I posted a little while back about how a good friend of mine (Danny Evans of Dad Gone Mad) (You may remember him from this photo) wrote a book and mentioned me in the acknowledgments. This, despite the statement that “accounting sucks big, sweaty, wrinkled-up donkey balls covered in pickle juice” (His words, not mine) make me feel particularly honored. (I’m an accountant. Yo.) I consider myself incredibly lucky to be able to call this dude “Friend” and want to do whatever I can to help spread the word about his book, which is on sale TODAY. (Well, some lucky ducks got their pre-ordered copies a few days ago, but the official launch is today.)
I personally have never struggled with depression but have friends and family members who wrestle with that beast constantly. It was great to get some insight into what it’s like from the inside of that battle. You would think that a book about depression would be, well, depressing but that is so not the case. I laughed out loud more times than I can count (That says a lot, considering the whole professional accountant thing) and thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is why I have read it twice. That says a lot for a mom of three who can barely find the time to leave the house fully clothed and in her right mind.
In order to help promote his book, Danny sent advance copies of his book to (me, and) some bloggers I love and respect. In turn, we get to subject him to interview questions that he must answer, regardless of what they may entail. Here is what transpired:
You have mentioned on your site (and Twitter) that you have webbed toes and a third nipple. Are there any other physical…anomalies that you would like to share?
Correction: I do NOT have a third nip. I don’t believe I’ve ever said that. But the webbed toes are a fact–a gift from my father that makes me a very strong swimmer and prone, on occasion, to quacking.
I know that devout Jews do not eat cheeseburgers or bacon. I also know that you do not consider yourself “devout” and that you love both cheeseburgers and bacon. Do you remember your first experience with either of those? Were they together, because OH MY WORD?
I don’t specifically recall when I first kissed the sweet, tender lips of pork, but I have a very clear memory of going through a McDonalds drive-thru in my sister’s shit-brown Ford Granada and ordering my first Egg McMuffin. I rank that as one of the most incredible moments of my life, right between meeting Gallagher at LAX and that time I convinced my golf buddies that I’d hit the ball 250 yards down the fairway instead of dropping one there after I shanked my drive into the cow pasture.
I have it on good authority that you were sent some Canadian beer for your 39th birthday in April (Old fart. Ahem.) Are you willing to admit that maybe Canadian beer is a little superior to Bud Light?
Well, let’s be clear here, Angella. What you sent me were two bottles of micro brewed brown ale, which I love, and comparing brew with that pedigree to domestic, mass-produced light beer is like comparing a choice cut of beef to a can of Alpo.
Boxers, briefs, or commando?
Boxer briefs.
OK, I’ll be serious. You share pretty openly in the book about what you were going through and about the intricacies of your extended family (Parents, etc.) Did this cause any grief in your personal life, or has everyone been supportive?
I don’t think grief is the right word here. There are certainly sections of the book that affected my loved ones, some in a difficult way. That was obviously never my intention, and though some of them struggled with parts of it, I think they each ultimately took a step back and saw that I needed to make Rage as genuine and honest and frank as possible. One of the reasons such a stigma envelopes mental illness is because most people don’t really get a sense of what it is, where it comes from, and how it can decimate an otherwise healthy person. I wanted the book to, in its own small way, punch a hole in that stigma, and the only way that could possibly happen is with brutal honesty.
You stated in the book that depression is hereditary (Both your Grandma and Father have dealt with it). I have seen this to be the case with people I know and love as well. As a father yourself, do you fear that your children will fight the same battle that you have?
I certainly do, but I hope that RAGE and other books like it are able to push the discussion of the disease far enough into the mainstream that soon getting treatment for depression will be less challenging and humiliating. I don’t know that there’s much I can do to actively prevent my kids from fighting a largely hereditary disease, but I’m certainly trying and hell-bent on supporting them in the tragic event that they ever have to confront this crap.
As far as I can tell, you are back to “normal” (as normal as you can be). What steps do you take to keep your depression in check and maintain a (somewhat) balanced equilibrium?
I still take my anti-depressants, although I think that may be more of a security blanket for me than an actual necessity. I’m active in my son’s Little League and other such pursuits that pull me out of the house, into the sunshine, and into the company of other fun people. And I write, which for me is as therapeutic and fulfilling as it gets. I sometimes have to remind myself to talk about what’s going on instead of following my old pattern of internalizing for fear that I might not know how to deal with it, but I have the very fortunate benefit of a wife who knows me well and sees when I need to discuss something.
If people could get just one thing out of Rage, what do you hope that would be?
I really hope readers whose lives have somehow been impacted by depression–either by personal experience or watching a loved one go through it–understand that it DOES happen to “normal” people and it CAN be treated. This is especially important for men. We are so prone to ignore our feelings or cover them up with alcohol and other self-anesthetics, and that just has to stop because eventually it catches up to us. So I guess the one thing I hope people take away from Rage is, “Maybe if this guy can admit to and get help for his depression, I can too.”
