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A review by rbruehlman
The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness by Elyn R. Saks
4.0
I picked up this book after the mentally ill homeless population became much more visible in New York City following bail reform laws, and specifically after a man walked into a store I was in completely covered in plastic bags and newspapers. I will be the first to admit I am scared by some of the people on the streets now, and he looked completely absurd. But, of course, he had to be dressed that way for a reason--why? What does go on in a schizophrenic person's head?
This book started quite slowly, and initially I was bored. However, as the book unfolds, it's quite engrossing, and the way Elyn describes her life allows you to fit perfectly in her shoes. I got what I came for: I gained a much greater appreciation for the schizophrenic mind and developed a deeper sense of empathy. While I have long known schizophrenic people are far more likely to be victims of crimes than perpetrators thereof, Elyn's book truly drives home that most people with schizophrenia are simply scared. Their odd behavior is oftentimes how they deal with the confusing world around them.
However, I also developed a deep respect for Elyn Saks. She isn't recovered; she still struggles with schizophrenia. However, her tenacity and unwavering desire to focus on the things important to her in life enable her to work around and above her illness. It begs the question to anyone struggling with any kind of mental illness--if Elyn can work with and above the unfortunate set of cards her brain has been dealt, surely, then can't I?
This book started quite slowly, and initially I was bored. However, as the book unfolds, it's quite engrossing, and the way Elyn describes her life allows you to fit perfectly in her shoes. I got what I came for: I gained a much greater appreciation for the schizophrenic mind and developed a deeper sense of empathy. While I have long known schizophrenic people are far more likely to be victims of crimes than perpetrators thereof, Elyn's book truly drives home that most people with schizophrenia are simply scared. Their odd behavior is oftentimes how they deal with the confusing world around them.
However, I also developed a deep respect for Elyn Saks. She isn't recovered; she still struggles with schizophrenia. However, her tenacity and unwavering desire to focus on the things important to her in life enable her to work around and above her illness. It begs the question to anyone struggling with any kind of mental illness--if Elyn can work with and above the unfortunate set of cards her brain has been dealt, surely, then can't I?