a very good look into post pardem depression. Brooke Shields tells all of her most intimate and dark thoughts she had about hurting her baby daughter. Scarry that some women feel this way after childbirth.
Robin B. (robinbird) -
Helpful Score: 1
A remarkable story of a celebrity's bout with postpartum depression. It can strike anyone and can be very debilitating. Brooke's story helps encourage moms to look at all the uncertainties of becoming a mom and deal with them head on!
Jennifer R. (cucina1520) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 38 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Brooke Shields is quite candid regarding the process she went through in order to have her first child, Rowan. She dealt with infertility meds and procedures, a Caesarian birth (wow), and then onset of postpartum depression. Fortunately, her husband, family, and many friends rallied to support her during this troubling time, and she sought help from medical professionals (MDs and therapists). A number of her comments about parenting as opposed to the rosy ideas one has about raising a family were especially eye-opening for me.
April H. (smartblonde) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Reading this book helped me to understand some of my own struggles. The book is a well written personal account of the author's own struggles with depression.
Susan W. reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Very good book for women that are going through or have went through Post P depression. I can't believe that a celebrity was kind enough to admit to having this disorder. Thanks Brooke! Great Reading!!!
Tracey W. (tracey13) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 310 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Incredibly personal story. Nothing held back. A very moving account of her attempts to get pregnant and the resulting depression she suffered after her daughter was born. Highly recommended.
Karina W. (funreader) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 54 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Ecellent personal story and educational and Accurate about current state of psychiatry. No wonder tom cruise was so upset- that scientologist Whacko.
Kristin (CozyLover) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 335 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Having suffered from severe PPD I was glad that Brooke shared her experiences with this illness. This is a subject that isn't talked about nearly enough! One in ten women will experience severe post partum depression yet less than half get proper treatment for it in a timely manner. This is a life shattering health issue that is managed & overcome with proper medications and talk therapy. However, the sooner treatment is sought, the sooner healing can begin.
Anyone who has ever suffered from PPD, is expecting a child or is thinking of conceiving should read this book!
Anyone who has ever suffered from PPD, is expecting a child or is thinking of conceiving should read this book!
Connie A. (jazzysmom) -
I really enjoyed this book. Even though she was going through postpartum depression, I could connect with her feelings as i have clinical depression and this book was so right on. I loved the way it was told and that she shared her story with us. Most of us with any kind of depression try to hide it or put on "the happy face" when we have to go out and no one ever knows we are fighting within ourselves. I think anyone one with any kind of depression can relate to and get alot out of this book. I love it.
Debora B. (latenightbookclub) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 26 more book reviews
I was very impressed with this book. I very much enjoyed the way it was written -- like a girlfriend coming over for coffee! Brooke Shields is, afterall, a Princeton graduate, so she really can write. I also appreciated the factual information she placed throughout the story. Although I read this book as somone being treated for PPD, I DO recommend it to all first time mothers! It is nice to know that even beautiful and "perfect' people have the same "we-had-a-baby,-now-what?" questions as everyone else.
Michelle D. (realneat) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 13 more book reviews
So not what I expected... I was rather disappointed with this memoir. Brooke Shields' experience with postpartum psychosis seemed to be glossed over, with no sense of realism. Definitely not an enlightening book by any means. I was hoping that Brooke Shields would leverage her celebrity with her book to address some of the truly tragic issues that many new mothers face in order to better educate the general public about postpartum mood disorders, as well as offer encouragement to those who need it most. Unfortunately, this book did not deliver... Bummer.
Jacqui S. reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 8 more book reviews
I really liked this book. I read it when I was about 8 months pregnant with my 4th child, and I could relate to some of the feelings she felt after having her first child. I've never had to deal with postpartum depression to the extreme that she did, but it was a very touching book, and gave a lot of insight into how someone with depression feels.
Traci S. (traci623) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 5 more book reviews
Wow I really thought this book was great. Having had PPD and suffered instead of getting help I could totally relate to her experiences. I would suggest for anyone who has had or will be having a baby. Know that what's happing to you is normal and there is help if you need it!
Sondra B. (tigers9494) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 49 more book reviews
Truely honest & raw...changed the way I feel about her!
Sandra B. (SandraB) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 185 more book reviews
Very interesting book - Brooke is funny, witty and well spoken.
Margaret M. (margaretlee) -
I loved this audio book...Brooke Shields reads it herself with expression and feeling. As a mother of two, I sympathized with her experience of post-partum deperession and believe that her story can be helpful to anyone suffering from it.
Samantha (msdamgoode) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 83 more book reviews
I hope this book helps someone going through PPD.
Stacy B. reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 11 more book reviews
The topic is not the easiest to write about but Brooke does it in such a personal way. As a mom who has battled PPD as well, her story rang true so many times. Very happy I read the book!
Jenelle P. (BooBoo266) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 115 more book reviews
Wonderful book. Brooke Shields is funny, witty and very honest about her battle with post partum depression and anxiety after the birth of her child. This isn't a trumped up hollywood book.
ShaiLynne J. (LoveBeingMOM) -
Brooke brings you into her world. You feel the aches, the excitement, her pain. This is a must read for every woman...and every man!
Laurel W. (StrawberryOES) -
This book was interesting, but Brooke did a lot of repetition in describing certain situations and how she felt about her daughter and husband. It became a little tiring to read the same thing over and over, just worded differently. All in all, it was OK, just hard for me to read to the end! If it had been any longer I think I would have stopped. Just me, and someone who actually had this medical problem would probably find it very good and informational.
Michelle P. (MichellePostOffice) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 74 more book reviews
Excellent first person description of post-partum depression, from a well known woman whose life is suprisingly down-to-earth.
Robin G. reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 10 more book reviews
A must read!
Rachel B. (travnray) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 182 more book reviews
I didn't like this one. Maybe my compassion is on the blitz, but I just couldn't put myself in her shoes and feel bad that she had a perfect, beautiful, healthy, non colicky baby girl. I started skipping pages in the middle because I was getting annoyed.
Carrie P. (Algiz02) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 8 more book reviews
Excellent book.
Could not get into this; I don't have kids so maybe that's why.
Trish S. (TrishLew) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 29 more book reviews
Very interesting read and should be shared with all expecting mothers.
Susan C. (susieshortcake) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 6 more book reviews
I GREAT book about post partum depression.
cdayzee reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 113 more book reviews
This book flowed pretty easily.
Rita K. (bklyn) -
She puts a spotlight on an often overlooked problem. Very readable.
Virginia H. reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 5 more book reviews
Good book
Michelle D. (realneat) reviewed Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression on + 13 more book reviews
So not what I expected... I was rather disappointed with this memoir. Brooke Shields' experience with postpartum psychosis seemed to be glossed over, with no sense of realism. Definitely not an enlightening book by any means. I was hoping that Brooke Shields would leverage her celebrity with her book to address some of the truly tragic issues that many new mothers face in order to better educate the general public about postpartum mood disorders, as well as offer encouragement to those who need it most. Unfortunately, this book did not deliver... Bummer.
