A review by lezaha
Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family by Robert Kolker

2.0

This needed a better editor; starts off well enough but around half way flails around trying to fill chapters. The drug research and the experiences of the family read as if they’re separate to one another rather than a combined powerful personal narrative. The final chapters really struggle for relevance and feel like padding, they read very simplistically...repetitive and gossipy. I skimmed through them as they didn’t offer anything additional to the rest of the book. Huge drug corporations control the outcome of personal health against profit and mental health research and facilities are not funded enough by governments to offer dependable alternatives or support. It’s an extremely sad family experience but I didn’t feel like this book offered much new insight, instead it relies on the shock factor of someone having 12 kids, 6 with mental health issues. The mother seemed self absorbed, irresponsible...sacrificing her family’s well being to social standing. Both parents made ludicrous decisions; 12 children they couldn’t afford to support and nurture adequately, they didn’t appear invested in half of them, favouring some over others. Reading the last 80 pages really felt like a chore.