When Brooke Shields welcomed her newborn daughter, Rowan Francis, into the world, something unexpected followed-a crippling depression. Now, for the first time ever, in Down Came the Rain, Brooke talks about the trials, tribulations, and finally the triumphs that occurred before, during, and after the birth of her daughter.

In what is sure to strike a chord with the millions of women who suffer from depression after childbirth, America's sweetheart Brooke Shields shares how she, too, battled this debilitating condition that is widely misunderstood, despite the fact that it affects many new mothers. She discusses the illness in the context of her life, including her struggle to get pregnant, the high expectations she had for herself and that others placed on her as a new mom, and the role of her husband, friends, and family as she struggled to attain her maternal footing in the midst of a disabling depression. And, ultimately, Brooke shares how she found a way out through talk therapy, medication, and time.

Exhibiting an informed voice and a self-deprecating sense of humor, this first memoir from a woman who has grown up before the eyes of the world is certain to attract the attention and empathy of many new mothers and fans alike.

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful: Extremely Honest and Urgent Information Needed to ALL!, June 20, 2005 Reviewer: Elizabeth E. Hinkle "Therapist" (USA) - See all my reviews    Brooke takes you on a deep and profound personal journey that is so easy to understand and relate to with many illnesses. She tells it like it is and the book is hard to put down. Over half way through you can take a break and then keep reading to realize how much more there really is to post-partum depression and or psychosis. Even the effects of miscarriages and fertilization processes are mind bending. EVERY DOCTOR and MOTHER to BE should read this!! Was this review helpful to you?  (Report this)

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful: Thank you Brooke!, June 18, 2005 Reviewer: EA Paquelet Patrick "Betsy" (Boston) - See all my reviews    I also suffered from PPD, and I thank Brooke for discussing this issue. At the time, I thought I was just an incompetent mommy and I needed to "figure things out". Now I know that I had a chemical imballance that could be treated with medication. I knew no one else who suffered from PPD, and didn't feel like I could talk about how badly I was feeling with anyone. This was supposed to be a happy time. With Brooke's book, and her subsequent interviews, it somehow makes people with this affliction not quite the outcasts that I felt like at the time. Thank you Brooke! Brooke does discuss her bicoastal lifestyle, and some of the luxuries associated with being fameous (like her baby nurse). Some of the other reviewers seemed to find this offensive, but I felt that it did not overshadow the primary points in her book. Irregardless of how different your life is from mine Brooke, you helped me imensely, and not only do I thank you, but I recommend your book to all of my friends who are about to become first-time mommies. Let's hope that they don't go though what you and I did! And if they do, let's hope that your book helps them to not be ashamed, and to get help imediately, unlike me! Was this review helpful to you?  (Report this)

1 of 19 people found the following review helpful: Poor Brook...its hard to be a hypocrite, June 16, 2005 Reviewer: Mrs Quack (Michigan - USA) - See all my reviews I went through a similar ordeal during my first pregnancy/delivery. I was able to relate to Brook's experience, and I was pleased to see a person with such public visibility stand up and share her ordeal. There is a stigma associated with so many mental disorders...its time we, as a society start being more open. Seems Hollywood has no problem embracing individuals who struggle with substance abuse and other disorders related to the excess of their lives. Now, I am sorry I ever considered purchasing this book! In Brook's efforts to defend her character against Tom Cruise's uninformed criticism, she had the nerve to say that she agrees with him that children shouldn't be drugged with Ritalin. What a hypocrite!! Until Ms Shields lives through the devestation that a family experiences when they have a child with ADHD...she should keep her ignorant, self-serving mouth shut. ADHD is as real as Depression. How dare she comment in a critical manner toward parents who are desperately trying to help their children? I guess Brook is just another celebrity attempting to cash in on their noteriety and fame. For that reason I would not spend a dime on a product bearing her name. Was this review helpful to you?  (Report this)

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful: A brave tale of her struggle through PPD, June 16, 2005 Reviewer: Allyson Decker - See all my reviews    I was very impressed with the book. The writing probably wasn't the best but lets face it, Brooke Shields is one smart and brave chick. I think she was so brave to put a name to this sometimes silent disease women go through at what should be the happiest time in ther lives. While not a sufferer of PPD myself, I couldnt totally relate but I could empathize with her feelings of hopelessness. I felt sad when she described the terrible feelings she went through and the thoughts that came into her head as she struggled to take care of the baby on a daily basis. A book like this was definitely needed. I can't help but wonder about the millions of women who have suffered with PPD for years before it was thrust into the public eye. Brooke is a hero and a survivor and I wish her and her beautiful daughter all the best life has to offer! Was this review helpful to you?  (Report this)

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