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A review by dgracecaton1
The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness by Elyn R. Saks
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.
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.