Official Review: Deep Down- delivered from a dark past

[Tomah]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Deep Down- delivered from a dark past" by Newton Matos.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Newton Matos' Deep Down: Delivered from a Dark Past is an autobiography centered on the author's traumatic childhood and its lifelong impacts, as well as his attempts to overcome them. With his career in the US Navy jeopardized after an accident and subsequent surgery, Matos decided to seek therapy for PTSD and depression. Thus began a long process of reopening old wounds and unearthing suppressed memories and traumas. Though painful and uncertain, this journey also brought opportunities for healing and growth.

Matos tackles his inner demons with brutal honesty in an extraordinary display of courage. The book doesn't shy away from topics such as domestic violence, suicide, and sexual assault, but it ultimately conveys a message of hope: regardless of your flaws, mistakes, and unfair circumstances, you can always start over. It also highlights the importance of mental health awareness and addresses myths about therapy (for instance, the false notion that seeking help is a sign of weakness). Indeed, despite the author's experiences with gangs, homelessness, and military life, he claims that therapy was the hardest process he went through, demanding his every ounce of strength.

The writing blends raw authenticity and literary prose to deliver a gripping account of Matos' past and state of mind. In particular, the first chapter is an exceptional introduction: it describes an intense episode of emotional and physical pain while slipping in important details without excessive exposition. "With a loud moan and trembling hands, I opened the door to my garage and climbed into my SUV. I started the car and then reached for the garage-door opener. I paused. The flashes of my horrendous memories, projecting in my skull, stopped me dead in my tracks." (p. 5.)

One of the book's most striking features is how the story unfolds in psychological time rather than chronological time. We often get hints of events before exploring them in detail. This storytelling style allows Matos to relate seemingly distant memories to present circumstances as he navigates through life, crafting a unique narrative. That said, things can get a bit confusing at times since it's not always clear which period the author is referring to. In a couple of cases, I wasn't even sure if we were supposed to be in the present or the past. This isn't a huge issue for the most part, but the book could benefit from clarifying the timeline of its events.

I wholeheartedly recommend Deep Down: Delivered from a Dark Past to readers interested in mental health issues, trauma, and stories about overcoming one's past. There are quite a few intense scenes, so you should look elsewhere if you are not in the mood for a heavy read. Overall, the book is well-edited and features few errors and minor flaws, so I rate it 4 out of 4 stars.

******
Deep Down- delivered from a dark past
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[FEislandqueen13]

What a well written review! I got to the end without realizing it. I found the cover interesting, but turns out this book is too heavy for my taste.

[MarveeAman]

The details of this book struck me with a deep allure. Thanks for an explicit review!

[GoodLuck ES]

Dealing with traumatic experiences from the past is never an easy process to go through, but it definitely guarantees a healthy mind. Mental health conversations are not had as much as they should and it's interesting to find a work devoted solely to it.

Great review.

[Kennedy NC]

Most times for us to overcome our pain and past, we must be willing to confront them and this involves not being afraid to seek therapy. Great review.

[Mwatu]

Facing ourselves is usually one of the hardest things I imagine humans have to experience. The author seems to have gone through it all and it is amazing to read therapy was the hardest for him. Despite it all, he survived and now he shares his story with us. Lovely review, thanks!

[Scarbaby]

What a wonderful and thoughtful review. I am definitely interested in reading this book as I find spreading mental health awareness so very important.

[maggi3]

I admire the author’s bravery in getting the help he needed and being willing to discuss such difficult topics. I’ll have to give this book a try. Thanks for the review!

[C3cilia]

Am impressed by Matos' honesty on what he went through and his tactical approach of every issue.Great review.

[Becca Olsson]

Beautifully-written review. I’m so glad the author articulated his experiences so clearly and leaves us with a hopeful note.