The Radiant Midnight: Depression, Grace, and the Gifts of a Dark Place

by Melissa Maimone, Curt Thompson MD (Foreword)

“In The Radiant Midnight you will find not merely abstract ideas about the essence of darkness or how to go about facing it. You will also find humor, Wisdom. Honesty. You will find Melissa’s very bone and blood…it is here, then, in reading—rather, perhaps, listening to—her words, that your heart, trapped as it may feel in its own midnight, begins to see the first signs of dawn.” –Curt Thompson, MD, author of Anatomy of the Soul

Grace and Hope for Long Dark Nights

Have you ever suffered with depression, sadness, or the feeling that you just can't seem to get it together? Do you wonder if you could ever view your deepest wounds in a different light?
 
Through candid storytelling, biblical truth, honest lament, and unexpected humor, The Radiant Midnight is a bold refusal to simplify the experience of suffering by moving too quickly to try to relieve it. With questions to guide you and practical suggestions to lead you through dark moments, this book takes you on a journey of surrender, suffering, rest, and restoration as it encourages and comforts you in whatever struggle you face.

The message of The Radiant Midnight is fueled by the passionate belief that not only will God lead you out of darkness, He will be fully and beautifully present within it. You can find deep contentment in painful circumstances and discover a profound intimacy with a compassionate, tender God who is with you in every moment—in each hope-filled dawn and every radiant midnight.

Genres: Nonfiction, Mental Health, Counselling, Christian Living, Faith, Religion

240 pages, Paperback

Published April 2, 2019

Reviews

[Ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly loved this. While I identify as Christian, I struggle reading Christian fiction/nonfiction (huge exception for C.S. Lewis). I usually find it somewhat cringey and cliche, but This. Book. It was exactly what I needed to hear, in all the ways I needed to hear it.
The author is transparently honest about her struggles with clinical depression, as well as her faith. In no way does she ever try to excuse mental illness as a lack of faith; she clearly explains how God makes it possible for her to live within her ‘Midnight’ while also redeeming her. She doesn’t promise that more prayers will cure your depression, which is huge for me. I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard that. She doesn’t promise that your depression will even go away. But she does explain how and why you aren’t alone, despite everything telling you otherwise.
“[God] isn’t disappointed with you because you are afraid.”
“Jesus was as real as my panic. He wasn’t overwhelmed by how overwhelmed I felt.”

Thanks for reading :))

[Karen (Living Unabridged) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book about depression that I've ever read. Maimone is the exact right blend of vulnerable without over-sharing. This is not a book about how God will "fix" depression or anxiety, but about a God who is always there. This book is full of scripture and sound meditations on who God is and who we are. Highly recommend.

[Shay Fort · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Radiant Midnight spoke to the depths of my soul in ways I was not aware possible. Writing about her own struggles with depression and anxiety from a young age, Melissa Maimone encourages others to see the darkness as an opportunity to grow. I chose this book based off of the title - perhaps my own struggles with anxiety led me to see something of value in it, and I have not been disappointed.

Maimone's writing is raw and vulnerable. Reading her story I feel seen and heard and confirmed, knowing that someone else knows how it feels to be in midnight - the darkest night of the soul. But God. She describes how are Paul's thorn in his side led him to call out to God even more. How David's life was full of caves and dark places and how in those places, God was there. The psalms are full of laments and cries of help, indicating that David himself was facing midnight. However, all of these midnights are not just places to escape as we often feel when stuck in them. They can be radiant because the light of Jesus Christ penetrates even the darkest moments. Because of Jesus we have hope. I loved this book so much and will be recommending it to friends who need to be seen.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Radiant Midnight is about the author’s continuing struggles with anxiety and depression and how her Christian faith has helped her to not only survive the dark times, but to recognize them as an opportunity to grow in her faith.

The author’s willingness to be totally open about her struggles with the deep despair of midnight where darkness abounds, gives her authenticity and connects her to readers who are currently or have in the past been caught in the tight grip of depression, anxiety and/or fear. There is an immediate sense that here is someone who understands, has been where you are several times, and not only made it through but grew from the experience.

Each chapter ends with meaningful, to the point questions and exercises designed to help the reader understand the darkness and find their way out.

This book is a perfect example of the power of vulnerability. If we are willing to be truly open, honest and vulnerable with others, amazing things can and will happen. Many people who are suffering will be helped by the words contained within these pages.

I am so grateful that Melissa Maimone shared her journey and am already making a list of those I know who would find this book as meaningful and helpful as I have.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. Opinions stated here are my own.

