My psychologist had this on her shelf, and I asked her about it after hearing several recommendations from people who were not psychologists. She said that it's regarded by people in the field as one of the best books out there for cognitive behavioral therapy.

If you are in a position to afford a good therapist, that should be your first route. But for those of us who can't afford therapy, or who want a tool to add to therapy, this book is great!

Obviously, it's written in a very general manner, so that you can apply it to a wide variety of circumstances in your own life. That generic feeling can sometimes be frustrating, but there's no way it could really be any better. (Again, why seeing a therapist is a good idea if it's available to you.)

The key to getting something out of the book: DO THE EXERCISES. Even if they feel silly, or like they're not going to help. They will help. Do them! Dr. Burns helpfully includes a depression inventory at the start of each chapter, and you will see your depression score get lower and lower as you go along. It works.