When the Shadow Sees the Sun
By Julianna Robinson, Ernest Russell, Phillip Drayer Duncan, and more
Published by Pro Se Press
Reviewed by Amy O
ABOUT THE BOOK
What You now hold in your hands is more than just a book. It is the realization of a concept of a brilliant creative mind that recognized certain things in himself, dark things. Things he thought he might not overcome. He conceived this idea, partly in jest, but more in earnest desire. A book focused on creative souls who experience depression and struggle with horrors that they exorcise by putting them to paper, but just can’t always let go of that way. He wanted there to be a book out there for creatives (and others who might benefit) by creatives to address the struggles so many endure and to offer ways to cope, to deal, and to move on. To overcome.
He had one proviso. In case he didn’t beat back his own demons, he didn’t want the book full of stories about him or his life. And we honored that request, in all but the introduction.
Logan L. Masterson lost his battle with what plagued him on March 29, 2016. And this book, his idea, is now a reality, to help bring to light the issues creative souls do endure, many similar to anyone else, some unique to our own little family. All proceeds from this book will go to a variety of charities, local as well as state and national, to promote suicide intervention and prevention as well as to assist with working through and surviving depression, with a focus being on those who are artists, writers, performers, etc. affected by this.
In these pages, You will find souls torn open for Your reading. Hearts shattered so You can see the pieces we work with, what fires us to take each step every day. And words of hope blooming out of fountains of despair. Please, read, take from it what you will, and if the possibility is there, share this book with others until the cover is falling off.
And make no mistake. This book is about and because of Logan L. Masterson.
Genre: Creativity / Mental Health
278 pages
MY REVIEW
4 out of 5 stars
The success of this book, to me, lies in the variety of voices and experiences expressed within the collection. Some of the authors approach the topic with humor, others with deeply personal stories, and still others with essays on the relation between (and myths regarding) creativity and mental illness. All broach the subject with sensitivity and relatability. I found my empathy strengthened for all artists who suffer from mental health issues, or just bouts of self-doubt. I would recommend this book to anyone who considers themselves a “creative,” even if they haven’t personally dealt with depression.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Authors featured in this collection include Julianna Robinson, Ernest Russell, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Mark Bousquet, Thomas R. Skidmore, Nikki Nelson-Hicks, Andrea Judy, Scott Hancock, Joe Hilliard, Tim Byrd, Herika R. Raymer, Melinda LaFevers, Alexander S. Brown, Joseph Lamere, Lee Houston, Junior, Ethan Nahté, Kristi King-Morgan, LMSW, Jason Holmes, Lou Mougin, Judy Wall Crump, Mark Steinwachs, Nancy Hansen, Chuck Miller, Aaron Smith, I.A. Watson, Neth Williams, Ellie Raine, Lisa Collins, Tommy B. Smith, John G. Hartness, H.C. Playa, Sean Taylor, M. B. Weston, J.C. Crumpton, Gordon Dymowski, J.H. Fleming, Jeff Hewitt, and Jim D. Gillentine.
DISCLAIMER
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
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