Rating: 
Summary: Less than amazing
Review: I think I was misled. Everything I heard about this book was wonderful, the idea was compelling and I heard great things about the author. I read the first chapter and was hooked. But then the book descended not into depression, but into a degree of whininess that seemed, sure, Kurt Cobain-esque at first and then grated on until the narrator seemed like a disillusioned Olsen twin. Point well taken: this is what it's like to listen to someone who's in the throes of depression. Having been through it myself (like the rest of the country) I'm not surprised. But when I hear people comparing this to "The Bell Jar", and hailing Wurtzel as having the power and voice of Kurt Cobain, I can't help but want to throw something. If anything, this book shows that all depression isn't glamor. She ISN'T as compelling as Kurt Cobain or even Plath, and perhaps that's the point. With this book, Wurtzel proves that depression isn't cool--I was so bored with the monotony that I had to force myself to finish it. Good. But I hesitate to think that that's enough to make this a good book in its own right.
Rating: 
Summary: Told by someone whose been there
Review: Luckily, I have not been one of those whose suffered from depression or have had the need to use the many drugs that seem so common today: Prozac, St. John's Wort, Zoloft Xanax, and Paxil etc. This book provides insight by the author whose been there. I read this book because I am curious as to why so many of these disorders are more prevelant among our population today in America. The writer delved into this. In the 60s there were not nearly as many these cases (including eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia nervosa.) Were these disorders not diagnosed? Were those affected less willing to come forward? I believe so. But are these problems for many, another thing that is vogue today? Is running to the Doctor for a Prozac prescription the answer, like Chicken-soup for the soul books, and Yoga at the health club. Our we a nation of neurotics? I am aware of how depression is a disease and chemical inbalances make it biological as other disorders, and is dreadful for those who deal with it. At the same tine we have a quality of life unequaled by most of the world, yet we are a people with "issues." This is a good book that can provide information to those who want it.
Rating: 
Summary: Insightful and Engrossing
Review: It was one of those books I had a difficult time "getting into". I kept reading a few pages and then getting up to find something else to do. I did not find it very intriguing... at first. Part of the problem was I thought the author, Elizabeth Wurtzel was a complete psycho, a nutcase, and a true mental case. I was diagnosed with depression at a young age and I couldn't remember going through the symptoms she described. But as I continued reading I realized that I could, in fact, identify with similar behaviors and characteristics as Elizabeth. I never knew how to express them until reading her book. She is a master at describing her emotions and I found her to be extremely insightful on many topics associated with depression. Elizabeth is an exceptional writer who is privileged with the ability to make the reader understand what it's like to be young and depressed in America.
Rating:
Summary: Warning!
Review: Wurtzel is the Susanna Kayson of the 90's. As a young, depressed, and intelligent young woman, her experieces are described so realistically, the book is often an excruciating read. I should know, having suffered with depression and anxiety for many years. Elizabeth Wurtzel is a talented and insightful writer. So talented at portraying her experiences, I would not recommend this book to anybody still caught in the hurricane of depression. Nor would I recommend it to anybody who is recovering from such Hell. This is an absorbing book, one that does not allow you to put it down although you deperately want to. Wurtzel attempts to make you hate her. And yet, for those of us who have had similar experiences, the exact opposite is often the result. I connected with her, carried her around with me for a while, and wound up once again in a pyschiatric hospital, confused as to what went wrong. Please dont misinterpret me. I am not blaming Wurtzel for my problems. I am simply suggesting that her impact is strong, yet it is not neccessarily a positive one. She manages, at the last, to make a profound social commentary on the usage and abuse of antidepressants in the United States. However, she puts you through Hell to get to her point.
