One way up this book is an A-Z of all the problems that beset us – jealousy, negativity and stress, turn it over and there is a different A-Z, the Zen of life where hope, optimism and wisdom hold sway. I’m not normally a great fan of such inspirational books, but its short statements under each of the headings give pause for thought and the illustrations, reminiscent of Belloc, add greatly to the charm of it all.
A handbook for the happy, and a bible for the broken-hearted, The Alphabet of the Human Heart is an enchanting and enriching journey through the upside and the downside of what it means to be human - our hopes and our fears, our strength and our weakness, our highs and our lows. The Alphabet of the Human Heart is a book of literally two halves. Firstly there is upside A-Z, which is full of the happy and hopeful aspects of our lives, such as A is for Adventure, through G is for Gratitude, S is for Smile to Zen is the Place to Be. The other downside half examines the negative parts of our character lives and how we can overcome them to lead more positive and fulfilling lives. From A is for Anger, through H is for Hate, T is for Temptation to once again end on Zen is the Place to be. Matthew and James have been friends for over 30 years and they've experienced both sides of life - the upside and the downside - and they've turned their experience of life - and of friendship - into a book that combines words and pictures to tell a bigger story.
'I had a Black Dog says with wit, insight, economy and complete understanding what other books take 300 pages to say. Brilliant and indispensable.' Stephen Fry
'Finally, a book about depression that isn't a prescriptive self-help manual. Johnston's deftly expresses how lonely and isolating depression can be for sufferers. Poignant and humorous in equal measure.' Sunday Times
. 'Moving and thoughtfully written... a must-have Daily Mirror
'Comprehensive and very helpful... brilliant' Guardian Weekend
Author
About Matthew Johnstone
Matthew Johnstone is an artist, writer and exhibited photographer. New Zealandborn, he worked in advertising in Sydney, San Francisco and New York. He now resides in Sydney with his family. He and his wife, Ainsley, know all too well what it’s like to live with a ‘black dog’ – Matthew has personally experienced the hell of depression, while Ainsley has first-hand knowledge of the frustration and confusion almost always felt by those who care for a depressed person. Together they are uniquely able to offer practical and helpful advice.
