Cover Image: Lost Connections

Lost Connections

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Member Reviews

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

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This is a well written and researched book about a topic that affects so many people's lives. The author draws on personal accounts from people he's met to bring to life the debilating way anxiety and depression can become all encompassing. His ideas around depression being a response to pain and trauma really resonated with me and the numerous ideas on how to manage symptoms day to day will be helpful for many readers.

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I loved this book. I'm just so sorry it took me so long to get to it.
Filled with personal stories, lots of information, and research, I found this book relatively easy to read and at times, found it hard to put down. It made me angry, sad, and even hopeful at times and made me contemplate all that I'd been told about my brain. I feel like this is a must-read for all.

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My reading of this book was somewhat overshadowed by the reviews and critiques of others. Many of them who I respect for their intelligence gave excellent feedback on why there were problems with this work. I have to say, I find myself agreeing with them more than Hari. I think people reading this book should take caution as it will be far to easy to be sucked in by the prose.

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I loved this book. I think I need to go back and read it again sometime to further digest and review the content.
There is so much in this and particularly now, in this time of isolation and lockdown, we've never needed connection more and yet been so isolated.
By the end of this book I was thinking about how I can make more meaninglful connections with people and why they are so important. Plenty of food for thought.
Thanks for the publishers and Netgalley for the ARC to review.

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A brilliant look at why we feel like we do.
If like me you suffer with anxiety and sometimes think you are suffering from depression this is a must read

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My thanks to Johann Hari, Bloomsbury Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of LOST CONNECTIONS. I've read a number of books regarding depression as I am autistic and sometimes suffer in this way...as I know do many others, particularly at this difficult time. I read this with interest and I think it will help others to understand depression better and why it hits when it hits...and hopefully how to fight it.

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Lost Connections is one of those non-fiction reads that will really make you think. Yes, you may say that all non-fiction is designed to make all readers more thoughtful. However, this read will TRULY make you think. This starts with Johann's real experiences of being diagnosed with depression and being prescribed anti-depressants. However, he realises that maybe there are other ways that can help anxiety and depression including his. There's lots of real people, real stories, just realness. The amount of time and research that has gone into this collection is outstanding, there's no other word for it. Pacing at times a little slow. For those studying Psychology or interested in non-fiction in general, I urge you to grab a copy!

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Based on personal experience looking at the possible causes of depression & challenging present beliefs. I felt this book quite helpful.

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I took my time reading this book, wanting to take in all the different points. It is certainly thought provoking. An interesting point of view. I would recommend this book.

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I found this book to be thought provoking, at times shocking but ultimately an uplifting book. It details the authors own struggles with depression, looks at relevant research and finally gives some case studies of people who have found non pharmaceutical methods to deal with it. All in all, a very interesting read.

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Hari’s discussion on the subject of depression was thought provoking. I really enjoyed reading it and took away some things to remember. Would I recommend it? Yes, definitely. With thanks to Netgalley and publisher for the digital copy in exchange for an honest Evie’s.

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Full of interesting, thought provoking ideas. A worthwhile read for anyone suffering from depression.

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I thoroughly recommend this book. The Author makes many great points which resonate with me. He describes how society is failing us all and why we are unhappy even though we have more than we have ever had in the past.

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I'm not going to say this book has alleviated all of my depression, however it has helped at little. I've had depression for so many years and this book has lifted this a little. It's not a miracle cure but it makes good reading, and does give hope.

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This book was recommended to me by a friend, and I loved it. All makes totally sense when written out so beautifully and accessibly by Johann. Loved the examples throughout, they made the "connections" more relatable and understandable, meaning that I could think of ways in my own life to create or improve connections and therefore strengthen my mental health. A perfect example of modern non-fiction, I'd recommend to many.

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I was so impressed with this book that I took my copy in to my recent Drs appointment to show my GP. 


Hari draws together many things I've thought about - what exactly is depression; why are so many of us affected; does medication really help, and if so, for how long; are there more effective strategies for improving mental health - and considers all of them in an accessible and engaging way. 


I've read a lot on the subject but this book struck a chord and is one I'll refer back to, it is full of my notes and highlighting! It not only gave me a fresh and hopeful perspective on my own situation, but helped me better understand how to help others.

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Thank you for providing a copy of this book for review however I was unable to open the file for this document unfortunately! Apologies.

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I was very impressed with this book. It tackles the mental health epidemic from a fresh point of view, and is honest, forthright and knowledgeable. I have wondered what has caused the massive increase in mental health problems - have they always been there, hidden by ignorance and shame, or has there been something new that has caused this rise in anxiety and depression. This book explores this subject very well.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book.

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One of the best books I've read on depression and anxiety. Beautifully written, accessible, jargon free. Turns everything I thought I knew on its head. I implore anyone with an interest in mental health, or any mental health professionals to buy this book and devour it. Fascinating, in-depth and one I would read again and again. Buy this book!

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