Scott Stossel

Scott Stossel is the editor of The Atlantic magazine and a prominent American journalist known for his writings on anxiety, mental health, and politics. His 2014 book "My Age of Anxiety: Fear, Hope, Dread, and the Search for Peace of Mind" became a New York Times bestseller and established him as a leading voice on mental health issues. Prior to his role at The Atlantic, Stossel served as managing editor of The American Prospect magazine. His first book, "Sarge: The Life and Times of Sargent Shriver," published in 2004, received critical acclaim for its comprehensive biography of the founding director of the Peace Corps. Throughout his career, Stossel has contributed articles to numerous publications including The New Yorker, The New Republic, and The Boston Globe. His work often combines personal experience with extensive research, particularly in addressing topics related to anxiety disorders and their treatment. Stossel holds degrees from Harvard University and has been open about his own struggles with anxiety, using his personal experiences to illuminate broader discussions about mental health in contemporary society. His writing style merges scholarly research with narrative journalism, making complex medical and psychological concepts accessible to general readers.

Readers connect strongly with Stossel's honest portrayal of anxiety in "My Age of Anxiety," appreciating how he blends personal experiences with scientific research. Many readers cite his ability to articulate feelings they struggled to express themselves. What readers liked: - Deep research and historical context - Clear explanations of complex medical concepts - Vulnerable sharing of personal struggles - Balance of memoir and scientific journalism What readers disliked: - Some sections become too academic/dense - Occasional repetition of themes - Length and detail can be overwhelming for some Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (14,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (800+ ratings) One reader noted: "Finally, someone who understands and can articulate exactly what anxiety feels like." Another commented: "The scientific portions could be hard to get through, but worth it for the insights." "Sarge" receives praise for thoroughness but fewer reviews overall (Goodreads: 4.1/5 from 200+ ratings).

My Age of Anxiety: Fear, Hope, Dread, and the Search for Peace of Mind A personal and scientific examination of anxiety disorders, drawing from the author's own experiences with severe anxiety while exploring the condition's history, biology, and treatment methods.

Sarge: The Life and Times of Sargent Shriver A biography chronicling the life and accomplishments of Sargent Shriver, including his role in creating the Peace Corps, leading the War on Poverty, and serving as a Kennedy in-law and Democratic politician.

Andrew Solomon writes about mental health, depression and human psychology through both personal experience and research. His works like "The Noonday Demon" combine medical history with memoir in a style similar to Stossel's approach in "My Age of Anxiety."

Kay Redfield Jamison examines anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder as both a clinical researcher and someone who has experienced these conditions. Her book "An Unquiet Mind" merges scientific knowledge with personal narrative like Stossel's work.

Oliver Sacks explored neurological conditions and mental health through case studies and scientific investigation. His books combine medical insights with human stories, focusing on how the brain and mind interact.

David Adam chronicles his personal battle with OCD while incorporating scientific research and historical context. His book "The Man Who Couldn't Stop" parallels Stossel's method of weaving personal experience with broader analysis of anxiety disorders.

Ethan Watters investigates how cultural factors shape mental illness and its treatment across societies. His work examines the intersection of psychology, society and medicine, similar to Stossel's exploration of anxiety through multiple lenses.