The Forensic Psychiatric Hospital is an institute for patients found not criminally responsible for crimes due to a mental disorder. Zerom came from wThe Forensic Psychiatric Hospital is an institute for patients found not criminally responsible for crimes due to a mental disorder. Zerom came from war-torn Ethiopia to Canada as a refugee to work on his graduate studies when he became ill and committed a crime. Hospitalized as a result, he shares his experiences as a patient there over a 20 year span before being discharged to the community. He faces stigma and discrimination as a black man. Some of his vignettes are humorous and others very sad, describing the futility of life for those who have no hope of release. Suicide seems not so rare among patients after discharge.
As in his two previous books, Not Guilty but Not Free and Alone in the Crowd, Zerom writes in an insightful, poignant style about painful memories but also with great courage and hope. In the conclusion, he offers a solution for people condemned to such a life....more
Erin Hawkes started to hear voices at a young age. Didn't everyone hear them? At least that was her belief. When Quietness Came: A Neuroscientist's PeErin Hawkes started to hear voices at a young age. Didn't everyone hear them? At least that was her belief. When Quietness Came: A Neuroscientist's Personal Journey With Schizophrenia reveals her struggle with auditory hallucinations and delusions. Despite her long battle, she was an academic star, earning a Master's degree in neuroscience, scholarships and the Hugh Bell award.
I feel Erin is courageous and should be applauded for sharing her story. In her memoir, she can shift from neuroscience expert to describing delusions in less than a page. This book also shows that one can be highly intelligent- even a neuroscientist- but still succumb to paranoid delusions. She writes about self-harm and being put in restraints and injected with medications against her will. The revolving door of repeated relapses and hospitalizations is a reality for many people suffering from mental illness. Erin's story is remarkable that she could achieve so much despite her illness.
I was so wrapped up in this book that I read it in less than a day....more
Zerom Seyoum gives a rare inside view of the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital in British Columbia. After being a patient there for twenty years, he writeZerom Seyoum gives a rare inside view of the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital in British Columbia. After being a patient there for twenty years, he writes vignettes with honesty and sometimes humour about the painful truths about the patients, staff and the system. Stories of suicide, drug-dealing, addiction, prejudice, and lost hope are part of the futile existence at this facility. Some events are sad, shocking and bleak but there are some positive moments as well.
Some patients may steal, scam or intimidate others. Security cameras and fences surround the hospital grounds. The dreaded Side Room is used as an isolation chamber. He writes that people with mental illness may never regain the level of cognitive ability they had before the onset of their illness, making educational or work prospects limited. But imagine how it feels to be released after twenty years. After persevering for so long, I sensed he wasn't hardened or judgmental, but accepting and grateful for good things in his life. His story is remarkable- he is a true survivor.
Seyoum's prose style is slightly repetitive but he has improved as a writer after his first book Not Guilty but Not Free. In his conclusion, he offers some recommendations around rehabilitation and the system. ...more
The Heart Laid Bare is a sensitive tale about gay love and relationships between different and same sexes. The personalities of the characters are belThe Heart Laid Bare is a sensitive tale about gay love and relationships between different and same sexes. The personalities of the characters are believable. The point of view jumps around from first person to third. Each chapter has a heading of the name of the character, but still the point of view varies and may not be of that particular character but presents information about them through eyes of another.
The story was very readable and engaging, exploring the gay scene, stigma, and complications of having a relationship, the perception of a gay relationship between a younger man and an older man, and how to answer a son's question around why he has one mother and three fathers.
I enjoyed the style of prose. I would be interested in reading more of Tremblay's work. ...more
The first story The Woman Opposite explores a man's relationships with women and his growing obsession with a woman he watches from his apartment. TheThe first story The Woman Opposite explores a man's relationships with women and his growing obsession with a woman he watches from his apartment. The second story How Long is Forever? is about an ordinary girl who searches for love but cannot attract the love of a man. She gives selflessly to others who take advantage of her including her own family.
