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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
This book promises to take you inside the mind of this American family, but that’s not quite what it accomplishes. For a different reader, this book might be five stars. Clearly, an extraordinary amount of research went into schizophrenia and how this baffling illness affected an American family of fourteen (!!!). This research, albeit impressive, translated into a ton of clinical discussion as the author explains how the medical understanding of schizophrenia has evolved, or rather has failed to do so. I, however, was more interested in how schizophrenia affected the family dynamic between each other and the interpersonal relationships. These parts of the book riveted me, whereas half the book had my attention wandering.
challenging
dark
informative
sad
tense
A compelling narrative history of a family with six schizophrenic brothers. Alternates between the lives of the family and the history of schizophrenia research
Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker
So - this is actually a book I have to read for my upcoming June Course. And like - I am already done it. Like - who am I? I don’t think I have ever read a book BEFORE my classes started. No, I have NEVER done that.
Back to reviewing it - first this is not my typical kind of book to read just for fun and if I didn’t have to read it for class, I’m not sure I would have ever picked it up. However, it was a really interesting book. Like I didn’t hate it. But there were parts that could have been constructed better. It’s very evident that only three members if the family shared their opinions and it would have been interesting to hear the others opinions. Although, I don’t know if continually talking to writers and press is something they want so I understand not wanting to be a part of it.
This book's hook alone will first catch your interest.
I was definitely hooked on the concept of one family, with twelve kids, half of whom had a schizophrenia diagnosis. When you hear it, it sounds and seems so bizarre and out of the ordinary that you fail to recognise it as actual experiences. It feels like a movie or crazy story - but it’s real life. Kolker wants to reverse that and show you the true effects of the sickness on people over the course of days and years. He intersperses the history of schizophrenia scientific studies with their story.the story is well-written and intriguing although, no book is without flaws.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5/5 Stars
So - this is actually a book I have to read for my upcoming June Course. And like - I am already done it. Like - who am I? I don’t think I have ever read a book BEFORE my classes started. No, I have NEVER done that.
Back to reviewing it - first this is not my typical kind of book to read just for fun and if I didn’t have to read it for class, I’m not sure I would have ever picked it up. However, it was a really interesting book. Like I didn’t hate it. But there were parts that could have been constructed better. It’s very evident that only three members if the family shared their opinions and it would have been interesting to hear the others opinions. Although, I don’t know if continually talking to writers and press is something they want so I understand not wanting to be a part of it.
This book's hook alone will first catch your interest.
I was definitely hooked on the concept of one family, with twelve kids, half of whom had a schizophrenia diagnosis. When you hear it, it sounds and seems so bizarre and out of the ordinary that you fail to recognise it as actual experiences. It feels like a movie or crazy story - but it’s real life. Kolker wants to reverse that and show you the true effects of the sickness on people over the course of days and years. He intersperses the history of schizophrenia scientific studies with their story.the story is well-written and intriguing although, no book is without flaws.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5/5 Stars
dark
emotional
informative
medium-paced
Wow, this family has gone through a lot! Mental health issues, abuse, trauma-it’s a lot. I learned a lot about schizophrenia and how it effects individuals and families.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Rape, Suicide, Violence
Minor: Gun violence, Murder
Definitely worth reading if you're interested in psychology, history and treatment of mental illness, and a real story about an American family. Only reason I give it four stars rather than five is because I lost some interest in chapters about history and treatment and wanted to get back to learning about the family.
Washington Post describes it best when the reviewer says this book is both chilling and compassionate. I was disturbed by some of the behavior described in the book and frustrated when treatments wouldn't work or family members returned to the hospital. At times I wanted to blame certain family members but my opinion changed throughout the book.
A book is at its best when it makes you contemplate its topic and ultimately change - or at least challenge - your beliefs. HIDDEN VALLEY ROAD does that and is an important contribution to the ongoing attempt to treat schizophrenia.
Washington Post describes it best when the reviewer says this book is both chilling and compassionate. I was disturbed by some of the behavior described in the book and frustrated when treatments wouldn't work or family members returned to the hospital. At times I wanted to blame certain family members but my opinion changed throughout the book.
A book is at its best when it makes you contemplate its topic and ultimately change - or at least challenge - your beliefs. HIDDEN VALLEY ROAD does that and is an important contribution to the ongoing attempt to treat schizophrenia.
This was hard to get through at times. Unbelievable that this is a true story. I feel for everyone involved: the sick children, the parents, the well children. Everyone in this family could have benefitted from more resources, education, and help. This book truly highlights why it is so important to destigmatize mental illness and expand access to Behavioral Health care.
“To be a member of the Galvin family is to never stop tripping on landmines of family history, buried in odd places, buried away out of shame.”
4.25
4.25