babygirl 's review for:

Committed: On Meaning and Madwomen by Suzanne Scanlon

4.5

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An author who lived/stayed/was within a mental health facility for several years, before it ultimately shut down. In the USA, at least, facilities no longer operate on this model. Reading about her experiences in there, reflections, and life as a whole was incredibly interesting. She uses her own memories, various doctor's psych notes, conversations with people she's told about writing a book, and fiction by and/or about women and/or madness throughout the ages to write this book. It's incredibly thoughtful, well-down, hard to read and easy to follow along with. Has a great deal of references and a reading list embedded throughout. I want to reread it sometime soon. Asks and answers a great number of questions, including: 

Is there any point of wellness you can bring yourself, to where you are immune to suffering? Answer: no.

Why do 'we' separate and label the 'mad'? Answer: one reason is to know that 'they' are 'there' because 'they are mad.' And so, 'we here, must be sane.' 

Talks a great deal about labeling, creating and continuing the conditions of perpetual un-wellness, inventing a self (which many young people do furiously, and when we are older, are lucky to settle it the other way around). 

Genuinely enjoyed this well-put together text. Overwhelming and ravenous.