Tie Ning's stories are translated from Chinese into English using simple language but the implications of her characters' behaviour have profound consequences. Coming from a western perspective, I wish the story emphasized the emotions of the characters more....more
**spoiler alert** This novel is set in the forties and fifties, exploring the childhood, upbringing, and coming of age of Isobel Cleary. At that time,**spoiler alert** This novel is set in the forties and fifties, exploring the childhood, upbringing, and coming of age of Isobel Cleary. At that time, sexuality was something to be hidden, not openly discussed. When she gets a job at State Hospital Hill, which houses the insane, she works on the 'shit ward', where the smell and sight of excrement are overwhelming. I disliked the portrayal of the mad patients and the state of their accommodation, however, during that time, it may very well have been like that. Also, there is a scene where someone is trying to draw a pint of blood, but blood ends up splattered all over the room and the people. Again, the depiction wasn't something I was drawn to. For me, as a person with mental illness, I felt dismay at the way madness was shown in this novel which adds to stigma.
When Isobel has sex for the first time, she is doped up on pills and she remarks that she isn't concerned about syphilis or pregnancy, perhaps symbolizing a sense of freedom.
Despite any reservations I may have about this book, Thomas is an award-winning author who also received the Order of Canada....more
Knowing Jack is an exciting adventure book for preteens but also entertaining for adults. Twelve-year-old Jack has a sixth sense about the dangers surKnowing Jack is an exciting adventure book for preteens but also entertaining for adults. Twelve-year-old Jack has a sixth sense about the dangers surrounding a family vacation to spend Christmas in a cabin in the woods. On top of that, he is unhappy to spend time with his complaining cousin Rosie. When Jack's father is injured, the two children find themselves in a precarious situation. The action-packed scenes move at a fast pace and the conflict runs high as Jack and Rosie fend for themselves, ultimately fighting for their lives.
Because of Powell's well-told, vivid, engaging scenes, I felt the emotions of the characters and was immersed in the action.
Thematically, this is a story of survival, bravery, and determination as Jack risks his life for others. ...more
The emotion and immediacy of the writing grabbed me. I couldn't help but be swept into Hope's world. The dialogue was excellent and credible. A lot ofThe emotion and immediacy of the writing grabbed me. I couldn't help but be swept into Hope's world. The dialogue was excellent and credible. A lot of crying in this novel but at the same time I couldn't put it down. ...more
Carolyn writes with sensitivity, confidence, sincerity, and great perceptiveness. She acknowledges the problems of disclosure because of stigma and igCarolyn writes with sensitivity, confidence, sincerity, and great perceptiveness. She acknowledges the problems of disclosure because of stigma and ignorance but also the value in openness to help others. She skillfully explores schizo-affective disorder from the point of view of the mental health consumer, therapist, and society — the inside and the outside. There are many layers in her writing which intertwine thoughts, emotions, experiences, maturity, and acceptance. I agree with her belief that mental illness needn't block one from education, paid work, volunteering or creating purpose in life. Carolyn recognizes the individuality of people with mental illness and the importance of hope and empathy. I admire her ability to rise above adversity and excel in so many ways.
Sandra Yuen MacKay, author of My Schizophrenic Life ...more
A book that's easy to read but very profound. Early-onset Alzheimer's disease is seen through the eyes of a brilliant Harvard professor whose mind sloA book that's easy to read but very profound. Early-onset Alzheimer's disease is seen through the eyes of a brilliant Harvard professor whose mind slowly begins to deteriorate. Alice Howland begins to forget things like the location of objects or where she is even if only a few blocks from her own house. John her husband and her adult children deal with the problem with patience and love.
An excellent book for anyone wanting to learn about this disease. Genova's expertise on the subject shines through but also her insight into the family dynamics after one is diagnosed-the treasured moments and the conflicts....more
Shared unfolds as a story about a girl Rachel whose life is threatened by fainting spells, during which she stops breathing. Doctor Liam Gilbert hearsShared unfolds as a story about a girl Rachel whose life is threatened by fainting spells, during which she stops breathing. Doctor Liam Gilbert hears of a similar case in New Zealand. In a quest to save Rachel and understand her condition, he travels from England across the world to find a young girl vastly similar to Rachel who lives in a Maori tribe. Gilbert tries to unravel the mysteries of these two young girls who share something strange and unusual. Rachel's family and caregivers seek answers. Is Rachel's affliction caused by demons? Fate, God and spirituality are actors in this tale.
