Buzz

This book is a personal case study about a year spent focussing on the author's and her son's issues with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). The purpose is to provide parents of children with ADD or those who suffer from it themselves with hope and insight about the issue itself as well as  an exploration of available treatments. The author shares her research and observations on the treatments that she and her son try during the course of that year, giving readers a personal look at the results.

Though mainly geared toward parents of distracted children, it is interesting and relevant enough to current societal issues to be useful to a larger audience. It might also be of interest to students of Psychology or those with a layman's interest in the topic. It is an approachable read and can be enjoyed by the general public, though it would probably be most interesting to those with at least peripheral experience with ADD. The author is obviously educated  and writes accordingly, but the topic is such that many people can relate in one way or another.

Issues of abnormal psychology are always fascinating, but as a parent the prevalence of ADD/ADHD in our society makes it particularly riveting; also worrisome. My child is much too young for me to have to worry about such issues yet, but I can sympathize with the stress and heartbreak the author sometimes feels in dealing with her son. The author sometimes uses the book as something of a case study following her attempts to understand the illness as well as research treatment for herself and her son. She tries many different treatments and while she wasn't eager to medicate her son, she does admit that in some cases medication is necessary. Her vascillation on the topic helps to make it clear that she has neither a pro or anti medication agenda in her book. It is an interesting read and the fact that it is written by a parent about her child makes it appealing  me as a parent. I would recommend this book for casual information gathering on the topic, but would recommend researching more official materials if one wants to do more serious research on the topic.

© 2011 Natalie Kelley-Wilson

Natalie Kelley-Wilson graduated from Allegheny College with a BA in English Lit. and from Clarion University with a Masters in Library Science. Currently she works at her town's public library and the county historical society. Email: nataliekelleywilson82@gmail.com