Book 1: Prozac Nation

The first book that I am reading is Elizabeth Wurtzel's memoir, Prozac Nation: Young and Depressed in America. Wurtzel describes her journey through depression, starting from the young age of about 12, to her later college years at Harvard University. Not only does Wurtzel suffer from depression, but she has substance abuse problems, namely drugs and alcohol. Her memoir includes passages from her diary and her reflection as she writes her memoir. Clearly, she is in a bad place, as her first of many suicide attempts takes place when she is 12 years old. Wurtzel chronicles through many counselors, therapists, and hospitalizations until she encounters a helpful drug: Prozac. This brand new, recently FDA approved pill helps Wurtzel gain control over her life and find a better place. She ends her memoir with an epilogue that talks about how so many people have begun to take Prozac; pets also have been diagnosed with depression and they take Prozac. She reflects on her own situation, and relates it to society.