Rating: 
Summary: A first aid kit!!!
Review: Thank God there are people like Bob out there to share their
horror and glory stories. This book is a keeper for anyone
that knows anyone with depression. Its a first aid kit.
Get-it! Read-it! keep-it!
Or Pass it on! But I hardly doubt you'll want to.
Rating:
Summary: Will help some people
Review: The author and I agree philosophically that moderate to severe depression or bipolar disorder is probably best treated with medication. However, the lack of solid information about psychotherapy in this book is something I don't agree with. And the quality of writing isn't that great, either. Nonetheless, the author has a somewhat unique approach to treating mental illness that is worth hearing. Avery Z. Conner, author of "Fevers of the Mind".
Rating:
Summary: Will help some people
Review: The author and I agree philosophically that moderate to severe depression or bipolar disorder is probably best treated with medication. However, the lack of solid information about psychotherapy in this book is something I don't agree with. And the quality of writing isn't that great, either. Nonetheless, the author has a somewhat unique approach to treating mental illness that is worth hearing. Avery Z. Conner, author of "Fevers of the Mind".
Rating: 
Summary: Extremely Well-Written For The Depressed
Review: The author states, at the beginning of Part II, that he purposely wrote this book so it is easy-to-read for those of us dealing with depressive symptoms such as low energy, low motivation, & difficulty concentrating. He's right. I, personally, could not get through some of the more difficult and complex books on this subject. It takes a skilled & confident writer to refrain from using the fancy prose & medical jargon, and to remain focused on the simplest way to present his message and the lessons he has to teach. Olson brilliantly succeeded in this regard.While some may accuse Olson as being repetitive of some lessons, the best teachers know that "repetition is the mother of all learning." Readers of "Win The Battle" will not walk away confused as to what they need to do to get better. If you want a book that requires great intellectual thought, buy something else. If you want a book that will give you straightforward guidance (from experience not theory) and one powerful message of hope, read this one. (It was the first book recommended to me when I joined my support group.)
Rating: 
Summary: Simply written, author tells how he did it and so can you.
Review: The author, having conquered his fight against his own severely debilitating bi-polar illness, tries to offer to other sufferers his "recipe for success". Intentionally written in very simplistic prose, the formula for success is also overly simplistic. He did touch upon one interesting concept: how oftentimes a depressed person wears a "mask" and one's appearance belies what's going on inside one's mind leading to lack of or misdiagnosis. The author is repetative and comes off as a sort of "born again" bi-polar. Definitely not a book for a thinker (bi-polar or not).
Rating: 
Summary: Not truly new information
Review: The message of the book, to keep persevering no matter what, is not new. Nor does he address the point of fact about bi-polar people tend to stop taking their medications when they feel better, which has nothing to do with perseverance. Also, his arrogance is astounding. It's as if he says, "I did it, so you should be able to as well!" Bully for him! It's called bi-polar disorder and sometimes the disease manifests itself in such a way that what he touts in his book is not immediately possible
Rating:
Summary: Very good and comprehendably put.
Review: This book helped me in many ways. Although, I had to fight at the bad things inside of me, I survived and feel so much better about myself. I've been through bipolar disorder for 8 years now and while they were trying to find a treatment for me throught the last year, I read this book and bought it over then internet and it helped me cope with my troubles. I'd give this 5 stars for many reasons and one reason would be because I have read many books in the past and this one would be the most easy to read and understand at the same time.I am very greatful that I found this book for I have no idea what I would have done without some of these books...but especially this book. Thank you Bob Olson for your experience and inteligence in writing this book.
Rating:
Summary: Motivating
Review: This book is helpful if you're at the end of your rope. Basically, it instructs you not to give up, and tells you how the author eventually became cured through perseverence. It does not give you practical ways to overcome your depression, ie cognitive therapy or other kinds of self help. It motivates you to seek help and try every possible way to get better-- different doctors, medications, etc.
Rating:
Summary: How not to cure depression
Review: This book offers very little substance of any kind other than saying that "you can treat depression". Well, that's obvious to most people. His understanding is that depression is purely a chemical imbalance in the brain that can be treated purely by the right cocktail of drugs. He offers no insight into cognitive therapy or other psychological means used toward curing this illness. He writes that after spending five years battling depression he finally took the right pill and was cured. His argument is to "not give up" and to continue seeking drug treatment until you find the right one. In other books I have read, they really give a deeper insight into what depression is and the different techniques available to combat it. Drugs are one means. However, in my experience, being a dysphoric, I have found that a combination of cognitive therapy and simple exercise do the trick. I have had instances of major depression in my life, but have had success with these means. You can still buy his book. But, for my money, in hindsight, I would rather have bought something better.
Rating:
Summary: Exactly What I Needed
Review: This book really made me realize that my symptoms and behavior related to my depression are not my fault. It also made me see that I am following the correct path toward getting well, and that is comforting. Plus, it taught me that it may not be easy, but finding a solution is possible, and you don't have to be a doctor to understand this illness. I can't believe anyone would write anything negative about this book because it brought me such hope for my future. Don't listen to anyone who is so pessimistic about life that they can't appreciate the value of a simple, yet powerful, message of hope. This Is A Great Book!
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