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A review by beelzebean
Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family by Robert Kolker
This was well written but difficult to read. The many descriptions of physical violence, sexual abuse, and a few instances of violent animal killings were very difficult to stomach.
I was also a little disappointed that the book didn't seem to help dispel stigma around mental illness. It didn't show that much has improved as far as medical help goes either, which isn't exactly the fault of the author. The research Kolker details IS very interesting though.
I read an article that said that Kolker spent some time interviewing every living member of the Galvin family to write this book. It's admirable that they were willing to take part in schizophrenia research and having their story told. I hope the family benefited somehow by the popularity of this book.
I was also a little disappointed that the book didn't seem to help dispel stigma around mental illness. It didn't show that much has improved as far as medical help goes either, which isn't exactly the fault of the author. The research Kolker details IS very interesting though.
I read an article that said that Kolker spent some time interviewing every living member of the Galvin family to write this book. It's admirable that they were willing to take part in schizophrenia research and having their story told. I hope the family benefited somehow by the popularity of this book.