Reviews

This book was informative and insightful. Knowing two families whose lives have been devastated by a schizophrenia diagnosis, it was encouraging to read of someone who has built a meaningful life in spite of the illness. I also found a Ted Talk given by the author which adds a visual and auditory dimension to her story.

sirandrew96's review against another edition

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4.5

an amazing look into mental health and living with and medicating Schizophrenia. Amazing audiobook.

dgracecaton1's review against another edition

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4.0

I read this book several years ago for a summer course I took to teach AP Language & Composition. It was definitely intense, and I very much enjoyed it. I can't remember all of it, but I have a few clear recollections of how I felt at the time.

First, I could appreciate her desire to try to manage her illness without medication. While it clearly was needed in order for her to function, I could understand her desire to not take it. There are times when, as a strong, intelligent, capable adult, the idea that we need some chemical to make us able to function each day can be quite depressing and frustrating. Ms. Saks expressed this feeling well.

Secondly, some parts of the book were far too tedious for me, and I found myself reading quickly or skimming just to get through some of the extensive description.

Lastly, I felt wholly sad that people suffer like the author has had to suffer most of her life. Sever mental illness is something we rarely have to see or deal with on a daily basis, and her book really brought it to the forefront for me.

Overall a very good book that I would recommend if you like memoirs and reading about mental health/psychology topics.

lawill17's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

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