Rating: 
Summary: Not that great
Review: I admit that I'm not a writer, nor have I ever claimed to be. To me, this book just seemed to drone on and on and on. One hundred pages into the book I basically felt the exact same need to slit my wrists as after the first paragraph. This girl had (or has) a mental illness. I understand that. I knew that going in, but geez! I didn't ever get to the plot, if there was one. Really, I don't understand why the book was as long as it was. Wurtzel drags the reader into the depression with her. Who wants that? If I wanted to be depressed, I'm positive I could find my own reasons. Books are something I read to take my mind off of everyday life - to get away from the ho hum. I couldn't finish reading this book. Eventually I dreaded opening it, to the end effect of altogether avoidance of this book (yes, like the plague). Thankfully, someone already purchased my used copy.
Rating:
Summary: She's Been To Hell and Shows Us the Burn Marks
Review: Wurtzel's book inspires either volumes of text on how the reader can relate to her life's struggle, on how they also practically severed all ties with family/friends when in the midst of depression or it completely irritates the reader into thinking she's merely taking a mental condition, putting a pop culture label on it and making it *cool* for throngs of teen angst followers. I believe that Wurtzel's book is well-written and the kind of book you need to take in large, constant doses. She's kind to no one in her memoir, least of all herself and anyone who has suffered from her malady knows that nothing is ever enough. Wurtzel shows you each pain-staking step, every major mistake and turns phrases with the punch of Dorothy Parker that put you a step behind her.
Rating:
Summary: Decent account of Depression
Review: Maybe it was bad timing on my part to have read this novel when I did. Having already been treated for major depression for years, I feel pretty good these days and when I decided to check out the novel Prozac Nation. As a depression sufferer I find it a fascinating topic and love to hear other people's stories but my goodness, was (is?) Wurtzel messed up! It was borderline too difficult for me to read at times because like I said, I feel pretty good these days and reading about Wurtzel's experiences brought back a lot of bad times. But all this is on me. The truth is she describes the illness about as perfectly as possible. I have no doubt that if I had found my way to this book during my really dark period it would have been something holy to me. Whenever trying to explain my feelings I'd just hand people a copy of the book and say,"Here! Read this." Unfortunately I didn't find it then.
Rating:
Summary: shallow waters, shallow minds
Review: Wurtzel puts a very pungent smell into the air and it just doesn't go away. I gave this book 4 stars for the fact that I could relate and she was very descriptive. Once I got past the fact that I wasn't going to like this book as a memoir, I decided to read it as a novel. I then liked it very much. The lack of real plot, the over abundance of whiny adjectives and airing of dirty laundry to a enormous extent really suited my mind better once I pretended it was all made up and there was a point to the lack of plot. I have read many memoirs and most of them lack a plot, use whiny adjectives and air their laundry...
Rating:
Summary: READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: Simply put,Prozac Nation very well might have saved my life. Before reading this book I assumed that I was the only one I knew who felt isolated. Who felt that there was something wrong with me, I coulden't pinpoint it, but something was not right. While reading this book I remember sobbing, laughing, almost to the point of having my stomach hurt, but most of all relating. I could not beleive that there was someone else who was experiencing similar emotions as I. Wurtzel has accomplished something many of us aspire, but few do-she has written an honest, entertaining, and most of all endearing account on her life up to date. On a personal level I would very much like to thank Ms. Wurtzel for writing Prozac Nation, as it has affected my life and the lives of others. If you are considering purchasing this book, I implore you to follow through on your impulse, you will not regret it!
Rating:
Summary: A true insight to a world lead by drugs not understanding
Review: A powerful book filled with the truth behind living with a mind altering drug to deal with depression/anxiety vs. learning to deal with "life". The auther is creative, sharp witted, and a really good writer. She stays to her point and really allows you, the reader, to join her in this endless up and down journey to prozac or not to prozac. Her struggled becomes so real and her honesty so inviting that you really feel you know her. This is truly a great book to read whether you have faced depression, know someone who has dealt with depression or just want to understand what life with prozac can be like. I leant a copy to a friend many years ago who was forced to go on prozac at a young age by her parents. When I met her she was a young adult battling life and trying to kick the prozac. She felt she couldn't be a good person unless on this drug and she felt very alone. She said the book gave her hope, keeped her company, and helped her find the inspiration she needed to kick prozac.
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