***
Wicked. Thanks, Danny.
As I mentioned above, his book is on sale TODAY. GO BUY IT. Don’t even try to tell me that you can’t afford it because seriously? $10.24? That’s like a Starbucks run. Or less than a case of (Good, Canadian) beer. There is some crass language (A word of warning to my conservative readers) but sometimes a well-placed f-bomb is funny. At least I think so.
Here is where I tell you something a little bit awesome. I will be flying to Portland, Oregon next week to stay with Kerrianne and go to Danny’s signing. (Viva la Airmiles!) On August 12th he will be at Powell’s on 1005 W. Burnside at 7:30 pm. Any Portland (or Seattle/Pacific NW) people want to join us?
Because I love this book so much and want to support my friend, I will be purchasing two (TWO) books to have Danny sign them, addressed to the two winners. I will make the draw this Friday, August 7th. All you need to do is leave a comment.
What are you waiting for?
***
OK! I just used Random.org and here is what it came up with:
Congratulations Angela and Tamara!
Sounds like a great book. I’ll have to check it out (or win a copy;))
[Reply]
I remember when I tried to get my husband to read blogs. He never enjoyed it until I introduced him Danny’s site and Dad Gone Mad is THE ONLY blog he reads (ok, and mine.)
Needless to say, this family hearts Danny and would be honoured for a signed copy.
Karla’s last blog post..Alphabet Art
[Reply]
Oh how I would love to win a copy
[Reply]
oooops I typed my e-mail address wrong in my first post.
[Reply]
Hi there!
I would be really interested to read Danny’s story, and the opportunity to have it signed is a doosie!
Thanks!
[Reply]
Great interview (don’t enter me, because I’ve already read this book twice). I wondered about whether Danny worries about his kids and depression. I’m sure he will be watching for signs of it.
Have a blast next week! Wish I could be there!
[Reply]
I can’t wait to get a copy of Danny’s book! Either way, I will be buying one (or two or three), but I would love to win one for a friend!
[Reply]
I plan on buying the book, but I always prefer to have a signed copy! (I’ll place it between Helen Fielding and Salman Rushdie on my signed shelf!)
Angela’s last blog post..We saw the writing on the wall as we felt this magical fantasy.
[Reply]
I’ve been waiting for this book since he announced it and have spent the last two days running from site to site reading the reviews. Now to scrounge up some couch cushion money and hitchhike to the bookstore.
CK Lunchbox’s last blog post..Hope
[Reply]
Maybe now my husband and I can read this book at the same time, you know without having to purchase two copies.
[Reply]
I would love to win a copy, but if I don’t, I will definitely be buying it ASAP. Sounds like a fantastic read.
Sharon’s last blog post..Friday Love List: August long weekend edition
[Reply]
I wish I could be there for the PDX reading.
Have so much fun! The book sounds great and I hope the word spreads fast!
Sizzle’s last blog post..This Is Me Angry
[Reply]
I’d like to read this book. Even better, I’d love to win an autographed copy of it to read.
Becky’s last blog post..Thanks for the memory of things I can’t forget
[Reply]
I’m new to Danny’s blog, but I think he’s a fantastic writer. I can’t wait to read his new book! Thank you for the giveaway!
[Reply]
Great interview, Ange. He totally cracks me up and I’m sure the book is awesome.
Amanda Brown’s last blog post..Orchard Girls
[Reply]
I ordered a copy weeks ago, and with any luck it will be in my mailbox…tomorrow (mail just came and it wasn’t there, boo!). That said winning a book would be cool, then I can give it away and spread the love.
Amanda’s last blog post..Pumpkin Dump Cake (stolen recipe)
[Reply]
I would absolutely LOVE to have a signed copy of Danny’s book! Pretty please?!
Adam Snyder’s last blog post..Ah, Bluetooth® in my truck?
[Reply]
Thanks for the great post. Can’t wait to read the book!
[Reply]
I would fly to Portland to hang out with you and the Portland gals, if I could. But a signed copy of the book would rock, too… even if not as much as hanging out in person.
Darcey’s last blog post..Moving killed me dead
[Reply]
I am interested in that book!
Alison’s last blog post..Let’s Wok and Roll
[Reply]
I can’t wait to read this book. As someone who has suffered/suffers from depression, I’m interested to read his take on it.
Plus, he’s damn funny!
Kristabella’s last blog post..BlogHer 2009 ? Through Bacon’s Eyes
[Reply]
Awesome. Would love to win a copy but I may just buy one either way.
[Reply]
Ah ha! Good idea, now I can’t “read and leave” but have to comment and try and win a copy.
