The Opposite of Music
by Janet Ruth Young

    THE OPPOSITE OF MUSIC by Janet Ruth Young
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  2/27/07
    Publisher:  Atheneum
    Reviewed by:  Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"
    Rating:  5 Stars


    Billy describes how his father just seemed less interested in life at first, but then things deteriorated to the point of
    severe depression including weight loss, lack of communication, insomnia, and thoughts of suicide. THE
    OPPOSITE OF MUSIC tells the story of a family dealing with depression.

    Billy’s mother finally decides that her husband needs to seek medical help. Dr. Fritz is nice, but his attempts to help
    are frustrating. The first medicine he prescribes makes Billy’s dad break out in disgusting sores. The next medicine
    causes paranoia and frightening dreams.

    After failed attempts to use medicine to treat the depression, Billy, his mother, and his sister become determined to
    treat the problem themselves.  Each researches the therapy they think would be best, and then they work together
    to cure dad.  Some of their treatment involves diet, exercise, light therapy, aromatherapy, etc.  Everyone sacrifices
    their own life to devote time to dad.

    When it is obvious that their theories are not working and thoughts of suicide surface, it is decided that a new
    psychiatrist must be consulted.  The new doctor recommends electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).  Research tells Billy
    the therapy could be effective, but he also reads horrific tales of brain damage and torture.  Will this help, or is his
    father's recovery a hopeless dream?

    Janet Ruth Young offers an extremely realistic portrayal of depression and its effects on a family.  It is definitely a
    book to recommend to teens living a life like Billy's.  They will know that they are not alone.