Great journey into mental illness
340869
Loved every minute of this book. Takes one into the real and commonly misunderstood account of schizophrenia. As someone who has suffered with anxiety, I found this book to be very rewarding. Great update about Lori afterwards (2011). Read this book, you will not regret it!
4270142
Elyn Saks relays the discovery of her schizophrenia, managing her illness and not managing it, in this compelling story. Alongside the illness we see a very bright, intellectually-inspired individual who achieves an Oxford degree, a Yale law degree, tenure position at USC and more. There are more ups and downs in this journey than the Himalayan Mountain Range and Saks' writing style and experience drives the reader on to find out - how does this end? As a reader I have a little better understanding of schizophrenia and a lot more empathy for the individuals who struggle with it. Highly recommended.
Lisa Ard
Author of Fright Flight, Dream Seekers Book One
3899240
Terri takes us along on her very personal journey with humor and grace. The insight into the world of manic depression is incredibly valuable to a community whose members still find mental illness awkward to talk about, easy to joke about and easier still to shun and ignore.  Terri's non linear story telling is as much a part of her story as her gut wrenching details of being inside a mental unit. This book is an enjoyable read that leaves you better informed.
286753
I enjoyed this book. So many times I identified with her grief, especially in sharing about her mother's death. In fact, over and over I found myself thinking about the many times I have felt the same fears and struggles. She openly shared her struggles with her illness and in doing so, helped me to better understand mental illness.  I think this would be a valuable book for health care practioners to read. I would like to meet this lady someday and give her a big hug! I would like her to keep writing because I think that writing is her path to healing.
4640859
This was a very heavy read due to the topic, "mental illness". It was also very well written and such an AWESOME read, but it really makes you think about the struggles that others go through and the way we treat those or tend to shy away from those with mental illness. It certainly opened my eyes about the struggles that one with mental illness may go through in their own mind.

This book had my emotions all over the place.

While I have no experience with anyone with schizophrenia, I do know several people with Bipolar &/or depression. Wow, just Wow. I am not sure what type of research went into writing this book but it must have been extensive. It was clear, concise, and appeared accurate based on the description of struggles and the extensive explanation that went into every fear, thought, dream, and explanation of grief.

The thought of putting one foot in front of the other every day along side the demons that live in your head with this illness that paralyzes Jenna with fear was portrayed so well in this book.

The characters in this book were just beautiful. The dad was a disappointment although he loved his daughter (Jenna), he did not fight hard enough for her. The mother was atrocious, poor excuse for a mom, but written so well that it hurt. Logan, what can I say about him? He was just so much in this book. I mean in every way. He was smart, without knowing that his words were healing. She drew strength from them even if he didn't know the struggles that she lived with every day. And Charlie, her best friend by default, she was such a beautiful person in this story and the role she played in Jenna's life. We should all be so lucky to have friends like Charlie.

The learning experience from this book is priceless. I feel like I was educated on this illness that is so misunderstood.

This book will definitely get a second read but I have such a hangover I need something light before I dive in again.

Excellent.
1163769
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Western Way.  I think that the author did a great job with the description of the characters and settings in the book.  I could easily imagine how Miss Adelle, Lana, Jerry and Billy Wayne might have looked and how Lanas brothers might have looked at her when she was leaving them.  I also think that the author provided very vivid descriptions of the events that took place throughout the book making the reader feel as if he/she were there.  The book also brings attention to mental illness.  Overall the author has provided a very good story.
For these reasons, I highly recommended this book especially to those who have been employed on a ward/unit in mental hospital, and those or have friends or family that possibly suffer from some type of mental illness.
3324404
A family member was recently diagnosed with schizophrenia so we have been reading about the experiences of others. This is the first we've read written in the first person. Her story is compelling and revealing. This awful disease needs to be understood more thoroughly. I'm glad that  mental health is being seen as a medical issue and not a personal failing of some sort. I hope Elyn is doing well.
534550
I like that she described what mental illness is about. I also liked that she found all these organizations. I would recommend this book to others because it shows how somebody's life was so interrupted that with the right attitude and help they can over come their illness.
77190
L. A. Nicholson's personal narrative of her battle with mental illness provides a moving examination of the debilitating effects of anxiety and depression, two disorders not necessarily linked. It's not an easy book to read because of the disturbing elements of her journey on the road to recovery. It is inspiring, however, because she overcomes the odds and returns to full functionality as a single parent and employee. Brava, L.A. for tackling this deeply personal subject with skill and sensitivity.
2598331
Wonderful characters.  The subject was a wonderful view into mental illness and how you can contain it. The story was nail biting at the end.  And was a happy ending
3437674
As someone who has a family member suffering from bipolar, this has truly helped me better understand what it must be like to live with this disease and associated stigmas.  I couldn't put the book down.  It was an honest and inspiring account and took great courage to write.  It really helped to explain many things I could never understand.  This book has made a difference for me and I hope it opens more eyes.
1470683
Gives good insight into what might simply be labeled mental illness when it is a treatable neurological illness.  Highly recommend this.
723466
I was in the middle of writing my own piece about my struggles with a mentally ill parent when I came across this title.  I used to feel like there were those WITH mental illness and those on the PERIPHERY who might know or have loved ones with mental illness.  After I read this book, I realized that there is no US and THEM.  Like physical ailments, mental ailments can strike at any time.  They can be mild, severe, short term, long term or intermittant.  Regardless, the stigma surrounding mental illness is great and does not exist to the extent that our views about physical illness does.  So after reading Judith Haire's book, I was better able to separate my mom, the person, from my mom, the person with the disease who had made my life difficult.

The way Judith tells her story, it is so well illustrated how human we all are, even those who battle mental illness and overcome it..and those who don't.  Judith went through all of life's regular milestones. And I saw my mother live a life that to many seemed regular, average, normal.  I have also dated someone with bipolar disorder and the more I experience REALNESS in others' stories and in my own personal life, the more I realize that those who have ever had to deal with mental illness are no less human.

This was a great autobiographical piece.  It is tragic, triumphant, real and unimaginable.  Everyone should read about the accounts of those who have been or are mentally ill and their progress.  Some seek treatment, some don't.  Treatment is hard to pin point as Judith explains.  We have to read more pieces like this to overcome the societal stigma of mental illness.  It is still a topic that makes us uncomfortable and yet EVERYONE is affected by it.  I appreciate that the author puts a human face to topic we too often like to keep secret.  And fortunately, the author is a great advocate for the rights of those with mental illness and policy changes much needed in this area.
2509421
I found this book incredibly uplifting.....even with the sad subject matter. The author describes mental illness with such thoughtfulness. Whether you know someone with mental illness or not this is an amazing recollection of her life (with her mother). I've been recommending it to all of my friends. I could not put it down.
2146487
Was sort of apprehensive about reading this, as it was recommended to me because of a loved one who suffers from bipolar disorder.  I thought it might deepen my concern with no clear benefit.  Turned out to be a fascinating, well-written account of struggles with the disorder, on top of the vicissitudes of life and career in the medical profession (especially emergency medicine).  You get to appreciate the author's candor and concern for his family as well as for the reader.  The author is to be commended for his willingness to open himself up in an effort to help the many who suffer from this and other misunderstood mental health issues.  I'd recommend it for anyone who either suffers from a mental illness or is close to someone who does.
620829
A moving tribute to those struggling with mental illness. Should be read by anyone involved in the behavioral health field.
2528516
Awesome book. I laughed and cried while reading it. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. A personal look inside the life of mental health illness and the kids it affects.