I’m looking for something to take to a very intelligent 16yo boy who is being treated for depression in a facility. His reading level is Honors/AP, with an interest in Literature and History (we are US, but he loves History of all nations). I’d like to take him a book to read while he is there which might be helpful with his depression. Something with a spiritual theme, particularly Judeo-Christian, would be ideal. Any ideas?
by Rindill
13 Comments
I don’t know how spiritual it is, but as a depressed teenager, I found a lot of solace in JD Salinger’s Catcher In The Rye
Maybe “It’s Kind of a Funny Story” by Ned Vizzini.
Consider James A. Michener’s **The Source**. It is a historical novel about the Jewish people and Israel. It was written in the 60s so it doesn’t have recent history.
It’s Kind of a Funny Story or The Perks of Being a Wallflower
He might enjoy the personal journals of philosophers or authors. I am thinking specifically of Kierkegaard right now, but if he has a favorite classic author or thinker, there’s bound to be a collection of his journals or letters published. I love reading these because most of these writers have deep thoughts about religion and spirituality and it’s nice to see a more relatable side to people we tend to see as esteemed figures. They’re all just people. But also with neat insights! That help us make sense of the world and relate to other humans. It’s so comforting.
Any Chaim Potok. I especially like My Name is Asher Lev, In The Beginning, The Chosen and The Promise.
A Man Called Ove has wonderful redemption/life is worth living themes. It’s also a really great, enjoyable book.
Also, The Count of Monte Cristo is a great book to read. The character has been wronged and seeing him get through the issues and get revenge is really awesome. I think it would be a book that would help this 16yo forget his current troubles and immerse himself in another world and time and place. I read it as a sad teenager decades ago and still remember the joy it brought me.
Just want to male you aware that the level of reading often decrease during periods of depression, due to trouble concentrating (a common issue during depression). Depression also impaires the memory, so sometimes it’s hard to remember what you read yesterday. If this is the case, reading can feel discouraging, like defeat, rather than uplifting.
This is the case for me. I still read during depressions, but have learnt to read books I’ve read before, or books below my normal level. This way, reading is a comfort and not a reminder of the depression.
Your friend might not feel the same way, but I’d bring a couple of old books with the new ones. Whatever makes his life right now feel just a little bit less overwhelming, even for a little while, that’s what to look for.
I hope he’ll enjoy your books and I’m sure he’ll appriciate the visit.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. It is about a teen who has Asperger’s and how he solves his problems through his own interpretation of the world. He has anxiety over certain things, gets upset and can’t cope sometimes. It had some quiet funny moments.
Is “Man’s Search For Meaning” too cliched? That’s what first came to mind. He might also like Siddhartha.
If he wants something to relate to: Challenger Deep, Extraordinary Means, It’s Kind of a Funny Story
If he wants to be distracted: graphic novels for quick reads to feel accomplished without lengthy commitment, or an all-consuming series or author like Sarah J Maas, VE Schwab, and/or Cassandra Clare to help pass the time and be fully distracted. Also the Red Rising series. I guess Game of Thrones may also apply.
Tbh when I was an intelligent 17 year old in a psych hospital I read One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s nest for the first time. The irony was delightful, and the book was great.
Don’t bring him books to “help with his depression.” That can feel extremely condescending. Bring him books that will intrigue and engage him.. and be aware that he may not be able to read right now.
Maybe a graphic novel would be good. It’s a little lighter to deal with.