Never Give Up

In Never Give Up: My Life and God’s Mercy, John Janero recounts his struggles with chronic pain and mental illness in a poignant fashion. The tone of the book, however, is not gloomy or self-pitying. By honestly expressing his pain and suffering alongside his prayerful insight, he presents a realistic picture that goes further than I would have expected in illuminating the complex thought processes associated with depression.

“Perhaps I can speak for many who suffer in silence, who are not understood by their love ones or who do not even understand themselves. They feel imprisoned by pain of brain and body. Their plight is not a plague in a faraway country, nor does it appear in the news. These people are in our neighborhoods, schools, and offices and too often no one hears their pleas for care and compassion. Perhaps my testimony can help them—and help others understand them. I shall entrust that possibility, with faith and prayer, to the grade and wisdom of God.“ (p 17)

This book has been next to my bed for most of the past year and is well worn. I initially read it cover-to-cover but subsequently have re-read snatches of it, either seeking out bits that I recall or randomly thumbing through pages and reading whatever pops out at me. This unusual memoir speaks to me and has been a particular blessing this year. I just bought a new copy with the intention to send it to DD, a friend who is struggling with depression and anxiety (and last week admitted himself to the psychiatric hospital for the second time in the past year), but as I write this review I am considering sending it to his housemates who struggle to live with DD and support him.

St. Dymphna, pray for us.

*I received this book through the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company, wherein books given in exchange for honest reviews. The Catholic Company is also a great source for serenity prayer and baptism gifts. [Legal mumbo jumbo… I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”]