[Rocky Henriques · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give more than five stars ..

... I would! I believe the book was written primarily for a woman, but as a man who has experienced some of what she describes, I found this book to be extremely helpful. I plan on giving it to a few others who need its wonderful, comforting message. I read a lot, and many times I have to push myself to keep going past the first few pages before it gets interesting. But I was hooked before I even finished reading the foreword. Definitely a book I was sorry to see come to an end.

Two things need correcting in future editions. One is that David used a sling, not a slingshot. They are not the same. That may sound trivial, but using a sling makes the killing of Goliath that much more amazing. The other is the one instance the author used the word "crappy. " I realize this has become part of our current vocabulary, but that does not change the meaning of the word. Why not just use the "s" word instead? That's what it means. No, when I pick up a Christian book, I don't want to see words of this nature even if they are popular in our culture.

That being said, I heartily recommend this book to anyone experiencing a "Midnight. " The book came to me at just the right time. I know a few others who are there right now and will probably be gifting this book to them. Maimone writes well, with passion and transparency, and I believe others would benefit from reading this book!

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a thin line to walk between glorifying God in hard times, and glorifying the suffering itself, but this book mostly comes down on the correct side of that line. She also does talk briefly about different ways to let a little light into the darkness (including medication), and is strongly in favor of people seeking out a good therapist. As someone who's struggled off and on with depression and anxiety for a long time, I appreciated that she didn't act like Midnight is a one-and-done sort of thing, but is likely to be a place you return to more than once, albeit with a better understanding of God and yourself each time. I'm not currently in the middle of a depression or anxiety Midnight, but there are some really hard things in my life right now, and it was helpful to be reminded that the things that are true when my depression is bad remain true no matter the source of my grief. I was going to give this 3.5 stars, but I think I might bump it up to 4 stars, because it was a timely read for me.

[Lauri Gentry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for anyone battling depression. It can guide you through the process of finding hope when all you see is hopelessness. Melissa writes with wisdom, humor and experience. She didn't just read about depression in a text book or magazine articles. She has lived it, survived it and has thrived through it. Even if you are not going through depression yourself it is a good tool to use if you are walking along someone who is. It also contains helpful tools for those who have been through seasons of deep sorrow or have lived through traumatic experiences. I highly recommend this book if you find yourself among any of those categories.

[Kelli Wilkinson Lafferty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously amazing book. Melissa helped me see depression through a different lens than I had looked before. I was able begin to focus my attention on God, His attributes, His character, and search for Him in the middle of the darkness instead of relying on myself. She really does a beautiful job of helping the reader feel like they are not alone in their struggles. Loved it and would highly recommend it to anyone that is dealing or has dealt with depression.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book. Melissa Maimone is an eloquent and beautiful author who walks through the journey of darkness and depression in an honest way. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is going through or has went through a difficult season with mental health or grief, or has a loved one who does.

[Joanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look into the mind and life of the author. She gives me pause to think about how a person can use their depression to get closer to God. My only criticism of the book is the repetition of the "midnight" which becomes tiresome. I enjoyed her questions and meditations at the end of the chapters, giving you time to process the previous chapter.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book goes over dark times, how to accept them, suggestions to go through them, how to keep the fight going to get through. It’s Christian based. Though I didn’t read to deep( it does appear biblically sound. Great questions to get the read actually acting on what’s going on in their life instead of just hoping someone will fix it for them.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a beautiful book.

I don't know if she's right about all her theology (I'm sure I'm not), but that doesn't really matter. I can listen and learn from her and ponder carefully what she says, because her soul has been purified by fire and come out beautiful, and that beauty (Jesus's beauty) shines through every page.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and a keeper. Anyone who struggles with any trial should read this book whether you fight depression or not. Look for the gifts in the dark moments of suffering. They are there. Look, and find peace.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I had this resource when I went through a 2.5 year Midnight. Excellent book.

[Diane Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read. Honest and thought provoking. Highly recommend.

[Bri Marino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book on depression I’ve ever read. Melissa Maimone just “gets” it.

[Lisa Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely, refreshing take on the dark night of the soul.

[Landri Kozler · Rating 3 out of 5]

good book, not for me

I don't often love nonfiction books written within the past 50 years, so I think it's my problem

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on depression ever!

Every page a blessing. Words to hang onto in the darkest night of depression, anxiety and grief. A light in the darkness for all who suffer. Not self-help, but Christ-help. I highly recommend this book!!