There are many wonderful books focusing on mental illness from a first-person perspective, and from the perspective of family members, but so few that focus on friends. This book fills that void, addressing the complexities of maintaining a friendship when mental illness is involved. The authors speak openly and honestly about their friendship – the challenges, the successes, and what they’ve learned along the way. It’s clear that their friendship has been life-changing for both of them, and they share insights that can help to strengthen any friendship. I first became interested in this book in its early stages because I also had a close friend with mental illness who lived far away, and I struggled to find relevant resources or supports. My friendship was different in some ways, but in reading the book I was struck by how closely the experiences mirror each other. To me that speaks to the value of the book, that it goes beyond just the experiences of the authors, to a more universal truth. The symptoms of mental illness can make it hard to maintain friendships; the stigma and shame around mental illness make it even harder. This book shows us that it’s okay to admit it’s hard, and it’s okay to struggle, but that it’s so worth it in the end. This review was written in exchange for a free PDF copy of the book.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Follow the authors
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now
Frequently purchased items with fast delivery
Page 1 of 1 Start over
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2016
- Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2016
- Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2019
- Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2017
- Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2024Format: Kindle
Top reviews from other countries
- Barry HallReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 22, 2016
Recommended read for those looking into the topic of Bipolar Disorder along with friendships in general.
When I first heard about this book it was in its early stages of being written. The topic and style of the book was definitely new to me (being that i normally only read fiction novels), foreign and scary to comprehend how a book could tackle such a mysterious and seldom discussed topic.Barry HallRecommended read for those looking into the topic of Bipolar Disorder along with friendships in general.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 22, 2016
I work with the English author Martin Baker in IT and I vowed to keep abreast of this book and on its publication i jumped at the chance to buy a copy, both to support him and his co-author Fran, along with attempting to expand my own knowledge of Bipolar and depression.
To say it was a revelation reading the book is an understatement, the book is well written in a journal type of style. The book slowly introduces the authors, their relationships and developing friendships. Along the way discovering about the different illnesses (both Bipolar as a whole and its component parts depression and mania), how they impact friendships and relationships in their own words not just from the "ill" one but the "well" one’s perspective.
At times as i read the book it was hard hitting (real life stories) and thought provoking especially the chapter on Suicide and the stigma of its discussion in this modern day.
The information provided within the book definitely makes you think in a different way and gives you things you could try in your own life. Reframing (emails and other communications) and NVC (Non-Violent communication) being the two i took away as being very important not only in regards to Bipolar disorder but in general communication when anger or when down.
Would I recommend this book to anyone, YES!
If not for improving your knowledge about the topic being discussed but in reading a story about two different people meeting by chance and how it changed into a meaningful friendship which benefits both of them. Along with an insight into how to approach difficult situations with a different way of thinking.
Images in this review
- karen smithReviewed in the United Kingdom on October 1, 2019
An interesting read that everyone can take something useful from.
- Judy FryerReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 21, 2017
Well written and presented, this book feels like and empathetic friend.
- claire stewartReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 22, 2019
Deep insight into the challenges and joys of friendship
- GaryMPReviewed in the United Kingdom on June 15, 2017
but I was proved wrong in the best possible way
