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zachnachazel's review against another edition
3.0
I cannot pretend to place myself into Frank's shoes at any point in this memoir. Not having experienced mental trauma or illness in my own lifetime, this was an opportunity to learn about one persons experience.
Frank provides the reader with a personal experience over the years caring for and loving Zach, and that love is felt throughout this text. That love is closely paired with frustrations working midst a system that actively does not have enough resources, and is working against some of the progress Zach makes.
What would have made this text better is an earlier introduction to the parallel with the elephant seals. That was a powerful comparison and weaving it through the text earlier could have further emphasized Frank's points.
Frank provides the reader with a personal experience over the years caring for and loving Zach, and that love is felt throughout this text. That love is closely paired with frustrations working midst a system that actively does not have enough resources, and is working against some of the progress Zach makes.
What would have made this text better is an earlier introduction to the parallel with the elephant seals. That was a powerful comparison and weaving it through the text earlier could have further emphasized Frank's points.
zankzank's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
2.0
Riddled with problematic asides that I’d argue are inside-thoughts. I’ll only add that while she does discuss herself relative to other family members of someone who’s experienced psychosis, Zach’s behavior is repeatedly compared to or reflected on through animals (seals and her dog). Hm.
Though she gives lip service to ideas of autonomy and ethics around agency (and her own struggle allowing Zach both) I’d appreciate going deeper into her understanding of, and growth in each. Like…how does he even feel about this book?
Though she gives lip service to ideas of autonomy and ethics around agency (and her own struggle allowing Zach both) I’d appreciate going deeper into her understanding of, and growth in each. Like…how does he even feel about this book?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Schizophrenia/Psychosis and Mental illness
emccoy28's review against another edition
4.0
A very heartbreaking look into the realities of helping a loved one through a mental health crisis.
linnkrg's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
2.75
jaishree's review against another edition
challenging
dark
slow-paced
3.0
The book ended up focusing more on the mother (author) rather than on Zack or on the actual issues.
The author at times comes across as someone who is focusing more on herself than on her son. But I am no one to sit in judgement, she is the one who is living through a terribly traumatic reality.
The author at times comes across as someone who is focusing more on herself than on her son. But I am no one to sit in judgement, she is the one who is living through a terribly traumatic reality.