I lived and died with the characters in this story. Their emotions touched me as a reader. Kirkpatrick's distinctive style, diction and dialogue are wonderfully suited to the period in which this story takes place. As the story progresses, Kirkpatrick's prose becomes more abstract as the characters reach epiphanies and insight into the nature of love, destiny and spirituality.
Sandra Yuen MacKay, author of My Schizophrenic Life ...more
A well told story with an exciting climax. Lisbeth Salander doesn't reveal some of her secrets to the reader until the crucial moment creating a doublA well told story with an exciting climax. Lisbeth Salander doesn't reveal some of her secrets to the reader until the crucial moment creating a double whammy-- her critical circumstances and the critical information she carries about the killings and motives. The cliffhanger ending means I'll have to eventually read the third book!
It's too bad the author published the Millennium series after his death and did not receive the international acclaim he deserved in his lifetime. Instead he lived under the threat of right wing extremists until his death in 2004....more
Maria Savva's 'The Dream' is in essence a romance but with many twists and unsuspected turns. Lynne has a dream about a warning from a stranger. Who iMaria Savva's 'The Dream' is in essence a romance but with many twists and unsuspected turns. Lynne has a dream about a warning from a stranger. Who is this stranger? Is there any truth to the warning not to marry her fiancé Adam? Her relationship with him isn't premarital bliss and now she sits wondering if she loves him at all. Why is he so distant?
This book is enjoyable from beginning to end. The words flow as Savva explores every nook and cranny of Lynne's thoughts and emotions as strange events unfold. Her friend Sandra is her confidante, searching for her own love. Finding Mr. Right isn't a direct path for Lynne or Sandra but that seems to be their main goal in this tale. There is suspense and tension created by the relationships and conflicts between the characters. Mystery surrounds Lynne's situation whose world is turned upside down. I felt myself being pulled into the story as Lynne searches for answers and deals with disappointment, uncertainty and fear. Savva's characters are contemporary, believable, and described with sensitivity.
Sandra Yuen MacKay, author of Hell's Fire and My Schizophrenic Life ...more
In his memoir, Zerom describes his life experiences in great detail. He is born in Eritrea and exposed to life-threatening situations. He moves to CanIn his memoir, Zerom describes his life experiences in great detail. He is born in Eritrea and exposed to life-threatening situations. He moves to Canada with hope of a better life, however he becomes mentally ill triggered by crises in his environment. Zerom commits a violent act, caused by paranoia and delusions, which is opposite to his nature. He writes a detailed description of many years spent at the Forensic Psychiatric Institute which later becomes the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital in Coquitlam, British Columbia.
Imagine being in a secured facility for years on end, doing repetitive tasks and not being free. To endure the side effects of medication and the regulated schedule of activities takes perseverance. It is hard to keep motivated and maintain hope in such a setting.
There is no other detailed book like this about the Forensic Psychiatric Institute written from a patient's perspective that I know of. He critiques the facility and how it is managed while offering insights into the effects on patients.
Some of the language is repetitive, however, I would add, it is written from the heart with honesty and forthrightness. I believe English is not his first language. He is courageous to share his personal experiences with mental illness and the system....more
Charlie Cassidy, a powerful politician, dies and leaves his son-in-law Martin Gregory to deal with his secrets and legacy. From the grave, he still wiCharlie Cassidy, a powerful politician, dies and leaves his son-in-law Martin Gregory to deal with his secrets and legacy. From the grave, he still wields great power but Martin must find his own answers. This book was published in 1986 so I felt it was a little dated. The ending was fine but I felt it lost momentum in the middle....more
A classic story of Jeff Winston's replay of his life. The cultural elements situate the reader in a particular time and place. Jeff's knowledge of theA classic story of Jeff Winston's replay of his life. The cultural elements situate the reader in a particular time and place. Jeff's knowledge of the future allow him power over his life financially but there are also costs. To live and lose, die and return to the past with one's memory intact creates a paradox. What is his raison d'etre?
Grimwood writes well and explores different avenues Jeff's life takes deftly. The clock is ticking until the final page....more
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