The prose, plot expectation, writing style etc of those 1st 30 pages are reflective of how the rest of the book is. I didn't like the book's 1st few pages either - though my dislike wasn't as strong as yours- and I did not end up liking the rest of the book much.

The book has helped and been beneficial to many, MANY people feeling blue or clinically depressed so I don't want to critique it; it is just not everyone's cup of tea.