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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
I have mixed feelings about this book. The middle parts were really interesting but why was I hearing about falconry for almost 3 hours into the book? Like so so much falconry. Also the narrator was pronouncing it schizo-free-nia which I had feelings about.
I also found it hard to keep track of all of the different people in the book. I’m unsure whether that was due to the writing or my attention span/ability to take in information.
Overall, a very interesting, if sad story. It did get me thinking about things and also taught me some things I didn’t already know.
I also found it hard to keep track of all of the different people in the book. I’m unsure whether that was due to the writing or my attention span/ability to take in information.
Overall, a very interesting, if sad story. It did get me thinking about things and also taught me some things I didn’t already know.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
emotional
informative
medium-paced
informative
tense
slow-paced
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
This was my second non-fiction book of the year (which I am very proud of :)! I loved this story, it was incredibly well-written and informative. The author does a great job explaining schizophrenia and the impact it creates on a family. He delves into the scientific advancements and shortcomings of the period, while breaking down complex theories for readers. I appreciated the stories of the children not afflicted by schizophrenia and the empathy and strength they cultivated. This story accepts the families’ faults and doesn’t shy away from the mistakes of the parents. It is an extremely heartbreaking read, knowing the lack of treatment progress I see in patients today. The multifaceted approach to solving treatments and cures is interesting, I love the advocacy for trying to find a neurological (as opposed to just pharmaceutical) explanation to why this occurs and how we can better manage symptoms.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Sexual assault, Violence, Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Alcoholism, Suicidal thoughts
I'm glad I read this after watching the "documentary" about the family.
The production and narrative laid out by the documentary really rubbed me the wrong way, and I feel so much better after hearing this much more humanized version of the Galvin family.
This story is incredibly sad, but at its heart, it's about 14 people who are just trying their best, all dealing with incredibly deep levels of trauma in the only ways they know how.
My criticism is that Mary/Lindsey is very much an unreliable narrator. Very much gives a martyr complex. Again, I empathize with her trauma, her feelings of responsibility for her sick brothers, and her frustration with her non-sick siblings, but I feel conflicted, especially knowing the trauma she inflicted on her own kids. However, I think the author did a great job researching and writing from all POVs and not just relying on one person for the story.
The production and narrative laid out by the documentary really rubbed me the wrong way, and I feel so much better after hearing this much more humanized version of the Galvin family.
This story is incredibly sad, but at its heart, it's about 14 people who are just trying their best, all dealing with incredibly deep levels of trauma in the only ways they know how.
My criticism is that Mary/Lindsey is very much an unreliable narrator. Very much gives a martyr complex. Again, I empathize with her trauma, her feelings of responsibility for her sick brothers, and her frustration with her non-sick siblings, but I feel conflicted, especially knowing the trauma she inflicted on her own kids. However, I think the author did a great job researching and writing from all POVs and not just relying on one person for the story.
This was a memorable read! I had placed it on hold a long time ago and when it finally popped up on my online "shelf", I honestly couldn't remember what it was about. It didn't take me long, however, to be drawn into this fascinating story about a large family dealing with an alarming amount of mental illness. It was interesting, well-written, and informative!
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced