Madness: A Bipolar Life
by Marya Hornbacher
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Book Reviews of Madness: A Bipolar Life
Book Review: Sorry, didn't believe much of this book
Summary: 1 Stars
I honestly thought the author embellished much of this "memoir". It almost reminded me of James Frey's "A Little Million Pieces". Honestly, do you think she slit her wrists/arm, cutting an artery, and was released from the hospital the same night? Do you really believe she did all the drugs she writes about at such a young age, and never became addicted? And her constant stays in the hospital - I don't know. I know I'm being skeptical, but I too am bipolar, and I've done a lot of research on my diagnosis. This book did not ring true to me, and was very self-indulgent. Save your money. There are plenty of better books out thereBook Review: Did you like Wasted? Well, this may not be for you.
Summary: 3 Stars
I was surpised upon reading Madness that it seemed practically to be written by a different author, because it is so different than Wasted. Reading Madness feels almost like an experience of mania itself. While Wasted featured thoughtful, eloquent, and introspective prose, Madness is larged bogged in physical, visceral emotions... which frankly gets repetitive.
Compared to Wasted, Madness just didn't seem thoughtfully written. It's easy to empathize with the author, but as a reader, the experience is not especially memorable.
Book Review: An insight for those who don't quite understand
Summary: 5 Stars
I cried reading this book. While I have been diagnosed with Bipolar II, where the mania is not so severe, but the depression is, I got to see myself from the outside. Marya's pictures in to the life and mind is extrodinary.
My husband is reading this after hearing an interview with her on the Dianne Rhem show on NPR. He said he finally knows me better than he ever has. The book is frightening, but at the same time hopeful.
A must-read for anyone who wants to see mental illness from the inside
Book Review: Amidst all, a love story
Summary: 4 Stars
Not to detract from the seriousness of the author's journey, Madness: A Bipolar Life also contains a very sweet love story. It is not easy to love someone with mental health complications, and during the book I kept expecting to read of an unbalanced relationship, where he was the protector, and she was the victim. Instead, Ms. Hornbacher distills a mix of humor, uncertainity and unyielding affection to show a real relationship with her husband, Jeff. In doing that, she gives hope to us all.Book Review: Madness: A Bipolar Life
Summary: 5 Stars
If you want to know what it's like having Bipolar Disorder, this is the book for you. It's a great resource for friends and family members who want to know what their loved one is going through while afflicted with the disorder. The author is able to describe her thought process while in a manic or depressive phase. If you have this disorder yourself, you'll see by reading this book how accurate this autobiography is. I've read several books on bipolar, and this one is by far the best.