Even if I don’t win, I think I might try and get a copy. Very recently a friend of mine shared her journey with depression with me and it really opened my eyes. Another friend’s husband (I believe) struggles with it and “medicates” other ways because I think it is even harder for guys to admit to this problem. Danny’s book may be just the answer – and I know the “f-bombs” won’t bother him. 
[Reply]
Intriguing . . .
[Reply]
YAY! I seriously feel like I might be walking around all day busting out spontaneous bursts of “YAY!” and all of my co-workers are going to think I’ve gone nuts. So, hey! I’ll be being thematic, even.
SO unbelievably psyched for Danny, and to see you both in just a little over a week! (YAY.)
Kerri Anne’s last blog post..Poetry, Speaking To Me
[Reply]
dude I totally want to go to Portland! have fun
hillary’s last blog post..I Never Thought I Could Love Anyone But Myself Now I Know I Can’t Love Anyone But You
[Reply]
Good luck Danny! Will definitely be checking this book out.
[Reply]
I would love to win it! He is a great writer.
[Reply]
I am not familiar with Danny but he is very funny! I would love to win a book but alas I rarely win anything, I’ll just go buy it
Kami’s Khlopchyk’s last blog post..Why I should go to NYC
[Reply]
Sounds like a book I would love to read! Danny sounds like quite the character:)
[Reply]
Oh cripes, take the man some more real beer!
Victoria’s last blog post..OK
[Reply]
Oh! Yes, please! Webbed feet?
Jillian’s last blog post..I’m too old to party like a rockstar
[Reply]
You’re such a great friend! How awesome that you get to attend his book signing! Please enter me! In the contest. Heh.
witchypoo’s last blog post..HoHoHo
[Reply]
Sounds like an AMAZING book. Pick me! Pick me!
Jen’s last blog post..fields of gold
[Reply]
Free book! Free book that is relevant to my interests! Pick me!
Seriously, I will probably buy this if I don’t win. Sounds excellent.
[Reply]
Me me me me.
Danica’s last blog post..Happy Birthday!
[Reply]
I’m looking forward to reading this book whether it’s a free signed copy, or store bought ;o)
[Reply]
I’d love to be one of the lucky ones to win a signed copy!
sherry’s last blog post..Oh, there you are summer
[Reply]
I really wish I could drive down the coast and come to that book signing, but it’s just not in the cards for me right now. Why couldn’t Danny have held a signing here in Vancouver? Probably something to do with his criminal past and not being able to cross the border? Maybe he tried to sneak citrus fruit into Canada once? Maybe Canada customs found out what hockey team he (mistakenly) cheers for?
j/k Danny! I love your writing despite the hockey team you (mistakenly) cheer for.
[Reply]
Oooh… pick me! The book signing is the day after my birthday! I can shamelessly beg when it’s nearly my b-day, right?
But seriously, I’d buy it anyway! $10.24 is super affordable! Nice interview too. That photo of you holding the book should be included in the printing, you look great!
Jill – GlossyVeneer’s last blog post..Not BlogHer ?09
[Reply]
I love to read and would therefore love to win a free book! More than that, I have several loved ones who are in an ongoing struggle with this crippling disease and would really appreciate getting the “insiders view” of it. Have fun in Portland!
[Reply]
LA LA LA no spoilers! LA LA LA (I just got my copy today.)
Sniff the mountains in Portland for me PUHLEAZZE?
moosh in indy.’s last blog post..crash test lupron red.
[Reply]
I am sure looking forward to winning this book. Well, I have pretty good luck in these random web draws. Pick me! Pick me!
Mama in the City’s last blog post..Oh the Mammaries! Tales of Engorgement During World Breastfeeding Week
[Reply]
Sounds like a good book! Hope you have a great time Portland with Danny.
[Reply]
I am so down for a free book. Especially one of this caliber. Thanks for the chance to win!
Karmyn’s last blog post..Maybe one day I’ll have time to blog again
[Reply]
I just linked to his website and laughed out loud at some of his posts. Count me in.
joyce’s last blog post..Fashionably late
[Reply]
I can’t wait to read this book! It sounds really interesting.
Carissa’s last blog post..A Working Remembrance
[Reply]
I’ve been hearing a lot about this book. I’d love to check it out.
doahleigh’s last blog post..It took two years, but you may now call me Master Shannon
[Reply]
New reader, I actually found your blog through Momo’s blog. As I mentioned on her blog my husband and myself both suffer from depression and/or anxiety. In the beginning my husband had a hard time confronting his depression and getting treatment. As the years passed, and his meds kicked in, he’s gotten to be less nervous about discussing it, but still nervous to some degree. Me? I love my meds, we’re TIGHT!
[Reply]
I’d love a copy!
[Reply]