Original Book Reviews

		List Price: $24.95		Publisher: William Morrow Salesrank: 156 Released: 05 February, 2008
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		Media: Hardcover
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Customer Reviews:
Extraordinary writing
Terry Cheney has written an extraordinary book. Her craft is exquisite. Her imagery touching, smart, clear, deep, intelligent and tactile. She allows you to be in her skin and she takes you on a journey like no other. For a fairly balanced Libra, I got to understand what bipolar feels like. Thank you! Being a writer myself I must confess, that I am not free of openly admitted jealousy. I wish I could write like that.

A memoir is a memoir is a memoir
A memoir is a memoir is a memoir

Read this book in one sitting. It is captivating though at times strains credibility. Did a pornographically tattooed locksmith really cut her between her legs with a broken bottle and rape her, and then save her from her own suicide attempt? Did her fellow patient friend “Jesus” really insist that all genuflect when near him? While some of the details seem fanciful, nonetheless she describes a memorable journey into her bipolar world. She also exposes society’s unconscionable treatment of those called “mentally ill.” There are the “Dr. R’s” and their shock treatments, and her keepers in the jail who haven’t a clue. From the sensitive hairs on her arm to the intense smells, sounds, and touch she movingly captures the manic experience. From the heaviness, the slowness, the need to remind herself to breathe she likewise captures the bipolar opposite, depression. She demonstrates amazing insight, as for example her recital of what happens when a manic person is told she is manic. I suppose it is unfair to expect more from a memoir, but her observations cry out for explanations. From intensities not unlike those experienced by fibromyalgia patients who also have low glutathione levels, to bulimic and pica-like behavior that screams out the possibility of low iron and zinc, she ignores our brains while engaging our voyeuristic impulses. She finds salvation in her acceptance of her illness without shame. As a would-be suitor informs her he would marry her in a minute were it not for her manic-depression she seems resigned that she must live with a 21st century Scarlet Letter on her chest. I would like her to meet Autumn Stringham who, in “The Promise of Hope” (available from Amazon Canada) has clearly moved beyond the bipolar identity so embraced by the author. I am glad that Harper Collins will be publishing that book soon in the United States. Perhaps those who read both memoirs can find a promise of hope rather than a recital of despair, not matter how brilliant and insightful.

David Moyer, LCSW (AK)

Author “Too Good to be True? Nutrients Quiet the Unquiet Brain”

Awesome!
I am a daughter of a bipolar father. After several (and I stress several) failed attempts at suicide, he completed the act in 2000. I had to read this book. I laughed, cried and now understand a lot more than I have ever understood. When I would read a passage from the book that related to my dad, I would call my sister and read it to her! I just sent the book to her to read! Thank you for writing this book, Ms. Cheney.